On January 28, the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour presented the PROAction recognition Gala, which highlighted the commitment to sustainable development of four organizations in the area. Indeed, Philippe Dumas from Moulin Michel, Alexandra Carignan from Théâtre Belcourt, Joanie Baril and Karine Montembeault from Marcotte & Associés, as well as Andréanne Blais from Culture Centre-du-Québec participated in the PROAction 2020 cohort, a sustainable development support program coordinated by the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour.
Concrete Actions
The virtual event, which brought together about thirty participants, highlighted the organizations, notably through video capsules. The managers involved in the initiative took turns speaking to discuss the prioritized actions and the concrete outcomes in their workplaces. Among the issues raised were employee mobilization and involvement, communication of sustainable development efforts, responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, digital transition, and waste management.
The social aspect of sustainable development was at the heart of the activity.
In this regard, Ms. Chantal Tardif from the Social Economy Hub of Centre-du-Québec presented the conference “How to Create Social Impact.” The PROAction coordinators, Carolyne Aubin and Marie-Christine Tessier, emphasize that “putting the social sphere of sustainable development at the forefront is essential for any company concerned about the well-being of its employees, its clientele, its community, and its economic viability.”
Finally, Ms. Émilie Boissonneault, communications advisor at the Bécancour Aluminum Smelter and representative of the Alcoa Foundation, a financial partner of the PROAction project, spoke to highlight the involvement of the participants and to address the importance of such an initiative in the community. It should be noted that the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour benefits from a three-year financial collaboration of $100,000 from the Alcoa Foundation to offer the PROAction sustainable development support program to businesses, organizations, and municipalities.
The PROAction support, which is tailored to the pace of the participating organization, includes training, a strategic analysis of the organization, access to consultants, and a broad communication component. Among the outcomes of such an initiative, we note the reduction of energy consumption and environmental footprint, cost reduction, well-being and health at work, attraction and retention of the workforce, a positive reputation, and impacts on clientele and community. Finally, it is also possible to receive customized sustainable development support, outside of the cohort, at any time.