Sept-Îles, September 19, 2013 — Yesterday, in the presence of a number of dignitaries from École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce (EEB), Aluminerie Alouette presented its first-ever bursary to an “entrepreneur-athlete.” The recipient, Mélanie Paul, Assistant Executive Director of Groupe ADL, received her $27,500 award from Richard Lapierre, Manager, Strategic Development, at Alouette.

Mélanie Paul is enrolled in EEB’s sixth “Elite Program” class. She said that she was delighted to receive this type of encouragement. The First Nations entrepreneur has been active in her family business in Mashteuiatsh for several years. Among other sectors, Groupe ADL is involved in wood pellet fuel, real estate, tertiary wood processing and biotechnology. According to the bursary recipient, “Our Group has always cared about developing our community. Job-creation is part of our priorities. I’m convinced that the unique training provided by EEB will give me knowledge and experience that will maximize my entrepreneurial skills.”

As part of its job-creation program, Alouette announced in February of this year that it has entered into a partnership with EEB worth over $100,000, covering the period from 2013 to 2015. Richard Lapierre had the following to say during the bursary presentation ceremony: “We are very proud to reward someone who stands out among tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and, over time, has developed her leadership skills. We have no doubt that she will use her skills for the benefit of the entire community.

Mélanie Paul is enrolled in a 15-module program at EEB. The modules last an average of five days each, and revolve around action and dialogue. The program is spread out over a bit more than two years, for a total of close to 100 days of intensive training.