Madison, Guilford To Share Economic Development Director

MADISON, CT —Two towns. Two common goals. One person tasked with helping each reach that goal:

Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons and Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey this week announced they've named Sheri Cote as the "newly established" Guilford-Madison Economic Development Director.

Cote has served as Guilford's Interim Economic Development Coordinator in a part time capacity for the past year, Hoey noted.

"We look forward to her continued support while also embarking on this regional partnership with the Town of Madison,” he said.

Cote's job is to help assist and advise both First Selectmen and the Economic Development Commissions of each town on how best to promote and develop economic resources to improve tax bases and employment, and to stimulate business activity including working to retain and/or expand existing businesses, and recruiting new businesses.

Cote background, which "reflects extensive experience working with the business community," includes serving as the President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, and Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. She is also the former Vice President of the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, served on the Waterford Board of Education and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Connecticut Tourism Coalition.

A resident of Old Lyme, Cote has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Charter Oak State College and an Associate's degree in accounting from Three Rivers Community College.

"I am excited to work on development initiatives that align with the interests of two beautiful towns that set the bar for quality of life here in Connecticut, and I look forward to continued engagement with the business community," Cote told Patch.

"I am also pleased to work on behalf of two communities who embrace sharing municipal services for the good of the region," she said.

Lyons said Madison was at once "excited about this new partnership with our neighboring town" and bringing Cote on board.

“Ms. Cote is well regarded in our regional business community and will provide us with an important resource to keep Madison’s post-COVID recovery on track," Lyons said. "She will also be spearheading the development of a long-term economic plan that aligns our policies with our community’s vision and needs.”

Cote can be reached at cotes@guilfordct.gov and cotes@madisonct.org.