Special Announcement: Shelton Economic Development Corporation Hires New President

Press Release from the Shelton Economic Development Corporation.

The Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s  Chairman of the Board of Directors, William Partington, announced today that the Executive Committee has appointed Paul J. Grimmer, a Shelton resident, as the next President of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation after Incumbent Jimmy Ryan retires in early August this year.

Mr. Partington reported that the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Director’sSearch Committee has concluded a six-monthprocess to retain the best candidate to lead the organization in its important efforts and to assist the City of Shelton withinfrastructure and brownfields activities in the downtown revitalization area.

“Paul is well suited with his significant economic development and grants experience and his successful run as Executive Director for the Town of Orange’s Economic Development Corporation” stated Mr. Partington.  Partington also added that Paul’s familiarity with the Downtown, the City of Shelton, and the Valley will be a real asset to the Corporation and City of Shelton. His knowledge of the functions of a non-profit development corporation and the ability to work with a volunteer board of directors is another real strength Paul has in his toolkit”.

Mr. Grimmer will begin his work on May 2, 2016 as a Vice President of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation and will work under the supervision of Jimmy Ryan for 90 days to bring him up to speed with the many programs that the corporation administers. Mr. Grimmer will assume the title of President on August 3, 2016, the day after Mr. Ryan’s official day of retirement on August 2, 2016.

The Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s Search Committee was pleased to note that Paul will inherit a program that has a proud legacy of achievement working with Mayor Mark Lauretti and the City of Shelton on the complex issues associated with downtown redevelopment and that the effort will continue to move forward without any interruptions. “We are delighted that Paul has accepted our invitation to lead our staff in continuing to provide high impact services to the City’s multifaceted program of downtown revitalization and that the Shelton Economic Development Corporation  values the relationship of public and private partnerships which have been created and continues to be a role model for other Connecticut communities,” stated Partington.

Mr. Grimmer added “Stepping into this new position with the Shelton Economic Development Corporation is incredibly exciting and a challenge that I gladly accept.”  Grimmer started his career as an intern with the Shelton Economic Development Corporation in May of 1987, while attending Pennsylvania State University. “I wish to thank the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors, their Chairman William Partington, Mayor Mark Lauretti and Jimmy Ryan for their confidence in granting me this opportunity to serve my hometown.” 

Grimmer has served as the Executive Director for the Orange Economic Development Corporation (OEDC) since, September 2001.  Grimmer states, “I have been fortunate to work with an awesome group of Individuals in Orange and have many to thank.  OEDC President, Alan M. Fischer of Fischer Real Estate and Armand Cantafio, Chairman of the Orange Economic Development Commission, have been incredibly supportive during my tenure.  We accomplished many important programs and activities under their stewardship.  Last and certainly not least, Orange’s First Selectman Zeoli has provided unending support to not only me, but to the OEDC as whole.  I definitely appreciate all of their effort and energy. 

“My life has come full circle.  I grew up fishing along the Housatonic River and hung out on the very streets that I now have a chance to revitalize.  My parents and grandparents worked in many of these factories.   It is all very nostalgic,” Grimmer added. 

Jimmy Ryan stated  “Paul Grimmer is the right man at the right time with all of the skills and enthusiasm necessary to maintain the Shelton Economic Development Corporation tradition of core values that lead to success”.  Mr. Ryan also noted that “Paul is a man of integrity and ethics that are fundamental to the public responsibilities associated with the position” and it is “a pleasure to pass the baton to Paul”.

---