ABRAM-VILLAGE – March 23, 2025 – A well-respected car salesman and three multi-entrepreneurs have been inducted into the PEI Acadian and Francophone Business Hall of Fame for 2025 for their extensive contributions to the local and provincial economy, as well as their unparalleled community dedication.

At the 2025 Entrepreneurs’ Gala on March 22, before a crowd of 145 people in Abram-Village, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE) inducted the late Louise Comeau of Cape Egmont, Linda Lowther of Cavendish, Donnie Arsenault of Wellington and Leonard Gallant of Summerside (formerly of Wellington).

CCAFLIPE spokesperson Janine Arsenault sincerely congratulated the four inductees on “your lifetime of dedication to customer service and your communities!”

“You are our heroes. We would all like to be like you since you have accomplished so much throughout your career,” she emphasized. “We will place a permanent plaque with your photo and name on our Wall of Honor in our meeting room in Wellington. It will be surrounded by the plaques of the 36 other entrepreneurial legends like you who’ve already been inducted.”

The official sponsors of these induction awards were Provincial Credit Union and MacDonald Insurance & Investments (The Co-operators). RDÉE Canada was also a partner in the presentation of the award to the late Louise Comeau since she was one of the cofounders of its national network. PEI Lieutenant-Governor Dr Wassim Salamoun participated in the ceremony, presenting certificates to each of the four inductees.

TOP PHOTO: The four people inducted into the PEI Acadian and Francophone Business Hall of Fame for 2025 were, from left, the late Louise Comeau (represented by daughter Ghislaine Cormier and husband George Arsenault), Leonard Gallant, Donnie Arsenault and Linda Lowther.

 

THE LATE LOUISE COMEAU

Born in Nova Scotia, the late Louise Comeau devoted 42 years of her life to the Evangeline region. A graduate in nursing and French from Université Sainte-Anne, Louise went on to pursue a master’s degree in psychology at the Université de Moncton. Her varied career has included stints as a registered nurse, Radio-Canada producer, and executive director of the Baie Acadienne Development Corporation (SDBA). During her 17 years as an entrepreneur, she founded Le Marché Cormier, a small home-based convenience store; Le P’tit Coton, a textile store; and Les Créations Louise Comeau – Économusée de la Courtepointe, which provided employment for a dozen local seamstresses. During her 13 years at the helm of the SDBA, she contributed to a number of flagship initiatives, including the establishment of RDÉE Canada’s national network and its provincial arm RDÉE Prince Edward Island, as well as the major expansion of the Community Business Centre in Wellington. In addition, she volunteered on various boards and committees such as the PEI Human Rights Commission and the Board of Governors of the Université de Moncton, among many others. She was the first woman elected president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse in the 1970s. Louise passed away in 2024.

PHOTO: At the induction ceremony for the late Louise Comeau, multi-entrepreneur and former director of the Baie Acadienne Development Corporation, are, from left: Ashley Bishop and Jyllisa Gaudet, representatives of sponsor MacDonald Insurance & Investments (The Co-operators), who presented Comeau’s trophy to her husband George Arsenault; her daughter Ghislaine Cormier, who accepted her mother’s induction certificate from Lieutenant-Governor Dr. Wassim Salamoun; Dr. Christian Lacroix, provincial representative on RDÉE Canada’s Board of Directors, who helped with the presentation since Comeau was one of the co-founders of the national network; and Janine Arsenault, spokesperson for the Acadian Chamber of Commerce.

 

LINDA LOWTHER

With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Prince Edward Island and a master’s degree in educational administration from Saint Mary’s University, Linda Lowther spent 34 years in key positions in the education sector, including 15 years in senior management with the Department of Education. With her husband Gary, she ran several successful businesses for over 52 years! First there was a garage and Esso gas station in Cavendish and then Sundance Cottages, where they introduced innovations such as hottubs and swimming pools, setting new standards in the industry. Next, they founded The Oasis, Canada’s top-rated naturist/nudist resort. The duo also co-founded Island Wide Distribution. In 2011, Linda founded The Lowther Group, a consulting firm specializing in tourism and education, which has contributed to branded projects such as The Island Walk for Island Trails. More recently, she co-launched the Island branch of Deker Hockey to sell sports equipment, apparel and medals. Linda was one of the first presidents of RDÉE Prince Edward Island. She has also chaired or served on various regional and provincial tourism-related organizations, including the Tourism Industry Association of PEI (TIAPEI). Perhaps the greatest of all the honours she has received is TIAPEI’s Lieutenant-Governor’s Award.

PHOTO: Multi-entrepreneur Linda Lowther of Cavendish, center, was inducted into the Acadian Business Hall of Fame by Jyllisa Gaudet and Ashley Bishop, representatives of sponsor MacDonald Insurance & Investments (The Co-operators), who presented her with her trophy, Lieutenant-Governor Dr. Wassim Salamoun, who presented her with her certificate, and Janine Arsenault, spokesperson for the Acadian Chamber of Commerce.

 

DONNIE ARSENAULT

Wellington’s Donnie Arsenault began his entrepreneurial career at the age of 16, managing the canteen at the Vanier Centre. A mechanics graduate of Holland College, he worked at Franky and Ivan Arsenault’s local garage before seizing the opportunity to buy the business in 1991. A few years later, Donnie and his wife Christine opened Coolers Dairy Bar, which they ran from 1998 to 2005. Following a change of location in 2003, Donnie became owner and manager of Wellington Service Station Ltd., a thriving business employing over 20 Islanders. Today, the business includes a gas station, convenience store with coffee counter and window, hardware store and car wash. In addition, Donnie rents office space in the former Coolers building and has been running a car sales business since 2006. Donnie sponsors various initiatives, such as the Evangeline Figure Skating Club, the Acadian Festival and scholarships. He hires many students to give them their first work experience. His generosity and involvement in organizations such as Evangeline Richelieu Club and several community councils testify to his unrivalled commitment to regional development.

PHOTO: Multi-entrepreneur Donnie Arsenault of Wellington, center, receives his induction trophy from sponsor Jessica Gallant, manager of the Evangeline branch of Provincial Credit Union, and his certificate from Lieutenant-Governor Dr. Wassim Salamoun.

 

LEONARD GALLANT

Leonard Gallant began his career in the warehouse of Rogers and Arnett Wholesale Ltd. in Summerside. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become a full-time salesman, a position he held for 22 years. From 1975 to 1981, Leonard also managed Len’s Grocery, a home-based convenience store. After the closure of Rogers and Arnett, he switched to auto sales at the GM/Chevrolet dealership in Summerside, a position he maintained for over 21 years. He received a national award from General Motors for his exemplary service. Leonard also played a key role in his community. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Wellington Fire Department for 24 years, including 14 years as fire chief. Under his leadership, the department adopted modern systems such as 9-1-1 and strengthened its ability to respond to emergencies. Leonard was also instrumental in the creation of Evangeline Funeral Co-op and served on several local boards. Leonard officially retired at age 70, but continues to be a valued figure, always active in community and social activities.

PHOTO: Car salesman and entrepreneur Leonard Gallant of Summerside (and formerly Wellington), second from left, was inducted into the Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame by sponsor Jessica Gallant, Evangeline Branch Manager of Provincial Credit Union, who presented him with his trophy, Lieutenant-Governor Dr. Wassim Salamoun, who presented him with his certificate, and Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Janine Arsenault.

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For further information, please contact
Alecia Arsenault
Coordinator
2025 Entrepreneurs’ Gala
Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI
alecia@rdeeipe.org
902-432-2026