The Advertising Club of Toronto’s Out of Home Day Committee has selected its second merit award recipient. John Jory, who recently retired, will be honored for his contribution to the industry’s advertising space at the Out of Home Showdown on Thursday.

The committee’s decision to honour Jory was based on his entrepreneurial skill set and his long-term investment in advancing the relevance of the OOH advertising space.

“John was a pioneer in the development of some of Canada’s largest digital signage installations, including development of the massive digital signs that now adorn Yonge-Dundas Square,” says Ron Deschenes, OOH Day committee member. “In his last year as president, he oversaw the largest digital sign in Canada, at the Atrium on Bay.”

Jory launched Clear Channel Outdoor Canada (now Clear Channel Canada) in 1997 and helmed the company until his retirement last year. During that period he played a key role in enhancing the space for digital display. In addition to overseeing the installation of static and digital displays at Yonge-Dundas Square, he also saw the addition of digital displays in a number of airports (including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International Airport), as well as several mall spaces. Prior to being president at Clear Channel, Jory ran his own company, Jory High & Associates. He started his career at Mediacom leaving the company in 1988 as VP sales.

The committee’s first honouree last year was Pattison Outdoor’s president, Randy Otto.

The speakeasy-themed showdown – in keeping with the 1920s Art Deco design of the venue – is being held at the Arcadian Court in Toronto between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m on Oct. 8. Media companies will be competing for a grand prize in the fourth annual event.