Month: January 2025

The organization:

The SADC and CAE are non-profit organizations that have been working for over 40 years on the economic development of Quebec’s regions. The Réseau comprises 57 SADCs (Societies for the Development of Communities) and 10 CAEs (Centers for Business Assistance). They have over 350 professionals and 500 volunteers who support innovative projects and businesses for prosperous communities. Each year, they assist and finance more than 10,000 businesses and over 1,500 local projects.

Context of the role:

In order to support the organization’s development under its new business model and strengthen the capabilities of the 67 SADC+CAE in Quebec, the Réseau seeks to integrate a dynamic person to achieve its ambitious objectives of development, awareness, and solidarity. By joining the existing team, he/she provides high-level support in administration and event logistics to the SADC+CAE Network and the deployment of the communication strategy to support the objectives of the Network and the SADC+CAE regarding external communication.

The challenges:

• Take responsibility for social media publications
• Professionalize the documents disseminated to members
• Support the accounting department

Main responsibilities:

• Collaborate in creating content in both official languages and deploying various communication activities, such as social media strategies, websites, and advertising campaigns
• Support the SADC+CAE in applying the Réseau’s branding, in accordance with the Official Languages Act, and in producing promotional materials
• Assist the communications director in the logistics of special projects (advertising campaigns, web templates, press conferences, events, etc.)
• Participate in mobilization meetings with the SADC+CAE
• Be responsible for administrative support and control tasks, as well as client account management (processing and producing invoices and expense reports)
• Perform proofreading, word processing, and layout of various documents
• Participate in the convening, preparation, and logistics of various meetings, conferences, and events
• Coordinate the circulation of information internally and with other departments and organizations

Education and experience required:

• Hold a degree in a relevant field (administration, communication) or another related field
• At least 5 years of experience in administrative support or similar roles
• Experience in organizing events (an asset)
• Bilingualism required: French and English spoken and written

Skills and qualities sought:

• Excellent command of Microsoft Office suite software
• Knowledge of CANVA and WordPress software
• Good writing ability
• Strong interest in regional economic development and the business world
• Able to thrive within a small team with minimal guidance and supervision
• Work independently
• Ability to work in an organized manner while ensuring clear communication

The perks:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive collective insurance
• Access to a generous group RRSP program with employer contributions
• Generous vacation and summer hours
• Opportunity for telecommuting and a lump sum to equip oneself properly
• Provided with computer equipment
• Cell phone allowance of $600/year
• Environment focused on work-life balance
• Actively participate in local economic development of communities

Apply by February 21 at: rh@sadc-cae.ca

The organization:

The SADCs and CAEs are non-profit organizations that have been working for over 40 years on the economic development of regions in Quebec. The Réseau includes 57 SADCs (Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités) and 10 CAEs (Centre d’aide aux entreprises). They count more than 350 professionals and 500 volunteers who support innovative projects and businesses for thriving communities. Each year, they assist and finance over 10,000 businesses and more than 1,500 local projects.

Context of the role:

In order to support the development of the organization in its new business model and to strengthen the capacities of the 67 SADCs+CAEs in Quebec, the Réseau aims to integrate a dynamic leader to achieve its ambitious objectives of growth, recognition, and solidarity. By joining the existing team, the director of support will contribute their knowledge and human skills; they will need to promote the organizational development of the 67 SADCs+CAEs and the professional growth of the employees and volunteers of the boards of directors while ensuring their clear understanding of the mandates and objectives related to the three lines of business: local economic development, technical assistance, and financing.

The challenges:

• Structure the Réseau support for the SADCs+CAEs
• Maintain and strengthen coherence and solidarity within the Réseau

Main responsibilities:

• Define and implement a needs assessment approach for training and support focused on the three lines of business of the SADCs+CAEs
• Design and implement tailored training tools and pathways to meet the needs of members
• Support and assist the 67 general managements of the SADCs+CAEs and their boards of directors in understanding and executing their mandates
• Establish exchange groups, foster interactions, and engagement to improve practices as well as technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Mobilize members to find common solutions to group issues
• Collaborate on the revision of the business model of the SADCs and CAEs

Required training and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in administration or in any other relevant field (pertinent experience may compensate for the degree)
• At least 10 years of relevant experience as a professional in the field
• At least 5 years of experience within a board of directors of a non-profit organization
• Bilingualism required: French and English spoken and written

Skills and qualities sought:

• Very good knowledge of the role and function of a SADC+CAE or similar economic development organization
• Exceptional communication skills
• Political acumen
• Possess rigor and a strong sense of organization
• Ability to thrive within a small team with minimal guidance and supervision
• Familiar with and able to use the tools of the Office suite

The extras:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive collective insurance
• Access to a generous collective RRSP program with employer contribution
• Generous vacation and summer hours
• Possibility of telecommuting and a budget to equip oneself well
• Provided computer equipment
• Cell phone allowance of $500/year
• Environment focused on work-life balance
• Actively participate in the local economic development of communitiesApply before February 21 to: rh@sadc-cae.ca

In 2022, Caroline Hardy discovered an opportunity to preserve an ancestral craft: fur clothing and accessory making. Serge Boulanger, the owner of Ruelle Fourrure in Saint-Siméon-de-Bonaventure, was seeking a successor to continue his legacy. Already co-owner of Serres Cascabella in Cascapédia-Saint-Jules, Caroline and her friend and colleague, Édith Dubuc, decided to embrace the challenge, embarking on a journey to carry forward this traditional know-how.

About the Company

Winter Otters specializes in creating a variety of items from recovered fur. Products include coats, mittens, scarves, hand warmers, teddy bears, cushions, and other fashion accessories. They also offer fur coat transformation services to breathe new life into old garments.

“We receive many coats as gifts or through exchanges. Transforming them is especially meaningful because it makes them a memory,” explains Caroline. “We can turn a coat into a jacket, a cushion, or even a teddy bear. When customers bring in their own items for transformation, it’s even more rewarding.”

How Did the Opportunity Arise?

Caroline and Édith’s succession journey began with a shared friendship and curiosity. During a visit to the Ruelle Fourrure workshop, Édith was introduced to fur crafting, a profession she had never encountered before. “It’s a project that started with an idea in the flower beds!” recalls Caroline with a smile.

Serge offered to teach Édith in exchange for her help in the workshop. Over time, aware that Serge was looking for a successor, Édith began to consider taking over the business. However, she felt the need for a partner with entrepreneurial experience.

Caroline, having embarked on a similar project 15 years prior, was the perfect fit. “Édith loved doing this but told me, ‘I don’t feel strong enough to run the business alone.’ I said, ‘I can do that—I’ve done it before!’” Caroline recalls with a laugh.

In the fall of 2022, the pair officially purchased the business. This marked the beginning of an intense four-month knowledge transfer process, during which Serge worked full-time with them.

“I had a sewing machine at home but only for utilitarian projects—I never thought I’d be doing this. I spent a lot of time in front of the machines, learning,” Caroline admits. “Serge was amazing, mentoring us and helping with production. Even now, he remains a part of our journey. He’s retired but still keeps an eye out for opportunities and ideas for us. You can feel how much he wants us to succeed.”

What Makes Winter Otters Stand Out?

Caroline and Édith realized their strength lay in teamwork. Édith specializes in working with raw fur, while Caroline handles finishing touches, enabling them to complete the creative process in-house.

Their focus on utilitarian designs also sets them apart. “Our mittens are reversible, with inner and outer fur. You can wear them either way, so it’s like having three pairs of mittens in one. Why keep it simple?” Caroline shares with a laugh.

Changes and Future Vision

While the first months were dedicated to learning the craft, Caroline and Édith quickly infused the business with their values. They adopted a new name, Winter Otters – Recovered Fur, reflecting their eco-conscious focus on reusing materials.

“We wanted a name that resonated with us, and ‘Otters’ clicked. They’re industrious, creative, and eco-conscious, just like we aim to be,” explains Caroline.

Their goal is to preserve the seasonal, small-scale nature of the business while innovating with designs. “We developed a reversible sleeveless jacket pattern and are considering creating one for men,” Caroline shares.

SADC Support

Caroline was already familiar with the SADC through her first business, so sought their assistance with the succession project. Thanks to her efforts, Caroline obtained financial assistance through the Youth Strategy Fund, which allowed her to benefit from a 24-month interest-free period.

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

Caroline’s key advice for anyone considering a succession project is patience. “At the start, enthusiasm makes you want to move quickly. But I learned that knowledge transfer takes time. On the machines, I realized you can’t go faster than they’ll allow. My advice is to give yourself and the process the time it needs.”

About Caroline Hardy

Originally from Boucherville, Caroline moved to the Gaspé Peninsula with her husband in 2007, acquiring Serres Cascabella in Cascapédia-Saint-Jules. In 2022, she brought her entrepreneurial experience and artistic talent to Ruelle Fourrure, transforming it into Winter Otters – Recovered Fur.