Cranbrook hosts ConvergX event on aerospace, supply chains

The City of Cranbrook recently hosted a full-day ConvergX event that brought together more than 30 participants from academia, government, and industry across the Kootenays, Alberta, and Washington State.

Discussions focused on regional cooperation in aerospace, defence, and supply chains.

According to the City, the event builds on a year of international outreach supported by a Global Affairs Canada CanExport grant.

Cranbrook engaged with federal officials, including representatives from the Department of National Defence and Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy team, and took part in broader supply chain discussions.

The City says the Kootenays contribute to Canada’s resource and supply chain network through mineral and natural resource production, and are situated along key transportation routes linking the Prairies, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, the B.C. coast, and the Interior.

A keynote from Sheldon DeCossé of DeCossé Aerospace highlighted the Global Airborne Observatory, an aircraft-based Earth mapping system developed by Greg Asner and his team and used in environmental and resource research.

Tim Troxel of Infiniti Optics presented on imaging technologies being developed with government and industry partners.

Kim Van Vliet spoke about her role with NATO’s industrial advisory group and introduced ConvergX Xpand, a program intended to connect businesses across sectors.

Mark Norton of the I-90 Aerospace Corridor outlined growth in U.S. regional technology hubs and pointed to strong cross-border collaboration.

The City says it will continue efforts related to regional collaboration and investment attraction following the event.