November 28, 2011

Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation, Hawkesbury

Denis Charlebois always wanted his own business. In 1977, the 26-year-old mortgaged his home to obtain financing.  Competition was fierce:  there were already four menswear stores in Hawkesbury.

Nine years later, one of his competitors closed and Denis saw an opportunity.  He wanted to purchase a building, but the bank turned him down.  The Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation gave him the loan.  They recognized that his entrepreneurial, social and planning skills gave him credibility.

In 1989, Denis rented space to a sporting goods store, and eventually became part owner.  Then, in 2004, Denis purchased an Intersport franchise.  He had to buy another building to comply with space requirements. 

With the support of the Caisse populaire de Hawkesbury, the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation agreed to back funding for renovations.

Nearly thirty-five years later, Maître Charle is the only men’s clothing store in Prescott-Russell and Intersport is the only store in Hawkesbury belonging to the Forzani Group, the largest retailer of clothing, equipment and sports shoes in Canada.

Photo:  Proprietor Denis Charlebois with Rock Douglas and François Joanisse at Maître Charle