Norman Wells (Jun 05/06) - To be the voice of business in the NWT, you need to get out and listen to your members.

That's what the territorial Chamber of Commerce was hoping to accomplish when it held its annual general meeting in Norman Wells, May 26-28. By all accounts, it was a success.

"It's great to get out and see what's going on in the communities," said John Carter, the chamber's executive director.

With well-run member firms spread around the NWT, Carter said it makes sense to rotate the meeting to different communities each year.

The 27 business and government representatives who attended the meeting got to see some great examples of business success and leadership in Norman Wells.

A prime example of this is North-Wright Airways, said Carter.

The company won the NWT Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award during the festivities.

"We were surprised to be considered and thrilled to win," said North-Wright Airways co-owner Carolyn Wright.

The Norman Wells-based airline has seen steady growth since opening in 1987, she said, adding she enjoyed the fact the meeting was held in her company's home community.

"It's nice to catch up with what's new and upcoming," she said.

"To talk to people we know from the industry is great, but it's also a chance to meet new people."

The territorial economy is dependent on businesses from all regions working together, said Tom Ruth, president of Canadian North airlines, adding that's why it's so important to host events like this in different places.

"The different chambers are able to learn from each other and share ideas," said Ruth. It was great to have local involvement in the event and the meeting was quite successful, said Val McGregor, president of the Norman Wells Chamber of Commerce.

"We came to some conclusions that will help our chamber and the NWT chamber," she said.

Being able to speak with other members of different chambers around the territories helped McGregor see the challenges each organization faces.

"It's good to know that we're not alone," she said.

The other major award that was handed out went to Adam Bembridge, president of Great Slave Helicopters, who was honoured as Business Person of the Year.