Former U.S. Rep. Simmons Tapped to be Conn.’s First Business Advocate

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has nominated former 2nd District Congressman Rob Simmons of Stonington as the state’s first Business Advocate, a position created by the General Assembly during the 2006 legislative session.

The Business Advocate will be responsible for providing information on public and private programs to assist businesses, and for targeting specific small and micro businesses for growth with programs, technical assistance, job training and financial assistance.

Simmons was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 2nd Congressional District of Connecticut from 2001 to 2007. He also served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1991 to 2001.

As a member of Congress he promoted the defense, manufacturing and transportation sectors of Connecticut’s economy through his service on the Armed Services and Transportation Committees.

In the Connecticut General Assembly, Simmons served on the Commerce Committee, and was an original member of the Tourism Subcommittee advocating for more tourism.

He was educated at Haverford College, Harvard University and the University of Connecticut. He also served in the CIA, on the U.S. Senate staff and in the U.S. Army for over 35 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2003.

Source: Gov. Rell’s office

Topics USA Connecticut