Johanne Desrochers, Interim CEO, QPMA: Since our out-going president, Roland Lafont, can’t be here today, it’s my pleasure to say a few words to you, as we honour Stephan Schmekel.
As a complete professional with a passion for the entire produce sector spanning nearly 30 years, Stephan Schmekel has been an active member of the QPMA board of directors from 2007 until August this year, when he stepped down to join our select club of governors – those past presidents who have done so much to lead the QPMA all the way to its 70th birthday. He has taken part on many committees over the years, and in 2015 he became our 69th board president.
At the time of the official handover, Sammy Cacciatore said about him, “He has an awesome network. And he’ll be able to represent the QPMA vision and values on all fronts.” Which he certainly did, with flying colours.
Stephan believes deeply in the QPMA, the major role we play in growing our industry, and the success of the companies in the association.
And Stephan, in his acceptance speech as president-elect, said, “There’s nothing static about our industry. It has to constantly question its purpose and innovate.” He invited QPMA members to devote themselves to “Building the future” as their theme for that year (QPMA CEO Sophie Perreault, took this quite literally...). “Together,” he said, “it’s possible for us to create the future for our sector. Because it’s always better to organize within than to be organized by forces from outside.”
Those words were an inspiration to many of us, particularly our younger members, who are especially important to him. He told them to get involved, and get passionate, and it’s obvious that they listened – because two years later, we have the QPMA Next Generation network, which brings members 18 to 35 together, and with their own super-dynamic committee.
Today, what we’d like to do is not merely pay tribute to our 2015-2016 board president, but recognize Stephan Schmekel’s contribution to life in the QPMA as an organization, and to his sincere, all-round commitment.
