Const. David Aglukark, originally from Arviat, shares a laugh with some of the visitors to his RCMP Recruiting Services booth at the Kivalliq Regional Trade Show in Rankin Inlet on Oct. 1, 2014. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

RANKIN INLET
The annual Kivalliq Trade Show was a solid success despite Mother Nature's cranky mood in Rankin Inlet this past week.

In addition to the actual trade show floor, Sivumut Kivalliq (Moving the Kivalliq Forward) also featured numerous presentations, an art market, youth program, auction in support of the Nunavut Literacy Council and numerous other events.

Now in its fifth year, the trade show is viewed as a boost to business development, solid recruitment vehicle and a help to the local economy.

Nunavut Development Corp. president Darrin Nichol said the show brings private partners, the business community, and government representatives and agencies together to promote its products and services, as well as joint ventures and other partnerships that work to the benefit of the regional and territorial economy.

He said the trade show always presents the opportunity to discuss, or potentially put in place, new initiatives.

"Regardless of how many trade shows there's been, it's always a great networking opportunity," said Nichol.

"The geography here is vast, so being able to meet people face to face in order to talk business is still important.

"Deals still get formalized at these events after a long discussion, planning and negotiation process.

"The trade show is a good way to both publicly announce a new deal or initiate new business dealings."

Nichol said the trade show presents a level playing field, with no inherent advantage to anyone being from Rankin Inlet.

He said over the years, he's seen people from other communities help plan the show, which he views as being somewhat territorial in nature with the number of delegates who now attend.

"Trade shows are about businesses meeting businesses, the opportunity to build upon existing business and the possibility of generating new revenue streams.

"At the end of the day, the show benefits our private sector, offers learning opportunities and open new possibilities.

"Everybody wins with its benefit to the community, region and territory.

"I'm not sure you measure its success by the amount of dollars that flow into the community, but, rather, by the business developments and sharing of information it provides."

Sakku Investments president and CEO Patrick Tagoona said there are still plenty of business opportunities to be developed in the Kivalliq.

He said the trade show provides an opportunity for a lot of cross-exchange discussion on various ideas and business opportunities.

"The presentations at the show give folks in the Kivalliq a chance to listen to what else is out there, possibly get some new ideas and, hopefully, pursue opportunities they weren't aware of at the time," said Tagoona.

"The main floor, presentations, and various evening events during the show provide ample opportunity for business discussions to happen. With the Meadowbank gold project in operation for the past four years, and the possibility of both Meliadine and Areva's Kiggavik project eventually starting, mining is definitely the economic driver of the region right now.

"If you look at our company, Sakku, we have a number of companies providing services to the mining industry, so we definitely appreciate the business the industry brings into the Kivalliq."

Tagoona said the Meadowbank gold project was a definite eye-opener when it came to the Kivalliq being properly prepared to take advantage of opportunities associated with the Meliadine and Kiggavik projects.

He said - to use a hockey analogy - you quickly find yourself in catch-up mode if you're not ready to play the game once the puck is dropped.

"Having one mine operational, the Kivalliq is much more prepared for the opportunities that will come out of the Meliadine project and others that may come out of the region.

"We've learned a lot in a short period of time and made the necessary adjustments.

"But, there's always more opportunities to be prepared for down the road."

Tagoona also used the trade show to make a major announcement on behalf of Sakku Investments.

The company bought out Peter Tatty and the Nunasi Corp.'s interests in M&T Enterprises in Rankin Inlet.

"I gave an update on Sakku and the various initiatives we're involved in, such as the hangar project we're building in Rankin.

"We're also very happy about being able to come to an agreement that sees Sakku acquiring full ownership of M&T.

"It's a done deal and we're very excited about being able to get it finalized."