Yellowknife (June 04/03) - Matco Transportation Systems is the NWT Chamber of Commerce business of the year for 2003.

Matco president Ray Anderson accepts business of the year award from Kelly Hayden, past president of the NWT Chamber of Commerce. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

The award was announced at the chamber's annual general meeting in Fort Simpson last week.

From small beginnings as a ground-handling operation in Norman Wells 37 years ago, Matco has grown into a multi-branch freight, household goods, storage and overseas transportation operation.

President Ray Anderson said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the award.

The award cited the company's long commitment to Northern communities; its local hire and purchase policies; and its hands-on management style.

"The business model has been developed on ownership of facilities at each branch, with resident management that is available on site to ensure optimum trouble-free service," said NWT chamber past president Kelly Hayden in presenting the award.

"Senior management keep in touch with clients and suppliers by continuous attendance in person to maintain marketplace familiarity."

Anderson said later the company's success derives from a willingness to put down roots in the North and stay the course through up and down market cycles.

"You can't just go North to get business," said Anderson.

"To succeed, you have to stay. Until you become a part of the community that you are doing business with, you can't really appreciate the diversity and skill of the people that the north attracts."

The company now has NWT operations in Inuvik, Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith. It also operates in Whitehorse and maintains goods-gathering terminals in Edmonton and Calgary.

Anderson notes that the firm has gone through "many different incarnations" through the years and credited Matco employees for the company's staying power.

"Our success has been our ability to attract good people who have a desire to strengthen the community as a whole."