Businesses new and old make debut at trade show
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 11/01) - Considering the diversity found in Yellowknife's business community, one would expect to see several new faces every year at the trade show, including those who have been around a while but haven't participated before.
Quality Furniture is one such business.
While it's been open since 1984, this year will mark the first year the business will be participating in the trade show.
Jeannie Rocher, who will be running two booths this weekend, says the decision to give it a go this time around had more to do with an ever-increasing amount of stock than anything else.
"We're going in it this year because we're carrying such a wide variety of items, and I don't think people know what we have," Rocher says.
One exhibitor making his first appearance at the trade show is Dave Beckwith, owner of Centurion Security Services.
His company offers state of the art surveillance equipment, anything from hidden cameras to security alarms.
"We have cameras the size of a dime," Beckwith explains. "One looks like a motion detector, the other looks like a smoke detector and one looks like a clock.
"We mostly supply to hotels, restaurants, different industries for airports and diamond processing plants."
Marg Baile has a long entrepreneurial history in Yellowknife, having previously owned the Arctic Art Gallery, but is now onto a new venture with Arctic Diamonds.
"I was one of the very first ones at the trade show in '84-85 back when it was nothing, no facilities, electricity, chairs and very few exhibitors," Baile remembers.
"Now you got to get your name in early to get a booth."
Baile will be showcasing her selection of high-end jewellery, including wedding rings, pendants and necklaces.
All diamonds in her collection were produced right here in the Northwest Territories.
In addition, she also carries south black pearls, an item she first came across while visiting the Cook Islands.
"Wouldn't they be lovely with the Arctic diamonds," Baile muses.
"I love selling, and I love selling beautiful things, so this is ideal for me."
