Northwest Prosperity showcases northern opportunities

Thunder Bay - Businesses gathered at this year's Prosperity Northwest conference to connect and recognize growth opportunities for the coming years.

The event was hosted by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Anishinabek Business Professional Association on Wednesday at the Valhalla Inn.

"(At the Prosperity Northwest conference, we) really focus on what opportunities exist for our region over the next five to twenty years. We're talking about mining, energy, and biofuels, among others. We just discussed some other economic opportunities across the province," said Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Robinson said the conference is held annually, adding that it continues to grow each time it's held.

"It's all about business-to-business connections. People come here to meet businesses they don't know about, which can now meet their own business needs. The people attending the business trade show here, many of them are trying to connect with some of the new projects that are coming.

"We have energy projects, mining projects, we have all kinds of projects. It's hard to find people to talk to on your own. So, they're here, they can make connections, introduce themselves. 'Here's what our company offers, how can we connect to provide opportunities for some people to buy and sell between our businesses,'" she said.

Robinson said the event isn't promoted to the public, but it's an opportunity for businesses to invite clients to connect with them and other businesses.

"Our businesses come from across the country, mainly Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario, but there are also some other companies that see Thunder Bay as a business opportunity. It's also a great opportunity for them to learn about some partnership opportunities and the potential of opening an office here."

Robinson said there were 68 booths and over 400 people in attendance on Wednesday.

She said the real purpose of the Prosperity Northwest conference isn't to develop projects, but to help people understand what those projects are.

"But, back in 2017, one of the speakers talked about the Greenstone gold mine that opened last year. Throughout the opening and evaluation process, we've been inviting them here as speakers, with regular updates every few years, and last year they were able to truly say we're opening next year.

"It's amazing to see that transition from idea to now, we'll work to get this idea approved, then we'll be in business, we're already buying from you, here's how we can buy more from you. Seeing that transition is really exciting. They don't happen in 15 minutes, sometimes they last 15 years, but to ensure businesses understand these projects, even from the start, they can begin to figure out where their business might fit and make those connections. When the actual opportunity is ready for them, they've already made those connections, and that's what it's all about," Robinson said.

Jason Thompson, president and CEO of Superior Strategies Inc. and Warrior Engineering, said the business environment in northwestern Ontario is very good.

"You see a lot of future potential opportunities, and actually, we're seeing that today, so it's exciting to be here, and it's absolutely very important."

Thompson said that as an Indigenous businessman, attending this event is crucial.

"We brought everyone from the service industry here and brought in talent from various business sectors, including energy, mining, forestry, transportation, and various types of infrastructure projects and opportunities.

"The goal today is, we clearly heard this from the Chamber and ABPA, that the business community is looking for projects and opportunities that are relevant today, not just potential mining projects years down the road, but shovel-ready projects today, not five or ten years from now, and that's important."

Thompson said that in this era of reconciliation, it's important for businesses to focus on meaningful engagement and building capacity within the community.

"I firmly believe that the way forward is working together, which means building strong relationships and growing together," he said.

Source: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/prosperity-northwest-showcased-oppourtunites-for-the-north-10150865