THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is providing $15,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce to host, in partnership with the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association, the 2024 Prosperity Northwest tradeshow and conference in Thunder Bay on January 30 and 31. This investment is helping industry professionals connect and grow their businesses.

 

“I am delighted to witness the unfolding of Prosperity Northwest right here in Thunder Bay,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “Energy, mining, bioeconomy and forestry stand as the pillars of economic development for our district. This gathering of industry professionals fosters collaboration and ensures Northwestern Ontario’s resilience and prosperity in the broader landscape of our province.”

 

Prosperity Northwest is for people and businesses connected to the mining, forestry, bioeconomy and energy sectors. It is an occasion to network with industry experts, and features a tradeshow with 60 exhibitors and a lineup of speakers sharing their knowledge and discussing strategies and concepts on partnerships and opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.

 

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the NOHFC, which is instrumental to the growth of Prosperity Northwest,” said Charla Robinson, President, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. “As one of the region’s premier business conferences, Prosperity Northwest focuses on providing content and contacts that ensure businesses can harness growth opportunities across Northwestern Ontario.”

 

“As part of our government’s commitment to strengthen regional economic opportunities in the North, we are proud to support Prosperity Northwest with an investment from the NOHFC,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “The tradeshow and conference brings together top industry professionals promoting local networking and partnership opportunities right here in the Northwest.”

 

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $726 million in 6,128 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,500 jobs.

 

Quick Fact

 

• • The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

 

• • The NOHFC’s Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and television series.

 

 

Media Contacts

 

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

 

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca