Regional group hires first director

FORT MYERS — The Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance has hired Colorado executive Eric Berglund to run the newly formed organization as its first executive director.

The Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance is a marketing organization focused on promoting the five counties of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee.

Berglund most recently was president and CEO of Upstate Colorado Economic Development based in Greeley, Colo. During his six-year tenure there, Berglund helped create over 6,000 jobs from 27 companies. He started his career in banking, serving as vice president of First Community Bank in Fort Collins.

“Eric's experience in economic development, fundraising, marketing and organizational leadership is ideal for the Alliance,” says Laurie Holquist, chair of the Alliance board of directors, in a statement.