OTTAWA – The Honourable Christian Paradis, MP for Mégantic–L’Érable and Secretary of State (Agriculture), is pleased to highlight the honours won by a dozen groups and individuals from the RCM of L’Amiante at the first edition of the Thetford Mines Gala Zénith.
Mr. Paradis said he wanted to congratulate the 2008 winners of this first edition of the Gala Zénith on behalf of all the citizens of Mégantic–L'Érable. He also wanted to applaud the Société de développement économique [economic development corporation] of the Thetford Region and L’Amiante’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this remarkable joint initiative.

Held back in Ottawa by his parliamentary duties, Christian Paradis was very disappointed that he was unable to congratulate the finalists in person. However, he wanted to underscore the considerable support that these individuals, companies and groups have given to the community. He concluded that it was upstanding people like these who have spurred our region to reach its zenith. He hoped that the gala would be the beginning of a long tradition of victories for our community.

Below are the 2008 winners in their respective categories:

• Retail sales: Marché Saint-Pierre & Fils – IGA Extra
• Farming enterprise: Les Serres Grondin Inc.
• Social economy enterprise: Coopérative de solidarité multiservices, St-Pierre-de- Broughton
• Human services: BMO Nesbitt Burns Ltd.
• Business services enterprise: Télé-Alarme Plus
• Export enterprise: Contrôle Analytique
• Innovation enterprise: Contrôle Analytique
• Manufacturing enterprise (less than 20 employees): Les Pierres Stéatites Inc.
• Manufacturing enterprise (more than 20 employees): Portes & Fenêtres Isothermic Inc.
• Tourism, cultural or recreational enterprise: Thetford Mines Mineralogical and Mining Museum
• Human resources management: Bolduc Solution
• Personality of the Year (Honourable Mention): Raynald Paré