by Nancy Gardiner
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 16/97) - Under a festive array of drape-sized flags honoring the warship HMCS Yellowknife, the city's business class was decked out in the finest off-shoulder, mid-calf gowns and immaculately-pressed suits.

A model of HMCS Yellowknife was displayed, encased in plexiglass, near the entrance.

About 120 NWT business people witnessed the awards presentation of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce at the Explorer Hotel.

Recipients were honored at the annual president's banquet last Friday evening.

The business person of 1996 award went to Lou Covello, who has been active in the Yellowknife business community for many years.

In 1981 he started a private geological consulting geology firm. With additional partners Doug Bryan and Gary Vivian, Covello Consulting progressed to Covello Bryan and Associates.

Upon making her presentation, outgoing chamber president Gabrielle Decorby noted that Covello is known for his honesty. "In the mining industry, honesty is something that is sometimes questioned. Surely most people in this room have heard about Bre-X," she said.

The Award of Merit went to Force One Yamaha for its outstanding success. Doug Witty is president of the company.

Yellowknife Glass Recycling won the award for Environmental Stewardship. The company is a prime example of how business can work with environmental awareness successfully.

The company has explored new ways to utilize glass waste material.