Jewish entrepreneurship feted at Promies

Stan Zack, Howard Stotland and William Lassner were recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award for their development of a Montreal-based multinational software company.

Jewish entrepreneurship and community spirit were celebrated at the annual Promies Awards ceremony held at the Windsor Ballroom by the Jewish Chamber of Commerce, a Federation CJA program.

Five awards were presented to young business people recognizing their achievements and commitment to Jewish life during the elegant evening, sponsored by the accounting firm, Richter. They were chosen from a lengthy list of nominees.

Since 2000, the Promies have honoured a wide array of creative entrepreneurs. Previous winners include the founders of successful international companies like Ice.com and Beyond the Rack, as well as local firms such as Lasik MD, Pazazz Printing Inc. and Olymbec.

“The Montreal Jewish community is often commended for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe a ceremony like this, in addition to honouring the individual winners, gives us all a chance to celebrate the industriousness that helps allow our community to thrive,” said Marc Yedid, a partner at Richter Consulting Inc., who chaired the 2013 Promies along with Shlomi Levy, Tatiana Londono and Lorne Novolker.

A highlight was the bestowing of the Lifetime Achievement Award upon William Lassner, Howard Stotland and Stan Zack for their roles in founding STS Systems LTD., a multinational retail software company that reached annual sales exceeding $100 million before being sold in 2000.

They were also recognized for their philanthropy and leadership in the community. Before the award presentation, the trio took the stage for an interview, reflecting on their careers and the evolution of the Montreal Jewish business community.

The 2013 Promies winners are:

Sam Steinberg Award
Steven Singer
Glutino/ LIVE.LOVE.SNACK

Morris Goodman Award
Robert Bloom
Dama Construction

Howard Stotland Technology Award
David Baazov
Amaya Gaming

Professional Award
Stuart Elman
Persistence Capital Partners

Collins Barrow Entrepreneurial Circle
Charles Bierbrier
Bierbrier Brewing Inc.

David Ettedgui
The Sports Corporation

Michael Goldberg
Harmony Juvenile Products

Harley Morenstein
NextTime Productions Ltd

Tanya Toledano
Montrealmom.com Inc.

The Jewish Chamber of Commerce was formed to provide a networking forum for business people from all industries and professions, while encouraging the development of Jewish community leaders.