From May 31 to June 2, 2000 the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and the North of Superior Training Board will present the e-Business Conference & Exposition 2000 at the Valhalla Inn In Thunder Bay. More specific information about the conference can be found by phoning 807-346-2945 or by visiting their website at www.noacc.com/ebusiness2000.htm.

This conference has the potential to mark a turning point for the economy of Northwestern Ontario. It will do so by helping the business community and consumers understand how to bridge the gap between the old and the new economy. It will also do it by leaving behind a legacy for further economic development by creating an infrastructure for business solutions that maintain domestic buying relationships and keeps purchasing and investments dollars in our region. Let me explain.

For years we have heard, discussed, and analyzed ways to turn the economy of Northern Ontario around. We are an economy in transition and are not experiencing the expansionary growth that is happening in southern Ontario. The Internet is helping us bypass some of these problems by allowing local businesses to reach into international markets. However, the global economy is a double-edged sword and it can cut both ways.

As we reach into other markets, other entrepreneurs can reach into ours and take market share away from local businesses. To make matters worse, large organizations such as Bowater, Bombardier, Buchanan, School Boards, Hospitals, Municipalities, etc. are starting to do their purchasing on line and buying from outside the region when products/services are not available locally, or when prices are lower due to economies of scale in larger centers.

Before the conference even takes place, a consortium of private and public sector investors (including merchant banking from Toronto) has raised over $500,000 to develop, launch, and run a business-to-business platform in Northwestern Ontario. The website is already up and running and I urge everyone to check it out at www.northernsupplier.com .

With over 9000 companies in Northwestern Ontario and 30,000 in Northeastern Ontario, the potential to increase selling opportunities for local suppliers is huge. Buyers can go on line and submit their requests for products or services within certain parameters. The system will filter out the suppliers that do not fall within the criteria and send the top 5 bids to the buyers who can then follow up quickly via e-mail or by phone. Savings for the larger institutional buyers can reach 10-15% of their procurement costs.

It is estimated that there are over 18,000 people connected to the Internet in Thunder Bay alone. Most businesses now realize that they need to be on line. However, in the new economy being connected is not sufficient to remain competitive. Having the right tools (i.e. application software) and the ability to apply them strategically (i.e. platform and infrastructure) will make the difference between stagnation and growth. This conference and its legacy are a big step in the right direction and I urge everyone to attend it.

.Frank Pullia is the principal of Pullia Accounting & Consulting. He can be reached at 767-6579 or via e-mail at frank@frankpullia.com. He is also a business director on the North of Superior Training Board and a member of the International Business Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

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