The Ulkatcho Group of Companies (UGoC) hosted its third annual Alliance Partners Meeting to discuss key global and provincial economic issues, develop partnerships, and exploring opportunities.
The UGoC was created by the Ulkatcho First Nation (UFN) to be the economic and business development arm of the mation. Over the past three years, the UGoC has embarked on actively developing meaningful and long-term relationships to achieve economic growth and benefits on the Ancestral Lands of the Ulkatcho First Nation.
“As our nation strives towards sustainable economic revitalization, we look towards the Ulkatcho Group of Companies and the UGoC’s Alliance Partners to assist with this growth,” said Derech Sill, Ulkatcho First Nation chief. “This third annual Alliance Partners Meeting marks one of the paths forward in creating significant and lasting benefits. We look forward to the opportunities that this growing network of collaboration will help create – and values the strong partnerships.”
As part of its growth, the UGoC has forged Alliances in a number of economic sectors – including forestry, retail & community services, clean energy, mining & resource development services, civil works & equipment supply and emerging technologies. The network also encourages mutually beneficial business opportunities between the various partners.
The UGoC brings together the Alliance Partners yearly to connect and discuss upcoming growth areas and explore new business opportunities. The Meeting brought together 71 Senior Business Leaders from over 30 different companies and organizations.
In a special message to the gathering from the Minister of Mining & Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, on behalf of the Premier David Eby, the Minister recognized the important partnership work being advanced by the UGoC and applauded the company’s Leadership.
This year’s meeting featured four keynote presentations providing a multi-layered analysis of the current global geo-political situation and BC’s current economic & business landscape:
- Stephen D. James, C.E.O of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies began the session by providing an overview of the history and growth of the UGoC.
- National Overview: Challenges and Opportunities: Mike Gill, CFA, Senior Investment Counsellor at BMO, delivered a comprehensive briefing on global geopolitics and their impacts on the Canadian economy.
- Provincial Picture: Mining and Economic Development: Kendra Johnston, Assistant Deputy Minister for the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, detailed the provincial landscape, focusing on the major mining and exploration projects across British Columbia.
- Special Sectoral Company Focus: Dale Andres, CEO of Artemis Gold Inc., shared insights on the company’s BWG Project’s Current Operations & Phase 2 Expansion Plans.
The UGoC intends to leverage the momentum from this meeting to deepen collaboration between its Alliance Partners, focusing on what is describes as the “Internal Alliance Economy”.