New Development Director Excited to Show 'Spirit of Bethel'

Bethel’s newly hired Director of Economic Development, Janis Chrzescijanek, said Monday she is excited to get started in the new position promoting and broadening Bethel’s commercial base.

Chrzescijanek, a 10-year Bethel resident raising three children in the local school system, will officially move in to town hall on May 28, coordinating efforts with the Economic Development Commission (EDC), Economic Outreach Commission (EOC) and First Selectman’s Office.

“This is a great fit for me,” Chrzescijanek said of accepting the position, as it melds well with her business management experience, particularly startups, and love for Bethel as a hometown. 

On day one, after getting situated and meeting with the pertinent department heads, “my first goal is to support what they have been doing,” she said. “Really look into programs and services to help the business community grow and really market Bethel and what we have to offer.”

Personally, Chrzescijanek considers her first priority to be educating the existing business community, as well as potential commercial interests that are looking at Bethel.

“A lot of communication, a lot of education that we can provide for [existing businesses] if they want to grow their business,” she said, as well as “reaching out to the two commercial parks and the real estate agents” about promoting opportunities to new businesses.

“There’s not a lot of knowledge about what Bethel has and can offer,” Chrzescijanek said. “There’s a spirit of Bethel and what Bethel is and I think that needs to get out.”

Chrzescijanek previously served as a member of the Bethel Board of Education, as well as a director of the Bethel Education Foundation and co-chair of the Rockwell Elementary PTO. She earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University and a Masters in Health Services Administration from Iona College.

Read more about the newly established position from EDC and EOC Chairman Michael Boyle here.