John Curran
Northern News Services

Cambridge Bay (Jan 16/06) - Businesses from around the country are preparing to descend on Cambridge Bay for the 2006 Kitikmeot Trade Show, Feb. 6-8, in what organizers expect to be record numbers.

Cambridge Bay's economic development officer Chris King said the trade show is a great showcase for the community's artists and can result in as much as $50,000 to $100,000 in commissioned carvings for corporate clients. - NNSL file photo

"We're very excited," said co-ordinator Brenda Mercer, owner of Mercer Business Support Services.

Last year's show, which broke all attendance records, attracted 42 exhibitors. With 26 already confirmed for this year, she said it's on pace to better that mark.

At that's great news for the community and its economy.

Most of the community's 150 or so hotel beds have already been booked, she said, adding accommodations are just part of the benefit.

"It's a big event for us," said Chris King, community economic development officer. "The trade show itself is worth about $200,000 for the community."

The deals signed during the 2005 event totalled between $300,000 and $400,000 worth of business for Kitikmeot-based firms, he said, adding the artists of Cambridge Bay were among the biggest winners.

"We had one carver who has done 10 pieces worth $5,000 to $10,000 each that were commissioned by a corporate client he met at the 2005 show," said King.

After last year's show, Mercer said the exhibitors felt they had more than enough time to see everyone and wanted to use the event to highlight some of the region's concerns moving forward.

"Instead of two full days of exhibits, the Wednesday afternoon will feature a forum discussing transportation in the Kitikmeot," she said. "The organizing committee really wants to bring the proposed Bathurst Inlet road and port project back into the forefront."

The panel of heavy-hitters from around the territory includes Fred Hunt, Nunasi; Wilf Wilcox, Kitnuna; David Foster, NTCL; Methusalah Kunuk, assistant deputy minister of transportation for the GN; Charlie Lyall, Kitikmeot Corp.; Donald Haviokyak, Kitikmeot Inuit Association; Scott Stringer, Miramar; and, Greg Missal, Tahera.

"Doug Crossley will be our moderator," said Mercer. "He's worn many hats during his 35-plus years in the North and certainly his involvement is one of the reasons we were able to attract such an all-star lineup of speakers."