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Last Wednesday, November 24th, the Matane office team gathered to wish a happy 100th birthday to Gérard Lavoie, one of the founders of the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton office in Matane, opened in 1957.
It’s not every day that you can celebrate the 100th birthday of someone who has been so involved in his region. Gérard Lavoie, who is a Fellow of the Ordre des CPA du Québec (FCPA), contributed significantly to promoting the city of Matane and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region by supporting entrepreneurs dedicated to their beautiful region.
Gérard, the father of two daughters and spouse of Mireille Dugas, is affectionately known as Gerry by those close to him.
In the early ’80s, he created the Fondation de l’Hôpital de Matane and has served as chair or secretary-treasurer of numerous organizations such as the Corporation du foyer d’accueil, Caisse populaire Desjardins, Club Richelieu, Club de curling and Club de golf de Matane, and Zone de ski gaspésienne. He has been recognized for donating his time and energy with these honours that include: citizen emeritus as part of the Canada Day festivities, first recipient of the Octave Hommage at the Chambre de commerce de la région de Matane excellence gala and faithful leader of the Knights of Columbus.
“Professionally, my greatest source of pride was the merger in 1984, when I was president of Corriveau, Bujold, Lavoie, Madore et Associés. At the time, the firm had 17 Partners with offices throughout the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and Gaspésie. I won’t go into all the details of the meetings and negotiations. I will however give the award of excellence to my colleague Jean-Marie Bujold. On the Raymond Chabot Martin Paré side, I acknowledge Guy Chabot’s support and Jacques Desmeules’ diligence. Today, I have no hesitation in stating that I’m very proud of being a member of the select group known as the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton builders,” Lavoie said.
“Dear Gérard, 100 years old, what a feat! You inspire all of us. You’ve achieved so much and kept your health. I had the privilege of meeting you in Matane during the office’s 60th anniversary in 2017. This celebration was in your honour, since it was you who opened the first accounting office in 1957 under the name of Caron, Corriveau, Renaud et Associés. You are a great builder of our firm and a leading advisor to many entrepreneurs who, thanks to your talent over the years, today are the pride of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, Quebec and beyond. I wish you many more years of happiness and health. Thank you for everything. We admire you so much!” said Emilio B. Imbriglio, President and CEO of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Matane, the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Edmundston region
The Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Matane office started with the opening of the Caron, Corriveau, Renaud et associés office in January 1957. In 1984, the firm had offices in Montmagny, La Pocatière, Matane, Rivière-du-Loup, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Chandler and New Richmond. With expansion plans in mind and the desire to meet his clientele’s needs, founder Gérard Lavoie negotiated and merged these seven offices with Raymond Chabot Martin Paré, which became Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in 1998.
This marked the beginning of a new era for the clients of the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Matane offices. The traditional accounting firm was transformed and now offers numerous specialists and services in assurance, tax and consulting so that organizations can thrive in a structured and competitive business environment.
Today, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton boasts fourteen offices and four points of service in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Edmundston region that are part of the national and international network.
