Montreal, October 6, 2016 – The 14th edition of the prestigious Investissement Québec CEO of the Year Award has launched, with a call for nominations to identify local technology industry executives with outstanding leadership ability.

Presented by the Quebec Technology Association (AQT), this award is the highest prize conferred upon CEOs in the province’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Its selection process includes the input of an independent panel comprised of ICT industry representatives, as well as votes by CEOs in attendance at the Awards Gala. The nominations are assessed on the basis of the nominee’s innovative, original initiatives and achievements, the leader’s overall impact on the company, and her/his contributions to the ICT industry’s outreach efforts. A true indicator of the CEO’s success, the recognition conferred by this award bolsters the potential of their business.

The AQT therefore invites all CEOs of small and mid-sized ICT companies to submit their nomination before the January 6, 2017 deadline in order to shine a spotlight on key accomplishments which significantly impacted their business.

Selection process for award finalists and honouree

Nominations will be evaluated by an independent panel based on the established criteria. Three finalists will be invited to outline their nominations at a panel discussion moderated by René Vézina during the “CEO Vision” forum, an exclusive event for ICT industry CEOs to be held on February 15-17, 2017 in Mont Tremblant. The honouree will be chosen on the basis of the panel’s selection (50%), and the votes of participating CEO Vision CEOs (50%) during the February 16 Award Gala. An independent survey firm, SOM Research and Surveys, will oversee the integrity of the voting process.

Visibility

The CEO of the Year Award finalists and honouree will enjoy heightened visibility and influence among industry executives. The extensive media coverage generated by this award will enhance their credibility with key players in entrepreneurial and financial circles, in addition to helping attract and retain talent within their respective companies. Moreover, the three finalists will be invited to speak at various Entrepreneurial Journey events sponsored by the AQT. Finally, each of the three finalists will be featured in an individual promotional video.

Evaluation criteria

• The CEO’s role and contributions to the project’s success;
• The way in which the project’s innovation and originality reflect and comment upon the CEO’s leadership;
• The significance of the project outcomes, as they relate to the challenges faced by the company, its available talent and financial resources, and its growth phase and size.

For further information and to submit a nomination, please visit www.ceovisionpdg.org.

Previous Winners

• 2016 : David Hervieux, Devolutions
• 2015 : Chantal Trépanier, SIM
• 2014 : Benjamin Desmarais, Fibrenoire
• 2013 : Daniel Handfield, MédiaMed Technologies

All the previous winners: www.ceovisionpdg.org

Download the Nomination Form

About the AQT

The Quebec Technology Association (AQT) contributes to the influence of Quebec’s ICT industry companies as well as the growth of this economic sector. With its 500-strong membership, the AQT unites and supports ICT industry leaders by fostering skill development, business performance enhancement, and the advancement of commercial practices within the industry. A non-profit, self-funded organization, the AQT acts as a representative and public advocate for the industry, and is now Quebec’s largest ICT business network. To learn more, please visit the AQT website.

About Investissement Québec

Investissement Québec’s mission is to foster the growth of investment in Québec, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in every region. The Corporation offers businesses a full range of financial solutions, including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments, to support them at all stages of their development. It is also responsible for administering tax measures and prospecting for foreign investment.

-30-

Informations

AQT – Jean-Marc Simard – Communications & Public Affairs Director – T. 514 874-2667 X 118 C. 514 248-5385 – jms@aqt.ca

Investissement Québec – Chantal Corbeil – Spokesperson- 514 873-7161