Northern Exposure: Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Hosting upcoming Economic Development Tour to Thompson & NCN.When you travel to the North, the air is fresh and crisp, and the people are warm and welcoming. And investment and expansion opportunities abound.
On April 15 & 16, 2020, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce will lead a delegation of business and community leaders to Thompson and neighbouring Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) on an Economic Development Tour (EDT).
There is still time to register (just $995+GST/person!) for MCCs April 15 & 16, 2020 tour of Thompson & NCN, with an itinerary that includes visits to the Vale Nickel Mine, home to 900 employees; University College of the North’s Thompson campus; the 200-megawatt Wuskwatim Generating Station located on the beautiful Burntwood River, and seats at the Northern Tourism Awards.
“This will be our fifth EDT since 2018, and they have proven to be a great way to experience these communities and connect immediately with decision-makers,” says Shyanne Mattey, Tour Coordinator, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “We have a maximum of 25 delegates set for each tour and we take care of everything – the itinerary, coordinating meetings with elected officials and Indigenous leaders to discuss economic development, accommodations, flights, and meals. That way, participants are able to focus solely on exploring opportunities, networking, and making contacts.”
This upcoming tour will mark the second excursion to Thompson for Mattey and MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson, who was born in Snow Lake, resided in Flin Flon, and worked in the mines.
“The North is an untapped gem, so we’re working hard to introduce Manitoba business leaders to the opportunities – whether that’s housing, construction, tourism, mining, shipping routes, and more,” says Davidson. “The reality is that many Manitobans haven’t visited Northern communities nor do they do business there. We want local leaders to see that there is arts and culture, natural beauty and resources, a great way of life, and lucrative development and entrepreneurship happening directly North of us.”
MCC has coordinated tours of The Pas & OCN, Flin Flon, and Churchill, and the final of six planned tours will take place in July 2020 with a return to the Churchill along the shores of the Hudson Bay.
Tour delegations have visited Indigenous-owned businesses, LED growing operations for fresh produce, local recreational facilities, manufacturing facilities and mines, and they’ve experienced beluga whales, stunning landscapes, aurora borealis, sweet little museums, and so much more.
“We board a bus and we criss-cross the communities, meeting with people who are so pleased that we’re there and excited to showcase what their communities have to offer. Our local Chamber of Commerce representatives really make this all possible because they step up to help us dig into the region’s opportunities and to arrange visits of key locations,” says Mattey.
According to Davidson, feedback on the tours has been overwhelmingly positive.
“When we survey delegates after each EDT, they tell us that the experience was meaningful and rewarding for them, and we always hear great things from the residents of the communities we visit. Most importantly, ongoing business relationships certainly do result from the trips.”
To access our itinerary and register: tours.jointhechamber.ca or call Shyanne at 204-948-0111
