First 2009 Mercuriades Presented for
Professional and Technical Training

Montreal, November 6^th, 2008 – The Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce (FCCQ) has awarded its first Mercuriades for 2009. The awards were presented at the “Rendez-vous des gens d’affaires sur la main-d’œuvre qualifiée,” a business forum on workforce development organized by the FCCQ.

The Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce, the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sport, and various labour market partners decided to offer special “Mercuriade” awards for distinguished effort on the part of a business to benefit its workforce by linking up with a school commission or Cegep.

Two awards were presented by the Education, Leisure and Sport ministry’s assistant deputy minister for Professional and Technical Training, Michèle Lapointe:

SME Category
Soucy Rivalair Inc. and Les Chênes School Commission

Big Business Category
Rolls-Royce Canada and the National Aerotechnics School of Collège Édouard-Montpetit
 

Soucy Rivalair inc

Soucy Rivalair Inc., which employs 175 people in Drummondville, manufactures over 600 different products for markets worldwide. The company faced major problems due to a shortage of operators for its computer-controlled lathes. Workers who needed the qualifications were encouraged to acquire operator and setter-operator skills. Activities in recognition of skills and studies leading to a professional diploma were organized in cooperation the Les Chênes School Commission.
 

Rolls-Royce Canada

This company employs 1,560 people in its Lachine facilities, where it manufactures and maintains gas turbine engines and equipment for the aircraft industry. For ten years the company has partnered training programs with the National Aerotechnics School of Collège Édouard-Montpetit, particularly for college-level training in aircraft engine maintenance and turbine engine inspection.
 

Finalists

• The Jyco company of Sherbrooke, and the Des Sommets School Commission Centre intégré de formation industrielle of Sherbrooke.
• Saputo, Bakery Division, of Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce and Les Bâtisseurs de Sainte-Marie Professional Training Centre of the Beauce-Etchemin School Commission.
   

Mercuriades

The Mercuriades is the most prestigious competition celebrating business success in Quebec and highlighting the outstanding achievements of companies that achieve distinction through entrepreneurship and excellence. The competition was founded 28 years ago as a way of encouraging and promoting the reputations of Quebec-based companies at home and abroad.

The deadline for submission of applications for the 2009 Mercuriades is January 26^th, 2009. For complete information, please visit www.mercuridades.com.
 

About the FCCQ

With its extensive network of 162 Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce (FCCQ) represents over 40,000 businesses and 100,000 businesspeople operating in every economic sector across Quebec. The FCCQ promotes an innovative and competitive business environment through its strong defence of the best interests of its members on key public policy issues.

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Pour information :
Diane Dubord
Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce
514.844.9571, extension 3232
diane.dubord@fccq.ca