Former state tourism chief named head of local group

Edward D. Dombroskas, a former state tourism chief, took the helm Monday as executive director of the Mystic-based Eastern Regional Tourism District.

As the unanimous choice of the district's board of directors, Dombroskas said Monday he'd work simultaneously on three top challenges laid out by the board of directors: solidifying the relationship with the Quiet Corner of northeast towns, integrating the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau with the district and pursuing public and private funds to enhance marketing.

Dombroskas, who started in the job Monday, brings "a wealth of experience" in Connecticut tourism and job development that will serve the district well, said John Markowicz, vice chairman of the district's board of directors.

Dombroskas said Monday he'd hit the ground running by focusing on all top three priorities at once, with increased attention paid to marketing funds, which are in short supply. Earlier this year, lawmakers cut the state tourism marketing budget to $1, and slashed funding to the state's districts, which now number three instead of five.

"The important point here is: this district is the only district that has a significant public/private partnership and I think clearly this is going to be the key in this new tourism paradigm: that we take every opportunity to attract money through development partnerships and cooperative efforts," Dombroskas said.

From Jan. 1 to June 30, the end of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the district budget is expected to total $347,500, Dombroskas said. He said he'll earn $65,000 a year in the full-time post.

"The budget for this year is a moving target," he said. "The fact is: we're in a new era. The economic conditions have forced us to reinvent ourselves without losing pace."

Dombroskas replaces Donna Simpson, who reduced her post from full to part time to adjust to budget cuts and who will leave Dec. 24. Dombroskas was chosen from a field of several candidates and four finalists, said Markowicz, who thanked Simpson for her leadership.

"Ed has the contacts, first hand knowledge and attitude to jump in at this low point in Connecticut tourism promotion and make the connections to go forward," added Simpson.

Dombroskas served as executive director of the state's tourism office from 1992 to 2006, and was senior operating officer at the state Department of Economic and Community Development from 1988 to 1992.

He retired in 2009 as executive director of the Greater Hartford Seniors Job Bank, and was last employed as a principal with TRL Consultants LLC of West Hartford, consulting with small businesses and nonprofit groups. He lives in West Hartford.

"This is a long term commitment," said Dombroskas of his new position. "This is an opportunity to come back to an industry that I have a lot of faith and confidence in and know that the industry will bring the state back to economic good times provided we take care of it. (Regional tourism) will survive because of its importance to the state's overall economy."