Dear QPMA members,
After more than 20 years at the helm of our Association, Sophie Perreault has informed the QPMA’s Board of Directors that she wants to move on to a new chapter in her career. Full of gratitude for her years spent supporting and promoting QPMA members and the produce industry, she’ll be stepping down as President and CEO on November 3.
Her legendary passion and commitment will inspire us moving forward. Sophie brilliantly steered the development of our new 2023-2026 strategic plan, which will drive our major projects with the help of our partners and enhance the experience of our members and vibrant Next-Generation. A solid plan that confirms our raison d’être in a growing industry and guarantees the future of QPMA. Thank you Sophie! We are very grateful to you.
As responsibility is one of our association’s core values, our priority is to ensure the best possible transition in line with our rules of governance. To this end, the Board of Directors has already begun a selection process. Members can expect a progress report at the next Meeting of Members, which will be held right before our famous Oyster Party. Sophie Perreault offers full collaboration to ensure a smooth transition with management and permanent staff.
On behalf of all the members of the QPMA’s Board of Directors, we want to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to her for the determination she showed in tackling multiple issues simultaneously, for her major achievements and for her diligence, which enabled us to grow and raise our profile in the public arena and with decision-makers.
We’re also very grateful to our members and partners, whose loyalty and investment have enabled us to enjoy uninterrupted success for more than 76 years. The Next-Generation’s keen and steadily intensifying commitment is setting the stage for a bright and exciting future for our Association.
In the meantime, day-to-day Association operations continue, as do all the activities and services it offers. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together with Sophie and wish her all the best for the future.
For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email.
Chris Sarantis
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2023
chris@canadawidefruits.com
Enrico Charest
1st Vice-president 2023 et Chairman of the Board of Directors 2024
Enrico.Charest@sobeys.com
Dear members,
After two decades, I’ve decided to take some time out to determine where I want to go next in my career. It’ was not an easy choice, as this job has been pivotal in my professional and personal life and provided me with a rich work experience developing Quebec’s unique produce industry and strong fulfilling human relationships. I look back on everything we’ve achieved together over the years with a great sense of pride.
I want to thank you sincerely for your trust and support over my past twenty years with the QPMA. Your drive, resilience, humanity, and desire to excel have help to me so much in my day-to-day work and will continue to inspire me. I leave my current role with many lasting memories.
The QPMA is an industry leader built on a large family of supportive members and partners who put the interests of the entire industry first. We have a committed Board of Directors and Governors who care about our long-term viability, members who are involved in our committees and activities, a strong and creative Next-Generation, and a dedicated and professional permanent staff. I would like to extend a special thank you to Marie and Mario, two QPMA pillars committed to furthering our shared ambition of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in Quebec !
Sincerely,
Sophie Perreault
QPMA CEO
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