🦫 Tools, Talent & Townships: Building What’s Next

Hey there, Townshippers

Change is in the air — and not just in the leaves. This week, we’re spotlighting how local entrepreneurs are gearing up for the future with fresh ideas, collaboration, and a healthy dose of Townships grit. From small-business breakthroughs to fall festivals and Friday-night hockey, it’s a reminder that momentum here often starts close to home.

Grab your morning brew and let’s catch up.👇

It wasn’t just another networking breakfast. On October 8, over 100 entrepreneurs, economic leaders, and innovators gathered in Saint-Alphonse-de-Granby for the first-ever Journée économique de l’Estrie, a new regional summit aimed at helping local businesses navigate a rapidly changing economy. With workshops on AI, workforce retention, and cross-border trade, the event offered more than inspiration — it provided real tools.

The day’s goal, organizers said, was to arm small and medium-sized businesses with concrete strategies. “We’re in a moment where adaptability is essential,” said Karine Morin, general manager of the Haute-Yamaska Chamber of Commerce, one of the co-hosts of the event. “Whether it’s labour shortages or the rise of artificial intelligence, our businesses need to evolve, and we’re here to help them do that together.”

A highlight of the day was the keynote by Francis Gosselin, economist and partner at FG8, who challenged attendees to rethink digital transformation. His message: don’t fear AI, learn it, use it, and let it enhance your operations. Breakout sessions throughout the day explored everything from government support programs to export readiness, offering clear entry points for entrepreneurs at any stage.

Beyond the panels and presentations, attendees emphasized the value of simple connection. “You don’t always realize what’s available in your own backyard,” said Nathalie Gagnon, who owns a small food-processing company in Bromont. “I walked away with three new ideas, two new contacts, and a whole lot of motivation.”

The event was spearheaded by a coalition of local economic development groups, including the Chambre de commerce Haute-Yamaska, the Corporation de développement communautaire (CDC), and representatives from MRCs and SADC offices across the region. Their hope is to make the Journée économique an annual anchor — part pep talk, part practical toolbox — that grows alongside the businesses it supports.

For entrepreneurs in the Eastern Townships, it’s a sign that while the road ahead may be complex, they won’t have to navigate it alone. Read more about the event online 👉 ccihy.com

🏃 Bromont Ultra — Oct. 18–19 — Bromont: This massive trail-running and mountain biking challenge returns with routes ranging from a friendly 2 km to a grueling 160 km. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, the mountain air and fall foliage make it an unforgettable weekend. There’s even a team relay format for more casual runners. Come support a good cause — all profits go to local charities. Details 👉 bromontultra.com

📚 Knowlton Literary Festival — Oct. 16–20 — Knowlton: One of Quebec’s coziest book festivals returns, bringing together acclaimed authors, spirited discussions, readings, and writing workshops — all in the picturesque town of Knowlton. Expect appearances from local and national writers across genres. Events take place in cafés, heritage buildings, and even the local theatre. Ideal for readers, writers, and those craving warm conversation on a crisp fall day. Details 👉 knowltonliteraryfestival.ca

🏒 QMJHL Prospects Game — Tue, Oct. 21, 7 PM — Palais des Sports, Sherbrooke: Sherbrooke hosts the first-ever QMJHL Prospects Game, featuring the league’s top 40 NHL draft-eligible players. This one-night showcase is perfect for hockey fans wanting to glimpse the sport’s future stars. Expect a full-house atmosphere, fast-paced action, and serious scouting energy. Details 👉 chl.ca

🎃 Frissons Brompton — Oct. 18–20 — Brompton: Halloween fun hits full swing at this family festival with inflatable games, costume contests, pumpkin crafts, spooky surprises, and more — all spread across three locations in the Brompton borough. Free to attend and great for kids (and costume-loving grown-ups). Activities are weather dependent, so check ahead if skies look grey! Details 👉 espaceloisirsbrompton.ca

🍽️ Sherbrooke met la table — Oct. 17–31 — Sherbrooke: Sherbrooke’s signature culinary event returns with prix-fixe menus at over 25 local restaurants, celebrating regional ingredients and culinary creativity. Whether you’re craving refined bistro fare or hearty comfort food, this is the perfect excuse to try somewhere new (or revisit an old fave). Many spots highlight local products certified “Créateurs de saveurs,” so you’ll taste the terroir in every bite. Reservations recommended — tables fill fast! Details 👉 createursdesaveur.com

🎨 Salon du Livre de l’Estrie Begins Today: The regional book fair launches October 16 in Sherbrooke and runs through October 19, located at 1600 Boulevard du Plateau‑Saint‑Joseph.  Expect author talks, workshops, and book launches. This is a great chance for readers, writers, and families to connect — and for local authors to gain visibility. Source 👉 Eastern Townships

🍁 Comptonales Harvest Market Celebrates Local Producers: On Monday, October 13 (Thanksgiving), the Comptonales harvest market ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., highlighting local producers in a festive wrap to the season. The event also emphasized sustainability. It was a final seasonal gathering that supports farmers, giving locals a last chance to stock up before winter, and fostering community connections. Source 👉 Comptonales

🏘️ Many Mayors in Estrie Re‑elected (or Unopposed): In the lead‑up to municipal elections, several Estrie municipalities have mayors returned by acclamation — including Cowansville and Lac‑Mégantic — while others face contests. Stability in municipal leadership helps continuity in local projects and planning. For residents, it’s useful to note who will be in office for the next term. Source 👉 Journal de Montreal

💧 Drier Summer Leads to Municipal Water Stress: The Eastern Townships region has seen two months of significantly below‑normal rainfall, with Sherbrooke reporting just 14 mm in August and 52 mm in September.  Some municipalities are already feeling the pressure: for instance, Saint‑Ferdinand is importing water by truck due to low well levels. Source 👉 City News

🌍 Sherbrooke NGO Awarded Record Global Health Grant: The Carrefour de solidarité internationale (CSI), based in Sherbrooke, has received the largest grant in its history — over $7.4 million from Global Affairs Canada. The five-year funding will support a project aimed at improving healthcare access for women and children in remote Indigenous communities in Peru’s La Convención province. Local partners include Sherbrooke’s CIDIS research centre, which helped design the initiative and will assist with data-driven health interventions. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

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Warm-Up Ritual ☕️

The mornings are getting brisk, the coffee smells better, and the Townships have officially entered “sweater season.” We’re curious — what’s your go-to cozy ritual when the air gets crisp?

Maybe it’s a latte from your favourite local café, a slow Sunday soup simmering on the stove, or a playlist that pairs perfectly with foggy mornings.

Hit reply and tell us how you warm up to fall. 🍁

That’s the best part about weeks like this — you can feel how much the Townships still believe in possibility. From local entrepreneurs building what’s next to communities gathering over good food and shared goals, it all adds up to something pretty special.

Thanks for reading and being part of it. Same time next Thursday? We’ll bring the updates — you bring the curiosity. ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫