On June 3, 2010, Robert Chicoine, a former Semex Alliance and CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) General Manager, was made Knight of the Ordre national du Québec and the award was bestowed on him by Québec Premier Jean Charest at a ceremony at Hôtel du Parlement.

Mr. Chicoine is among the 34 notables to receive one of the three titles of the Ordre national du Québec, the highest distinction bestowed by the Government of Québec.

Robert Chicoine devoted his professional life to the artificial insemination industry at Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, and his career could be summarized thus: a competent and rigorous agrologist, who built on scientific research, as well as an outstanding administrator, who brought the Canadian dairy cattle superior genetics to the international scene. His knowledge, know-how and personal attributes have often led him to counsel governmental organizations and other major players of the bovine industry. He was also invited to participate in many overseas assignments.

Robert Chicoine was the first General Manager of the The Semex Alliance, and his name will forever be linked to the worldwide recognition of Canadian genetics.