John O'Toole Email & Phone Number

Beaufort, Sc, Us

Bluffton, Sc, Us

The Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) is the lead entity for organizing, structuring and leading economic development efforts on behalf of Beaufort County, South Carolina. The BCEDC is focused on effective development of small business growth, technology led growth, workforce development, the development of light industrial sites, regulatory reform and other economic development initiatives necessary to support a healthy economy. Beaufort County includes the City of Beaufort and the Towns of Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Port Royal and Yemassee.

Hartford, Connecticut, Us

Responsible for community outreach and relationship development at the local, regional and state levels within the State of Connecticut. Establish and maintain relationships with government, community and business leaders. Proactively manage efficacy in emergency preparedness and response; local and regional economic development; employee engagement; volunteerism; and business membership. Guide programs that leverage corporate business strategies to stimulate economic growth.

Advise and collaborate with state and local partners to attract and assist expanding companies in franchise area. Work with partner agencies to devise comprehensive plans, resolve problem issues to grow revenues through economic development. Maintain relationships with commissioners, chief operating officers and deputies of agencies responsible for economic development. Promoted and given increased responsibilities.Managed Economic Development StaffSpearhead Regional Economic Development collaboratives and strategic planning efforts resulting in EDA approvals and funding Work with regional partners, industry clusters and State of Connecticut to develop and execute domestic and international marketing plansKey player in state’s rapid response team. Participant in site selection process from request for information inquire to ribbon cutting.Launched Executive Pulse business visitation program to better manage retention and expansion projectsPublish annual Connecticut Economic Review to market states competitive advantagesPublish frequent economic development blogs to promote events and inform public policyManage economic development and community relations staff Frequently appear before legislature to provide expert testimony on issues of commerce and land planningFeatured presenter at economic development, downtown revitalization and workforce events

Partner with state and local organization to facilitate growth in franchise area.

Provided leadership over three terms to town during period of tremendous economic growth and educational achievement. Facilitated the redevelopment of downtown and three brownfield sites. Established sister city and led two trade missions to Naklo, Poland. Initiated and oversaw $50 million in infrastructure projects (9 miles of water line, 11 miles of sewer line, an elementary school, a middle school, a library, and a police station). Set and managed annual operating budget of $33 million in addition to managing and handled day to day human resource functions for 75 employees. Negotiated six collective bargaining agreements.ACHIEVEMENTS: - Elected 3 times, served 6 years- Managed efforts to complete and market Silvermine Industrial Park resulting in 1,100 jobs- Coordinated efforts to evaluate, remediate and redevelop significant brownfields- Led efforts to establish SMART tax incentive plan resulting in the attraction of 18 manufacturing firms to industrial park- Worked with manufacturers to adopted International Quality Standards and Lean conceptsImproved tax collection rate to second highest in the State of Connecticut- Led redevelopment efforts that transformed downtown into a picturesque fully leased Initiated and oversaw $50 million in infrastructure projects -- 9 miles of water line, eleven miles of sewer line, expanded treatment plant, an elementary school, a middle school, a library and a police station - Successfully privatized the operation of the waste water facility- Secured $27 million in grants to support town projects- Successful presentations to Moody’s and S&P Investor Services resulted in bond rating up-grades

Provided consultation to owners of small and mid-sized businesses in the areas of business continuity, investment, estate, employee benefits and tax planning

Coordinated the campaign in 51 Connecticut Towns

Executive - Mba, Business

Bachelors, Geology

Certificate, Leadership & Strategy

Certificate, Nu Finance Academy

Certificate In Economic Development, Economic Development Institute

High School, Regents With Honors