Erie Regional Chamber Hires New Director of Research

Erie, PA, April 09, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP) has hired Ben Pratt as the new Director of Research for the organization. In his role, Mr. Pratt will be working in accordance with all three divisions of the ERCGP, to provide the research and analytical support of targeted community and economic development initiatives that will positively impact the region’s economic vitality.

Mr. Pratt’s most recent tenure was at the Office of Governor Rick Perry of Texas, through the economic development and international business recruitment fellowship program where he conducted research and analysis of bilateral trade relationships between foreign countries and Texas, including domestic overview briefings and state to state analysis. Mr. Pratt also gained strategic-planning and sales management experience working in the agricultural communities of Northwest Michigan.

Mr. Pratt graduated from Mercyhurst College in 2009 with a BA in International Business and a minor in Spanish. He is a member of Delta Mu Delta international honors society for Business Administration, in addition to Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership & Success. During his time at Mercyhurst College, he studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and completed an Internship in the strategic initiatives sector at locally owned and operated Logistics Plus.

The ERCGP is an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on its members’ investments to support its mission of providing the leadership to attract, retain and expand business in the region. More than 860 businesses currently belong to the Chamber. For more information on the ERCGP, visit www.eriepa.com.

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