MONTRÉAL, Dec. 10, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Just over a year before 2017, the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is proud to announce the names of the ten companies and institutions that have agreed to join a collaborative movement unprecedented in the city's history. Joining the Council of Governors, these "Great Montrealers" will work together to create a lasting socioeconomic legacy for the city:
Bell
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Claridge
Mouvement Desjardins
Loblaw Companies Limited
Power Corporation of Canada
Quebecor
RBC Royal Bank
Saputo
Sobeys
The new partnership model was developed by the Society for Montréal's 375th. It is unique for the number and size of the partners, and for the fact that it includes companies from the same industry working for a common cause. However, its most distinctive element is the investment of time and money that the 10 Great Montrealers will make, in concert. In addition to a financial contribution of $1 million each to support the Society's activities, they will form a Council of Governors responsible for developing projects with long-term structural impacts on the city.
"One year ago, we announced our intention to meet the expectations of Montrealers who wanted us to maximize the positive spinoffs of the 375th well beyond 2017. To achieve that, we decided on a made-in-Montréal recipe, an approach that reflects our creativity. Some would call it collaboration, we call it Building Bridges. Gathering Montréal's talents around a single table is the core of our new partnership model, grounded partly in philanthropy and partly in sponsorship," explains France Chrétien-Desmarais, chair of the board of directors of the Society for Montréal's 375th. "We thank our 10 Great Montrealers for their generous, community-minded commitment, which testifies to their love for the city and their shared vision for its future. More than just a series of celebrations, the 375th will generate major economic and tourism spin-offs, along with considerable international attention and a new surge of civic pride."
In a joint statement, the partners declared: "We are proud to bring our voices, energy and resources together to support projects that will shape the future of our city and contribute to the success of Montréal's 375th anniversary celebration. It is because Montréal is a lively, creative, exciting city, a great city with an open mind and entrepreneurial spirit, that inspiring new partnerships like this one are possible."
The Council of Governors, formed on the initiative of the Mayor of Montréal, is a logical step after the final part of the report Une métropole prospère et inclusive pour un développement durable presented to the Ville de Montréal in October by the working group on the state of the metropolitan area (comité de travail sur le statut de métropole). Chaired by Monique Leroux, chair and CEO of Mouvement des caisses Desjardins, the Council of Governors will include the mayor of Montréal, representatives of the 10 Great Montrealers and other partners such as the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal, the Jeune Chambre de commerce, Montréal International and Tourisme Montréal.
"Within the Council of Governors, which has just begun its work, we plan to think about the Montréal of tomorrow and leave a legacy. We want to focus on the city's strengths and define specific initiatives that can boost strategic sectors and the entire city's socio-economic development. For example, we can benefit from Montréal's position as a city of knowledge, innovation and creativity in order to respond to the issue of talent retention and promote cooperation among key stakeholders. We are all driven by a deep desire to celebrate our city and build its future," said Ms. Leroux, chair of the Council of Governors.
"Nearly a year before Montréal's 375th anniversary celebrations, I am very proud to see the involvement of our Great Montrealers. Each of these companies, in their own way, is testament to the strength and vitality of Montréal's economy. By coming together this way, they send a clear message of solidarity and corporate engagement. As well, their presence on the Board of Governors will continue to shape our vision of a dynamic and innovative city that will last far beyond our 375th anniversary. I've always said that this historic event was, above all, a chance for us all to come together: citizens, companies and governments all play a key role in making it a huge success," said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal.
"As a proud participant in the celebration of Montréal's 375th anniversary, the government of Québec invites contributors from every sphere to work together for our city, as the 10 major partners are committing to do today, to help make the festivities a success. By leveraging local talent and creativity, beyond the celebrations, this anniversary will be an opportunity to restore Montrealers' pride in their city, share that pride with all of Québec, and raise Montréal's profile on the international stage," added Robert Poëti, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.
About the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the 2017 festivities. With a focus on promoting Montréal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for different sectors in fulfilling its mandate: mobilizing the community, implementing a funding strategy, carefully managing the funds raised, developing high-quality programming and promoting the festivities. The Society is supported by the Ville de Montréal and the government of Québec.
More information: 375mtl.com
For the members' list of the Council of Governors, please visit http://www.375mtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Membres-du-Conseil-des-gouverneurs.pdf
SOURCE Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal
Media enquiries: Anne Dongois, 514-826-2050, [email protected]; twitter.com/375Mtl, instagram.com/375mtl, facebook.com/375mtl; Catherine Maurice, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee, 514 346-7598; Anne-Catherine Couture, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Transport of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, 418 643-6980
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