Marseille, France – Alain Gargani, President of CPME Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, is leading the charge for regional entrepreneurs, solidifying his role as a key advocate for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the South of France. Under his leadership, the CPME Sud has been at the forefront of organizing major events that celebrate business innovation, resilience, and human-centric entrepreneurship.

A Groundbreaking "Made in PME Sud" Trade Fair

In a bold announcement during a visit to the Avignon company GSE, Gargani revealed plans for the inaugural "Made in PME Sud" trade fair, set to take place in April 2024 in Marseille. With an expected turnout of 5,000 business leaders and over 400 exhibitors, this event will be the largest gathering of SMEs in the region. As Gargani stated, "This is a unique opportunity to showcase the strength and power of our regional economy, bringing together all departments for the first time in one place."

The fair promises to be an essential platform for networking, collaboration, and idea-sharing, with a plenary session featuring Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of the Economy and Finance. The event will focus on tackling the challenges SMEs face, including the aftermath of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and rising energy costs.

Spotlight on Regional Achievements: Positive Entrepreneurs Trophies

Gargani also celebrated the winners of the 4th edition of the CPME Sud’s regional "Positive Entrepreneurs Trophies," a prestigious event honoring business leaders for their human values and positive impact on their communities. At the ceremony held at the Friche la Belle de Mai in Marseille, Vaucluse entrepreneur Dominique Brogi was awarded the Solidarity Prize for his initiative, Mon Shérif, a program aimed at combating violence against women.

"The Positive Entrepreneurs Trophies are a tribute to the resilient leaders who are making a real difference despite the challenging economic climate," said Gargani. "These awards honor entrepreneurs who continue to inspire with their perseverance, creativity, and commitment to social good."

In total, six winners across categories such as Eco-responsibility, Creativity, and Kindness were recognized, including the Ecole internationale de Boulangerie for the Perseverance Prize and IPEPPER for the Creativity Prize.

Promoting Resilience in the Face of Crisis

Throughout these events, Gargani highlighted the enduring resilience of SMEs, particularly in Vaucluse. Despite facing challenges such as energy price hikes, recruitment difficulties, and supply chain disruptions, Gargani expressed optimism for the future. He stressed the importance of solidarity within the business community, calling on regional leaders to continue supporting entrepreneurs through policies and initiatives that promote sustainable growth.

"Companies must remain human-centric while being efficient," Gargani concluded. "In these turbulent times, a breath of positivity can go a long way in keeping businesses strong."

About Alain Gargani

Alain Gargani is the President of the CPME Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, a confederation that advocates for small and medium enterprises across the region. With a focus on human values, innovation, and regional solidarity, Gargani has been instrumental in organizing large-scale initiatives such as the "Made in PME Sud" trade fair and the Positive Entrepreneurs Trophies.