Business Council of Fairfield County Decides to End Operations

In the midst of a global pandemic that has hit the health and economy of Fairfield County particularly hard, the region’s leading business advocacy organization has announced it will be closing permanently at the end of this month after 50 years of operations. 

The Business Council of Fairfield County has been the prominent organization in the region working closely with public officials and businesses, and with a strong and longstanding statewide presence.  It was known in a previous incarnation as SACIA, the Southwestern Area Commerce and Industry Association. 

According to a report first published Thursday by the Fairfield County Business Journal, the Stamford-based nonprofit Business Council will begin to conclude regular operations effective next week. 

“For decades, The Business Council has played an important role in both Fairfield County and the State of Connecticut,” James Fitzgerald, Business Council Chair of the Board of Directors, told the Business Journal. “The significant changes in our local economy, the changing business landscape and the financial and operational issues recently caused by the COVID-19 virus have dramatically impacted our long-term financial sustainability.”

The Business Council is described on its website as “a nationally respected network of leaders that works toward common objectives, while delivering individual value.  We produce economic growth and enterprise success through a managed, strategic framework which connects organizations and individuals in self-directed peer teams, supported by professional staff.  Together, our members solve problems and seize opportunities, while exchanging information, building productive relationships and achieving professional growth.”

The organization had been led most recently by President & CEO Erin Flynn and Vice President Joe McGee.  Chris Bruhl, who led the organization for 30 years, retired in January.  Both Bruhl and McGee had a high profile both in the region and in state economic development circles for decades.

Before being selected just three months ago to succeed Bruhl as President & CEO, Erin Flynn served as the founder and Executive Director of the Portland Innovation Quadrant, an emerging innovation district in Portland’s urban core. From 2011-2018 she served as Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Portland State University,

Joe McGee, Vice President, Public Policy and Programs, was appointed last fall by Gov. Lamont to the Task Force on Transit-Oriented Development in Fairfield County.  McGee is a former Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic Development, Chairman of the Connecticut Development Authority and Chairman of Connecticut Innovations, Inc.

“During her short tenure, Erin made great contributions to The Business Council and provided tremendous leadership to our members and business community,” Fitzgerald said. “She was particularly helpful in assessing our strategic alternatives in this unusually stressful time.”

Just a month ago, shortly after his retirement, Bruhl told the Stamford Advocate: “From a general business perspective, we’re a leader in the state.”

The Business Council/SACIA was formed in 1970 through the merger of three organizations, with the oldest of them dating to 1890, according to published reports.