Franck Maurice Re-elected to Lead CPME du Rhône Amidst Economic Headwinds
Lyon, March 18, 2026 – Franck Maurice has been re-elected as the president of the CPME du Rhône, a significant professional organization representing nearly 3,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the department. The re-election, which was widely anticipated, comes at a pivotal time for the region’s economy, as businesses grapple with a multitude of challenges.
Maurice’s renewed mandate underscores the ongoing commitment of the CPME du Rhône to support local businesses through a demanding economic landscape. Key issues facing SMEs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region include persistent recruitment difficulties, inflationary pressures, and the urgent need to accelerate various transitions, particularly in digital and ecological spheres.
Afterwork Event to Foster Business Opportunities
In a move to stimulate local business interactions, Lyon Entreprises is set to host an afterwork event this Friday at 5:00 PM. The gathering, open to all, will take place at Eurexpo as part of the Innova’Lyon exhibition. This event aims to create a dynamic platform for networking between startups, entrepreneurs, and other key players within the local ecosystem. The primary objective is to foster exchanges and generate new business opportunities, reflecting the CPME’s dedication to supporting its members and the broader business community.
New Immersive Dining Concept for Westfield La Part-Dieu
The Westfield La Part-Dieu shopping center is preparing to welcome a major new culinary attraction by the end of the year. The IT group will launch ‘IT Village Joe,’ an Italian restaurant designed to replicate an authentic transalpine village experience. This innovative and immersive concept is expected to significantly enhance the commercial appeal of the region’s premier retail hub, offering a unique dining destination for residents and visitors alike.
Rhône-Alpes Forum: A Strategic Hub for Engineering Recruitment
The Rhône-Alpes Forum is scheduled for March 19 at the Double Mixte, located on the LyonTech-La Doua campus. This crucial recruitment event will bring together companies and students from leading engineering schools. It serves as a vital platform for connecting emerging talent with recruiters, especially in a context where there is high demand for technical profiles. The forum highlights the region’s focus on nurturing its engineering workforce and addressing skill shortages in critical sectors.
Tight Race in Lyon Municipal Elections
The municipal election campaign in Lyon remains highly competitive, with just days remaining until the vote. Jean-Michel Aulas and Grégory Doucet are in a neck-and-neck race, creating significant suspense ahead of Sunday’s ballot. This decisive confrontation is expected to have profound implications for the economic and strategic future of the territory, with local businesses and residents keenly awaiting the outcome.
Aquarium de Lyon Aims for 20% Visitor Increase
In other local news, the Aquarium de Lyon is undergoing significant changes with an ambitious goal to increase its visitor numbers by 20%. This expansion and strategic initiative reflect a broader trend of cultural and leisure attractions in the region seeking to enhance their appeal and contribution to the local economy.
These developments collectively paint a picture of a dynamic yet challenging economic environment in Lyon and the wider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The re-election of Franck Maurice at the helm of the CPME du Rhône signals a continued focus on supporting local businesses through these evolving times.
Source: https://www.lyon-entreprises.com/actualites/video/le-recap-eco-9-les-5-actualites-economiques-a-retenir-cette-semaine
