CERC Economist Heading Up HABE

08/30/2006

Contacts:

MaryAnn Simkewicz, 860-571-6217
Alissa DeJonge, 860-571-6206

CERC is pleased to announce that Alissa DeJonge has been named president of The Hartford Area Business Economists (HABE), a professional organization for local economists that provides a forum for the discussion and exchange of ideas and problems, for the 2006-07 year. Her first public appearance as HABE president will be to moderate an industry outlook panel at CBIA's Sept. 7 event, The Connecticut Economy.

As an economist at CERC, Ms. DeJonge performs extensive research and analysis concerning state and regional issues, including industry profiles, regional and fiscal impact analyses, survey research and evaluation. In 2005 she was the project manager for "Benchmarking Connecticut's Economy," a report that measures the state's economic capacity and trends related to competitiveness and innovation compared to all states.

Ms. DeJonge earned her master's degree in international and development economics from Yale University and her bachelor's degree in economics from Boston College.

HABE, which was chartered as the sixth local chapter of the National Association of Business Economists (NABE) in 1966, addresses the need for: a wide exchange of experience in the application of economic theory to the opportunities and problems of business firms; a channel for communicating timely analysis, research findings and enlightened viewpoints on a wide range of economic topics; and a convenient means for meeting fellow business managers, economists and others interested in the ongoing study of economic activity.

Membership is open to economists, business people whose work is dependent upon the understanding of economic conditions, and those who simply enjoy the pursuit of economic topics. To learn about the upcoming speakers at HABE's monthly luncheon meetings, or for information on becoming a member, visit www.nabe.com/chapters/hartford.

CERC is a nonprofit company specializing in economic development and marketing for local, regional, state and utility economic development entities. Funded by 10 of the state's utility and telecommunications companies in partnership with state government, CERC also markets the state as a competitive business location. More information about CERC can be found at www.cerc.com.

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