Jon is the VP, World Trade Centre – Toronto. An unreformed entrepreneur, Jon is focused on opportunities to build and grow new businesses. He is an expert in innovation and entrepreneurship and is passionate about helping small business owners navigate the process of growing their businesses.
Jon spent 12 years in leading roles at MaRS Discovery District, most recently as Lead Executive, Venture & Corporate Programs during which he worked with over 5,000 business owners across Ontario. Jon also oversaw the implementation and delivery of the $32.4M Ontario ScaleUp Program.
Prior to MaRS, Jon spent 6 years in intrapreneurial roles with advisory firm Gartner Inc in Europe, US and Canada. Jon was also a co-founder of Morell Software in Oslo that after a merger had its IPO on Oslo Stock Exchange in 2000.
Jon has an MSc in Media & Communication from London School of Economics as well as an MSc in Business and Economics from Norwegian School of Management.
Hannah Parish is the Country Manager for Canada at Airbnb, where she brings passion for Canadian communities, hosts and guests to the world. Hannah is an advocate, innovator and mentor, striving to make the lives of others, especially women, better. Previously the Regional Director of Canada at Lyft and Director of Global Strategy and Operations at Oura Health, she has proven expertise in strategically scaling businesses, especially with a global lens.
Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from McGill University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. She sits on boards and committees across the sports, business and transportation industries. When not working to move health and women forward, Hannah can be found on her bike or running the local Collingwood, Ontario trails with her dog, Rio. Hannah was born and raised in Nova Scotia.
Gillian Sheldon is Director of Investment Partnerships at NGen, Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, where she is responsible for developing funding partnerships with public sector agencies and private sector investors to support industry-led advanced manufacturing projects.
With 30 years of experience in economic development, both in the UK and Ontario, Gillian has an aptitude for connecting industry to advancement opportunities. Within the last 10 years, she has specifically been engaged in business development in the advanced manufacturing sector. Gillian takes pride in working to strengthen the competitiveness of Canada’s manufacturing sector through creating meaningful business partnerships to drive innovation and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies in Canada.
Gillian graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a master’s in business administration (MBA), and the University of Waterloo with a Certificate in Economic Development (Ec.D). Combined with growing up in a family-owned manufacturing service business, these achievements blend her lifelong passion for manufacturing with her aptitude for strategic business connections.
Outside of the work, Gillian enjoys photography, volunteering through Toastmasters International, and walking with her rescue dog.
Chris leads the successful QEDC team guiding the overall direction and operation of the QEDC with programs to attract new business investment and support the retention and growth of targeted existing business in the region.
Jay’s economic development experience includes twelve years as a senior executive with Peterborough’s economic development agency and since 2010, operation of his own professional consultancy, Amer & Associates Economic Development. He has delivered a successful portfolio of work that includes economic development strategic plans, economic research and analysis for investment attraction and trade, marketing communications, government relations and funding programs, as well as organizational development and governance. Prior to discovering his passion for economic development, Jay served in a variety of technical and communications management roles with Ontario Power Generation, and he has also volunteered on numerous non-profit boards. He is a past President of the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), has been a member of Ontario East since 2000 and is Ontario East’s representative on the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC).
Professional Qualifications: 7+ years in Stakeholder Relations/Client Management within Canadian Federal Politics and Sports Business
Educational Attainment: B.A., University of Toronto, M.B.A., Ohio University, M.S.A., Ohio University
Background: In his role as Vice President, Canada, Dev is responsible for the Canadian sales operations for The Superlative Group. Some of his responsibilities include business development, client relations, and sponsorship sales.
Prior to joining The Superlative Group, Dev worked in Canadian Federal Politics, as a Stakeholder Relations Manager for a Federal Cabinet Minister. During this time, he was focused on client management and stakeholder relations, which led to securing millions of dollars in funding for local and national stakeholders.
After continuing his education at Ohio University’s MBA and MSA programs, he pivoted into the world of sports administration. Dev brings experience in partnership activation with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Canadian Hockey League as he transitions to the sales side of the business with The Superlative Group.
Professional Qualifications: 38 years of Naming Rights and Sponsorship experience, 30 years as President and CEO of The Superlative Group
Educational Attainment: B.A., John Carroll University
Background: A sales and marketing leader with 38 years of experience in Sports Marketing, Corporate Consulting, Entertainment Property representation and Municipal Marketing, Gallagher opened his full-service agency, The Superlative Group, Inc., in January 1994.
Before founding The Superlative Group, Gallagher played a key role in premium seating and sponsorship sales with the Cleveland Indians during their transition from Cleveland Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field) in the early 90s. Gallagher also served in IMG’s Motorsports Division, responsible for driver endorsements and team representation, as well as the sales and marketing of Motorsports events, where he represented such brands as Eddie Cheever, Jackie Stewart, and Emerson Fittipaldi and directed sales of the Marlboro Grand Prix and other prestigious properties. Prior to IMG, Gallagher served as the youngest brand manager in the tire industry at Dunlop Tire Corporation.
Gallagher pioneered the field of Municipal Marketing and has led the transition of Naming Rights from a sports stadium niche to an integral part of public infrastructure financing.
Professional Qualifications: 18 years of experience in Naming Rights and sponsorship valuation, sales and consulting
Educational Attainment: B.A., Tiffin University
Background: As Chief Operating Officer of The Superlative Group, Canter is responsible for all aspects of business development, client management, strategic planning, staffing, financial forecasting, and sales.
Canter has 18 years of experience in the Naming Rights, corporate sponsorship and premium seating analysis and sales arena. He’s worked in the areas of football, soccer, rugby, basketball, baseball, hockey, music, beach volleyball, municipal marketing, consulting, auto racing, and figure skating. His unique experience with municipal leaders at the federal, state, and local levels combined with his understanding of C-suite leaders at some of the world’s most successful and recognizable brands provide him an intuitive understanding of how executive teams value and analyze potential sponsorship and marketing partnerships. As corporate partnerships continue to expand, Canter has been a leader in the evolution of venue based corporate sponsorship programs. He has worked across the professional and minor leagues negotiating and consulting on behalf of sponsors in all categories
including healthcare, higher education, legal services, financial services, utilities, insurance, automotive, travel and more.
With a background in biology and a passion for systems change, Jill Doucette founded Synergy Enterprises in 2008, pioneering innovative strategies to help businesses and industries transition to a low-carbon future. Recognizing the need to drive broader sustainability impact, she launched the Synergy Foundation in 2013, where she continues to serve as Executive Director while also leading Synergy Enterprises as CEO.
Jill is a recognized leader in sustainability and social innovation, known for catalyzing projects that accelerate the green economy—from launching new social enterprises to building incubator programs that empower the next generation of climate entrepreneurs. She frequently collaborates with governments, industry, and community partners to design scalable solutions for some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Whether she’s guiding Synergy Foundation’s expansion projects, mentoring purpose-driven businesses, or speaking at conferences across Canada, Jill brings a unique mix of scientific insight, entrepreneurial vision, and practical experience to every initiative. Her work has positioned Synergy as a trusted leader in advancing climate action, circular economy, and sustainable business practices.
Mitchell Edgar, MAES, is currently the Manager of Economic Development for the District of Saanich, the largest municipality in the in Greater Victoria region on beautiful Vancouver Island. As an Economic Development professional for over 25 years, Mitchell has been bringing his passion for leadership, strategy, and managing change to working with a multitude of communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations across British Columbia.
With a commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability practices, Mitchell has been engaged with several municipalities in leading sustainable economic development initiatives and facilitating processes with broad community and stakeholder engagement. His current focus is on growing the ‘Sustainable Saanich’ brand and in creating a vibrant and resilient circular economy with Saanich’s diverse business community.
Jordan Solomon is Chairman of the Biofuel Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative and CEO of Ecostrat where he has overseen the Biomass Advisory Group and Biomass Supply Group for over 25 years. Jordan led the 6-year effort to develop the Standards for Biomass Supply Chain Risk (BSCR) and co-chaired CSA’s Technical Committee to develop Canada’s National BSCR Standards (CSA W209:21).
He is currently leading the BDO Zone Initiative to its goal of catalyzing and accelerating new bio-based plant development across North America with “1000 BDO Zones in 4 years”.
Izabela Bogdanovic is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at CityViz, where she leads the product vision and strategy to make urban data more accessible, intuitive, and actionable. With a background in economics and visual communication, Izabela brings a unique perspective to bridging complex data with human-centered design. Her career has been driven by the belief that data should not only inform but also empower, enabling cities to plan more effectively, make transparent decisions, and foster stronger community engagement.
Motivated by the challenge of translating raw information into clear insights, Izabela co-founded CityViz to create tools that help governments and citizens alike understand and shape the future of their communities. As CPO, she guides cross-functional teams in building products that combine analytical rigor with intuitive design, ensuring CityViz solutions are both powerful and accessible. Her work reflects a commitment to using technology and design to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
Darren Brewer is a seasoned economic developer with a proven track record of driving investment, innovation, and community growth across British Columbia. As a passionate advocate for regional development, Darren plays a pivotal role in promoting Cranbrook as the commercial and transportation hub of the Kootenays, attracting new business opportunities and fostering strong partnerships across the Pacific Northwest.
With an understanding of supply chain dynamics, infrastructure strategy, and foreign direct investment, Darren brings a strategic lens to every project he undertakes—whether leading cross-border trade initiatives, championing funding equity for rural regions, or advancing investment ready urban planning.
Darren is a sought-after voice in economic development circles, known for his collaborative leadership style, data-driven insights, and commitment to building communities. He is especially focused on connecting industry with opportunity and ensuring that Cranbrook is a part of the broader conversation on growth and innovation.
Wendy is the part-time Economic Development Advisor for Langley City, BC. She’s also the founder and principal of WeDu Consulting from Nova Scotia. Wendy is well-known as an innovative, strategic, and visionary leader with over 25 years of global expertise working across three continents and at all three levels of government.
Wendy is renowned for her pioneering adoption of technology to support innovative tactics and brings those experiences to her communities. She had led several communities to Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Smart 21 and Top 7 designations. She is a certified economic developer Ec.D..
Wendy is an award-winning professional who has been recognized at national and provincial levels in Canada for many of her initiatives, including the 2013 EDAC Marketing Canada Awards and 2018 FCM International Contributor Award. She was also recognized in 2019 as a top 25 economic developer in North America by a site selector publication. Wendy is a past-president of EDAC and was honoured in 2024 with both the President’s Award and made an Honorary Life Member of the Association.
Mr. Daniels was born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee which is adjacent to Cherokee National Forest. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications & Computer Science and a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from East Tennessee State University.
Mr. Daniels began his career with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development based in Nashville, Tennessee. During his time with the State of Tennessee he was involved in reform of the Appalachian Regional Commission Grant Program and the Industrial Training Service program. Mr. Daniels left the State of Tennessee in 1997 and begun work as an Economic Development Planner for the firm of Barge Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon based in Nashville, Tennessee. During this time Bryan worked with several communities within East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. His clients were municipalities trying to develop their local economies and seeking state and federal support for their goals.
From 2001 thru 2010, Mr. Daniels accepted the role of Executive Vice President under the Blount Partnership. Bryan managed Blount County, the cities of Maryville, and Alcoa’s Economic Development efforts. Mr. Daniels was directly responsible for the Economic Development offices and staff located in Maryville, Tennessee; Munich, Germany; and Yokohama, Japan. Mr. Daniels managed the operations of the community’s four industrial parks, two science/technology parks, and the Economic Development Programs for Blount County, City of Maryville, and City of Alcoa, Tennessee. The Economic Development Board is one of the four partner agencies of the Blount Partnership (Chamber, Foundation, Tourism Bureau, and Economic Development Board) with an annual $4.75 million dollar partnership operational budget.
In 2010, Mr. Daniels was named President and CEO of the Blount Partnership. The Partnership is comprised of The Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Blount County Economic Development Board, the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, and the Blount Chamber Foundation. The 24-person staff is responsible for all economic development activities within the jurisdictional boarders of Blount County and the cities of Alcoa, Maryville, Townsend, Rockford, Friendsville, and Louisville.
During Mr. Daniels tenure, Blount County has recruited over 75 new and expanding companies in the areas of research & development, corporate headquarters, manufacturing, and back office support centers. The total capital investment of these companies has exceeded $4 billion dollars and created more than 12,000 direct new jobs with average wages above Tennessee’s average. The Blount County local governments adopted the new tourism authority structure which was written by Bryan and former Senator Doug Overbey. The authority was unanimously adopted by the 107th Tennessee general assembly as a new local/state entity and has been championed by the Department of Tourism as a best practice for local governments to adopt. Blount County has now been a destination for large recreational organizations such as (HOG Rally, Destination Vacations, etc.). Construction is underway for a new venue that will provide meeting and convention space which will attract more opportunities for the Blount County region.
Mr. Daniels has continued his professional education by graduating from the Economic Development Institute located at the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council. Bryan is also a graduate from the US Chamber’s Institute of Non Profit Management and attained the designation of IOM. Mr. Daniels has attained the status of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Daniels served as chairman for the U.S. Chamber’s Southeast Board of Regents (4-year professional development program based at the University of Georgia), President of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives, and vice chairman of ((POM) Program Oversight and Management) committee with the International Economic Development Council based in Washington D.C. Bryan is currently President for the state wide professional economic development association, the Tennessee Economic Development Council and is a member of the US Chamber’s Committee of 100 (which guides the policies of the US Chamber of Commerce). Bryan currently teaches economic development principals & planning for the U.S. Chamber nationwide, teaches chamber operations for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce’s non-profit management school (2-year program based at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)), and is a guest instructor at East Tennessee State University. Mr. Daniels is very active with his alma mater and is President-Elect of the ETSU National Alumni Association.
The Blount Partnership is a five-star accredited Chamber of Commerce by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the only Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council in the state of Tennessee (#58 worldwide).
John Regan is the Director of Strategic Innovation and Economic Development for Norfolk County. John joined Norfolk in June of 2023.
John has been in several CAO roles with small rural communities in Northern and Eastern Ontario.
John currently serves on the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Board as the President and served 9 years on the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) board where he was the President in 2017.
John has been very successful in collaborating with Community, Council, Provincial and Federal Governments to significantly move the business of Municipal government, specifically Economic Development and Tourism forward in a timely fashion (yes, it is possible!).
John has a very diverse well-rounded background that involves over 35 years’ experience that includes a 4-year term as a Municipal Councillor, extensive private sector and not-for-profit experience combined with a broad and vast senior municipal management career. Not to mention the 7 years as a medical / forensic Photographer for Londo Health Science Centre…
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John is dedicated to finding solutions for chronic homelessness and wellbeing in our communities and the profound impacts on quality of place and life for all. John believes that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are fundamental elements within Municipal Government, especially economic development and tourism.
John is a very proud Grandfather to Cooper and Apollo and Maeve.
John’s best buddy is his Catahoula Leopard K-9 and his hobbies are woodworking, hiking and camping.
Courtenay brings over a decade of experience in client strategy, and communications to her role as Director of Accounts and Operations at Rain Digital. Her background in education and years of hands-on experience in digital have shaped her into a detail-driven strategist.
With a digital-first mindset, Courtenay is passionate about helping organizations leverage digital tools to strengthen strategies and create meaningful impact.
Courtenay has also worked closely with the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) for years, supporting communications and contributing annually to the marketing awards and conferences.
Heather is the Principal of Rain Digital, a Hamilton-based agency delivering senior-level expertise since 2014. She has led digital strategies, web builds, and marketing campaigns for organizations including Universities Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the Rideau Hall Foundation, and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.
Heather is recognized for her ability to bridge strategy, creativity, and execution in the digital space. She holds an MBA with a focus in Organizational Development and Human Resources, as well as an Honours degree in Psychology.
Jade is the Senior Investment Officer at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, where she oversees the inward investment portfolio.
Her career spans technology commercialisation, venture building, international partnerships, and science policy through roles at NTUitive, the British High Commission Singapore, and A*STAR.
Jade holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, along with MRes and BSc degrees in Biochemistry from Imperial College London.
Gert De Boever is a Belgian native, born and raised in the Flanders region.
After an exchange year with AFS in the US and business engineering studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium and the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Gert started his career in the agri-food sector.
In a period of more than 25 years he held various positions ranging from business control, regional sales management, international key account management, country and regional general management and global talent management.
During 2003-2007 specifically he lived and worked in Mississauga, Ontario. As General Manager of Puratos Canada he and his team realized a greenfield investment in a 75000 sq feet manufacturing plant and innovation center for bakery and patisserie ingredients.
Gert joined the Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg as Senior Investment Officer in spring 2021.
Janice Vogtle joined Global Affairs Canada in 1999 and has served in a variety of capacities in Canada and abroad, leading multi-sector teams. Janice has been posted to the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as Investment Counsellor and Trade Commissioner (2016-2021) and was posted twice to the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, as Consul and Trade Commissioner (2012-2016) and as Vice Consul for Public and Economic Affairs (2000- 2003).
In Canada, she was Deputy Director for Investment, Innovation, and Services for Ontario Region (2009-2012). Trade Commissioner for Aerospace, Defence and Security (2004-2007), and Desk Officer in the West Africa Division (1999-2000).
Janice has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph, a Master of Environmental Studies from York University, and is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). She is married with two children.
Andrea joined the Canadian Embassy to the United States in August 2022 as head of the Commercial Policy and International Business Development (CPIBD) team where she oversees a diverse team focussed on trade & FDI promotion, defence trade policy, Science & Technology, and Space.
Andrea has been with the Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service for over 22 years and has served at the Canada Embassies in Japan and South Korea and the Canadian Consulate in Fukuoka, Japan.
She obtained her BA at Bowling Green State University, Ohio and then went on to earn her master’s degree at Carleton University, Ottawa in Political Science and International Affairs.
Bruce is a Partner in KPMG's Public Sector practice. He works with cities, colleges/universities and First Nations across Canada helping them drive performance improvement and innovation by cutting through the complexity of their work.
He is a former local government executive with over 30 years of experience supporting Canadian municipalities in a staff or consulting role. He has lived and worked in almost every province and territory of Canada, coupled with his operational experience Bruce offers a unique perspective on economic development and community development.
Joel Davies is the CEO of Render Developments, the award winning organization working with municipalities to help them generate interest and investment into their community. Joel has a BA in Urban Planning, is a Durham Region Home Builders' Association award winner and has years of experience working with municipalities and real estate developers to create future visualizations and virtual tours.
Kyle is the Director of Education with Co-operatives First, where he leads the development and delivery of start-up supports and online courses. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Kyle has worked his way across Canada, focusing on community economic development, governance, and co-op development in rural and Indigenous communities. With degrees in Geography and Public Policy, Kyle’s educational background has focused on community development, corporate governance, and public policy. In his work at Co-operatives First, Kyle has helped develop more than 100 co-operative businesses and provided educational support to thousands of co-operators. Aside from his work with Co-operatives First, Kyle stays busy as a volunteer, history enthusiast, and bookworm.
As a seasoned economic development and tourism professional with a focus on supporting public sector organizations, Johanna has built a career working in partnership with businesses, community organizations, governments, tourism sector organizations and developers to revitalize economies and attract investment. She has a proven track record of securing investments and engaging stakeholders in meaningful ways while providing strategic advice to senior officials at all levels of government.
Bern Grush is the Executive Director of the Urban Robotics Foundation and project lead for the draft technical standard ISO/DTS 4448 Public-area mobile robots. Since 2002, Bern has been involved with transportation-related innovation, standards, and regulatory research for road pricing, parking management, automated vehicles, and now the robots designed to clean and inspect sidewalks, deliver groceries, secure neighbourhoods, operate autonomous wheelchairs at hospitals and airports, and scrub floors at the mall. In 2002, he founded Skymeter Corporation to develop in-car metering for autonomous road and parking pricing, and in 1980, PCI Geomatics to develop AI for image analysis systems for earth-imaging satellites. He holds degrees in Human Factors Psychology from the University of Toronto and Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
Steve Kirby is Vice President of Partnerships at Localintel. With a career spanning media, finance, and professional services, Steve has held senior roles at leading firms including Nielsen, Thomson Reuters, ASX, RIMES Technologies, and Deloitte. Steve brings deep experience in strategic partnerships, key account management, and sales leadership. He holds an Honours Degree in Business and Law from the University of Plymouth in the UK.
Amber Mac is a world renowned expert on all things marketing, technology, innovation, and transformation. Her popular Twitter feed boasts more than 120,000 followers from around the world, each eager to consume her hard-won insights on the next generation of business and consumer technology. Whether it be enhancing customer experience, understanding how to leverage AI, or building an unforgettable brand from scratch—as she’s done—Mac empowers leaders and organizations to take advantage of the digital revolution. Now the co-host of Marketing Disrupted—the Accenture-produced series that debuted as the #1 business podcast in the country—Mac explores how CMOs can adapt to the changing landscape and incoming hurdles that digital disruption will bring. And in the top-rated (and award-winning) podcast The AI Effect, Mac speaks to high-profile guests about the challenges and benefits of AI adoption in Canada, alongside Accenture’s Jodie Wallis. She also remains a regular business host and expert for Fast Company,CNN, Bloomberg TV, CBS, BNN, and The Marilyn Denis Show.
Mac is the bestselling author of Power Friending and Outsmarting Your Kids Online. She has delivered keynotes at more than 300 events around the world and moderated sessions with notable leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former FBI Director James Comey, and famed astronaut Chris Hadfield. Her digital agency AmberMac Media, which has worked with leading organizations from Microsoft to GE, recently teamed up with PayPal, Facebook, and the BDC to produce Her Turn: an online business competition for women entrepreneurs. “As a small business owner, I’m thrilled to promote women across this country who are launching and running companies that need help,” explains Mac, who also hosts the program.
Previously, Mac worked as a strategist for Razorfish and Director of Marketing for an e-procurement software company. After four years in the technology trenches, she joined Microsoft to build one of the first female-focused lifestyle portals.
Luke Panek is the Director of YOLO Nomads, an online platform that supports smaller communities to position themselves to attract relocators, investors and remote workers who are tired of rising prices, crime, congestion, and lack of community.
Sasha Bogdanovic is the CEO and co-founder of CityViz, an award-winning provider of the CityViz economic development data platform, used by communities and organizations across Canada to attract investment and boost economic growth. With over 23 years of experience as a data specialist, Sasha has delivered data products for provincial and local governments as well as the private sector.
He holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and was recognized as a top performer in the inaugural class of the Data Science Specialization by Johns Hopkins University and Coursera. Sasha was also a winner of the BC Housing Market Data Visualization Challenge by BC Stats and Innovate BC.
With 30 years of experience marketing places and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, April founded Violet PR in 2010. Passionate about working with civic leaders, economic developers and entrepreneurs, she is dedicated to helping communities thrive and grow.
An expert in economic and real estate development, April has led public relations campaigns for states including New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Georgia and North Carolina, as well as metro areas such as Newark, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Savannah and Kansas City. She has orchestrated hundreds of media interviews for governors, mayors, CEOs and industry leaders, elevating the profiles of cities, states, developments and organizations.
April is proud to have earned the coveted Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) as the nation's "Best Boutique PR Agency," along with Bronze Anvils for media relations campaigns on behalf of the Greater Topeka Partnership and Newark Symphony Hall. Violet PR was recognized as an Inc. 5000 firm in 2024 and named one of Inc.'s “Best Workplaces” in 2023. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, April is a recognized thought leader, having been named one of NJ Biz's “Best 50 Women in Business” in 2023 and 2020.
Prior to relocating to the New York metro in 1999, April directed award-winning media and marketing campaigns for the Kansas City Area Development Council, an organization she works with today. She holds an M.S. in Journalism and Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and resides in South Orange, NJ, with her two daughters. Originally from Oklahoma City, April enjoys visiting family and exploring the city's revitalized downtown.
Sean McCormick is an expert in consumer spending data. Sean joined Moneris in 2015 and is the Head of Growth Strategy for Moneris Data Services which enables private and public sector organizations to use payment data to improve their economic forecasting capabilities and inform your economic development strategy.
Brock Dickinson is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Waterloo, and the Director of the University’s Economic Development Program. He currently works in private equity, and advises communities, companies and organizations around the world on geopolitics, economic development and sustainability.
Jonathon has over 14 years of experience in International Business Development and Investment Promotion as a Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Responsible for Investment Promotion, Jonathon works directly with Canadian Provinces, Territories, and Municipalities to attract foreign investment into Canada.
Prior to his role as Director, Jonathon served as Deputy Director of Partnerships and Governance, where he worked to expand GACs partnerships with Canadian Municipalities. Previously, he served as head of investment and Vice-Consul at the Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai, and Second Secretary Commercial at the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea, working with Korean companies to set up their operations in Canada.
Jonathon holds a Bachelors of Social Science from the University of Ottawa.
Robert Bell heads research, analysis and content development activities and directs the analytics that ICF uses to assess the potential and progress of communities, which also selects honorees for the annual Intelligent Community Awards program. Robert developed and leads the Intelligent Community Accelerator and Certification programs. Serving as the content lead for ICF's Global Summit, he is also the author or editor of ICF's research reports, and lead co-author of Brain Gain, Seizing Our Destiny and Broadband Economies.
Robert has contributed articles to IEDC Journal, Mayors & Cities, Global Urbanist, and Daily Yonder; and has appeared in segments of ABC World News and The Discovery Channel. A frequent keynote speaker and moderator at municipal and telecom industry events, he has also led economic development missions and study tours to cities in Asia and the US.
Dr. Alissa Sklar is a communications strategy consultant with expertise in economic development, digital marketing, and social media. Based in Montréal, she works with agencies, organizations, and businesses to develop strategic messaging closely aligned with business development objectives. She specializes in content marketing and establishing thought leadership for brand awareness, focusing on white papers, blogs, webinars, podcasts, and conference presentations. Using a customized, collaborative approach with client teams, Dr. Sklar works to expand the reach of location brands in the highly competitive field of economic development.
Dr. Sklar’s clients have included ResearchFDI, British Columbia Economic Development (BCEDA), the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Research (CIER), Florida Power & Light (FPL), Oakland County Economic Development (MI), Bermuda Development Agency, and Golden Shovel Agency. She spent 11 years as the vice president of content marketing for GIS Planning and the fDi Intelligence Portfolio, a service from the Financial Times, where she led their marketing efforts, authored the copy for a complete website redesign, developed marketing collateral, conference presentations, webinars, and client support materials. Alissa is the co-author with Anatalio Ubalde of Economic Development Marketing & Priorities (2024), published by the Financial Times. Her recent white papers include Brain Gain: Workforce Attraction Strategies forU.S. Medical & Scientific Workforce in Crisis and How to Prepare Your EDO’s Tactical TariffToolkit.
Dr. Sklar has a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication and Cultural Studies from the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst, and held a SSHRC post-doctoral fellowship with Concordia University’s School of Community & Public Affairs. She has worked extensively in both private and academic sectors, serving as a social media consultant for economic development agencies, a full-time faculty member at Concordia University’s Department of Communication Studies, a research faculty at McGill University, a blogger, and multiple award-winning journalist.
Chris is an informative, entertaining, and insightful strategic humorist with a serious message: dare to be different and reach highest aspiration or join the burgeoning ranks of the unnoticed. Chris’ 30 years of award-winning community economic development experience in 90 communities has been dedicated to reconnecting people to the power of community-building. His dry sense of humour and no nonsense, cut-through-clutter style challenges conventions and leaves people with inspiration to “make community-building personal.”
