JAY'S BIO

Jay is a certified economic development professional who established Amer & Associates Economic Development in January 2010. Previously he was responsible for delivery of a wide variety of economic development services including investment attraction, business development, marketing and communications for the regional economic development corporation in Peterborough, Ontario. He works closely with a broad network of regional, provincial and federal economic development and business partners to ensure Amer & Associates' clients achieve success. Recent work includes development of municipal strategic plans, economic research and analysis for investment attraction and assistance with communications, government relations and funding programs. Amer & Associates is currently developing an inward investment product in partnership with their international colleagues, to be launched later this year. Jay is on the Marketing Committee for the Ontario East Economic Development Commission and has chaired their Advanced Manufacturing Investment Program bringing together diverse communities in a collaborative marketing effort to support investment attraction initiatives in sectors that include aerospace, nuclear and green technologies. Prior to joining the economic development profession Jay had a successful career in public affairs and communications with Ontario's electrical utility. As a member of the founding steering committee he was an active promoter for the Innovation (formerly DNA) Cluster - a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College and the private sector tasked with supporting growth of a knowledge based economy in the Peterborough region. He is currently 1st Vice President of the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), a network of 900+ professional economic developers across Canada. He will become President of the association in October 2011. www.edac.ca Jay's volunteer involvement in his hometown of Peterborough includes service as President of the Peterborough Collegiate Foundation and 2nd Vice-President on the Board of Directors of Camp Kawartha & the Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre. Jay is also active as Director-elect with the Rotary Club of Peterborough. In 2005, Jay was recognized as the "Bell Canada Ontario East Economic Developer of the Year" for his contribution to his community and the economic development profession. Jay Amer's CV - pdf