Françoise Bertrand announces retirement from the FCCQ; Stéphane Forget appointed CEO

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 16, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Françoise Bertrand, Chief Executive Officer of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), has announced that she will be stepping down from her post after more than 13 years at the head of the organization.

"I'm proud of what has been accomplished, but the time has come to pass the torch," said Ms. Bertrand, who will be retiring on October 6. "It has been a privilege to be a driver of economic development and speak for the businesses that play a fundamental role in our society."

Michael Novak, Chair of the FCCQ's Board of Directors, extended his sincere thanks to the outgoing CEO. "I would like to express our gratitude to Ms. Bertrand. She deserves high praise for everything she has done to promote the growth of the FCCQ and champion Québec's economic interests."

Stéphane Forget the new CEO
As Ms. Bertrand's successor, the Executive Committee chose Stéphane Forget, a faithful contributor to the organization. Already very familiar to the FCCQ's partners, members and associates, Mr. Forget was identified in the succession plan as a potential candidate for the CEO's role when he was originally hired in March 2014.

Mr. Forget has shown exceptional leadership during his two and a half years as the FCCQ's Vice-President, Strategy and Economic Affairs. "The initiative he spearheaded last year to provide our network of chambers of commerce with a regional economic action plan is a tangible demonstration of his acumen, which reinforces our ambitious outlook for Québec's chambers of commerce," said Mr. Novak. 

The amount of energy that Mr. Forget has committed since taking up his duties in order to empower, support and motivate the organization's multiple committees has been instrumental in fostering an effective dialogue with the provincial and federal governments and in making the FCCQ a credible voice for an economically strong Québec.

"His reputation and professional background are vital assets for the future of our organization," Mr. Novak added. "The FCCQ's Executive Committee firmly believes in Mr. Forget's ability to successfully meet the lofty challenge that awaits him."

Mr. Forget stated that he welcomes the challenge with enthusiasm: "I am proud to work with an institution that has been serving Québec for 107 years and is now the province's largest business network. I am determined to pursue our mission of backing business development efforts in every economic sector and region in Québec. I will leverage the support of our network to continue Ms. Bertrand's work, which has made the FCCQ an outstanding partner for change."

About the FCCQ
With its extensive network of more than 140 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents over 60,000 businesses and 150,000 businesspeople involved in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec. As the province's premier business network, the FCCQ serves as both a federation and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members share a common goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment.

SOURCE Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec

Michel Philibert, Director, Communications, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, 514-844-9571, ext. 3242, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]