Companies, business and community leaders from across the country gathered in Sault Ste. Marie last week for Aboriginal Business Match (ABM) East 2016.
The forum drew 75 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business leaders to the Machine Shop to participate in the matchmaking-type event.
“It’s an exciting time to do business in the Aboriginal market,” said QWASTeNAYe (L. Maynard Harry), a principal partner of Raven Events & Communications, the event management company that facilitates ABM forums across Canada.
“It’s great to be in a room with both community and corporate decision makers who recognize that value and opportunity — that’s what makes the forum that ABM provides truly unprecedented.”
A number of Sault Ste. Marie firms took part in ABM East 2016, including McDougall Energy, GHD, T&T Promotional Products, Great Lakes Power, BDO Canada, N-Sci Technologies, and Pinchin Ltd.
Given the investment and partnership opportunities generated for these companies, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation joined forces with Garden River First Nation and Mississauga First Nation to host the event.
“This was a great opportunity for local companies, and I thank our hosting partners, along with ABM East organizers, for their efforts in securing and facilitating this forum in our community,” said Dan Hollingsworth, executive director of business development for the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.
“Everyone came together to make this happen, and we’re very proud of the end result.”
Tourism Sault Ste. Marie also worked with conference organizers to secure ABM East 2016 for the community. Seven ABM events take place throughout Canada annually and are supported by a National Partners Group comprised of national Aboriginal and corporate leadership.
