Benjamin Desmarais, CEO Fibrenoire, Elected CEO of the Year Investissement Quebec 2014

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 21, 2014) - Technology CEOs attending the prestigious CEO Vision event at Mont-Tremblant elected Benjamin Desmarais, CEO of Fibrenoire as "2014 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year". The CEOs in attendance selected the winner by a secret ballot following presentations by the three finalists highlighting their entrepreneurial achievements for 2013.

Organized by the Quebec Technology Association in conjunction with Investissement Québec, this honour is awarded to a CEO of a technology company in recognition of exemplary leadership and contributions to the visibility of the Quebec Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) industry.

In 2013, Benjamin Desmarais spearheaded and completed the project for the simultaneous acquisition of three fiber optic networks. To get there, he had to overcome many challenges, including financing, negotiation, business structure, customer management and integration. The transaction has influenced the course and growth of the company by doubling sales in one year, which significantly increased its profitability. It has enabled the company to be much more competitive while opening new markets. Since this transaction, Fibrenoire now operates the largest fiber optic network exclusively dedicated to businesses in Quebec, and that only six years after its creation.

"Investissement Québec is proud to be associated with the CEO of the Year award, which recognizes the bold spirit and creativity of entrepreneurs in the ICT sector, who contribute to Québec's economic prosperity," declared Mario Albert, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.

The CEOs and industry representatives in attendance heartily congratulated the two runners-up for the 2013 Award, on their success, Benoît Godbout President of,Sirius Conseils and Martin McNicoll, President and founder of ERP Guru.

« Congratulations to the winner, whose leadership contributes to the development of the Quebec ICT industry and inspire other entrepreneurs » stated Nicole Martel, Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec Technology Association.

The secret ballot for the selection of the 2014 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year was supervised by the firm KPMG.

The 2014 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year Award relies on the support of its media partner Les Affaires, whose next issue will include exclusive web and print articles on the event.

ABOUT THE QUEBEC TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION (AQT)

The Quebec Technology Association (AQT) promotes the visibility of innovative SMEs in the ICT industry at a provincial scale, while acting as a sector representative. The AQT supports CEOs and their executive teams in their business growth and development, by providing them a real toolbox .Now the largest ICT business network in Quebec, the AQT is a non-profit and self-funded organization representing more than 500 corporate members and members by affiliation. The association provides local and international networking opportunities, improvement tools and benchmarking. The building blocks of success!

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.

ABOUT THE WINNER

• Benjamin Desmarais, CEO, Fibrenoire : http://www.fibrenoire.ca

ABOUT THE RUNNERS-UP

• Benoît Godbout, President, Sirius Conseils : http://www.siriusconseils.com
• Martin McNicoll, President, ERP Guru : http://erpguru.com