Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 07/99) - The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce 17th Annual Spring Trade Show is ready and raring to go.

The sold-out show is being held May 8-9, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days in the Yk Community Arena.

Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce businesses will get first dibs at booths, with local businesses and then the public being given chances to participate. The purpose of the trade show is to both market your business and get to know other members of the business community.

"We get crowds of 7-10,000 people," says Ellie Sasseville, Yellowknife chamber office manager.

"The chances of getting that many people into your store in one day is highly unlikely. This is a great marketing tool for businesses."

Some of the booths are being occupied by southern businesses, such as hotels.

"The southern hotels come to the trade show to basically say, 'when you're out of Yellowknife, come and stay here,'" says Sasseville.

"Some of the local businesses coming out are home-based, and the trade show gives them great exposure and a chance to meet other business people."

Jo-Ann Cooper of Borealis Kennels and Pet Specialties is one of the attending entrepreneurs.

"The trade show is great exposure, and I'm sure that's the main reason why we all attend. Many people don't know that we have two stores -- one in Kam Lake and one downtown, this is a great way to let people know.

"We also like to preview new products at the trade show. We have some that we've purposely kept hidden until the show."

The trade show is not only for selling merchandise, it is also an informative two days, where businesses show both new and existing products, services and techniques -- including dog grooming.

"We will have our groomer, Kellan, at the show to do grooming demonstrations," says Cooper.

The weekend show is well-attended, family-oriented and an opportunity for residents to see what Yellowknife businesses have to offer, according to Sasseville.

Admission is $2, and children under 12 get in free when accompanied by an adult.