Victoriaville, October 1, 2025 – SADC Arthabaska-Érable held its annual general meeting today at the Érablière Aux Petits Plaisirs in Warwick, where it presented the results for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The organization, which supports businesses and communities across the Arthabaska and L’Érable MRCs, also took this opportunity to highlight its most significant accomplishments from the past 40 years.
Support for Businesses and Business Takeover
True to its mission, the SADC supported and financed 61 businesses over the past year, including 23 that received loans totaling $1.44 million. Many of the funded projects were related to business transfers. In this regard, the organization continued its Relève entrepreneuriale initiative, placing strong emphasis on raising awareness among both sellers and successors. Web content—blog articles, inspiring stories, and podcasts produced in collaboration with the Jeune Chambre de Victoriaville—helped give a voice to local successors and share concrete testimonials.
Sustainable Development and Community Involvement
In 2024–2025, the SADC expanded its sustainable development services by adding a sustainable development advisor to its team. New services were deployed, including personalized guidance and support for organizing eco-responsible events. New awareness tools (video capsules and blog articles) were also added to the SADC’s website.
On a collective level, the SADC continued its involvement in strategic initiatives launched in previous years, including the development of the cranberry sector. In collaboration with the Quebec Cranberry Growers Association (APCQ), two strategic videos were produced and shown at the post-harvest dinner, attended by the Minister of Agriculture, and subsequently shared with Sobeys’ produce managers and the 28 Quebec government offices abroad.
40 Years of History and Community Engagement
This year holds special significance for SADC Arthabaska-Érable as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. For four decades, it has contributed to the economic, social, and environmental development of the region, in collaboration with entrepreneurs, municipalities, organizations, and numerous partners.
Since 1984, more than $600,000 has been invested in collective projects, along with $44.7 million in loans to support business start-ups, expansions, and modernizations. In total, 1,129 loans have been granted, demonstrating the SADC’s importance as a driver of growth and economic vitality for the region.
“We are proud of the journey we’ve taken over the past 40 years and of the tangible impact we’ve had on our communities and businesses. We remain committed to evolving, adapting to local needs, and continuing our efforts to foster a prosperous local economy. Of course, none of this would be possible without the contribution of our valued partner, Canada Economic Development,” said Gaétan Lehouillier, President of the SADC.
A New Board Member Joins the Council
At its annual meeting, in addition to the re-election of three board members, the SADC welcomed a new member to its board of directors: Geneviève Leclerc. Her arrival fills the seat left vacant following the completion of the term of Marc Grenier, who had been involved with the board for the past 17 years.
