Around the North

Creating sustainable communities will be the buzz words on the lips of attendees at the Sustainable Communities in the North conference, Feb. 25-26 in Thunder Bay.

The City of North Bay launched an immigration web portal to assist individuals during every stage of the process in coming to the community.

BacTech Mining Corporation (TSX-V:BM), which is currently undergoing preparatory work for a $20-million bioleaching test plant in the Cobalt area, has announced it will reorganize to create separate companies for its two main working divisions.

Officials at CAW Local 599 are looking to help in the battle to keep the jobs at the Timmins Kidd Metallurgical site with an informational meeting set for Jan. 17 at the MacIntyre Arena.

Another senior member of Ontario's Premier Dalton McGuinty's cabinet has stepped out to run at the municipal level. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson quit provincial politics to run for the mayor of Ottawa.

Armistice Resources Corp. (TSX: AZ), which is moving toward gold production at its McGarry Mine 40 kilometres east of Kirkland Lake, has plans to buy the 2,000-acre Kerr Mine workings and related mineral properties.

For the second time since 2007, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce has earned "accreditation with distinction" status from the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada.

Financing and land acquisitions are in place to move forward with the $100-million first phase of a 20-megawatt solar energy project in Sault Ste. Marie, announced local MPP David Orazietti Jan. 7.

Do you know someone who is deserving of public praise for her business acumen, career success, professional drive and contribution to community? Consider nominating her (or yourself) for a prestigious 2010 IW Award! The 13th Annual Influential Women

The Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSX:AVL) annual shareholders meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Wentworth Room, located at 123 Queen St. W.