May 9, 2019
Thebacha Business Development Services hosted their 14TH Annual Thebacha Trade Show April 27th in Fort Smith. The show featured a sold-out group of 40+ exhibitors and a huge attendance of trade-show-goers from around the region.
The GNWT was well represented with a number of Departments promoting their programs and services.
Among them, ITI sponsored five Fort Smith artists to attend and to use the venue to promote their art for sale.
ITI’s Business Programs Officer, Melissa Johns, coordinates the initiative.
“We’ve been encouraging local, trade-ready artists to attend the show for many years now – but rarely the same artist twice; it gives artists an equal opportunity to promote and sell their work.”
Ruthanne Klengenberg featured her collection of jewelry and accessories.
John D. Mckinnon promoting his Aurora photography.
Wayne Keefe presents a collection of his paintings.
Levi James MacDonald (Left) displays his carving creations and was visited by father, James “Toko” Macdonald and grandfather Sonny MacDonald – three generations of carvers.
Pauline Gordon (Middle) presents her beading to trade-show-goers.
Each artist reported sales but more importantly, great exposure to their art helping to move their businesses forward.
Thebacha Business Development Services is a Community Futures Development Corporation serving the East South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories of Canada, and the communities of Fort Smith, Fort Resolution and Lutsel k'e.
Miss out? Don’t worry the team is already planning next year’s event!
ITI believes that investments that enable the showcasing of northern talents can increase sales and promote the success of local made-in-the-NWT products and businesses.
