Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Norman Wells (Mar 24/00) - Creating more than 600 jobs and in excess of $7 million in wages and benefits in the Fort Liard area has earned Acho Dene Koe Chief Harry Deneron the NWT Chamber of Commerce's businessperson of the year award for 1999.

Deneron was in Norman Wells to accept the plaque at a chamber banquet during their annual general meeting last weekend.

Arny Steinwand, of the Rae-Edzo Chamber of Commerce, nominated Deneron for the distinction. Presenting the award, he described him as "an achiever" who strived to improve his people and his community.

Seated at the head table, Deneron said his mandate in 1993 was to allow oil and gas exploration and development proceed in Fort Liard. He noted that the gas pipelines can be lucrative, but the real benefit comes from the jobs and related spinoffs the industry creates in the community.

"What we experienced in Liard has to be experienced down the Mackenzie Valley," said Deneron, who has been made the chair of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline working group by his fellow NWT chiefs.

Elder, councillor and Acho Dene Koe director Stanley Bertrand accompanied Deneron at the banquet along with councillor and director Floyd Diamond'C and Shane Parrish, Acho Dene Koe Holdings general manager.

A press release subsequently issued by the NWT Chamber of Commerce, states, "Chief Deneron brought recognition to the community of Fort Liard demonstrating that they are open for business ..."

The Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing the businessperson of the year since 1986. Deneron, who was born, raised and educated in the NWT and who became Acho Dene Koe chief in 1975, was selected among the nominees by a chamber committee. Last year's winner was Yellowknife's Gordon Stewart of Braden Burry Expediting. BHP Diamonds was named business of the year.

Next year's NWT chamber annual general meeting is slated to take place in Fort Smith.