The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) Oct. 16 welcomed the Honourable Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services to Cranbrook.

A gathering of about 40 tech-industry and community leaders took place at the Royal Alexandra Hall in the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, to celebrate the East Kootenay’s technology, innovation and the knowledge economy.

Joining Minister Wilkinson was Dean Prelazzi, the Managing Director of the BC Acceleration Program at the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC).

The event highlighted the diversity of technology innovation in the East Kootenay, its importance to the local economy, and the availability, through KRIC, of the BC Venture Acceleration Program.

After brief presentations from Sheelagh England, Executive Director of KRIC, Minister Wilkinson and Dean Prelazzi, seven innovative regional businesses competed in a fun one-minute speed pitch competition, speaking to several regional leaders, including City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski and City of Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae.

Presenting to a panel of three judges, comprising Minister Wilkinson, Dean Prelazzi and City of Kimberley Councillor Don McCormick, KRIC’s new Executive in Residence, the competitors had just 60 seconds to make a compelling pitch about their business. The competitors were: Paul von Wittgenstein of Baby World Language, Mike Keefer of Keefer Ecological Services (KES), Chris Gallagher of TerraLogic Exploration, James Swansburg of Landmax, Steve Fisher of Golden Environmental Mat Services (GEMS), Bonnie Castle-Dixon of Tipi Mountain Native Plants, and Jana Skerlak of Bullet Point Marketing.

Steve Fisher of Golden Environmental Mat Services was selected as winner of the 60-second pitch contest.

“It was great to see so many people all together in one place supporting technology and economic development in the Kootenays,” England stated.

Below are videos of the event and the seven participants and their presentations, which showcased some of what our region’s businesses have to offer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opEJw_duG9o – Minister

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLynYWJPeKI –  Dean Prelazzi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWi33OA1aYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH6NBFcXaTM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6aVN4Er7VM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jX3XM213rI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8RrJdGHhYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxzjB4wbkfE six

and the winner is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMdc8U_UpGc

Lead image: Minister Andrew Wilkinson, KRIC’s Sheelagh England and Dean Prelazzi.

Videos and photos by Carrie Schafer and Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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