For more than two decades as President and CEO of The New England Council, James Brett has led efforts to promote economic development throughout New England, supporting innovative initiatives and policies that create jobs and improve the quality of life.
Recently he was honored by an organization that played a role in his career path – at the beginning.
The Junior Achievement program honored Jim Brett as the first inductee into the Northern New England Junior Achievement Alumni Hall of Fame. Junior Achievement is a nonprofit, national program that provides after school education to help young people gain the knowledge and skills they need for economic success. The core programs focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
In high school, Brett participated in the Junior Achievement Company Program. His team developed a thoughtful invention to help elderly people open jars. Through the program, Brett learned many important aspects of running a business including team collaboration, marketing, and understanding how to calculate expenses and generate profits. “These were important lessons that stayed with me long after high school,” Brett said. “Junior Achievement offered a unique educational experience and I learned skills that I may not have been exposed to in school.”
After his college years, Brett started a career in public service. In his role as a State Representative, Brett held a series of leadership positions including chairmanship of the Banking Committee and the Committee on Taxation. His work largely focused on creating economic opportunity in the state.
“The New England Council brings together the public and private sectors to develop the best ideas for economic development, job growth, and a high quality of life for the region,” Brett said. “All people should have access to that success and an opportunity to work, live safely, and have quality medical care and social support. Some of the more vulnerable members of our community – people with disabilities – need a voice in this planning.”
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest economic education organization dedicated to inspiring and helping young students gain the skills they need for economic success. Each year, the program reaches more than 4.8 million students across the country.
