Latina Is Farmington's New Economic Development Director

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Rose Ponte (l) has been appointed as Economic Development Director for Farmington
Photo: Rep-Am.com

The Ponte family came to America in 1961 to escape communism in Cuba, and young Rose Ponte entered the first grade speaking only Spanish. She said she found an unusual way to sharpen her English skills: “I had to watch TV from the moment I got home from school to dinner time,” Ponte said.

Today, Ponte is the new economic development director for the Town of Farmington.

Ponte said when new businesses are interested in coming to Farmington, she plans to contact them and ask how the town can accommodate their business needs. “I’ll be working hand in hand with the planning and zoning [commission] to see how to expand the tax base,” Ponte said. “From looking at our business tax base, it’s already very good, and I’ll help keep it up with the character of the town.”

She plans to organize programs that would support the town’s business district and encourage development, such as the Jingle Bell Jubilee that’s schedued Dec. 7. Ponte is currently organizing the event to promote local businesses.

“She will provide a good outreach,” said Courtney Hendricson, who has known Ponte for about six years. Hendricson was Farmington’s economic development director for five years, and recently accepted a position in Enfield.

When Ponte saw the job opportunity in Farmington, she applied.

“I was always so impressed with Farmington,” Ponte said. “With my background and experience in a lot of different things, I hope to help Farmington continue with their success. I’m very excited to be part of something that has such positive momentum.”

Ponte was raised in New York City and after high school went to Fairfield University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business.

After graduating, Ponte worked on Wall Street until…..

For full story: http://www.courant.com/community/farmington/hc-fx-personweek-1121-20131113,0,1536046.story


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