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New executive director for Kitikmeot Chamber of Commerce

Valter Botelho-Resendes was recently hired as executive director for the Kitikmeot Chamber of Commerce.

He replaces Cynthia Ene, who is returning to consulting after having served as the Chamber's executive director since the organization was revived in July 2017.

"I noticed it was a really friendly community right off the get-go," Valter Botelho-Resendes says of Cambridge Bay. photo courtesy of Valter Botelho-Resendes

Botelho-Resendes was in the process of registering his own small business in the community when he learned of the job opportunity.

“I was just looking to get involved somehow,” he said. “The next thing I knew I was interviewing for the role and they thought I was a good candidate.”

He has previous business experience from having launched a print shop and a landscaping company in the south.

Possessing a passion for mentoring youth, he's hoping to hear from some of the community's young adults in regards to potential initiatives that could benefit them.

“They're the next generation of business owners,” he said.

Botelho-Resendes and his girlfriend, a nurse, lived in Baker Lake in the past. He came to Cambridge Bay from Ottawa in March and said his initial impressions have been positive.

“I love the community,” he said. “I noticed it was a really friendly community right off the get-go. So far it's been great. I've interacted with a lot of people and gotten to know a lot of the business owners.”