Tuesday at a ceremony in the gardens of the Museum of Haitian National Pantheon (MUPANAH) in the presence of Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles a new national organization, the Association of Entrepreneurs Digicel (Association des Entrepreneurs Digicel - AEDIG), representing the interests of the Haitian community and entrepreneurs and advocating the construction of an entrepreneurial economy for Haiti, was launched by former finalists of Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year program.

Influentieal winners and finalists from Haiti’s Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year awards over the past six years have come together to launch a new national association – providing a fresh voice for business while promoting a modern, socially responsible, enterprise-driven economy.

The establishment of the AEDIG marks an important milestone for the awards, which have helped to identify and encourage a new generation of inspirational business leaders since they were inaugurated in 2010.

"This new association aims to empower its members through support, education and networking – and I can think of no more laudable ambitions than those," declared Denis O'Brien Founder and Chairman of Digicel Group, adding "I wish you all the best – and I know you will be typically unstoppable as you set about your goal of an enterprise-led economy for Haiti."

Jean-Lionel Pressoir, the first president of the new association, is one of the founder of Lojistik SA, who took the title of Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012.

The 450 plus past winners and finalists will form the backbone of AEDIG – to be joined each year by a new cohort of men and women who’ve made the grade by showing the steel to reach the finals or claim one of the coveted winning titles.

This year, Mr Pressoir will be joined on the founding board by Myrna Verdier, Ronald Laroche, Patrick Attié, Yves François, Jonas Guillaume, Valentin Abe and Kesner Pharel – all of whom have been through the challenging competitive process and run successful businesses – together with Brona Cusack representing Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year.

This inaugural board of directors will remain in place for the initial 12 months, to be replaced at the first general assembly meeting next year by a new board which will be elected for a rolling 2-year period from that point onwards.

"Close co-operation will be the key to this organization," declared Lionel Pressoir, "because, as everyone knows, success in business is all about 'standing on the shoulders of giants'. We plan to leverage the experience and knowledge of all our members, to encourage them to do business together, and to provide mentoring to promote constant improvement of critical skills – in short, to create a powerhouse that will be a force for positive change in our country."

HL/ HaitiLibre