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New CEO named for Morton Chamber, EDC

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An Ohio man will be the next CEO of the Morton Chamber of Commerce and Morton Economic Development Council, the organizations announced Thursday.

Brian M. Anderson, who has been executive director of the Growth Partnership in Ashtabula County, Ohio, will replace Jennifer Daly, who left the Morton positions after six years to take the job of CEO of the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois.

“We are very excited to have Brian as the next executive of both the Chamber and EDC,” said Chamber President Bill Aupperle. “He brings a strong background in business development, economic development and non-profit management to Morton that will help continue the successes we’ve had supporting and growing the local economy.”

Under Anderson’s leadership, the Growth Partnership placed additional emphasis on the retention and expansion of Ashtabula County’s existing employers, workforce development, and forming new partnerships within the County and across the region.

Anderson was selected as part of a national search. 

“Both organizations conducted independent searches as part of the process to make sure we got the right person or persons,” EDC President Brad Braker said. “And we both came to the conclusion that Brian was that person with the kinds of skill sets and experience that we were looking for.”

Anderson was introduced to the full boards and staff of both organizations this week and will formally begin his work as Executive Director of the Chamber and CEO of the EDC on Jan. 5.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me professionally, and I am anxious to get to work,” Anderson said. “There are a lot of assets that we have to work with here: location, infrastructure, a strong business environment, education, good demographics, cooperative government, and two organizations with a great track record of success.”

Anderson also cited the close relationship between the Chamber and EDC as a major positive for the community.

“There are a lot of communities striving to create the kind of relationship that already exists here between the Chamber and EDC,” he said. “The work of the two organizations really do complement each other and helps to support both the growth of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses.”

During his three and a half years with the Growth Partnership, the organization made significant steps forward and received recognition for its work in helping to support and grow the county’s economy. Highlights included:

  • Support/contribution to projects resulting in:Recognition by Site Selection Magazine as a top area for business investment and expansion in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
    • 550 jobs created
    • 1,250 jobs retained
    • $145 million in capital invested
  • Recognition by Team NEO with a Plus Award for expansion and retention efforts
  • Implementation of a business retention and expansion program

Previously, Anderson held a number of positions with the Council of Development Finance Agencies, a national non-profit focused on best practices related to the use of financing tools for economic development projects. Those roles included managing the organizations research, legislative and professional education programs. 

Anderson attended John Carroll University and Cleveland State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters in Public Administration from Cleveland State's Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. 

Anderson and his wife, Angela, have two sons. The family plans to relocate to central Illinois.