Yellowknife (Nov 15/06) - Small businesses often need a voice to help press their issues, and that voice was recently heard around the city.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) came to Yellowknife last week to meet with government and recognize longtime members.

Judith Drinnan, owner of Yellowknife Book Cellar, was one of 12 Canadian Federation of Independent Business members to receive a long-standing member award. - David Ryan/NNSL photo Yellowknife businesses receiving the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's long-serving member awards included: John Eggenberger, JJ Hobbies; Alex Debogorski, Eagle North Contracting; Jim Pook, Northern Communication and Navigation Systems; Edward Eggenberger, 913007 NWT Ltd.; Gabrielle Decorby, Polar Developments; Chuck Corothers, Home Building Centre; Micheline Levesque, Danmax Communications; Leslie Bromley, Gourmet Cup; Judith Drinnan, Yellowknife Book Cellar; Joseph Chorostkowski, J and R Mechanical; Ron Gibeault, Ron's Auto Service and Equipment Rentals; and Northern News Services.

A dozen businesses received CFIB's long-standing member awards.

For award recipient Judith Drinnan, owner of the Yellowknife Book Cellar, being a member of CFIB is worthwhile. As a small business owner, she doesn't always have time to deal with bureaucracy on her own.

"Someone is there to help fight issues," she said.

Anytime there have been questions or concerns about business, CFIB has been very accessible by e-mail or phone, she said.

Even as the bookstore has evolved - which will include a move after Christmas to the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce building - CFIB has been there to listen, she said.

"Having a group just listen to concerns is comforting," she said.

The group's priorities stem from members experiences across Canada and in Yellowknife, said CFIB Alberta and NWT policy analyst Janine Halbesma.

With a membership of more than 120 small businesses in the city, issues are being addressed on a municipal, territorial and federal level, according to Halbesma.

"Small business needs a voice at the political level," she said.

Key issues addressed while in Yellowknife include the shortage of qualified labour, the Workers' Compensation Board and time spent on government regulations and paperwork, she said.

Members spoke with all three levels of government during the three-day blitz of the city, she said.

The federation began operating in 1971 and has had members in Yellowknife since 1977.