September 23, 2022 - Dieppe

Dieppe businesses stand out - 2022 Expansion Dieppe Banquet – Announcement of winners

Dieppe (N.-B.) -  Under the theme Our Businesses. Our Pride! The Expansion Dieppe Banquet was sold out again this year, with over 360 guests joining in the festivities under a large tent at Place 1604 in Dieppe, a record number to mark the 20th anniversary!

The guests who first walked the red carpet at the Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre for a Welcome Cocktail were delighted to participate in person. The celebration took place on a festive tone thanks to the animation of the PLUS90 team, the music of the Fireflies, a performance of the Academy of Classical Ballet and Modern Dances, a magician accompanied by his drag queens assistants: a colorful evening that left no one indifferent. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards in recognition of the businesses that distinguished themselves in 2021.

The Dieppe IGA COOP won the Business Excellence Award. They attribute their success to the quality and commitment of its valiant employees. Thanks to their dedication and outstanding customer service, the Dieppe COOP stands out from its competitors and the number of members has more than tripled since its opening in 2007. Proud of its results, the future is bright with expansion plans in sight and the desire to continue making a positive difference in the community.

The Service Business Excellence Award was presented to Fitworks. Specializing in fitness and cycling equipment, the company has been in business since 1999. The owners are passionate individuals who take pride in sharing their knowledge and experience in health and wellness. Their mission is to help people enjoy a good quality of life through fitness.

Somanti Spa won the Emerging Business Award. This holistic spa offers nourishing and healing services to promote relaxation in a sacred place. Its specialties include massage therapy, skin care, aesthetics, reflexology, therapeutic touch and halotherapy. Certified "Green Spa", the owner has a deep concern for the environment and health. The boutique offers a wide variety of natural and organic wellness products.

Chosen by the public, the winner of the My Choice Award is Somanti Spa.  It was a real honor for this young business to win both the Emerging Business Award and the My Choice Award, which is chosen by the public. Entrepreneur Karine Essiembre has realized her dream of an innovative and unique spa concept that is clearly appealing to a large clientele.

CAFi received a Distinction Award for its remarkable involvement in the community. CAFi contributes to the development of the City of Dieppe as an inclusive and modern city. The organization is characterized by a great Acadian pride in an environment enhanced by ethnic and cultural diversity in a growing city.

Once again this year, Expansion Dieppe recognizes the importance of encouraging youth entrepreneurship and has renewed its partnership with Place aux compétences (PAC) with a $3,000 donation. PAC is a non-profit organization that has been working in our community schools in collaboration with various partners since 2008. It is by playing the role of initiators, directors and managers in the development of entrepreneurial projects that students succeed in developing entrepreneurial skills and qualities. In addition to filling a need in their school or community, these meaningful projects allow young people to develop a sense of belonging and to become involved in their learning. This year, at the banquet, we highlighted a total of 80 projects from kindergarten to grade 12 that were developed and supported in Dieppe area francophone schools during the year.

"I would like to congratulate all of this year's finalists who are making an important contribution to the Dieppe economy. I would especially like to congratulate this year's winners who are not only making a difference in Dieppe, but also outside our territory and throughout Acadia. Congratulations to all!”  Louis Godbout, Executive Director of Expansion Dieppe.

-30-

For more information, please contact :

Martine Tremblay

Communications and Marketing Officer

Expansion Dieppe

506-877-5019 / [email protected]

About the Expansion Dieppe Banquet

Expansion Dieppe's mission is to work with entrepreneurs, developers, and strategic partners to foster a diversified economy that ensures sustained growth in Dieppe. In order to encourage this dynamic, it is essential to recognize the considerable contribution of businesses and business people to Dieppe's economic development. Under the theme "Our businesses. Our Pride", Expansion Dieppe continues its annual banquet, which is a gathering event for the business community, during which awards are given to deserving Dieppe entrepreneurs. The following awards are presented to businesses with outstanding success: the Business Excellence Award, the Service Business Excellence Award and the Emerging Business Award, as well as the My Choice Award which is the public's choice. Nominations are made by peers within the Dieppe business community. Originally known as the City of Dieppe Entrepreneurs' Banquet, this event was created in 2002. In 2019 its name is changing to the "Expansion Dieppe Banquet" and the event, which is still a celebration of Dieppe entrepreneurship, has adopted the slogan "Our Businesses. Our Pride!"