AT&T Executive Director Heads Connecticut Economic Resource Center's Board
02/10/2006
Contact:
Kristi Sullivan, 860-571-6213
John Emra Assumes Chairmanship
The Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), a nonprofit firm dedicated to providing economic development research, policy and marketing in Connecticut, announces that John Emra, Executive Director-External Affairs for AT&T's Connecticut operations, has been named Board Chairman. Emra assumes leadership of the CERC board at an exciting time in the company's history, as the state's economic development climate shows evidence of changing to better meet the competitive challenges of the economy.
"John is attuned to balancing business interests, government affairs and economic development issues. His expertise complements our mission and his guidance will push us to an even greater level of achievement this year," said CERC President and CEO Martha Hunt.
Emra replaces Dave Benoit, who served on CERC's Board since 1998 and as chair for a year and a half until his departure at the end of 2005.
"I am excited to be a part of CERC's effort to provide expert economic development research and policy information to increase Connecticut's competitive edge. CERC's team of economists, marketers and business assistance staff are committed to supporting our state's economic development team, and its mission will become that much more valuable as Connecticut strives to maintain its economic leadership position," said Emra.
At AT&T, Emra is responsible for overseeing the company's relationships with local, state and national officials and managing the company's external affairs directors. In addition, he is responsible for managing the company's annual charitable giving in the state through the SBC Foundation. Emra previously served as the national spokesperson in Washington, DC, for SBC Communications Inc., on legislative and regulatory matters. Prior to that posting he was the SBC spokesperson for all legislative and regulatory issues for the company in Connecticut.
CERC is a nonprofit company funded by 10 of the state's utility and telecommunications companies in partnership with state government. With a mission of promoting Connecticut as a competitive business location, CERC specializes in economic development, research and marketing for local, regional, state and utility economic development entities. Visit www.cerc.com for more info.
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