Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 19/05) - Many things have changed over the past six decades, but for the business community many issues remain the same.

As the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce hosts its 59th annual general meeting and business conference on Friday, chamber president Steven Meister said his organization is still one of the best ways for local firms to get their message heard by politicians and policy-makers.

"Infrastructure is still key," he said. "Fifty years ago items were barged, now we are talking about the completion of the highway and possibly a bridge over the Mackenzie River."

What was a mining town is still largely a mining town, he said, adding the issues of a skilled labour shortage and housing haven't gone away.

The chamber's role in addressing these issues continues through lobbying the government on behalf of its members and keeping people aware of what's happening, he said.

"Increasingly, we are working with other organizations such as the NWT Construction Association and the Chamber of Mines because many struggles, such as labour, cross paths," he said.

More than 80 of the approximately 400 chamber members are expected to attend this year's gathering - in line with other years, he said.

But with a growing economy, chamber activities are sometimes overlooked by its members.

"We have shrunk a little bit in the last few years, and it is directly proportionate to the strength in the economy," he said.

People are busy and sometimes they don't see the need for the chamber when things are growing, he said.

"We are a voice for the Yellowknife business community, whether they are a member or not," he said.

Meister plans to put himself forward for a second one-year term as chamber president.

"One year is a really short time to see projects through to the end," he said, citing the NWT Convention Bureau as an example of an ongoing effort.

The possibility of a two-year term for chamber president is something that will be discussed in the near future, he said.

"For continuity and consistency, a two-year term makes sense."

This year's business conference includes panels on starting and sustaining a business and marketing a business.

Plans are already being made for the chamber's 60th anniversary event next year, including key speakers and special events.