ST. LOUIS - John Knoll has joined the Electrical Connection in the newly created position of director of business development. Knoll focuses on cultivating professional relationships and developing new business opportunities for members 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 #1 and union electrical contractors, represented by the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Knoll has nearly 15 years of experience in various development positions. He previously served as the right of way project representative for the St. Louis County Government Department of Highways and Traffic. In that role, he negotiated with commercial and residential property owners to acquire right of way, easements and license agreements for roadway construction projects. He also collaborated with municipal officials and residents to solve roadway issues and address concerns. Knoll was previously associated with Grand Center, Inc. as director of real estate development and Pyramid Construction, Inc. performing commercial development.

"John's experience in commercial development is a tremendous asset to the Electrical Connection and to the buyers of construction that we serve," said Stephen P. Schoemehl, business manager of IBEW Local #1. "His relationships with those who make so much happen in our community will help the Electrical Connection make even greater contributions to building up the region we serve by forging the teams to make development happen."

Douglas R. Martin, executive vice president of the St. Louis Chapter, NECA, added, "John will serve as a go-to source for property owners and developers who need help assembling resources to pursue real estate development opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to build stronger partnerships with those we're here to serve with our electrical and communication construction, renovation and service expertise."

Knoll earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a former member of the boards of directors for the Lucas Heights Partnership and Harris Stowe College. He also served on the steering committee for the $107 million Blumeyer Hope IV Project, transforming the nearly 40-year-old Blumeyer Public Housing Complex into about 800 new homes, 500 of which be leased and the remaining 300 available for purchase. An avid athlete, Knoll is an active tri-athlete and marathon runner.

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Editor's Note: John Knoll is a resident of O'Fallon, Mo. (63366).

The Electrical Connection makes its offices at 5735 Elizabeth in South St. Louis, Mo. (63110). Its member electrical and communication contractors and their IBEW craftspeople serve facility owners in the city of St. Louis and the 25 Missouri counties of Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Iron, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Scott, Stoddard, Warren, Washington and Wayne.