By Leo Ryan, Editor
Trois-Rivières, QC – For the first time in its history, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) has awarded its annual Medal of Merit to two winners – and both from the same prominent maritime industry family! They are Madeleine Paquin, President and CEO of Montreal-based LOGISTEC Corporation, and Marc Paquin, President of Groupe Somavrac of Trois-Rivières.
Enthusiastically putting this in perspective during the September 11-13, 2023 ACPA Conference, before more than 250 participants, was Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority.
He began by underlining the vital instrumental role played by the Port of Trois- Rivières:
“Two family-run businesses emerged from the wharfs of the Port to become models to be inspired by Lucien Paquin, grandfather of Madeleine and Marc Paquin, created Three Rivers Shipping in 1943, which led to the founding of Logistec, in 1952, by his son Roger Paquin, father of Madeleine and Somavrac, in 1963, by his other son Pierre Paquin, father of Marc.
“Entrepreneurs at heart, visionaries with a passion for the marine industry, just like their father and grandfather, Marc and Madeleine have taken over the family business with creativity, despite the many challenges, making their respective companies industry leaders. They continue the family tradition of excellence.”
Mr. Boivin continued: “Both have grown steadily, investing constantly to diversify their stevedoring and handling products, activities, and services. Huge sums have been injected to improve and expand cargo handling infrastructures and equipment to enhance the reliability and quality of their services.
“Today, Logistec has a vast network of facilities strategically located in 60 ports and 90 terminals and offering also environmental services through its subsidiary Sanexen.
“Somavrac, now Groupe Somavrac, has 12 subsidiaries and is present at 11 sites in Quebec and Ontario, offering services to a diversified clientele who benefit from services adapted to their needs and realities.
“Madeleine and Marc are among the most remarkable entrepreneurs in Quebec and Canada. Being modest, they will say that they are surrounded by a dynamic, high-performance team. But you will agree with me that their personalities, skills and, above all, their leadership have made Logistec and Groupe Somavrac successful and strong.”
Photo from ACPA-TRPA: from Left to right: Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities; Carl Laberge, ACPA chair and President and CEO, Saguenay Port Authority; Madeleine Paquin, President and CEO, LOGISTEC Corporation; Marc Paquin, President, Groupe Somavrac; and Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO, Trois-Rivières Port Authority.
