Mario ToneguzziCalgary officials, including Mayor Naheed Nenshi, are travelling to Vancouver this week to entice technology talent and employers to move to Alberta.

Calgary Economic Development said two events in downtown Vancouver will showcase growing opportunities for Vancouver tech businesses and talent in Calgary – The Digital Transformation Showcase, which will feature market opportunities in Calgary, and the Hiring Tech Talent Job Fair, which will link Calgary tech companies with Vancouver talent.

“It’s an exciting time for businesses coming to Calgary right now,” said Nenshi in a statement. “We’re a city that thinks big and embraces innovation. Our growing technology and innovation sector gives businesses who are looking to scale an opportunity to work among some of the world’s best entrepreneurs, realizing compelling cost savings, while offering employees a chance to see for themselves why there is no better place to be.”

CED said Calgary boasts the highest head office concentration per capita in Canada and was recently named North America’s most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Of the 23 cities in North America reviewed by Boston Consulting, Calgary ranked second, after only Toronto, for business-friendly environment, said the economic development organization.

“Calgary is well poised to capitalize on the rapid pace of change that defines the technology industry,” said Robyn Bews, vice-president of business development at Calgary Economic Development. “We have a lot to offer businesses who align on our values of inclusivity, collaboration and community spirit. Our established economic strategy is designed to attract top talent and drive innovative business growth to foster a thriving business environment.”

The Digital Transformation Showcase and the Hiring Tech Talent Job Fair both take place on Thursday.

“The events are part of a larger business development strategy headed by Calgary Economic Development, which includes the launch of a $100-million investment fund (the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund) created to foster growth in targeted sectors of Calgary’s economy,” said CED.

Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran Calgary-based journalist who worked for 35 years for the Calgary Herald, including 12 years as a senior business writer.


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