Business & Tech

CBIA Board Chairman Looks to Recast CT as More Business-Friendly

James P. Torgerson, CEO of UIL Holdings, is the new board chairman of the state's largest business organization.

The following is a press release from UIL Holdings:

James P. Torgerson, president and CEO of UIL Holdings Corp. (NYSE: UIL), has been elected chair of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) board of directors.

UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company (UI), The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG), among others.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“I’m very excited about working with our partners in the business community and the government to help recast Connecticut as a more business-friendly state,” Torgerson said. “While we certainly face significant challenges, I also expect the months and years ahead to be rich with opportunities for growth and job creation in Connecticut.”

The state’s largest business organization, CBIA supports policies that promote economic growth, a fiscally responsible state government and a dynamic business climate. Torgerson had served as vice-chair of the CBIA board since December 2012. 

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Torgerson succeeds the previous CBIA board chair, Donald R. Droppo Jr., president and CEO of Curtis Packaging in Sandy Hook.

CBIA president and chief executive officer John R. Rathgeber acknowledged Torgerson's tireless efforts promoting opportunities for economic growth in the state, particularly in steering the Connecticut Institute for the 21st Century.

“Jim Torgerson is a remarkable leader, which his peers have recognized in electing him to this critically important role,” Rathgeber said. "His deep understanding of public policy issues make him the ideal choice to lead the business community as we work to address the state's economic and fiscal challenges and build a stronger, more competitive Connecticut.”

Torgerson has been UIL’s president and CEO since 2006. UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company and Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, as well as The Berkshire Gas Company in Massachusetts.

Previously, he was president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. and a member of its board of directors. Before joining the Midwest ISO, he served as chief financial officer for several gas and electric utilities in North America.

Torgerson is also active in the community. He has served locally as a board member of Yale New Haven Hospital and the Business Council of Fairfield County. He is also chair of REX (Regional Economic Xcelleration), the Connecticut Institute for the 21st Century, and he serves as a trustee of the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools.

Torgerson takes an active role in organizations that promote the energy industry, particularly those that promote a healthy growth and jobs environment through workforce development. At the national level, he sits on the boards of directors for the Edison Energy Institute and the American Gas Association.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here