Aboriginal Meeting Packs Venue

Aboriginal business meeting packs venue Fort McMurray Today January 14, 2011

By CAROL CHRISTIAN Today staff It may have been free, but Wednesday night's general meeting of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association was a figurative sell out.

The group gathered for the meeting, sponsored by Shell Albian Sands, at The Radisson where general manager John Rhind talked business, all the way from Royal Dutch Global business priorities right down to how the multi-national company fits locally and challenges all business people face.

"From NAABA's point of view, this was a great event for our members," said Chris Fell, events co-ordinator. "For the first time, we reached capacity for the venue."

The capacity number was 50.

"It's free for all our members. We sold out," she added. "It was fabulous for our members to have a one-on-one with John Rhind because he stayed for an hour and chatted to everybody, he was so cool; an amazing speaker."

Cheryl Alexander, NAABA's general manager, reviewed the association's achievements of 2010 and outlining plans for the future before introducing Rhind.

The fourth aboriginal business showcase slated for March 24 at The Sawridge Hotel is on NAABAS upcoming calendar of events.

"We average about 40 exhibitors which is as many as we can take so it sells out every time," said Fell. Sponsored by Alberta Employment and Immigration, exhibitors include a variety of aboriginal businesses local to Wood Buffalo including contractors.

"In that, we also include not-for- profit organizations. Last year, we had Community Futures. This year ATC are coming," said Fell, referring to the Athabasca Tribal Council.

NAABA is also gearing up for the second aboriginal women in business banquet -- sponsored by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. -- scheduled for April 28.

This year's quest speaker is Marie Delorme, the owner of the Imagine Group. Last year's guest speaker was TV starturned-politician- entrepreneur Tina Keeper.