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For Immediate Release May 4, 2021 Contact: Nancy Cowser 860-437-4659 x 201 NCowser@secter.org seCTer — designated Economic Development Organization for the region, announces leadership transition. GROTON, CT — The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) have announced that Executive Director Nancy Cowser has tendered her resignation effective June 30, 2021. Ms. Cowser, who has served in her current capacity since late 2016, has accepted the role of Chief Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer with Mitchell College in New London. “I have fully enjoyed and appreciated my time with seCTer,” expressed Ms. Cowser. “Prior to my arrival, this vital organization operated with a decade of deficit budgets. By working with the Board and our strong staff to re-align resources — focusing the most value-added services for our municipal members/community — we turned things around from that first year. This organization is fiscally and programmatically stronger than ever. I look upon my decision to move into education as a continuing commitment to the business community I’ve come to know so well. Through the unique learning environment of Mitchell College, I hope to continue to positively impact our region’s workforce.” An improved balance sheet was among a number of significant accomplishments for seCTer during Ms. Cowser's leadership, explains Board Chair, Mark R. Oefinger, retired town manager for the Town of Groton. “Nancy’s impact began shortly after she joined us, seeing our most recent Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, known as CEDS, through to completion and final approval. This important regional strategic planning tool went on to win national-level recognition as a best-practice example by the National Association of Development Organizations. In addition, Nancy executed a subcontract with the Connecticut Small Business Development center (CSBC) to secure a dedicated consultant for our Groton office — fully realizing a goal of creating a “one-stop” suite of services for regional businesses. The entire board appreciates the time we have had with Nancy, the long-standing impact she will have on our organization and the entrepreneurs that rely on us. We are united in wishing her the best in her new placement.” When asked about meaningful highlights, from her perspective, Ms. Cowser shared two examples of proactive engagement on behalf of the entire organization. “We all know the importance of submarine manufacturing on the economic development landscape for our region. As a result, in 2019, seCTer developed and hosted an event — ‘Leading the Way’— in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat, bringing together over 500 attendees to meet one-on-one with procurement personnel from multiple divisions of General Dynamics. Having access to that level of buying power is an uncommon opportunity with significant impact on small businesses hoping to enter the supply chain. On the other end of the spectrum, most recently, I’m proud that early in the pandemic we secured a grant from DECD to support our ability to defer loan payments for many of our loan clients, giving them time to pivot and adjust during the Covid crisis. Not a single loan client has failed during the pandemic, in part due to the deferrals but also due to the wrap around assistance provided by the seCTer resources. As a team, that was a critical goal for us.” A search for a new Executive Director is underway, and being managed by the Board of Directors. Details regarding the position and application process will be posted at www.seCTer.org.