Iqaluit (May 08/06) - Nunavut is a great place to develop business relationships. Just ask any of the 350 delegates who attended the 15th annual Nunavut Trade Show last week.

Markham Breitbach of SSI Micro and Qiniq demonstrates a 360-degree security system that records via a broadband internet connection. About 350 delegates gathered at the Nunavut Trade Show last week, looking to build on relationships, the theme of the event. - Chris Windeyer/NNSL photo

"If you want to do business in Nunavut, this is the place to be at," said Hal Timar, the 2006 Trade Show co-ordinator.

More than 125 company booths were set up at the Arctic Winter Games arena, with businesses from nine provinces and territories attending the three-day event, said Timar.

The trade show is expected to bring in $500,000 to the local economy of Iqaluit.

It has advanced in huge steps since it first began 15 years ago, said Timar. He said it's amazing to see business grow throughout Nunavut.

"This year's trade show theme is all about building relationships," said Timar.

Building relationships between local companies, government, southern and international businesses is what partnerships the show is focusing on.

Communicating with other businesses is something that Don Sinclaire-Chenier, the general manager of properties for Nunastar Properties, has been doing for the past four trade shows.

"We get an opportunity to network with businesses in town, the businesses from out of town, and some businesses from Labrador," said Sinclaire-Chenier.

The trade show represents an opportunity to communicate but also a time to promote products to other companies and members of the community.

"We're looking to expand the base of the show, and to recruit more people. The more the better," said Sinclair-Chenier.

As the trade show continues to expand, Timar said more work will have to be done in order to accommodate the participants.

"We sold out this year. It's nice that we're at this point, but we don't want to have to turn around anyone next year"