Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative
FORT-COULONGE – Détail Quebec gave a breakfast presentation at the Pontiac Community Futures Development Corporation (SADC) in Fort-Coulonge on February 21. Détail Quebec is a sectoral committee supporting the retail sector. They provide a wide variety of training and services to the industry, mostly free of charge.
The presentation started with the SADC’s Director General Rhonda Perry giving a brief explanation of the financing and consulting services offered by the SADC and introducing the MRC and Service Quebec representatives who were on hand to answer questions and provide support to business owners.
Détail Quebec’s Director General Manuel Champagne and Work-Study Training Project Manager Marion Havas then started their workshop by going around the room and asking the business owners in attendance about their needs. Many were looking for help with moving their businesses online and doing more online, as well as help with their websites, social media, and marketing.
After the roundtable discussion, the Détail Quebec representatives gave a comprehensive overview of the services offered by their organization. They provide free online training and tools covering all aspects of human resources management including employee integration, coaching, mentoring, and evaluations. They also offer virtual training for sales and supervisory staff including courses on sales, customer relations, merchandising, shoplifting, team management, and change management. Courses on e-commerce and social networks are also available.
In addition, Détail Quebec offers an online AEC course in electronic commerce coordination and an in-store AEP course in customer service. Employers who enroll their staff in these programs are eligible for a wage subsidy to keep their staff on payroll while they complete their studies. A program to train bicycle mechanics is also in the works.
Détail Quebec carries out industry studies and provides statistics. This year they are completing a sectoral workforce diagnosis to give a current picture of the retail sector and to identify issues and challenges. They are also conducting a renumeration and staff retention survey with results expected this spring. The results of their studies are used to propose solutions adapted to businesses.
In support of retail workers, Détail Quebec launched a civility awareness campaign at the beginning of December to address impatient and aggressive customers, as well as physical threats to cashiers and store clerks. The campaign’s slogan is: “Together, let’s say no to disrespect.” Posters and buttons are available free to businesses.
Détail Quebec’s webinars are free and are uploaded to the website for later viewing. Upcoming webinar topics include the integration of digital marketing into a recruitment strategy, digital threats and fraud, using AI in operations, and preventing the counterfeiting of bank notes.
Détail Quebec can be found online at www.detailquebec.com and on social media.