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Andy Bessette To Lead MetroHartford Alliance
The Board of Directors of the MetroHartford Alliance today elected Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer of St. Paul Travelers, to serve as Chair of the Alliance Board in 2006. The Board also elected Cheryl Grise, Charles Harvell, and Gene Sheehan as Vice Chairs. This leadership team will continue the Alliance's focus on growing jobs, attracting investment, and recruiting talent for the city and the region. Richard Booth, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, served as Chair of the Alliance Board during 2004 and 2005.
In commenting on the transition, Booth said: "I am delighted that the Board has elected Andy to serve as Chair in 2006. I take great pride in having served as Chair and was honored to work with all of the members of the Board and the Alliance team on behalf of the city and the entire Region. During the past two years, the Alliance has led a series of initiatives that have strengthened our competitiveness and enhanced our quality of life. Our accomplishments have been numerous: increased investments in city neighborhoods such as Upper Albany Avenue and Park Street; a highly acclaimed Site Selector Tour; a growing number of members; a stronger financial base; and a more engaged set of partnerships with more than 30 municipalities and 16 suburban Chambers of Commerce. Andy's experience and vision will undoubtedly enhance the Alliance's reputation as a highly valued leader focused on actions to ensure that Hartford continues as New England's Rising Star."
In succeeding Booth, Andy Bessette said, "On behalf of St. Paul Travelers, I am honored and excited to serve as Chair of the Alliance and look forward to building upon the significant momentum created under Richard's leadership. Since the 2004 announcement of our multi-year goals of job growth, wealth creation, and talent attraction, the Alliance has built a visible and vibrant reputation as the "go-to" organization that initiates actions to sustain the growth necessary to provide economic opportunity for all of our region's residents. In a world where challenges to our economic future increase daily, I am proud to lead an experienced and talented team of directors, members and professionals who are committed to seeing that the Hartford region competes successfully for jobs, capital and people."
In response to the election, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez said, "The Alliance is a key partner in the city's revitalization, with a particular focus on the growth of our neighborhoods. I've enjoyed working with Richard, a valuable and committed leader, and look forward to developing an equally successful partnership with Andy."
The Board also reelected Cheryl Grise, President of Northeast Utilities Utility Division, as a Vice Chair of the Alliance. In electing two new Vice Chairs, the Board appointed Charles Harvell, managing partner of Ernst & Young of Hartford, as Chair of the Economic Development Council, succeeding Lee J. Olivier, President of Transmission Group for Northeast Utilities, and Gene Sheehan, President and Managing Partner of Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, as Chair of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce succeeding Jerry Long, Chairman and President of PCC Technology Group, LLC.
Following the Board meeting, Oz Griebel, President and CEO of the Alliance, said: "All of us at the Alliance salute Richard Booth for his life-long commitment to the health of this region and for his service as Chair during the past two years. We also thank Lee and Jerry for their invaluable leadership in strengthening the effectiveness of two of the Alliance's most important components: the Economic Development Council and the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to working with Andy, Cheryl, Charles, Gene and the rest of the Board in achieving ever greater accomplishments in 2006 and beyond."
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The MetroHartford Alliance is the City's Chamber of Commerce and the Region's Economic Development Leader focused on increasing jobs, capital and talent to create economic growth. Its mission is to ensure that the Hartford Region competes as a premier place for all people to live, work, play, and raise a family. The Alliance has more than 1,000 members, including businesses of all sizes, educational and health care institutions, municipalities, and suburban Chambers of Commerce, all working together to increase jobs, attract investment, and retain and recruit talent. The Alliance also provides a variety of programs designed to help its members achieve their specific goals.
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