Fort Simpson (June 02/03) - The NWT Chamber of Commerce has selected Dr. Jim Tennant of Hay River as its 2003 Business Person of the Year.

Dr. Jim Tennant - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

Tennant received the award at the chamber's annual general meeting in Fort Simpson last week.

A Hay River resident since 1973, he was nominated for the award by the Hay River Chamber of Commerce.

Tennant, president of the NWT Dental Association, provides dental support and supervision to therapists in the communities of Fort Simpson, Rae-Edzo, Snare Lake, Wha'Ti, Rae Lakes, and Lutsel'Ke.

He is also a dental consultant for the GNWT and sits on a three-level government committee charged with the development of a national oral health strategy.

Tennant has flown into 30 Northern communities to provide dental services.

He holds both private and commercial pilot's licences and was instrumental in organizing the Hay River chapter of the Canadian Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).

He is currently a CASARA director and a charter member of the Hay River Rotary Club.

In nominating him for the award, Hay River chamber president Doreen Farrants cited "his business acumen and ethic, professional influence and skill, and resonating spirit, which speak for themselves."

Tennant was surprised at the award given the focus in the territory on diamond projects and the pipeline.

"It is a real honour to get this sort of recognition," he said.

"I think it speaks to the realization that successful communities are built not just on resources and industry.

"They also require an infrastructure of health and education professionals who bring stability to our communities and ensure that the NWT continues to attract and retain skilled workers and their families."

Matco Transportation Systems was named NWT business of the year for 2003. The company has NWT operations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Smith and Hay River.