Driver, NU/Team New England director, heads CERC's 2011 board

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CERC), a nonprofit economic development firm, has announced its 2011 board officers, including new chairman David Driver, business recruitment manager at Northeast Utilities in Berlin, and director of the six-state Team New England marketing program. Driver replaces AT&T executive director John Emra, who has served as head of CERC's board since 2006. CERC's board of directors, which is responsible for oversight of the finances and operation of the organization, also voted in Gregg Therrien from Connecticut Natural Gas/Southern Connecticut Gas as treasurer and Robert Mills from the Norwich Community Dev. Corp. (representing the Connecticut Municipal Electrical Energy Cooperative) as secretary. Driver assumes leadership of the CERC board at a time in Conn.'s history as new gubernatorial leadership faces grim budget conditions and economic challenges. "I am excited to be working more closely with CERC's expert staff who provide important economic development resources and services to support making Conn. a more competitive business environment," said Driver. "CERC's mission and commitment are more valuable than ever as Conn. enters this new era of leadership." "David is very familiar with CERC's operations, and he and I have worked well together over the past 20 years. I welcome David's leadership of our board and look forward to his guidance in the new year," said Robert Santy, CERC president and CEO. Driver has more than 35 years of experience working in economic development, including previously serving as vice president of business development at CERC between 1998 and 2002. He currently heads NU's efforts in promoting the region as a desirable business location through the Team New England marketing collaborative and serves as the business development contact for the Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership.