We keep hearing about the importance of buying local, but we don’t hear as much about local investing which is as important. Investing local means supporting local growth in terms of productivity, employment rates, getting money in the country and subsequently strengthening its currency among other things. I was more than pleased to hear about Coalision, Lolë and Paradox’s owner, raising $21M through shareholders such as Guy Laliberte (formerly Cirque Du Soleil owner), Fonds de Solidarite FTQ and members of the Hermes family, yes that Hermes, the brand that brought us the famous Birkin bags. The investment will help the company grow internationally and shine next to brands such as Lulu Lemon, The North Face and Patagonia. Mr. Mariette, Coalision’s CEO underlined the fact that those investors are more than just shareholders, they are advisors who participate to the company’s growth. Ultimately, that type of partnership is one to aim for when doing business.
