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Cranbrook, BC (March 18, 2026) – Last week, the City of Cranbrook played host to a full-day ConvergX event, to explore cross sector industrial collaboration with a focus on aerospace, defence, and critical supply chains. Over 30 thought leaders from academia, government, and industry from across the Pacific Northwest took part, including from the Kootenays, Alberta and Washington State.

ConvergX builds on a year of international outreach and collaboration supported by a Global Affairs Canada CanExport grant. Through this work, Cranbrook worked directly with senior federal partners, including meetings with the Deputy Minister of National Defence and Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy Team. This has also elevated Cranbrook’s profile nationally and internationally, including participation alongside senior Canadian Armed Forces leadership and invitations to engage in broader supply chain discussions through the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER).

The Kootenays play an important role in Canada’s resource and supply chain network. The region produces key minerals and natural resources that support manufacturing, energy, and new technologies. Its location also matters—sitting on major north–south and east–west transportation routes. With strong connections to the Prairies, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, the BC coast, and the Interior, the Kootenays are well positioned as a crossroads for trade and supply chains that support Canada’s economic strength and security.

A highlight of the event was a keynote by Sheldon DeCossé, President of DeCossé Aerospace, who spoke about the Global Airborne Observatory (GAO). Originally developed by Greg Asner and his team, the GAO is one of the world’s most advanced aircraft based Earth mapping systems used for civilian research. Now in its third generation, it operates as a flying laboratory inside a specially modified Dornier aircraft, supporting environmental, climate, and resource research around the world.

Attendees also heard from Tim Troxel of Infiniti Optics, who talked about new camera and imaging technologies his team is using with government and industry partners in several countries.

Kim Van Vliet spoke about her role as Canada’s representative on NATO’s industrial advisory group and about the launch of ConvergX Xpand. ConvergX Xpand is a national program that helps businesses turn new ideas into real world solutions by connecting companies across different industries. It’s open to businesses across Canada and is designed to make it easier for innovators to connect with customers and bring new technologies to market.

Mark Norton of the I 90 Aerospace Corridor, representing Washington, Idaho, and Montana, spoke about growing technology hubs in the U.S. and the strong push for the Pacific Northwest aerospace sector to keep working together and competing globally, even amid current global tensions.
Hosting ConvergX shows Cranbrook’s growing role in bringing people and industries together. The City is working toward a “Team Kootenay” approach to attract investment by promoting the region as one strong, competitive place to do business, innovate, and build careers.

The City of Cranbrook thanks everyone who helped make ConvergX a success and looks forward to continuing the work started at the event.

Photo: Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price (pictured) officially welcomes participants to the ConvergX event hosted in Cranbrook March 10 and 11, 2026. Photo courtesy City of Cranbrook.