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Immediate Release September 23, 2004 CBIA PRESIDENT AND CEO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT PLANS The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) Board of Directors today announced the pending retirement of Kenneth O. Decko as president and CEO of the association, and the promotion of two key staff members, John R. Rathgeber to chief operating officer and a member of the CBIA board of directors, and Joseph F. Brennan to senior vice president of public policy. The announcements were made at the Board of Directors September meeting. Decko, who has been with CBIA for 34 years, 25 of them as president of the professional service organization, will retire effective October 31, 2006. “During his tenure, Ken has made a lasting impression on the business community in Connecticut. He is a uniquely talented individual who is a strong and vigorous advocate for Connecticut businesses. It is a pleasure working with him,” said Christopher R. Skomorowski, executive vice president, COO and director of Lydall, Inc., and chairman of the CBIA Board of Directors. Under Decko’s leadership and guidance, CBIA has served as an advocate for the general business and industry community in Connecticut. He has promoted a state business climate that is globally competitive and worked with the state legislature to encourage a business community that supports expansion and growth in the state. In 1970, Decko joined the Manufacturers Association of Connecticut as an attorney. That group merged with the state Chamber of Commerce to form CBIA in 1971. He also served as the association’s vice president and general counsel, treasurer and executive vice president before being elected president in 1981. Decko is also president of the CBIA Service Corporation, which provides insurance and other fee-for-service programs to the association’s members. “My 34 years at CBIA have been a wonderful and satisfying experience, both personally and professionally,” said Decko. “I will miss the daily operations, but the association is in good hands and on the right track to continue the growth and prosperity we need to keep Connecticut businesses competitive, making our state a good place to work and live.” The board also announced the promotion of two executives. John Rathgeber, CBIA executive vice president, has been named chief operating officer. Since joining CBIA in 1977 as staff attorney, Rathgeber has served in a number of positions for the organization including counsel, general counsel and vice president. Rathgeber has been instrumental in providing policies for the association
and promoting a healthy business climate, which encourages economic growth
and job creation in the state. Joseph Brennan, CBIA vice president of government affairs, has been named senior vice president of public policy. Brennan has been successful in representing business views at the state Capitol on issues such as state fiscal policy, labor and employment law, and energy policy. Before joining CBIA in 1988, Brennan was in a private law practice in Manchester. “During his 16 years with CBIA, Joe has educated the public and policy makers about the importance of a competitive business climate and the impact legislative and regulatory actions have on jobs in Connecticut. I am confident that in his new role, Joe will continue to increase and improve our government affairs operations and work to encourage more business participation in the political process,” said Skomorowski. “The board is extremely grateful for the service and dedication that Ken has shown the board and businesses in Connecticut over the past three decades. CBIA has grown dramatically under his leadership, and with the promotions of Rathgeber and Brennan, is poised to continue making strides and serving the needs of Connecticut businesses into the decades ahead,” said Skomorowski. CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with 10,000 members. ### For photographs and bios click on For more information contact Nancy Andrews, CBIA media relations manager, at 860-244-1957 or andrewsn@cbia.com. 350 Church
Street · Hartford, CT 06103-1126 · cbia.com/newsroom
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