Louis Lagassé
Entrepreneur in Montréal, Québec, Canada
Howdy, I’m Louis. I’m an entrepreneur living in Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, with interests in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, travel, and arts.
I co-founded Les Industries C-MAC Inc. with Dennis Wood. We aimed to showcase Sherbrooke's manufacturing competitiveness globally, creating over 2500 direct jobs within ten years.
In February 1998, I established the Dobson-Lagassé Entrepreneurship Centre with Bishop's University to promote entrepreneurship among young Canadians in the Eastern Townships.
I strategically acquired a telecommunications assembly plant in Douarnenez, France, and later its sister company in Germany, growing our workforce to over 1000 employees. These acquisitions boosted regional economies through job creation, tourist activity development, and family assistance.
Philanthropy
I have financially supported several projects, including acquiring the Théâtre Granada for Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. In 1995, I founded the J.A. Louis Lagasse Foundation to promote arts, music, philanthropy, science, and culture, and support education and outreach in these fields, primarily in the region. Additionally, I personally sponsored the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke by providing them with a high-quality Yamaha piano. This contribution enables the orchestra to attract top-tier pianists and further enrich their musical performances for the city of Sherbrooke.
Distinctions
I am a Member of the Order of Canada since 2004 and have received several honors:
- Mérite Estrien
- Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
- 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- Medal of Honor from the Chambre des Notaires
- Honorary Lt. Col. of the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserve)
- Governor General's Certificate of Recognition
- Honorary Doctor of Law from Bishop's University
- University of Montreal Certificate of Recognition
- Grand Estrien
- Honorary member of the Centre universitaire de santé de l'Estrie
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sherbrooke