Dieppe, June 22 2023 

Under the theme Our Businesses. Our Pride! The Expansion Dieppe Banquet was a sell-out event, with over 300 guests joining in the festivities. This was the first event of the kind to be held at the UNIplex Center, which has recently installed a covering to conceal the icy surface. Guests were delighted to discover the venue transformed for the occasion.

A warm and emotional performance by artists Hubert Francis and Precious Abigail Dedam opened the ceremony marking the National Indigenous Peoples Day. The celebration of Dieppe's entrepreneurs was quite entertaining as it was hosted by comedian Luc LeBlanc. Duo of young emerging artists, Felix and Alexis Belliveau, transported guests across generations with their musical performances. The banquet's gastronomic experience was enhanced by sommelier Sonia Jalbert's recommendations for Chef Russell Bainbridge's menu. Guests were pleasantly surprised to see their dessert accompanied by local beer. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of prizes which were unveiled by magician Rémi Boudreau.

Vimsoft was awarded the Business Excellence Award. Founded in 2002, this software development company is 100% locally owned and operated, with a global footprint. Its flagship product, VimBiz, is a resource management system that enjoyed initial success meeting the needs of well-known North American broadcast companies such as CBC, Harpo Productions, Major League Baseball, Dome Productions and NBC Universal. Vimsoft then expanded its customer base into the European market, winning bids from national public broadcasters SVT in Sweden, DR in Denmark, RTBF in Belgium, SRG SSR in Switzerland and NRK in Norway.

The Service Business Excellence Award was presented to the Academy of Classical Ballet and Modern Dances. Its mission is to train young artists and athletes in the region, offering them high-caliber dance classes in a safe and healthy environment. Its four core values are RESPECT, DISCIPLINE, PASSION and EXCELLENCE. An elaborate, multidisciplinary program offers young people the opportunity to develop and perfect their art. Each year, its dancers have the opportunity to shine on the Capitol Theatre stage in the annual production of The Nutcracker ballet, which has become a holiday season tradition.

Established in Dieppe in 2019, Boulangerie Tony won the Emerging Business Award. Located in the heart of the city, this charming cafe-bakery has become a must-visit destination, attracting a large clientele to downtown Dieppe. It serves top-quality French pastries, as well as lunches and other treats. Walking through the doors of this bakery is a feast for the eyes, ears, nose and taste buds.

The winner of the My Choice Award is Mike's Bike Shop. Owner Rick Snyder was proud to accept this award chosen by the public. Located in Dieppe for over 30 years, this business holds an important place in the community, which has shown its loyalty. In return, you can find a vast assortment of the best products and a culture focused on customer service. The 35-strong team is deeply involved in the community, supporting a number of local events. Concerned about the environment, they work closely with Eco-360 to find ways to improve and increase recycling and reduce our carbon footprint.

The Dieppe Cycling Centre received a Distinction Award for its remarkable involvement in the community, notably for developing the "Sprockids" community program to get young people moving through cycling. The organization was particularly recognized for attracting and coordinating 3 Canada Cup Championships in Dieppe, from 2021 to 2023, and earned Cycling Canada's prestigious Event of the Year award. Many Atlantic athletes, including the celebrated Christian Myers, have been able to perform at national and international levels thanks to their support. Thanks to them, the Canada Cup will be held again in Dieppe this year, from July 14 to 16.

Recognizing the importance of encouraging youth entrepreneurship, Expansion Dieppe has renewed its partnership with Place aux compétences (PAC), with the presentation of a $3,000 donation. In 2022, the support fund managed by the non-profit organization contributed to the planning and implementation of over 70 micro-business projects in French-language elementary schools in the Dieppe region.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Expansion Dieppe, comedian Luc LeBlanc took on the role of private chauffeur to drive the Expansion Dieppe Executive Director and the Dieppe Mayor around the city. During the video broadcast, guests were able to see just how much the city has grown since the creation of the Dieppe Economic Development Agency in 1973. "The agency, which was originally created by Dieppe City Council under the name Dieppe Industrial Park Ltd., is proudly celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. A large number of businesses have stood the test of time and are still located where they were founded," says Louis Godbout, Executive Director of Expansion Dieppe. "I'd like to congratulate all this year's finalists, who are making an important contribution to Dieppe's economy. I would especially like to congratulate this year's winners, who not only shine in Dieppe, but also outside our territory and throughout Acadia. Congratulations to all!" concludes Mr. Godbout.

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For more information, please contact:

Martine Tremblay

Communications and Marketing Officer

Expansion Dieppe

506-877-5019 or [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 entrepreneurs to Dieppe's economic development.

Under the theme "Our businesses. Our Pride", Expansion Dieppe perpetuates its annual banquet, which is a gathering event for the business community, during which awards are presented 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 changed to the "Expansion Dieppe Banquet" and the event, which is still a celebration of Dieppe entrepreneurship, adopted the slogan "Our Businesses. Our Pride!"