Mayor Jeff Genung and town CAO Dave Devana are heading to Las Vegas, NV today to join thousands of delegates at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) conference, Jan. 9 -12, as the town aggressively pursues expansion of its high-tech industry base.

The conference is a global gathering point for hi-tech innovators of consumer technologies and it's here the town will continue to research ideas, explore opportunities and meet with industry leaders in preparing its bid for significant federal government funding from the Smart Cities Challenge.

“I am committed to working to ensure Cochrane businesses have access to cutting-edge, high-tech infrastructure, opportunities to grow, create good jobs and seek new opportunities that will benefit everyone in our town,” says Mayor Genung. “As mayor, it’s my responsibility to make sure Cochrane has every opportunity to remain competitive in the global and rapidly changing economy.”

Withover a dozen hi-tech firms already here, including Garmin, 4iii and mcThings, the town is determined to attract more hi-tech leaders and start-ups to Cochrane. An Infrastructure Canada contest is in the early stages for funding of between $5 and $50 million and it would go a long way in helping the town's push. An initial submission is due in April and finalists selected this summer will receive a $250,000 grant to refine their proposal and business case. Winning municipalities will be announced in the spring of 2019.

Garmin and 4iiii Innovations are also attending the conference and meetings are planned to advance discussions on the Smart Cities Challenge submission.

Last year's conference attracted over 184,000 delegates and 4,000 exhibitors and featured 1,200 speakers.

Soon the town will be opening public public engagement on its Smart Cities Challenge bid. Residents and local businesses will be asked for feedback and ideas to be included.

Expenses for the trip will be reported on the town’s website.