ProMontreal and the Jewish Chamber of Commerce, programs of FEDERATION CJA, handed
out the 2005 Promie Awards on Monday in recognition of the business acumen, talent,
creativity, and community spirit of young Jewish entrepreneurs in the Montreal
business community.
More than 350 people were on hand at the ballroom of Le Windsor for the presentation.
Mel Hoppenheim was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for
his accomplishments as an innovator in the Canadian film industry and his contributions
as a philanthropist. He delivered the evening's keynote address.
The Sam Steinberg Award for Young Jewish Entrepreneur of the Year went to Moshe
Krasnansky, Pinny, Shmuel, and Mayer Gniwisch, the founders of Ice.com, the leading
online jewelry retailer. An innovative concept, Ice.com offers fine jewelry, fashionably
styled at value prices. The Howard Stotland Technology Award for the Young Jewish
Technology Entrepreneur of the Year was claimed by Sass Peress of ICP Solar Technologies,
a leading manufacturer of products based on advanced solar technology. Founded
in 1988, ICP distributes its wares to more than 160 countries worldwide. The Morris
Goodman Award for Young Jewish PME Entrepreneur of the Year was won by Michael
Aronovici of Coffee Vision, which holds the exclusive corporate license for Starbucks
Coffee outlets across Quebec and the Maritimes. The Professional Award for Young
Jewish Professional Entrepreneur of the Year went to Albert Benhaim of the Physimed
Health Group, a multidisciplinary enterprise specializing in occupational and
general healthcare. The following were admitted into the SNG Entrepreneurs Circle
for distinguished business or individual entrepreneurship: § Emmanuel Amar of
IDX Design, a commercial interior design company; § Yohan Ohayon and Ilan Reich
of the Axxys Construction Group, which specializes in commercial, industrial,
and institutional construction and project management across Canada. § Nick Feldman
of Nutrisoya Foods, a provider of organic, dairy-free products in support of healthy
lifestyles. § Erica Mintz of Unique Corporate Gifts, which specializes in promotional
products and corporate gifts. § Robert Hecht of Marcamania, which acquires excess
branded apparel inventory and resells it through off-price retail operations in
South America, and Ville Marie PET/CT Centre, Canada's first and only fully private
PET/CT diagnostic imaging clinic.
Together, the 60 nominees for 2005 Promies represent significant engines of growth
for the Canadian economy. They provide employment for more than 2,000 people and
generate close to $200 million in total revenue.
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