The Quebec Produce Marketing Association held its 67th annual convention in scenic Charlevoix, Québec, at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu Aug. 21-24. Under the umbrella theme “People at the Heart of the Industry,” over 500 guests attended the banquet and attendees enjoyed networking events, business sessions, meetings and motivational speeches.

Celebrating women in leadership roles was a big part of the event with 2013-14 QPMA President Marie Gosselin of of Les Serres du St-Laurent (Savoura) presiding over events. During the annual general meeting, Judith Basque of Loblaw/Provigo joined the executive, marking the first time the association’s five-member executive committee included three women.Judith Basque of Loblaw/Provigo, Sophie Perreault QPMA President/Director General and outgoing QPMA 2013-2014 President Marie Gosselin of Les Serres du St-Laurent (Savoura).

With overwhelming support from the membership, a key change was made to the leadership of the association with Sophie Perreault being named president and director general. The key change to the role will help provide more stability for the volunteer executive committee and provide a little more heft to the role when dealing with government. The change was voted upon unanimously by the membership at the AGM.

“Our association is moving ahead as never before, and I’m glad that I’ve been able to contribute. I certainly plan to stay on the scene and keep actively involved in the QPMA,” stated outgoing president Gosselin. Gosselin’s presidency was a busy one with strategic planning and revisions to the organisational structure. Key work on government relations and issues management were a big focus in the past year as well.

“It’s a great pleasure to see Sammy become my successor. He’s a hard worker, he’s a straight talker, a committed guy,” said Gosselin by way of introduction of the 2014-15 QPMA President Sammy Cacciatore of Sun Grape Marketing.

“I’m deeply convinced of the need for the QPMA. There’s simply no other place like ours where all the stakeholders in the Quebec produce industry can get together,” said Cacciatore in his introductory speech as new QPMA president. He thanked and commended Gosselin on the hard work during her tenure and terrific strides over the past year, particularly in the strategic planning, association governance and modernisation of the mission and structure of the association.

The Pillar of the Industry for 2014, Bernadette Hamel, was welcomed onstage during the closing banquet with a thundering standing ovation. She made her mark at QPMA by being elected its first female president in 2007-08. “Her contribution to the industry and her career path make her an example and a source of inspiration for everyone in the business, as well as a Pillar of choice. For all these reasons and more, she most definitely deserves the recognition we are giving her tonight,” said Gosselin.

“Over the years, I’ve had the great privilege to work for people who have helped me grow in this industry by giving me the chance to meet its many challenges head on,” said Hamel.

“You all know that having a successful career doesn’t happen without the support of a strong team, and I’m happy to say I’ve had the good fortune to manage some of the hardest-working, most-dedicated and passionate employees in the business,” continued Hamel. When asked what was next after reaching all these milestones and accolades, Hamel replied, “Retirement!” with a good chuckle — but not any time too soon she was quick to note.

The 2015 QPMA Convention will be held Aug. 20-22 at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec under the theme, “A Healthy Industry, A Shared Responsibility.”