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Jay Kramer
Existing Industry Specialist for Charleston County's Business Retention & Expansion Program
Professional Background
Jay Kramer is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in business development, project management, and stakeholder alignment. As the Existing Industry Specialist at Charleston County Economic Development, he plays a pivotal role in assisting over 250 businesses annually within Charleston County, helping them to expand and grow while adding valuable jobs and capital investment to the local economy. Jay’s dedication to fostering economic growth is highlighted by his active participation in industry events and his deep engagement with the community through award-winning business assistance programs.
With a diverse background across various industries, including Aerospace, Automotive, Logistics, Life Sciences, Maritime, High-Tech/IT, Defense, and Healthcare, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project he undertakes. He is known for his ability to connect businesses to “build synergy,” facilitating collaborations that drive economic development and innovation in Charleston and beyond. Jay's enthusiasm for music also contributes to his unique approach to stakeholder engagement, reflecting his belief in the power of connections.
Education and Achievements
Jay’s educational qualifications are impressive and set a solid foundation for his professional endeavors. He holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a focus on Business Administration, Management, and Operations from The Citadel. Complementing this are his academic accomplishments in Project Management, having earned a Master’s Degree in the same field from The Citadel as well.
In addition to his MBAs, Jay received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Appalachian State University. His educational journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with a focus on Interdisciplinary Studies and Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry, showcasing his multifaceted interests. Furthermore, he has attended the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and holds a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Central Piedmont Community College. This educational breadth equips him with the strategic insights and practical skills necessary to navigate complex business landscapes and deliver exceptional results.
Notable Contributions
Throughout his career, Jay has worn many hats, demonstrating versatility and leadership in various roles. Prior to his current position, he served as the Business Development and Marketing Lead at Multiplastics, a division of Curd Enterprises, where he successfully spearheaded initiatives to drive market growth and enhance brand visibility. Jay’s earlier experiences also include impactful roles such as Client Partner Coordinator at Levelwing, where he was instrumental in managing client relations and ensuring their evolving needs were met efficiently.
Moreover, Jay’s commitment to community engagement and professional development is evident in his past positions. He honed his project management skills during his internship at Carolinas Healthcare System and gained legal insight through roles as a Legal Assistant at Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog LLP.
In addition to his professional roles, Jay shares his passion for music as a former percussionist with The Rising Tide Band, showcasing his well-rounded personality and ability to connect with diverse audiences on different platforms.
