According to an article from La Presse,¹ published on March 20, 2025, business succession is experiencing significant growth in Quebec, with more business transfers than new business startups since 2021, according to the Centre de transfert d’entreprise du Québec. Although this trend is promising, it highlights the many challenges entrepreneurs face when preparing for succession. Indeed, the business transfer process is complex and requires careful planning, as well as specific support.

Groupex, aware of the importance of this transition for its members, is launching a survey project to better understand the realities of entrepreneurial succession within its cooperative. This survey aims to identify the needs of businesses, whether they have no succession plan, are in the transition process, or already have a successor in place. By offering personalized support, such as tailored diagnostics, training, and legal advice, Groupex hopes to guide its members through this essential step to ensure the longevity of their businesses.

With the rapid rise of business succession, this survey project aligns perfectly with current challenges, as more and more entrepreneurs seek to transfer their businesses while ensuring a successful transition for the next generation.

Why Is an Entrepreneurial Succession Survey Essential for Business Sustainability?

Succession planning goes beyond simply transferring ownership—it’s a complex process that requires careful consideration of various aspects: management strategies, legal structure, tax matters, and of course, successor development. Groupex’s survey aims to better understand the realities faced by its members in the process of property transition.

This initiative is designed to identify the specific challenges encountered by each member based on their current situation, allowing Groupex to offer tailored support to address the actual needs of businesses during this critical phase.

What Are the Different Member Profiles and Their Needs for Succession Planning?

Groupex’s members find themselves in different stages of succession planning. Some may have no succession plan in place, others may already be in the midst of the transition, and some may have an established successor. Each situation requires specific support to meet the unique needs of the businesses.

1. No Succession Plan in Place: Members without a succession plan are often in a vulnerable position. They’ll need in-depth analysis and guidance to establish a solid strategy.
2. In the Midst of a Transition: For those already transferring management or ownership, support is needed to ensure the process runs smoothly while minimizing legal and tax risks.
3. With a Successor in Place: For businesses with an identified successor, the focus will be on strengthening the transition through training and tools that ensure successful integration.

Entrepreneurial Succession Support: Personalized Diagnostics, Workshops, and Legal & Tax Assistance

To assist its members, Groupex offers several types of personalized support. Each member can benefit from:

• Personalized Diagnostics: Tailored support to analyze the specific needs of the business and define the necessary steps.
• Training Workshops: Sessions covering topics like transition management, communication, and legal and tax aspects for both business owners and their successors.
• Legal and Tax Assistance: Practical guidance to ensure the transition complies with legal and tax regulations, optimizing the success of the succession process.

Groupex’s survey initiative is a crucial step in helping entrepreneurs effectively plan the succession of their businesses. By understanding the specific challenges and needs of each member, Groupex can offer customized support that strengthens business continuity and successful generational transitions. If you’re a Groupex member, participating in this survey is key to receiving personalized support and ensuring the future of your business for years to come.

1. La Presse, “Plus de transferts que de créations d’entreprises”, published on March 20, 2025.. ↩︎

In a world where sustainability is at the forefront of concerns, the cooperative is proud to introduce a new coop certification, specifically designed to support member businesses in their sustainable development efforts. More than just a recognition, this certification is a lever for real change, both for your business and for the planet. And the best part? It’s free and accessible to all… our members 🙂

A simple, accessible, and motivating certification

The goal of this certification is to highlight the commitment of cooperative members to sustainable development, while offering an easy-to-follow process. In addition to being a tool for recognition, it creates concrete actions with achievable steps at each level. This means that any business, no matter its size, can start this journey, even with limited resources. As a bonus, this certification is linked to the loyalty bonus (the year-end rebate), allowing members to receive direct feedback on their commitment. This is sure to boost motivation while making a real difference.

The certification process: Clear steps for sustainable impact

Level 1:
This is where you start planting the right seeds. Don’t worry, it’s just the beginning!

Requirements:

• Complete the environmental impact assessment.
• Create an action plan with simple indicators.
• Appoint a responsible person or form a Sustainability Committee.

This level doesn’t offer a bonus, but you will already lay down solid foundations.

Level 2:
You’ve made a good start, and now it’s time to strengthen your efforts.

Requirements:

• Complete evaluations on water, energy, and fuel.
• Survey your employees to understand their expectations.
• Display clear waste sorting instructions.
• Participate in 50% of the sustainable development coffee chat sessions.

Achieving this level gives you a nice 1% bonus on your loyalty bonus. The more engaged you are, the more you’ll earn!

Level 3:
Now, you’re starting to see results! You’re on the right track, and it shows.

Requirements:

• Carry out a waste characterization.
• Analyze the results of your previous actions.
• Update the employee manual with your sustainable initiatives.
• Actively participate in sustainable development coffee chats.

This level gives you a 3% bonus on your loyalty bonus. A little boost to finish the year strong!

Level 4:
You are now a true champion of sustainable development. Congratulations, you’ve reached excellence!

Requirements:

• Develop a marketing plan centered on sustainability and local involvement.
• Create responsible purchasing criteria.
• Get involved in concrete local actions.
• Develop an energy improvement plan or offset your GHG emissions.

This level provides you with a generous 5% bonus on your loyalty bonus. You’ve done great work, and it’s well rewarded!oni fidélité. Vous avez fait du bon travail, et ça se récompense !

The loyalty bonus: Because your commitment deserves to be rewarded

The loyalty bonus is the cherry on top. To benefit from it, simply buy at a loyalty rate of 85% or more. The more loyal you are to the cooperative, the more you earn. It’s simple: being engaged and making regular purchases allows you to receive a bonus at the end of the year. The more loyal you are, the greater your share. It’s a great way to reward your efforts while supporting your business.

The coffee chats: A friendly moment to discuss and learn

The coop is a big fan of member exchange moments. These meetings are one of our strengths, as they provide an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and discuss what’s working (or not) in our businesses. Coffee chats are a perfect example of these moments: grab a coffee, exchange on challenges and successes, and leave with concrete ideas and new connections. It’s an excellent way to stimulate collective intelligence and inspire everyone to progress

Want to see your ideas blossom?? Join us !

He trade war between Canada and the United States has taken a new turn with the imposition of 25% customs tariffs on certain products. Since March 4, 2025, Canadian businesses, including those in our cooperative, have faced considerable uncertainty, particularly regarding supplies from the United States. This tax poses a major challenge for entrepreneurs, who must contend with unforeseen and potentially high cost increases at the start of the season.​

For those who are not yet members of our cooperative, please know that we have implemented several strategies to assist our members through this uncertain period. Our procurement team has made this issue a top priority and is working tirelessly to provide tailored solutions to minimize the impact of these tariff increases on our member businesses.​

Actions of the Procurement Team

Since the implementation of these customs duties, our team has intensified efforts to reduce the impact of this trade war. Key actions taken include:​

1. Identification of Affected Products: We are currently identifying the origin of imported products to determine precisely which are subject to the new tariffs. This identification allows us to understand specific issues and better direct our efforts to find viable solutions.​
2. Seeking Local Alternatives: To mitigate the impact of price increases, we are actively seeking local and Canadian alternatives to products affected by the tax. We remain vigilant and ensure that we keep our members informed about possible solutions to guarantee stable and reliable supplies.​
3. Collaboration with Suppliers: We are working closely with our suppliers to obtain information on product origins and to explore solutions aimed at keeping prices as stable as possible. Our relationships with them are strengthened by constant monitoring and close follow-up.​
4. Support via the CFIB: We have also established contact with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to benefit from their expertise. A webinar is scheduled for March 27, 2025, to inform all entrepreneurs about the issues of the trade war and tariff adjustments.​

Reassuring Measures for Our Members

We are aware of the potential impact of customs taxes on the supply of affected products. Rest assured that our procurement team is actively working to limit this impact and ensure that any price adjustments are justified. For our members, this means constant monitoring and regular information to help them navigate this period of uncertainty and make informed decisions.​

Why Choose the Cooperative?

As a member of our cooperative, you benefit from constant support, a valuable asset in times of uncertainty. Our collaborative approach allows each entrepreneur to leverage a strong network to face current challenges. Joining the cooperative means not only accessing tailored solutions but also being part of a community of entrepreneurs who stand together in the face of difficulties.​

Stay Connected

For more information on affected products and to monitor the situation’s progress, consult the complete list of products on the Canada.ca website. To discuss issues with other entrepreneurs, participate in the CFIB webinar scheduled for March 27 (available only to CFIB members). Members will be able to watch the webinar again after it has been published.

The Coop Team

We’re pleased to introduce two new suppliers that enhance the cooperative’s offering: Druide Écotrail and Elho. These partners stand out for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, bringing environmentally conscious solutions that meet the needs of businesses.

Druide Écotrail: Natural Hygiene and Protection

Druide Écotrail products are designed to offer natural protection against insects while preserving the environment. Fully biodegradable, these products ensure clean, healthy hygiene without harming the ecosystem. To learn more about these eco-friendly solutions, you can visit Druide Écotrail’s official page Druide Écotrail here

Elho : Stylish Pots Made from Recycled Waste

Elho offers plant pots and other gardening products made from 100% recycled materials. Their production process is powered by renewable energy, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. Designed to resist UV rays and frost, these products are built to last. To explore Elho’s full range, visit their website [here].

These new suppliers are great examples of the growing commitment to environmentally friendly products—offering performance and durability for businesses that care about the ecological impact of their choices.

A Rigorous Selection Process

All products offered through the cooperative are carefully selected through a rigorous vetting process. Each supplier is evaluated based on specific criteria, including product quality, relevance to business needs, environmental impact, and their ability to deliver reliable service. This ensures that all products meet the highest standards and are well suited to professional requirements, while aligning with a long-term sustainability vision.

The 2025 Congress, held on February 18, 19, and 20 at the Entourage Hotel on Lac Beauport, was a memorable occasion to celebrate the achievements and commitment of our cooperative members. Each of the Quercus Award recipients was highlighted for their dedication, leadership, and role in building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Here’s a look back at the highlights of this event and the businesses that stood out this year.

Coopérative of the year: Maxime Proulx

This year, we proudly awarded the Coopérative of the Year title to Maxime Proulx. For nearly 10 years, Maxime has embodied the core values of our cooperative: commitment, generosity, and a spirit of collaboration. His expertise, combined with his sincerity and kindness, has made him an inspirational figure for all of our members. A huge thank you to him for his ability to unite and grow our Coop.

Young entrepreneurs: Mary-Lou Paquette, Valérie, Samuel, and Francis Charbonneau

The Quercus Young Entrepreneur award went to dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs. Mary-Lou Paquette as well as Valérie, Samuel, and Francis Charbonneau from Charbonneau l’Expert were recognized for their commitment to sharing innovative ideas within their business and the industry. Their forward-thinking approach is a model of what youth brings to our cooperative. A special shout-out to their parents, who rightly take pride in seeing them earn this well-deserved distinction.

Sustainable Development: Catherine and Dominique Filion

The Quercus Sustainable Development award was presented to Services Paysagers Dominique Filion. Catherine and Dominique Filion stand out for their commitment to placing people at the heart of their actions. From art to music, sports to family well-being, their business supports numerous community initiatives and offers an inclusive work environment with competitive salaries, training, and flexible schedules. Their efforts are a model of sustainable commitment and deserve to be celebrated.

Quercus Awards: Celebrating Cooperative Membership

The Quercus Awards: Cooperative Membership are also presented to businesses that have significantly contributed to our 2024 sales volume. These businesses have made a point of prioritizing the purchase of products from accredited Groupex suppliers, thus helping to grow our cooperative.

Landscaping Sector:
1st place: Construction Prodeck
2nd place: Martel Paysagiste

Garden Center Sector:
1st place: Les Serres Dame Nature
2nd place: Les Serres Arundel

Landscaping and Garden Center Sector
1st place: Horti-Plus
2nd place: Ferme horticole Lajoie

Maître Paysagiste: Excellence in Service Quality

Certified Maître Paysagiste businesses underwent a rigorous evaluation this year to maintain this distinction. Martel Paysagiste was crowned Maître Paysagiste of the Year, while Les Serres Laliberté Paysagiste took 1st place in the Qualimaître Customer Service Quality category. Dubois Aménagement was recognized for their best progression.

Tribute to a Builder: Jean-Pierre Rodier

The Jean-Pierre Rodier Award, newly introduced this year, was presented to a member whose exemplary commitment has marked the history of our cooperative. After 38 years of dedication to Groupex, Jean-Pierre Rodier received this unique award. This emotional tribute was made possible thanks to the remarkable work of Mr. Sylvain Chartrand and Mrs. Sylvie Primeau, who paid sincere and heartfelt homage to Mr. Rodier.

These distinctions not only highlight the commitment of the cooperative’s members but also the strength of the relationships that unite our stakeholders under a common vision: a sustainable and collaborative ecosystem. We congratulate all the award winners and thank them for their exceptional work. Together, we continue to build a stronger, greener, and more united industry.

Audrey L. Walsh appointed Director of Procurement at Groupex.

We are pleased to announce the onboarding of Audrey L. Walsh as the Purchasing Director within the cooperative. Audrey, who previously held the position of Purchasing Manager for the garden center sector, brings over 15 years of experience in horticulture, particularly in garden centers and purchasing management, as well as a impressive track record of 3 years with our cooperative

Since joining Groupex, Audrey has played a central role in all areas of the purchasing department, allowing her to fully master the challenges and opportunities related to this new role. She will continue to promote the core values of respect and fairness in all her actions.

Audrey will be supported by a talented team consisting of Caroline Tanguay, Purchasing Manager for the landscaping sector, and Isabelle Bolduc, Purchasing Assistant. We are also actively searching for a new colleague to fill the position of Purchasing Manager for the garden center sector, further strengthening our commitment to providing exceptional service to all our members and suppliers.

After 45 years of existence, the Quebec company Les Artisans du paysage was acquired by Julie Fournier and Félix Bouchard during the pandemic. The CEO and the financial controller recount the journey since then and the support provided by Groupex.

Two complementary paths

From horticulturist to CEO, through director of landscaping service, Julie Fournier has held many positions since her arrival at Les Artisans du paysage, 27 years ago. Before taking over the company, she indeed learned to know it from all angles, both in the offices and on the sites.

“In 2013, I became a shareholder with Jack Lavoie and Annie Racine, the two founders, then in 2019, I became CEO. It was in 2021 that Félix and I ended up acquiring the company,”

Julie Fournier

Trained in accounting, her partner Félix Bouchard was however a newcomer to the landscaping field: “It has always been my dream to acquire a company, and when the opportunity to get my hands on that of Jack Lavoie, which was so well established, presented itself, I seized it!”

He thus came to lend a hand to Julie on the administrative and financial side, and together, they concocted plans to continue the growth of the Artisans, without modifying its DNA: “For two years, we have expanded and our design, landscaping, maintenance and thematic decor services have improved, preserving the same reputation,” proudly asserts the co-owner, whose company now reaches nearly 120 employees during the high season.

Old New Coop Recruits

Joining Groupex was one of the tools that Julie and Félix used when they arrived at the head of the Artisans. “We are happy to have done it, but I think we were not the easiest to convince!” says Félix, laughing.

“We quickly realized that Groupex has gained a lot of volume and strength over the past few years. We decided to try it, to improve the cost of resources and distribution… for the strength of numbers. Because in the end, we are a beautiful family and there is a whole sharing of information that is done.”

Félix Bouchard

The two managers remember certain situations, which occurred over the past few years, where the collaboration of Groupex was precious, notably to negotiate the necessary agreements for the purchase of new types of products, to coordinate deliveries of more diversified plants in Quebec and to be warned of unexpected price increases.

“We are never safe from sudden fluctuations in the prices of certain materials, which is particularly problematic for projects sold a year in advance. In these moments, grouping together becomes really essential,” recalls Julie, who is also a director at APPQ. “It is in these situations that collective mutual aid becomes precious.”

Since their entry into Groupex, Les Artisans have had the opportunity to participate in the congress and the Landscapers Open Doors, two very popular events to make fertile meetings and discover the vision of other entrepreneurs. Julie and Félix plan to continue discovering the benefits of being members, particularly to support their adoption of sustainable practices.

“For some time now, we have been gradually replacing our equipment to use electric devices. We also offer a pesticide-free maintenance program, but there is still work to be done to change mentalities,” says Julie. “We have to convince customers that we have to work with nature and not against it!””.

Founded by Renée Soucy and Robert Lapointe in 1987, the company from Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, in Mauricie, has been part of the Groupex network since 2013. It is a production nursery that, over the years, has greatly diversified to become a garden center, then offer maintenance and landscaping services, as well as a complete agrotourism experience (woodsman’s maze, café-terrace, chalets, etc.).

Robin Lapointe, co-owner and son of the founding couple, explains that the many advantages of being part of the cooperative were not necessarily all known from the start: ‘If it was the purchasing power that attracted us at first, I think it’s the sharing that made us stay. And I love the congresses, conferences, and training: it’s close to my heart!’ says the former high school teacher, who has contributed to the growth of Nursery of the Park since 2015.

Whether it’s to acquire new skills or nourish his approach as a manager, Robin Lapointe recalls several learning opportunities that were important. He cites, in particular, a workshop by Chloé Maheux (on the book Scaling-Up, by Verne Harnish), a conference by Marc Dutil, and the discovery of René Jean’s journey (Réflex Paysage).

The co-owner recalls, for example, the support of Groupex during the pandemic, in a context of high demand and serious stock shortages. ‘I had the impression that we, the members, were a priority for the suppliers, and that was major. The coop has significant weight, its growth is done intelligently, and I am confident about its future. We feel like we’re in a boat that’s going in the right direction!

It’s official! We are thrilled to share a milestone that marks the culmination of 38 years of dedication and sustained effort: our cooperative is now B Corp certified. This achievement recognizes our continuous commitment to putting people at the heart of our priorities. This success has been made possible thanks to the collective engagement of our members, our partners suppliers, and our team.

What is B Corp certification?

Joining the B Corp movement means choosing to be part of a community of visionary businesses that use the power of business to generate a positive impact. It promises to uphold rigorous standards of social performance, transparency, and accountability. For us, becoming a B Corp means more than just achieving a score: it is a promise to never lose sight of our mission to have a beneficial impact on the planet and people.

Our coop is proud to join the ranks of around 50 Quebec-based B Corp certified companies (including Prana, Danone, Ciele Athletics, and Kase Me, to name a few!).

Our journey towards B Corp certification

Becoming the first Canadian horticultural cooperative to achieve B Corp certification is an honor that acknowledges our dedication to reconciling profit and the common good. With a score of 82.4 on the B Impact assessment, we have demonstrated our ability to meet the performance requirements of this certification. This is a significant step, but our journey doesn’t end here. There are still many areas we need to improve.

Foundations of our success

Our strength rests on three fundamental pillars: our members, our suppliers, and our team. These groups form the solid foundation of our success and our sustainable development strategy. The B Corp certification highlights the importance of each group in our governance and operations.

Our actions according to the five B Corp orientations

• Governance: We have formally integrated our social and environmental commitment into our bylaws, ensuring responsible and ethical governance.
• Employees: The well-being of our employees is at the heart of our concerns, with initiatives that promote work-life balance.
• Community: We actively support social and environmental projects, strengthening our bond with the local community.
• Environment: Our determination to reduce our ecological footprint translates into sustainable resource management.
• Customers: The trust of our customers is paramount, and we are committed to offering them ethical products and services of the highest quality.

We want to thank our team, our partner, our suppliers, and our members who have contributed to this achievement. Together, we continue to work towards a more sustainable and responsible future while remaining true to the values that have guided our cooperative since its founding.

Under a mild sky, Magali Boutroy, Sustainable Development Officer for the Coop, attended the press conference held on May 1st by Scotts Canada Ltd, Modix Plastique Inc., and Balcan Packaging, a division of Balcan Innovations Inc. They unveiled the results of an exceptional partnership in which an experiment allowed the integration of recycled resin into flexible plastic packaging. This collaboration, which began in 2022, focused on the ambitious project of developing a circular economy for the peat packaging used by Scotts Canada. The goal? To integrate 25% post-consumer recycled resin into the packaging, thereby creating a closed loop using plastics recovered from the company’s sites.

Modix Plastique Inc, positions itself as a key player in the development of recycling and value-enhancement initiatives for post-consumer flexible plastic packaging across several sectors. The current project is a fine example of success in a sector where recovered plastics, due to their contamination with organic material, were orphaned and thus destined for export or landfill.

Emballages Balcan, for its part, has developed expertise in reducing the environmental impacts of its packaging. The implementation of Balcan Innovations’ solutions through this project will serve as an inspiring example for other culture substrate producers and companies in other product categories

Scotts Canada, a major supplier of consumer products for amateur gardening as well as for the professional horticulture sector in Canada, has integrated these innovative practices into its production by applying these advances to its peat packaging. Scotts Canada’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond improving its own products; the company also manufactures soil mixes, composts, and fertilizers for our Passion Jardins brand, owned by the Groupex Horticultural Cooperative.

Phase 2 : Passion Jardins Private Label Products

In Phase 2 of this ambitious project led by Scotts Canada, the Groupex Horticultural Cooperative is initiating a significant change concerning the packaging of our private label, Passion Jardins, to integrate up to 30% post-consumer recycled resins. This ongoing project marks a further step towards increasingly sustainable practices, aligned with our commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of the circular economy.

This day provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges encountered and the solutions adopted, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Experts shared their views on the technological and logistical necessities to achieve these ambitious goals, as well as the importance of ongoing communication between all partners involved. This partnership is an exemplary model for other industries, demonstrating that innovation and cooperation can truly transform business practices towards greater sustainability. For Groupex, it is a pride to be part of this advancement, and we are eager to see the positive impact of these bags on our environment and on our customers’ satisfaction. Our commitment to this initiative is a testament to our dedication to promoting practices that respect and preserve our planet for future generations