Cambridge Bay (Feb 21/05) - The Tahera booth at the Kitikmeot Trade Show last week was a popular one.

Many of those who stopped by had one thing on their mind: jobs.

"We probably had 100 people ask about jobs at Jericho," said Greg Missal, vice-president of Tahera Diamond Corporation.

From left Traci O'Gorman, 13, Sandra Carter, 14, and Jacqueline Lafrance, 13, learn about drill core samples from Harvey Klatt, Sabina Resources' Hackett River project manager, at the 2005 Kitikmeot Trade Show in Cambridge Bay. The show featured 42 booths from around Nunavut, the NWT and other parts of the country. - John Curran/NNSL photo

Much of the buzz at the gathering of business leaders from around the North was about his group's Jericho diamond mine.

Now through the regulatory process, Tahera has begun shipping some 500 loads of fuel, equipment and supplies up the Tibbitt-Contwoyto winter road and will begin construction in the spring.

"There's a long tradition of mining in this region - many people around here used to work at Lupin and that's a tremendous resource," Missal said.

Aside from celebrating Nunavut's first diamond mine, the 2005 show gave Northern entrepreneurs a chance to network with their peers and take time to talk with the next generation of leaders.

"It's very interesting," said Cambridge Bay resident Jacqueline Lafrance, 13, after hearing about drill core samples from Harvey Klatt, Hackett River project manager for Sabina Resources.

The commercial and industrial showcase has come a long way in a short time.

For years it attracted just 10 exhibitors and was held in the community centre.

This year, more than 42 booths filled Kiilinik high school's gym.

"I think 2005 has been a great show," said Wilf Wilcox, vice-president of Kitnuna Corporation and former Cambridge Bay mayor.

"We've had a really good turnout and there's lots of excitement about business in the Kitikmeot."

He points to the number of businesses in attendance, which although they are based elsewhere benefit from sales to customers in the region.

"It's good to see it come full-circle like this and have those not located here supporting a worthwhile community event," he said.

One such firm is promotional product and printing service provider Akhaliak, which began in Rankin Inlet, but expanded to Iqaluit in October 2003.

Not only does Akhaliak attend the event, it's one of the sponsors, said company president Helen Klengenberg.

"We had $40,000 worth of sales to Cambridge Bay in 2004," she said, adding her participation is one way she can give something back and thank her customers.

Klengenberg was born in Kugluktuk and she lived in Cambridge Bay for 12 years.

"It's like home week for me getting to visit with everyone," she said.