Businesswomen and women business owners to gather for the first-ever "Women on the Move Forum"

Nearly 500 businesswomen are expected to attend to discuss today's business world

MONTREAL, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The first-ever Women on the Move Forum will be held June 4 and 5, 2012, at Palais des Congrès de Montréal. The event, a joint presentation of Desjardins Group (www.desjardins.com and Deloitte www.deloitte.com/about), aims to bring women together around the theme Inspiring Success to discuss the major issues facing businesses today.

Geared toward women but open to everyone, the Forum will offer a program centred around the realities of businesswomen and women business owners. A number of world-renowned business figures will be invited to share their experiences, give their take on the state of entrepreneurship today, and offer solutions to the challenges that managing a business will pose in the future.

Speakers

Our speakers will include Rosabeth Moss Kanter, who is the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and one of the most influential players in the business world. Monique Jérôme-Forget, Former Quebec Minister of Finance and Advisor at Korn Ferry International, will also be speaking at this first-ever Forum and will be discussing women's governance.

A panel of women business owners will be addressing the topics of women's leadership, business management, and governance. It will be a unique opportunity to meet leaders from the business world, access valuable information, and do some strategic networking in a friendly atmosphere.

"Women are becoming more influential in the business world all the time. Desjardins Group and Deloitte want to shine the spotlight on the success of these businesswomen and recognize their contribution to economic development. Without question, this first edition of the Forum will be an excellent opportunity for fruitful exchanges and dialogue for everyone in attendance," explained Monique F. Leroux, Desjardins Group Chair of the Board, President and CEO.

"Our firm is committed to the advancement of women in the business world. That is why we are proud to join forces with Desjardins Group to put on this important Forum and showcase the essential role women play in Canada's economy," added Brigitte Vachon, Managing Partner, Montreal and Quebec Centre, Private Company Services, Deloitte.

For further details, visit www.womenonthemoveforum.com. Registration opens March 1.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group www.desjardins.com is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada with assets of nearly $190 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario, and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its 5.8 million members and clients. Desjardins specializes in Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance, in Property and Casualty Insurance, in Personal Services, in Business and Institutional Services. As one of the largest employers in the country and among Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2012^TM, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 43,600 employees and the commitment of nearly 6,000 elected officers. A new education and cooperation program is now available to Desjardins members and the general public. For more information, visit www.desjardins.com/co-opme.

About Deloitte

Deloitte, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through more than 8,000 people in 56 offices. Deloitte operates in Québec as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l. Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

(for journalists only):

Nathalie Genest
Spokesperson
Desjardins Group
514-281-7275 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275
[email protected]

Murillo Rego
Senior Manager - Marketplace Services
Deloitte
514-393-7564
[email protected]