Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit ( Jun 05/00) - Vibrant, animated artwork from the print shop in Pangnirtung hangs on the walls behind Verlie Avery's head as she boasts about her new job.

"I was given an offer I couldn't resist salary-wise, with accommodations," said Avery, gesturing with her arms at the new apartment she moved into exactly a month ago as part of her package as the manager of the Capital Suites in Iqaluit.

In charge of overseeing the 38 units available to short-term customers on the first and second floor of the three-storey hotel, Avery said along with her accounting duties, she's also responsible for assisting the housekeeping staff with their tasks.

She also keeps an eye on the guests to ensure their needs are met.

"I make sure they're quite comfortable and that the rooms are what they expect," said Avery, a former employee of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

And it's with a discernible sense of pride that Avery points out the establishment's 144 pieces of original artwork, the fully- stocked kitchens contained in all of the units and the tasteful colour schemes adorning the hotel walls.

"The hotel has been very popular so far," said Avery.

"From word-of-mouth or from people coming into look ... last month we had 70 per cent occupancy," she said.

While she's eager to branch out and get in on the property-management end of things with Urbco Inc. (the company that owns and constructed the new facility), for the time being, Avery will stick to what she's doing and leave the other things -- like caring for the long-term guests residing on the third floor -- to another department.

That, she said, helps to free up the time she currently needs to promote the new hotel locally and to the rest of the world.

"There are so many things to do and so many things to get ready for," said Avery, who knocked one off her list last weekend by hosting the hotel's grand-opening party.

"I work six days a week, 10 hours a day," said Avery.

"I love it very much. This place gives guests a warm feeling and a touch of the North."