Held Nov. 6-7 at the Yellowknife Inn, the sessions included a mix of looking at the ongoing evolution of the “Spectacular NWT” brand, panel discussions on industry trends, speakers focused on practical “how-to” marketing and product development topics and government dignitaries. There was even a chance for participants to meet with international travel buyers who were on hand for the event.

 

Sarah Marsh, Manager Research and Planning with Industry Tourism and Investment, offered a statistical update on the territorial industry, which in 2008/09 was worth about $113.3 million. That total amount visitors spent breaks down as follows: 33,624 business travelers spent $74.6 million; 7,274 anglers spent $17 million; 942 hunters spent $12.4 million; 24,021 general tourists and RV drivers spent $12.3 million; 5,460 Aurora viewers spent $7.2 million; and 2,098 outdoor adventure enthusiasts spent $6.8 million.

 

A new Board of Directors was also appointed on the second day of the AGM with Jenni Bruce, Chateau Nova, taking over as Chair from Tracy Therrien, Your Planner, who remains as Past Chair for one year. Other Officers and Directors include: Vice Chair – Mike Olson, First Air; Secretary – Larry Jacquard, Yellowknife Inn; Treasurer – Greg Robertson, Bluefish Services; Director – Hideo Nagatani, Aurora Village; Director – Shane Jonker, Plummer’s Lodge; Director – Carol Beck, Beck’s Kennels; Director – Kirk Dolphus, Sahtu Secretariat; Director – Wanda McDonald, Gwich’in Tribal Council; Director – Moise Rabesca, Tlicho Government, and; Director – Doug Doan, GNWT - ITI.

 

In association with the network of community chambers of commerce in Fort Simpson, Inuvik, Behchoko, Norman Wells, Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife as well as the Northern Aboriginal Business Association, the NWT Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of more than 865 members. For more than 35 years, it has been the only pan-territorial voice of businesses across all sectors of the Northern economy.