Meister of Austra Management hired by Buffalo Niagra Enterprise

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE), the eight-county region's research, marketing, business and economic development organization, has hired a Canadian business consultant with a long-standing New York State relationship and track record. Lee Meister, president of Austra Management, officially came on board October 1stsupported in part by a grant from BNE investor National Grid. Meister had represented Empire State Development in Canada for the last 22 years and has helped generate 75 new business opportunities in theBuffalo Niagara region since 2005. "Lee has already been responsible for nine projects in Western New York that have translated into 284 new jobs and more than $59.8 million in regional investment," said Tom Kucharski, president & CEO of the BNE. "With his knowledge of the opportunities and advantages that exist on both sides of the border, we project this strategic partnership will significantly boost current efforts and amplify the emphasis we've placed on Canadian business development." Austra Management is located in Markham, Ontario. Meister, who possesses a strong background in foreign direct investment, has been president & CEO since 1998 while serving as director of Empire State Development in the organization's Toronto and Montreal offices. He was also Ddirector of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for both Canada and the State of Washington. In addition to BNE, Austra Management works with Connect Ireland, specifically working on direct investment from Canada and the Czech Republic to Ireland. "Lee's experience, connections and understanding of the Canadian business culture and what drives Canadian business investment decisions provides our region with a distinct competitive advantage," Kucharski said. "We are pleased to welcome Lee as part of our team and grateful to National Grid for their support of this initiative." While Meister has already been active in identifying new prospects and working with BNE's business development team, he is also providing oversight on a special seminar for Canadians that will be held in Oakville, Ontario on November 28th. Focused on "Cross Border Strategies," Canadian CEOs, attorneys, financial planners and investment advisors are being invited to the one-day event sponsored by Phillips Lytle with support from Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. and HSBC USA, N.A. A panel of experts from the Buffalo Niagara region will address a wide variety of topics and business expansion issues that include cross border law, accounting, immigration and banking, sales operations and warehouse facilities. The BNE has been aggressively marketing the Buffalo Niagara region in Canada since 2005, expending almost $1 million on marketing campaigns and initiatives north of the border over the last six years. From 2002 to the present, BNE has successfully reported 57 Canadian project wins, representing $511,155,133 in investment, 1,361 new jobs and 294 retained jobs for a total positive Job Impact of 1,655.