2010, a look back and a look forward – The Upcoming Olympics

2009, The Rollercoaster

2009 was a wild year. The TSX hit a 5 year low in March at 7,479.96, only to recover within the same year to almost 12,000 points now. This increase of almost 50% is remarkable, and in some ways, there are individual BC Technology success stories that are equally impressive. Vecima Networks Inc. rebounded from a low of $3.95 to trade above $6. Sierra Wireless Inc. has tripled in value since the meltdown in March. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd has more than doubled since then, with recent news of contracts with various government agencies as well as a contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide engineering for the International Space Station. Norsat International has been in the news as well as their satellites have been helping to provide aid to the earthquake shaken Haiti in recent weeks. 2009 was indeed a rollercoaster year, but despite this, many companies see themselves in better shape than they did one year ago.

Our Own Gold at the Olympics

Looking forward to just 2 weeks from now, athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Vancouver and Whistler to celebrate winter sporting excellence. Athletes aren't the only world-class talents coming to town for The Games, BC will be showcasing it’s companies and technology. OEMs and R&D companies can benefit from this. EnergyAware is showcasing its power metering technology in the Olympic Village. They are showcased on the 2010 Commerce Centre or you can find their press releases at www.energy-aware.com. Sierra Wireless and Nokia Vancouver will be presented by DigiBC this year. This new entity formed when New Media BC and the Wireless Innovation Network of BC merged in October: “DigiBC is the first convergence industry association that is putting Vancouver on the world map for digital excellence” (Michael Bidu, President, DigiBC).

BC businesses have faced enormous challenges and pressure from global economic uncertainty in the past year, and although you cannot predict the future, shifts towards economic recovery have become more prevalent in recent months. From a Reuters News article dated November 19th, 2009... The digital showcase will promote Vancouver's world-class wireless and digital media industry. It was specially designed to amaze and inspire the thousands of international business visitors and non-accredited media before, during and after the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Enjoy the Mayhem!

Nothing brings a flood of people and quick cash into a city like the Olympic Games. But what remains after the last medal has been given out and the flame is extinguished? The economic impact of hosting mega-events like the Olympics relies on trade. It is our responsibility to market ourselves effectively to ensure the Olympics has a positive impact on BC’s technology sector as we showcase our best products and most ingenious services.

Of course, do not forget to order your HD channels, or better yet, buy a ticket or two, and enjoy this landmark month as we enter the Olympics. Either way, we will all enjoy the new skytrain and quick highway to Whistler - feels like a racetrack compared to before! Enjoy the Mayhem!

Back to ElectroPulse Index Page