Who are these Béziers personalities who won the Club Eco Midi Libre 2024 trophies ?

The 2024 winners of the “Biterrois qui gagnants” alongside the partners. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Mélissa Alcoléa, cheffe d'agence de Midi Libre Béziers, aux côtés d'Olivier Biscaye et Eric Schuller. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

On Wednesday evening, December 11th, at the Domaine de Bayssan in Béziers, eleven trophies were awarded to Béziers personalities who particularly distinguished themselves this year. A look back at a wonderful evening, full of emotions, during which the young Sofian Ribes, revelation of Artus' film “Un p'tit truc en plus”, made an impression.

The strength of entrepreneurs, committed women and men, that was what was discussed on Wednesday, December 11th, at the Domaine de Bayssan in Béziers, where the Club Éco Midi Libreorganized the 2nd edition of the “Biterrois qui gagnants” evening.

The opportunity for Olivier Biscaye, editorial director of Midi Libre, to honor a dozen personalities selected by a jury that debated at length before choosing its winners. “This territory is full of initiatives, beautiful careers, people who have taken the spotlight during the past year, touching people, sometimes discreet, but who count in the Biterrois”, testified Mélissa Alcoléa, agency head of the Midi Libre editorial office in Béziers. “Dense discussions, but profiles on which we ultimately agreed”, added Éric Schuller, sales manager of the evelyne agency.

Olympic year obliges, the world of sport is well represented. But not only. Businesses, gastronomy, cinema, social… They have mobilized on projects without counting. Result: great performances and successes that Midi Libre wanted to highlight.

Jury's favorite: Jean-Paul Saucerotte

Jean-Paul Saucerotte, alongside Laurent François and Estelle Devic, from Midi Libre. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Jean-Paul Saucerotte was the ASBH doctor for 31 years. He devoted his life to medicine, which he still practices, and was very important to the rugby club. Available to his patients and the Béziers rugby players, this sports enthusiast is a must-see in the Béziers landscape. Laurent François, deputy head of the Midi Libre agency in Béziers, presented him with his award.

Inclusion: Philippe Cabut, president of APEAI, distinguished

Philippe Cabut rewarded by the departmental councillor Rachid El Moudden. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

The departmental councillor Rachid El Moudden presented an award to Philippe Cabut, the president of the APEAI Ouest Hérault. “I am honoured to be one of the winners”, declared the latter. “It is above all a wonderful opportunity to talk about people with disabilities”. The parental association welcomes 500 people with disabilities with a budget of €20 million.

Company: Mathilde Boulachin rewarded for Maison Chavin

Mathilde Boulachin rewarded by Romain Planes. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Mathilde Boulachin, the founder of Maison Chavin, a specialist in alcohol-free wine, received an award from Romain Planes, CEO of the Caminarem group. “We started with €5,000, we're passing the €15 million mark for our 15th anniversary,” she said. “We have opened the doors to 67 countries.” And now, she is aiming for the American market where “there is everything to do”!

Rugby: ASBH manager Pierre Caillet awarded

Pierre Caillet rewarded by Fabien Portes. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

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For four years, Pierre Caillet, the manager of ASBH, has been at the head of the club's first team. In 2024, he led his group to the semi-finals of the Pro D2 championship. Humble, hardworking, betting “on solidarity and affection”, the former 3rd line was rewarded by Fabien Portes, honorary president of Medef Béziers ouest Hérault.

Teaching: the director of the IUT of Béziers, Jérôme Azé, among the winners

Jérôme Azé and the team of the IUT of Béziers, alongside Sébastien Gonthier. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Jérôme Azé, director of the IUT of Béziers, received a trophy from Sébastien Gonthier of the Chamber of Notaries of Hérault. The dynamism of the establishment was also highlighted, in particular the creation of a training course in AI. All this in a context of reindustrialization of the territory.

Handisport/Athletics: Rosa Gangloff in the spotlight

Olivier Leyssenot presented a trophy to Laure Sauvat who represented Rosa Gangloff. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

This summer 2024, during the Paralympic Games, Rosa Murcia-Gangloff, 60 years old, a visually impaired athlete, surpassed herself and carried the national and Béziers colors to the highest level by finishing 4th in the marathon. Never satisfied, the athlete “aims for the Los Angeles Games in 2028” as explained by Laure Sauvat who replaced the suffering athlete. Olivier Leyssenot, from the Hérault Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented him with the trophy.

Gastronomy: Michelin-starred Béziers chef Fabien Lefebvre

Chef Fabien Lefebvre, alongside Sandra Germis. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Béziers chef Fabien Lefebvre was rewarded for his work at the Calice restaurant, which earned him a star in the Michelin Guide less than 6 months after the establishment opened: “It's about celebrating gastronomic excellence”, he stressed before thanking his wife, Rachel. Sandra Germis, director of Ford Jaguar Land Rover, presented him with the award.

Urban planning: architects Laurence Blayac and Olivier Marty for the Béziers market halls

Architects Laurence Blayac and Olivier Marty received their award from Marc Aufort. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

The architect duo Laurence Blayac and Olivier Marty signed the renovation of the Béziers market halls. The two professionals, who “met in high school”, have been working together “for thirty years in the region where we are delighted to shine and beyond.” The couple of architects was rewarded by Marc Aufort, managing partner of the Axylis Company.

Cinema: Sofian Ribes, star of the evening

Sofian Ribes and his family alongside Pierre Calmel. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

The young Sofian Ribes received on stage, with great humor and personality, his trophy from the hands of Pierre Calmel, the president of the Vignerons de Sérignan wine cellar. Everyone knows him for his participation in Artus' film, Un p’tit truc en plus, which was a hit in cinemas in 2024. “You are a great example of courage!”, Pierre Calmel told him.

Education: Jean-Michel Peyrat, founder of Autartis

Jean-Michel Peyrat with the Autartis team, alongside Roxanne Dardaine-Bozzarelli. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Jean-Michel Peyrat, founder of the Autartis school for autistic children in Servian, received a trophy for this project that he carried out for 5 years and which came to fruition in October 2023. “It is important to help these families”, Jean-Michel Peyrat emphasized. Roxanne Dardaine-Bozzarelli, co-founder of the company Dev’EnR, presented the award.

Heritage: essential Jacques Nougaret

Jacques Nougaret rewarded by Bertrand Couronne. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Jacques Nougaret, with his eternal eloquence, recalled all his attachment to Béziers and his “love of heritage, of traditions that are close to our hearts, the desire to make Béziers known, to showcase its history.” The trophy was presented to him by Bertrand Couronne, vice-president of the French Building Federation of Hérault.

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