Smart Toronto merges with CATA

One of Canada’s largest technology associations is merging with its municipal counterpart representing the largest city in the county. The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) is absorbing the operations of Smart Toronto, which will operate as a division of CATA with its own executive director. The two associations anticipate that the amalgamation will result in new national initiatives delivered through Smart Toronto, more effective lobbying in Ottawa and Queen’s Park and access to expanded services and business development tools. Smart Toronto members will automatically become members of CATA. The decision to amalgamate was made several months after a formal partnership agreement that was initiated last November. Smart Toronto president Cindy Pearson will serve as the Toronto branch’s executive director representing more than 250 member firms. Pearson was appointed Smart Toronto president in June/02 after three years as VP and director of marketing and communications for Waterloo-based Communitech Technology Association Inc....