As Cochrane grows, so does the diversified economy. In a proudly claimed “Western ” town, the technology community continues to grow and thrive, with one of the longest running tech companies in Cochrane celebrating a decade earlier this month.
As Cochrane grows, so does the diversified economy.
In a proudly claimed “Western ” town, the technology community continues to grow and thrive, with one of the longest running tech companies in Cochrane celebrating a decade earlier this month.
“Introducing a ‘tech' business into Cochrane was initially met with some strange looks, and a lot of questions - less so today, ” said Jim Rooney, Garmin managing director.
“So much of what we do is focused on building fitness products for active people - making Cochrane an ideal location for us. We can't think of a better place to develop products and innovative solutions than in an active, engaged town with the outdoors at our doorstep. ”
The original company started in 1998 as “locally grown ” Dynastream Innovations, operating out of Rooney's garage, before being purchased by Garmin 10 years ago.
One of the first products Rooney and his colleagues worked on was designing the first accelerometer-based speed and distance monitor for runners.
“Our growing team of talented people love what Cochrane represents - simple, healthy, active, and balanced living - making the town an ideal place to live, work, play, ” Rooney said.
Since opening one of the first tech business in Cochrane, the company has outgrown five different buildings in the last 18 years, as one of the largest employers in town, with more than 100 employees to date - and once again outgrew the current building located on Grande Boulevard.
“Every time this happens (and since becoming part of Garmin - this has happened a lot) we have to ask, where do we want to work? I am happy to say we have decided to stay in Cochrane, ” Rooney explained.
“Being able to grow with the Cochrane community has been amazing and a key factor that keeps us here … I like to think we also help diversify the economy, not just for Cochrane, but Alberta as well. Our business is a global technology business - 99 per cent of what we do is global business and is not related to other, more traditional sectors in the province. ”
Garmin, rebranded only last year from Dynastream Innovations, promotes itself as being a manufacturer that researches and develops smart devices using inertial and wireless technology producing products for brand names such as Nike.
“By being successful, Cochrane's first technology companies paved the way for later companies to confidently grow here as well, knowing that they were following in the footsteps of visionary thinkers and doers who aren't deterred just because something hasn't been done here before, ” said Robert Kalinovich, economic development officer with the Town.
Since the start-up of Cochrane's first technology business, a number of other “techies ” have set up shop in town, including Teresa Systems, a company that helps organizations understand and manage opportunities and risks associated with the changing environment; and 4iiii, a company that develops technology to improve sport performance.
“Attracting and keeping sustainable businesses are important for most communities looking to grow, ” Rooney explained.
“This creates local jobs, supports other local businesses, and better utilizes regional infrastructure. ”
With the ever-growing tech industry, the Town adopted the slogan “How the West is Now ” in 2009 and is excited to see the community continue to grow with a diversified economy.
“This is the same visionary thinking that the first ranchers and settlers in the area had and which continues in Cochrane to this day, ” Kalinovich said.
“We are still a community of creators, builders, doers and visionary thinkers. ”
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