Business owners, politicians, artists and other community members joined in a celebration of Pontiac’s business community at a gala hosted by the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce in Fort Coulonge on Saturday evening.

The event was, in part, a public recognition of the sacrifices and ingenuity of local business in enduring the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the black-tie affair was also an expression of confidence in the Pontiac’s ability to thrive in the post-pandemic economic landscape.

As Chamber president Sébastien Bonnerot describes it, the event was an important forum for business people and the general community to meet face-to-face and network after the isolation brought about by the pandemic.

“We want people to understand that we are open for business again,” Bonnerot told THE EQUITY, adding that he hopes that events like these will help increase Chamber of Commerce membership and build momentum for future economic growth in the region.

The event was emceed by CHIP-FM’s François Carrier and Nathalie Denault. Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel, MNA André Fortin and Warden Jane Toller addressed the assembled guests, with Toller doing double duty, helping to serve dinner to some 125 guests in her capacity as owner of the Pontiac Conference Centre where the event was convened. Chamber Director General, Jessica Forgues, also played an important role in the planning and successful implementation of the event.

Highlights of the evening included the introduction by Chamber president Sébastien Bonnerot of the organization’s board of directors: Todd Hoffman (Vice-President), Mireille Alary (Treasurer), Lisa Boivert, Michel Denault, Isabelle Gagnon, Patrick LaSalle, Guillaume Lavoie-Harvey, Ron MacKillop and Rhonda Morrison.

Live entertainment was provided by acoustic acts JR and the Gator (Gaetan Forgues and JR Griffith) and duo Michaela Cahill and René Bertrand, and the Chamber’s new website was launched: https://pontiacchamberofcommerce.ca.

With a $75 ticket price, a silent auction and sponsorship provided by André Fortin, Sophie Chatel, MRC Pontiac, CHIP-FM and Caisse Desjardins, the gala also served as a successful fundraiser for the Chamber.

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