Yellowknife (Aug 13/03) - The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce has almost doubled in size and is shooting to become the largest per capita chamber in the country by the end of this year.

Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce's executive director, Dale Thomson, spoke recently about the vitality of his organization. The upcoming municipal election, the possible development of an airport authority, downtown revitalization and the Kam Lake Industrial Park are all issues of concern for the chamber. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

Dale Thomson, executive director for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, says there's a number of reasons for the increase in membership.

"You've never seen such a phenomenally enthusiastic business community," said Thomson.

"It's really exciting and fun. Everyone's gung-ho - - no one knows the meaning of the word, 'no.' I've never seen such an interesting business community," said Thomson.

Thomson added that momentum within the chamber is building toward a critical mass.

"If they can do it - - they'll do it and if not, they'll tell you why. You get caught up in the excitement," said Thomson.

In the immediate future, Thomson says the chamber will be dealing with issues. surrounding Kam Lake Industrial Park and whether its development has followed its original plan and possible development of an airport authority, a city market and downtown revitalization.

Other issues include the upcoming municipal elections and issues surrounding business that come forward during the election.

"There are so many issues including a convention centre-multiplex, waterfront development, the airport authority and new schools," said Thomson.

One of the primary issues the chamber is planning to deal with growth.

"We are where Fort McMurray was 10 years ago," said Thomson.

Yellowknife goes through mild cycles, Thomson explained, with a measured-sweeping wave of his pen, "we've had some rough times and now we can certainly look forward to a good upswing," he said.

Another primary issue facing business people in Yellowknife is getting and keeping qualified personnel.

"We're short employees. Overall, the city could use another 500 to 1,000 employees but we just can't find the people," said Thomson. "We are growing at a faster pace than what we can keep up with."

Gerry Jaud, vice president for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, agrees with Thomson's assessment.

"Everyone is busy looking for people. Every where you turn people are talking about their human resources problems," said Jaud.

Jaud said the Chamber's membership has climbed from 297 to 463 over the past 24 months. He attributes that to new business start-ups and a renewed interest in the chamber.

"The chamber has gained credibility over the last couple of years and there are a lot of directors and members devoting a lot of time and energy to the chamber," said Jaud.

Jaud said the renewed interest has much to do with developing the diamond industry in Yellowknife.

The oil and gas sector, the devolution of government departments and meeting the service and infrastructure requirements from these developments have also driven the local business community to become involved in the Chamber of Commerce, said Jaud.