Boston, JULY 5, 2011: The New England - Canada Business Council (NECBC) www.necbc.org announced  the election of a new board president - chief executive officer and two new members to its Board of Directors for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Formed in 1981 to advance economic, business, and cultural ties between New England and Canada, the NECBC begins its thirtieth year of advocacy with an active, experienced leadership and an enthusiasm for building cross-border regional relationships.

Dr. Anthony Cicerone, Professor of Economics and Director of Canadian Studies at Bridgewater State University, was elected president of the NECBC. Dr. Cicerone previously served as NECBC president from 2000-2002. Currently a member of the Executive Committee of the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States (ACSUS), he has served as chairman of the Economics Department at Bridgewater State University (1984 to 2002) and Director of Canadian Studies at the University since 1989. He earned his B.A. from Acadia University in Nova Scotia and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Northeastern University in Boston. Dr. Cicerone has lived in Plymouth, Massachusetts for over thirty years.

"Canada continues to be the New England states' number one international business partner and its most important export market," Cicerone noted. "In 2001, two-way merchandise trade alone between New England and Canada was almost thirty billion dollars and has grown since. Over 400,000 jobs in New England depend on trade with Canada. Job growth and economic recovery in New England can be boosted by maximizing the business opportunities that exist between New England and Canada."

"Our regional economy is closely tied to our friends from the north," said Cicerone. "It is vital for the NECBC to help maintain open and positive communications and trade relationships between businesses on both sides of the border."

The NECBC also announced two newly-elected members to its Board: Margaret R. Cohen, a Partner, at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Boston, MA; and Michael J. Cohen, Associate Attorney, at Gesmer Updegrove LLP of Boston, MA.

Dr. Cicerone added, "The NECBC Board thanks and commends Leonard Gold of Burns & Levinson, LLP for his dedicated service as President of the Council over the past three years, as well as for his leadership and numerous contributions to the advancement of the organization." He noted, "The Board also thanks three members who are completing their service: Joseph Alviani, Daniel Bryant of Sun Life Financial and William Taylor of TransCanada Corporation."

For a full list of the NECBC Board of Directors visit: www.necbc.org/directors.

About the New England-Canada Business Council

The New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC) is a non-profit organization founded thirty years ago to promote cooperation, commerce, entrepreneurial networking and a greater awareness of the strategic importance of the New England - Canada relationship. Its membership is comprised of business leaders from a wide range of business sectors including finance, energy, transportation, high tech, biotech, professional services, and travel and tourism among others. For more information, call 1-888-655-0615 or visit www.necbc.org.

Joyce McMahon
McMahon Communications
Email: joyce@mcmahoncomm.com