Éric Bergeron, President and Chief Executive officer, Optosecurity, elected the 2012 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year

MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Technology executives attending the prestigious CEO Vision event at Mont-Tremblant elected Éric Bergeron, President and Chief Executive officer, Optosecurity, as "2012 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year". The CEOs selected the winner by a secret ballot following presentations by the three finalists highlighting their entrepreneurial achievements for 2011. 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.

Optosecurity Inc. founded in 2003 with no capital is now cumulating more than $30M in venture capital financing and became a worldwide leader in terrorist threat detection, under the direction of passionate and persevering Eric Bergeron. Optosecurity develops innovative security software solutions for the transportation and critical infrastructure markets In 2011, Optosecurity revolutionizing the industry with obtaining European certification standard 2 - the highest level of performance for liquid explosives - and radiates the creative genius of the Quebec industry. The unique 3D-software approach, initially described as ''impossible'' by the industry giants, now allows airports to be equipped for a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions.

"This high profile forum for CEOs provides a unique venue to highlight the expertise of Quebec's technology leaders. I commend each and every one of them for their outstanding performance", stated Jacques Daoust, President and Chief Executive Officer of Investissement Québec.

The CEOs and industry representatives in attendance heartily congratulated the two runners-up for the 2012 Award, on their success. The secret ballot for the selection of the 2012 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year was supervised by the Fasken Martineau firm.

"The winner and two runners-up provide shining examples of the entrepreneurship, passion, and leadership that are so essential to the success of our companies. Their accomplishments clearly reflect the theme of the 12th edition of the CEO Vision event, which focused this year on Innovation", stated Nicole Martel, Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec Technology Association.

The 2012 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 AQT
The Quebec Technology Association www.aqt.ca has over 500 corporate members and affiliated members. It represents information and communications technology companies in Quebec and brings together ICT executives. It supports them in achieving their growth-related goals. Through its growth Accelerator, it also provides them with a wide array of services and business networking activities in addition to facilitating access to best management and marketing practices.

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. It 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 tax incentive administration and foreign investment prospecting.

About the winner

• Éric Bergeron, President and Chief Executive officer, Optosecurity, inc. - www.optosecurity.com

About the runners-up

• Martin Le Sauteur, CEO, Acquisio - www.acquisio.com
• Miguel Caron, CEO, Funcom Games Canada, Inc. - www.funcom.com

For further information:

AQT - Valérie Danger - Director, Events & Communications - 514 874-2667
Investissement Québec - Chantal Corbeil - Spokesperson - 514 873-7161