Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 05/05) - The Akaitcho Business Development Corporation held its annual general meeting on Monday. Five awards were also presented at the luncheon, including two youth awards.

Lina Ball received one of two youth business awards at the Akaitcho Business Development Corporation's award ceremony on Monday. A highlight of her successful first year was the year-end show "A World Premiere." At the show, dancer Mackenzie Marriott presented Ball with flowers. - Andrea Markey/NNSL photo

Lina Ball received an award for the Bella Dance Academy. Established last year, the academy has grown to include four new instructors, as well as additional classes.

Adult classes and new techniques including modern, hip hop and dancercise will be offered this year. More than 140 students have already registered for this season.

The four co-owners of Frostbyte Cafe received an award for their unique services. Based on analysis of the Yellowknife scene, Juan Winsor, Dustin Moore, Marcel Charland and Ian Cross are accessing untapped territory since opening in December 2004, said Melanie Day, business analyst with Akaitcho Business Development Corporation.

The internet cafe offers the newest games on the market and host gaming competitions for their clientele, primarily those 12 to 30 years old.

Most Jobs Created

J&A Fire Protection employs eight people during peak times. The company, operating since 2000, is owned and operated by Jim and Angela Mernickle. The pair and their employees install, inspect and maintain fire protection systems.

Achievement of Excellence

Cold Mountain Computing is owned and operated by Richard Barnes and Nancy Heimbach. Beginning as a home-based business in 1998, the web development and programming company employs seven full-time people.

Expanded services now include needs analysis and project planning, multi-user communications programs and e-commerce.

New Manufacturer

After moving to Yellowknife from Twillingate, Nfld., in 2000, Scott Martin continued to make and provide fishing tackle and other fishing supplies to customers in Newfoundland, Ontario and across the North. He opened MFS Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution in March of this year.