Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Jun 29/01) - Mayor Peter Clarkson called the first Inuvik Petroleum Show an "incredible" two days.
He said the event was a good chance for oil and gas firm representatives to meet with local people.
"That was our objective, to get people together to discuss how things went, and to set up a process so things could go even better in the future."
Clarkson said, "No matter how far we advance in the electronic world of communications, it all comes down to knowing people face to face."
Wally Cullen, an accounts manager with Imperial Oil, agreed.
"Coming together like this, you get the chance to share new ideas and a better understanding of what's going on in the industry," Cullen said.
Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland was pleased with the show.
"We've got a lot of companies and corporations showing interest again in the Mackenzie Delta," Roland said.
"That's good for Inuvik in the sense of the spinoff of all these people here, and using the services of the community."
Effie McLeod, president of the Community Garden Society of Inuvik, commented, "It's pretty amazing to see the large numbers of people that have come out to the show, especially from the industry."
Jill Finley, who helped staff Inuvik Gas Ltd.'s booth at the trade exhibition, said things were quite busy.
"It's great," Finley said.
Paul Watters also staffed a booth at the trade show. He's a managing partner with Haylor Financial Services Ltd. in Inuvik.
"To a small local company like us, it's the best opportunity we have to see what's out there," Watters said.
Rod Maier, Northern gas program manager for Chevron Canada Resources Ltd., said he was really encouraged by the interest shown at the conference.
"It really shows support for Northern development," Maier said.
John Brown of Shell Canada Ltd. said there was a "dynamic environment for networking" at the show.
Several people commented on how well the conference was organized.
Mary Beckett of Beckett Business Services said, "The conference was well organized, the speakers were interesting, and the trade show itself was a valuable resource."
Deputy mayor Arlene Hansen said the event was well organized and was a wonderful opportunity for people to get together and talk.
Coun. Don Craik said, "I heard a lot of comments from people saying they thought it was even better than the Calgary show. There was a lot more opportunity for networking."
Coun. Denny Rodgers said that all the comments he's heard could best be summed up as 'wow.'
Plans are already in the works for next year's show, with at least 40 firms having already booked booths for the trade exhibition.
