Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CDETNO) announces the celebration of its twentieth anniversary which will be held in Yellowknife from October 15 to 18, 2024 around the theme: 20 years of experience and presence in the community. For four days, the organization will offer a range of activities for celebration, reflection, and learning.
This celebration initially scheduled for fall 2023 was postponed due to wildfires and evacuations. However, the board of directors wanted to make this major stop to highlight the second decade of CDETNO. “The age of twenty is the end of adolescence,” says the president, Frederic Deschènes.
According to Deschènes, CDETNO has never stopped growing since it was officially established in 2003. Over time, it has become one of the most important economic development pillars in the Territory. “Employability, immigration, entrepreneurship, and tourism, CDETNO has developed a dynamic team that continues to impress,” he says.
CDETNO’s Executive Director, François Afane, adds that when he took office in 2018, the organization had eight employees, whereas today there are 17.
“In five years, the organization has really exploded, and we have taken different directions which have allowed us to broaden our portfolio and develop real expertise,” says Afane. “That’s why the team and I decided it was relevant, yes, to mark our 20th anniversary; but also to show the community the full extent of the services that we offer.”
The executive director notes that as an example, the NWT Career Centre currently serves more than 6,000 clients annually, and some beneficiaries do not know it is one of the multiple branches of CDETNO.
In this regard, October 15, 16, and 17 will be days to highlight services, learning, and reflecting; followed by a grand gala celebration and recognition on October 18 at 7 p.m. at Explorer Hotel.
“At 20 we party! We’re celebrating in a big way! We’re heading towards new adventures! » concludes the president, Frederic Deschènes.
The detailed program of activities will be communicated in the coming weeks.
For more information and interview requests : communication@cdetno.com