ST. LOUIS — Jim Curran has joined the Electrical Connection as director of business development. He focuses on cultivating professional relationships and developing new business opportunities with construction buyers and developers throughout Eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis region. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and union electrical contractors, represented by the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Curran has more than 30 years of experience in various development and marketing positions. He previously served as economic development director for the City of O’Fallon, Mo., leading the city’s economic development efforts. He maintained a close working relationship with the local business community and developers, site location professionals, statewide economic development organizations, and others.

Curran serves on the board of directors for the Missouri Economic Development Council and formerly served as president of the Fenton Development Association. For eight years, he hosted the “Curran Events” talk show on WGNU. “Jim’s experience in economic development and marketing will help the Electrical Connection best serve our region’s construction buyers and developers,” said Stephen P. Schoemehl, business manager of IBEW Local One. “As a weakening economy affects our entire industry, it is essential to have an advocate with a proven ability to form meaningful and productive relationships with those we serve.”

Douglas R. Martin, executive vice president of the St. Louis Chapter, NECA, added, “Jim’s capabilities provide the essential connections for property owners and developers who need help assembling resources when pursuing opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to build the strongest partnerships in the electrical contracting sector with construction buyers.”

Curran formerly served as economic development director for the City of Fenton, Mo. He also served as president and CEO of the International Order of the Golden Rule and as president of Curran Consulting. Earlier in his career, he was associate director of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, where he generated more than $3 billion in economic impact through his bookings.