E ngineering technologists are not immune to the effects of economic downturns. On the contrary, they are among the most directly impacted given how many work in the resource-intensive sectors hit hardest by the recession. There is reason for optimism, though. One is the slow return of oil's priceper-barrel to more profitable levels. Another is that technologists and engineers tend, by their very natures, to be solution-oriented innovators who just...don't...give...up. Obstacles are merely success stories waiting to happen and every challenge an opportunity in disguise. In this issue, Technology Alberta will shine light on two small-andmedium enterprises (SMEs) - one in Edmonton and the other in Calgary - who typify this resilience and can-do attitude. Of note, and this may or may not be coincidental, we discovered after interviewing the principals of both firms that Blue Spark and Karma have done business together. Perhaps it's a case of like recognizing like. TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA | SPRING 2017 | 9