Business Contact Outaouais draws 216 participants in Maniwaki

March 19, 2010

Maniwaki, Quebec – The Outaouais Business Contact has barely come to an end that the organizers, Canada Economic Development and the Société d’aide au développement des collectivités ( SADC) Vallée-de-la-Gatineau—the Community Futures Development Corporation serving the area—are applauding the resounding success of one of Maniwaki’s most important business events, held yesterday, Wednesday, March 18.

Indeed, 176 Outaouais business leaders and economic stakeholders participated in the day of activities, which took place under the theme “Business prospects and strategies at the dawn of an économic recovery”. The organizers programmed the event, intended for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and development stakeholders, based on regional issues. Activities were aimed at providing the region’s entrepreneurs with needed information and a venue for forging new business contacts.

“The future of Quebec’s regions depends in large part on economic diversification. Business Contact Outaouais, a forum for discussion on the challenges facing local economic stakeholders, allowed participants to enrich their vision of development. We are convinced that this Outaouais event will pave the way to numerous projects that will contribute to the development of the region’s enterprises and the growth of its economy,” noted Minister of State Denis Lebel, who had come to meet participants in the company of his colleague, Minister Lawrence Cannon.

Participants had the opportunity to sit in on conferences dealing with issues in such areas as forestry, human resources management as well as tourism and agri-food market development. Throughout the day, no less than 40 speakers and experts from various federal departments and agencies, universities and the private sector were on hand to meet the region’s business leaders.

“Business Contact Outaouais was a first for the region and we are very proud of its success. Our goal was to give as many entrepreneurs as possible access, in one place, to a great many experts who could provide them with a vast amount of information. This day represents an important starting point for development stakeholders because they need to be well equipped to take advantage of the economic recovery,” said André Galipeau, President of the SADC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau.