Author: Andréanne Bourque

An enlightening annual congress for the Groupex Horticultural Cooperative.

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Andréanne Bourque - News

On February 21 and 22, 2024, the idyllic setting of the Hotel Entourage on the Lake, in the heart of the beautiful Quebec region, hosted the congress and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Groupex horticultural cooperative. This eagerly anticipated annual gathering broke participation records with 84 companies out of the 120 in our cooperative attending. This event marked a decisive turning point in our history, symbolizing our commitment to innovation and shared success.

A year of ambitious projects

This year’s congress was a catalyst for significant change for Groupex, heralding the rollout of several major projects that redefine our direction and image. Under the leadership of our president, Pierre Dagenais, we unveiled a series of key initiatives: a new, vibrant brand image, the launch of a completely revamped website, and the introduction of an enhanced extranet, all designed to strengthen our online presence and improve member services. These changes signify a profound digital transformation within the cooperative..

Pierre Dagenais, our President, with a contagious smile, exclaims:

This investment project, I tell you, is the most exciting and motivating one I’ve had the pleasure to lead. We are experiencing a real revolution at Groupex!

Inspiring highlights

The event kicked off with the notable presence of our strategic partners. It was a unique opportunity for them to showcase their services, highlighting the importance of their role and the value they bring to our cooperative. The event was especially marked by a particularly inspiring speech by Jean Martin Fortier, the renowned market gardener famous for his entrepreneurial success. Jean Martin Fortier’s testimony not only inspired our members with his authentic and sustainable approach but also sowed many enriching parallels with our own world of horticulture. These ideas took root among us, reinforcing our commitment to practices that value well-being and personal development. Jean Martin’s passion for responsible agriculture and its positive impact on communities resonated with our values, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our principles. By placing people and the environment at the center of all our decisions, we cultivate not only our gardens but also our community, rooting our work in sustainability and harmony.

This congress was a celebration of our raison d’être. We are committed to providing a framework where each member can thrive and succeed. That is the very essence of Groupex.
Sébastien Cordeau, general Manager of Groupex

Jean Martin Fortier’s testimony not only inspired our members with his authentic and sustainable approach but also sowed many enriching parallels with our own world of horticulture.

The unveiling of our new brand image and the HECTAR member space marked a key moment of the congress, illustrating our commitment to innovation and ongoing support for our members..

With these new developments, we are ready to embrace the future. Offering these personalized beers is our way of celebrating this new chapter together.
Mélanie Turbis, our Marketing director,

Foster Garden Center and Knowlton Landscapes: Growing Through Grouping

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Andréanne Bourque - News, Uncategorized

For nine years, Jean-Samuel Maynard has been participating in the activities and events of the cooperative. One might even say he is doubly a member since both the garden center and the landscaping company he heads are part of the network.

« Groupex really occupies an important place in the industry, a weight that makes a difference when you face difficult situations. The co-op is there for you! »
Jean-Samuel Maynard, co-owner, Foster Garden Center and Knowlton Landscapes

« To date, I am not aware of any other association like Groupex that plays the role of a purchasing group. We are part of other useful groups for networking, such as APPQ, but they don’t have the monetary benefits of Groupex. »

Jean-Samuel, Marie-Pier, Kayla, Cathy-Myriam and Philippe

Groupex: Supporting Its Members

Like all horticultural businesses, Maynard’s were heavily shaken during COVID, and the co-op greatly helped them with supply issues. It’s thanks to the cooperative that we have strengthened our efforts in sourcing. Clearly, being members of Groupex at that time saved us!

« I called the team for a problem, and in one day, it was solved! »

He also recounts that the co-op is always there to support its members. The entrepreneur also addresses another major challenge faced by many businesses: the shortage of staff, particularly on construction sites. “I participate in the co-op’s program to bring in labor from abroad, which is really helpful. But I think this is an issue that Groupex will increasingly have to contribute to because it’s the challenge of the coming years.

Groupex Benefits: Savings, Learning, and Sharing Among Members

Beyond saving time and money, Maynard believes that other aspects of the Groupex network are also very important, especially the opportunity to visit member businesses. “Whether it’s in terms of vehicle fleet, facilities, or work methods, we really enjoy discovering what others are doing, asking questions, and sharing tips.” Other opportunities like the annual congress and conferences are also valuable, according to him.

The proof that we believe in it is that we’ve already brought some of our friends into the co-op,” says Maynard. Any advice for businesses hesitant about becoming members? “I think it’s important that your business has reached a certain level, to better take advantage of the financial benefits. And that you’re ready to grow… because with Groupex, things really start moving quickly!

Knowlton Landscapes Team – Summer 2023

2023 Construction Site

Philippe Laflamme, Co-owner of Knowlton Landscapes.

Marie-Pier and Jean-Samuel

Cathy-Myriam and Philippe

Cooperation Week 2023

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Andréanne Bourque - Uncategorized

The primary goal of this week is to raise public awareness about the value of cooperatives and to highlight how they contribute to the well-being of their members. In Canada, Cooperation Week takes place from October 15th to 21st, 2023. Groupex therefore wishes to proudly celebrate its status as a cooperative.

The strength of Cooperation in 2023

For us, what binds us enriches us, and each member is an important player. Just like you, our coop members are owners of small or large businesses. Each of them brings their knowledge, skills, and experience to the table;

Why are cooperatives so special?

At the heart of a cooperative, you find a philosophy of sharing. Imagine a place where your voice echoes with the same strength as everyone else’s, where profits are shared fairly. Visualize a structure that, even in the face of headwinds, remains stable and rooted in its community. It’s this democracy, this constant concern for the well-being of its members, that makes cooperatives so special in your eyes.

Gabriel Tougas, Sébastien Cordeau , Pierre Dagenais- Congrès coop 2023

Top 5 reasons to partner with Groupex Horticultural Cooperative

Supply Benefits: The best pricing conditions, payment terms, and delivery times. Additionally, a pre-approved Groupex credit line facilitates transactions with our suppliers, without the administrative hassles.
Access to a Wider Variety of Products and Services: More than 180 partnerships with top suppliers in the horticultural industry.
Save Time: A single statement twice a month for all your transactions. The cooperative’s team is at your disposal.
Volume Discounts and Profits: 100% of the volume discounts and profits of the cooperative are returned to you.
Knowledge Sharing: We provide platforms and create events that allow our entrepreneurs to exchange information and ideas.

Gabriel Tougas Leclerc t’explique la croissance de son entreprise grâce à Groupex

Your journey to Groupex Horticultural Cooperative: How to join?

The path to your integration at Groupex is designed to be simple and transparent. Here’s how to navigate it: :

The initial approach: It all starts with an exchange. Sébastien Cordeau, ready to guide you, is waiting. Whether you choose to contact him directly or fill out the form, he will be your first point of reference.
File and affinities: Once in contact, you will receive a membership form and a checklist of documents. These tools will help to assess the compatibility between your vision and that of the cooperative.
The careful eye of the council: With all the information provided, your file will pass under the eyes of our board of directors, who will validate your entry.
The warm welcome: Once approved, you will be fully integrated into Groupex. Trainings, meetings, and special moments will be offered to familiarize you with your new environment.

Basic Criteria:

ou have:

The same values as us.
A thriving and vibrant business in gardening/landscaping/decking.
Plenty of ideas and the boldness to want to share them.
$100,000 in annual purchasing capacity.
Solid financial statements.
A positive working capital. Good news, so do we

Joining Groupex Horticultural Cooperative offers a unique opportunity for your business. It means connecting with a community where every individual has their place, where mutual aid and solidarity are at the heart of exchanges. Are you ready to join us in this wonderful adventure?

Landscaping open doors : a memorable day at the heart of Eco-verdure’s universe

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Andréanne Bourque - News

Every year, the Horticultural Cooperative Groupex organizes an essential meeting for the landscaping sector. This annual event is an opportunity for all our members to gain inspiration, network, and share experiences.

It was on September 9th that our members attended the 2023 edition of the Landscaping Open Doors Groupex. Over 100 members and 13 industry suppliers gathered at one of our members, based in Richelieu.

ECO-VERDURE: AT THE CENTER OF THE EVENT

Eco-Verdure, renowned for its expertise in creating green spaces, is now a member of the family, Services paysagers Dominique Filion a pillar of the sector. This strategic collaboration offered a fresh perspective on trends and quality in landscaping.

A DAY FILLED WITH INSPIRATION

From 8:30 am, the excitement was palpable. For some, it was a discovery; for others, it was a rewarding reunion with peers. Eco-Verdure, as the host, proudly unveiled its landscaping masterpieces that combine aesthetics and functionality.

DISCOVERING ECO-VERDURE’S ACHIEVEMENTS

The highlight of the day? The guided tours by the Eco-Verdure team of four of their favorite projects from recent years. A unique opportunity for participants to interact directly with the Eco-Verdure team, understand their choices and techniques. The feedback was unanimous: admiration and inspiration.

RECORD PARTICIPATION FOR THE OPEN DOORS

Never before had an edition attracted so many. More than 100 members and 13 expert suppliers testified to the growing popularity of this annual initiative.

Wow, what a day! The teamwork between Eco-Verdure and Groupex was phenomenal. Thank you all for your energy and passion!
Maxime Proulx, Co-owner of Eco-Verdure