FOCUS MEDIA’S JOSH SOMMERS JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Brings experience in economic development, marketing and public relations
Goshen, N.Y. – February 18, 2010 – Josh Sommers, president and CEO of Goshen, N.Y.-based Focus Media Inc., has been elected to the Orange County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.
Sommers, who also serves as Chairman of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, brings deep experience in economic development and issue advocacy. On both a professional and volunteer basis, Sommers has played an active role in improving the Hudson Valley’s economy. This work includes advising some of the region’s most prominent companies on marketing and sales, as well as providing public relations counsel to applicants seeking land use approvals.
“The Chamber of Commerce has an exceptional board of directors that includes many of the region’s top business leaders and I’m very proud to join them,” Sommers said. “I hope to make significant contributions to the Chamber’s planning and strategy and help it foster an environment that attracts new businesses and helps existing ones thrive.”
Sommers noted he already has key insights on the Orange County Chamber’s activities as Focus Media serves as the Chamber’s advertising agency of record. He recently was named the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s April 28 marketing seminar.
“Josh Sommers will bring an exciting new vitality to the Chamber Board of Directors,” said Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio, the president of the Orange County Chamber. “The Chamber will benefit not only from Josh’s expertise and savvy in marketing and advertising, but from his unique and creative approaches to strategic planning. He will be a great asset to an already terrific Board.”
Sommers’ professional experience includes serving as public relations and political counsel to labor unions and developers seeking to bring casinos to the Catskills. Sommers is Vice President of Development for the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties’ Board of Directors and is a Past-President of the Rotary Club of Monticello, New York.
He also was part of the team that ran a successful political and grassroots campaign for the New York State Transportation Bond Act, a statewide referendum in 2005 that approved $2.9 billion in infrastructure improvements around the state.
In the political realm, Sommers helped flip control of two county legislatures to and numerous media campaigns for elected officials that include Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano, Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen and Ulster County Sherriff Paul Van Blarcum.
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce has 2,000 members and is one of the 10 largest chambers of commerce in New York State. The Chamber is based in Montgomery, N.Y., and has been working for the Orange County business community for more than 125 years. More information is available at www.orangeny.com.
About Focus Media
Focus Media, Inc. is an award-winning, full service, public relations and advertising agency specializing in market research, branding, design, collateral development, TV and radio production, and media planning and placement. Since founding the company in 2002, President and CEO Josh Sommers has assembled a highly talented team of marketing experts, public relations strategists and acclaimed graphic designers that have made Focus Media a preeminent advertising agency known for its creativity, innovation and cutting edge marketing strategies.
In addition to prominent public figures, Focus Media has served clients in many industries, including banking, gaming, healthcare, tourism, construction and real estate development.
