Upbeat Atmosphere at theProsperity Northwest Event
by Scott A. Sumner
There was a upbeat attitude at the Prosperity Northwest Event held recently at the Valhalla Inn.
“ The goal of the event ultimately is to bring awareness to the opportunities taking place in the region with the mining sector, energy and forestry- which are all pretty hot.” said Jason Thompson, outgoing Chair of the Board of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and boardmember of the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association. He is also president of Superior Strategies, Warrior Supplies, Warrior Office, Warrior Engineering a separate entity, and Warrior Battery Supplies. He also partners with some friends in a business in Saskatchewan.The companies have 20 to 40 employees depending on the time of the year.
“ The important part from the perspective of the Chamber and ABPA is to foster communication around reconciliation and the calls to action. I truly believe it is prospering together and that's why we have the title of the event Prosperity Northwest.” he said.
The event was a success. The exhibitor spaces sold out quite quickly in the process, registration was up and there was a lot of energy in the room.
“ We hope this will spur on more opportunities to grow between the business community, locally and in the region.There is a big study going on and we feel it is important to help the community members, business and non business, understand the positive economic impact brought to the community through the Indigenous community. Now is the time to ensure we are benefiting from what we are contributing to the economy. In this era of reconciliation it is important to have those discussions, build those partnerships, partnerships that are beneficial for all,” said Jason Thompson. “ It is exciting from exploration sites to potential energy projects. We are fortunate to be involved in a lot of conservation about what is happening in the different sectors and it allows me to be excited and share it with other people who will listen.”
“ For me becoming an entrepreneur has been fun and stressful at the same time. I've always been a person who has been really committed to inclusion and reconciliation. It is a part of who I am and part of who our businesses are.” Jason said.
