by Nancy Gardiner
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 21/97) - Amidst about 120 business people who attended a recent banquet in Yellowknife, the NWT Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual series of awards.

Kevin Diebold of Norman Wells received the NWT business person of the year award. He was present to receive his award.

Northern News Services Ltd. of Yellowknife won the Business of the Year award in recognition of excellence in business practices and the promotion of high ethical standards in the NWT. General manager Michael Scott received the award.

White Bear Chrysler took the award for Pollution Prevention for its innovative methods used to deal with waste oil. Mark Chang accepted on the company's behalf.

David Connelly of Inuvik, newly-elected president of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, says his chamber will be looking for opportunities to expand trade and increase the role of aboriginal groups.

"The NWT Chamber needs to evolve in a way which responds to the uniqueness of our region and sustains business," he said.

The NWT chamber has its broadest representation ever, said Connelly after the awards ceremony.

This year, the chamber's industry sectors were expanded to include mining and power generation.

During the year, the NWT Chamber increased its membership by 40 per cent.

The 20 board members come from a dozen communities, representing every region of the NWT.