East Hartford, CT – After 12 years with Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), including seven as State Director, Joe Ercolano is retiring, effective November 5, 2025. In addition to well wishes from colleagues at CTSBDC and UConn School of Business, Ercolano was honored by the Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) with the Kenneth L. Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award.
CEDAS honored Ercolano at its 2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on October 30. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors the legacy of Kenneth L. Roberts, his commitment to economic development in the state of Connecticut and his long-time service to CT DECD. The award honors economic developers or practitioners with at least 20 years’ experience who have made demonstrable contributions to the economic development field and impactful activities in Connecticut.
“I am honored by this recognition from the economic development community in Connecticut and the individuals who make such important contributions to our state’s communities and residents,” said Ercolano. “The opportunity to cap my career working with the professionals at CTSBDC also means a great deal to me.”
“Joe’s leadership has strengthened Connecticut’s entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem in lasting ways,” said Greg Reilly, Interim Dean of the UConn School of Business. “Through his steady hand and deep understanding of both people and policy, he helped thousands of business owners navigate challenge and opportunity alike. His work reflects the very best of public service—quietly transformative, deeply human, and foundational to the state’s economic vitality.”
Ercolano’s economic development career began in the South Bronx, where, working for an organization headed by urban renewal pioneer Edward J. Logue, his work included managing the creation of New York City’s second business incubator and providing small business advising. In Connecticut, his knowledge of the Connecticut business landscape began with a 12-year engagement with the Business Council of Fairfield County. As Vice President for Regional Economic Issues and Transportation, he was instrumental in researching and structuring investment proposals for improved intrastate rail service and highway safety measures, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment, as well as leading successful efforts for property and corporate tax relief for manufacturers. He then joined Pitney Bowes, where he led the creation of the South End NRZ and helped develop the concept for the Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board. He ended his 14-year tenure as Vice President for Government Business Development and Strategy. He broadened his knowledge of job training and public-private partnerships before joining CTSBDC in 2013.