Top Silicon Valley CEO’s Visit and get down to Business in the Okanagan as metabridge Successfully Launches





For Immediate Release – June 23rd, 2009


Kelowna - A leading group of technology company CEO’s from Silicon Valley, Washington DC, Ottawa and Toronto descended upon the Okanagan last week for an introduction to some of emerging technology companies in the Region. Dubbed metabridge, a link to established technology centres, the event was hosted by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and the Okanagan Science & Technology Council, and was the brainchild of Steve Wandler, a successful tech entrepreneur who returned to the Okanagan after merging his company in the Silicon Valley.

The metabridge initiative is designed to provide direct connection and access to key technology players for local companies seeking investment, joint partnerships, mentorship and advisory opportunities. Company leaders from Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, AVG Antivirus, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware spent two days seeking opportunities and connecting with local companies.

“This was the first step in building a comprehensive program in linking our tech community to those that are well established. A number of local companies have already had post event contact with some major players who visited”, suggested Robert Fine, Manager, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.

“The metabridge event introduced me to a tech community I never knew existed. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the entrepreneurs I met, and I'm looking forward to maintaining the connections I made in Kelowna over the coming months and years”, stated Ethan Anderson co founder of Red Beacon and former Product Manager at Google.

Locals were equally enthusiastic. “The metabridge not only connected us with key contacts in the global technology hot spots like the Silicon Valley and Ottawa but also showcased Kelowna as a world class technology and living destination. This event, and more like it in the future will play a key role in the success of every technology company in the Okanagan Valley”, commented Jason Richards, President of Vineyard Networks.

“As an entrepreneur one of the most valuable resources one can gain is access to experience and great connection. Without these fundamentals, getting an idea off the ground is almost impossible. The metabridge event not only brought those elements but some of the best and brightest in the world." acknowledged Peter Matejcek, Founder and CEO of Kelowna based Huestream

A total of three events are planned each year to continue to connect technology players in the Okanagan Valley with key players in the developed technology world.
The events opening mixer was co-sponsored by Vineyard Networks. Along with a premiere breakfast at Woodland Hills Developments, where a welcoming breakfast was held for the invited guests.

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Further information:

Robert Fine, Manager Economic Development Steve Wandler
250-469-6234 www.stevewandler.com
250-864-4622