Launch of the 2014-2018 Fondation Montréal inc. fundraising campaign "A commitment to the future!"

MONTREAL, June 11, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Some 200 people from the Montreal business community gathered June 10, at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec for the launch of the new Fondation Montréal inc. fundraising campaign.

Chaired by Norman Hébert, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Park Avenue inc., Richard J. Renaud, FCPA, Chairman and CEO of TNG CORPORATION INC., and Marie-Eve Ducharme, President and CEO of Nüvü Cameras, a Foundation laureate, the campaign has an ambitious target of 10 million dollars.

"We all know that prosperity requires entrepreneurship, and that prepared youth is the guarantee of a better future. For me, there is no doubt that it is through the Foundation that business people and entrepreneurs can stimulate business creation effectively," noted Norman Hébert, Jr.

With the money raised by the campaign, the Foundation will help start 200 new businesses in Montreal and create 700 new jobs, which will generate $30 million in spinoffs for the Montreal economy.

The campaign co-chair, Marie-Eve Ducharme, emphasized the quality of the support services she has received since being awarded her grant in 2010." Through the Foundation, I had access to leading experts who advised me on a volunteer basis and really made a difference in my development as an entrepreneur. While it is our own responsibility to make our company a success, it is really reassuring to know that we are not alone in the adventure, since the Foundation is at our side."

The evening was full of revelations, as the Foundation officially introduced its new Chairman of the Board, Lucien Bouchard, a partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg.

"More than ever, tomorrow's leaders need support and backing, and that is why I am proud to chair the Fondation Montréal inc.," Mr. Bouchard indicated in his very first speech in his new role.

Rendez-vous Montreal inc. also gave Denis Coderre the opportunity to present the Mayor's Award to Hugo Delorme of NATIONAL in recognition of his volunteer commitment to the Foundation. Lastly, 14 new businesses that had received grants from the Foundation over the past year were presented on stage. The ËL Design company won over the public in the vote for a favourite during the evening.

Campaign Cabinet

Raymond Bachand - Strategic Advisor, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada

Michèle Boisvert - Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

Sophie Brochu - President and CEO, Gaz Métro

Jean-Guy Desjardins - Chairman, President and CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of Fiera Capital Corporation

Andrew Molson - Chairman of the Board of RES PUBLICA and Chairman of the Board, Molson-Coors

Pierre Pomerleau - President and CEO, Pomerleau

Henri-Paul Rousseau - Vice-Chairman, Power Corporation

About Fondation Montréal inc.

The Foundation invests in the creation, expansion and continued support of promising companies to contribute to the development of Montreal. Since 1996, the Foundation has awarded more than $5.8 million in grants to help start 817 businesses in Montreal, which have created more than 2,468 jobs. The Foundation has helped create investments of over $49 million in Montreal.

SOURCE: Fondation Montréal inc.

Andrée Lemay, MBA
Director of Communications and Partnerships
Office: 514 872-5768
Cell. : 514 449-2209
[email protected]