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IQALUIT
Representatives from a number of Nunavut hamlets came to the Nunavut Trade Show and Conference last week to raise their community profile, network, seek economic development opportunities, not to mention sell their arts and crafts.

Jacopie Maniapik, left, and Ben Kovic of the Baffin Fisheries Coalition show off Greenland halibut and shrimps at the Nunavut Trade Show and Conference on Sept. 29. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

The show, which ran from Sept. 27 to 29, brought small business, big corporations and Nunavummiut from across the territory to the Arctic Winter Games Arena in Iqaluit.

This year's edition marked the highest number of delegates by about 10 per cent, said Hal Timar, executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce – a number he said has been increasing steadily over the last five years. More new exhibitors are also attending the trade show this year, he added.

"We have over 400 delegates this year and we have over 100 exhibitors. About as big as we can go," said Timar "If we had more room, it could get bigger. I mean, we were sold out almost two weeks before the event, so we could have sold more booths. People wanted more but we didn't have the space."

As far as the show's success, Timar leaves that to the delegates and exhibitors to determine.

"If they have a lot of productive meetings, start building relationships, sell products, then it's a successful event," he said. "It appears from the perspective of the exhibitors and delegates I have talked to so far, yes, it's a success."

Cambridge Bay, Arctic Bay, Kugluktuk, Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven had representation at the trade show, showcasing what their communities have to offer.

Arctic Bay was one of the few communities from the Baffin Region that attended the trade show.

Economic Development Officer Clare Kines said the hamlet is trying to increase the community's visibility even further.

"It (the trade show) allows me to network with funders, talk to people I usually talk to on the phone, meet other potential clients," he said. "In terms of the hamlet, it gives us a little bit more profile, trying to attract visitors to it, get to showcase some of our arts, some of our crafts."

Arts and crafts from Arctic Bay were on sale at their booths, where Kines said they will net a modest profit, which benefits the hamlet's artists.

For Resolute, the trade show has helped them sell their community, said Philip Manik Sr., the hamlet's economic development officer.

"We're trying to let the world know what we have up there and trying boost our economy. In other words, we're selling Resolute Bay," he said.

For Cambridge Bay, the opportunity to meet with the Nunavut Economic Developers Association as well as territorial and federal government officials brings them to the trade show yearly, said Jim MacEachern, the hamlet's economic development officer.

"We get partnership opportunities, so great opportunity to meet with the different organizations and the funding partners. Really, it's all about networking," he said.

For Kugluktuk, just having a presence at the trade show allows them to discuss with companies about opportunities that could benefit the hamlet.

Economic Development Officer Stephen Novak noted the First Nations Bank is also there and Kugluktuk has been trying to get a bank to come to the community for a long time. By being there, it gives him the opportunity to speak with them and see what their future plans are.

"Coming here, having all of Nunavut here as well as a lot of companies from the south, I have made a few connections with people, not necessarily related to economic development but other aspects of the hamlet that are beneficial," he said.

Gjoa Haven brought arts and crafts from more than 50 artists and Ed Stewart, the economic development officer said he expects to sell several thousand dollars worth.

"Our sales have been good, so we're supporting our arts and crafts sector by being here," he said, adding the trade show also provides networking opportunities.

For Taloyoak, the trade show provides valuable exposure for the artists and gets the community more recognized, said economic development officer Jimmy Oleekatalik.

It wasn't only the delegates attending the conference that benefited – the hotels which hosted them were among the many Iqaluit businesses that stood to benefit from the huge crowd of businesspeople which descended on the capital.

Capital Suites is fully booked, said general manager Brian Laird.

"Whether it's the trade show or the mining symposium, they're all good for business," he said. "Because of the housing situation here in town, when more business is brought to the town itself, it usually means, whether if it's for short term or long term, the hotel is going to pick up a few rooms from that."

The Discovery Lodge Hotel was hosting the Nunavut Business Achievements Awards in the evening of Sept. 28. Nabil Kassis, the hotel's general manager, said the trade show brings them business.

"The trade show always traditionally has brought business in town. We are busy and I think every hotel in town is busy," he said. "It's always a good time when you bring business."

As for the Nova Inn, General Manager Sanjay Uppal said it is 95 per cent booked during the trade show.

The Frobisher Inn was also 95 per cent booked, and it also catered the gala dinner and the meet-and-greet. September is usually a busy month for the hotel, said general manager Paul Sherman.

"The Frobisher Inn benefits economically in the form of an increase in guest room and convention revenue due to the (Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce) trade show," he stated via e-mail.

Coinciding with the trade show, the GN announced on Sept. 28 that communities and cultural organizations will be eligible to receive funding for infrastructure, marketing, better cruise co-ordination and community beautification under the Community Tourism and Cultural Industries Program.

There will be $260,000 available for the 2011/12 fiscal year and $395,000 each for the next two fiscal years for a total of $1.05 million over three years.

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