Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Announcement of Christina Hull Paxson as Brown University’s 19th President

I was pleased to learn of the election of Christina Hull Paxson as the 19th President of Brown University.

Dr. Paxson no doubt knows that she has big shoes to fill, but I am confident that she will continue the excellent leadership of her predecessor, Ruth Simmons.

As Governor, I am acutely aware of the important role Brown plays in our state. It is a pillar of our civic and cultural life, and a major driver of the economies of Providence and Rhode Island. As I focus on bringing job creation and innovation to the Knowledge District and ensuring fiscal stability in our capital city, Dr. Paxson will be a key partner. I look forward to working with her and, on behalf of the people of Rhode Island, welcome her and her family to our great state.

March 1, 2012

March 1, 2012, a photo by rigovernor on Flickr.

Governor Chafee shakes hands with Chairwoman Dr. Kathleen Hittner of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. At the meeting that followed, safety improvements and runway expansions for T.F. Green Airport were approved.

March 1, 2012

March 1, 2012, a photo by rigovernor on Flickr.

Governor Chafee speaks at an event organized by Fidelity Cares, a company-wide initiative through which Fidelity employees volunteer their time across the state.

February 29, 2012

February 29, 2012, a photo by rigovernor on Flickr.

Governor Chafee welcomes U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to Rhode Island before a group tour of the I-95 Providence Viaduct. The state is planning repairs to this section of highway alongside the Providence Place Mall.

Governor Delivers Positive Economic News for Rhode Island: Port of Davisville is 7th Largest Auto Importer in North America

Governor Chafee joined with state officials and local business leaders on February 28 to announce that the Port of Davisville at Quonset Business Park has now moved up to become the 7th largest auto importer in North America. Based on figures for 2011, more than 150,000 automobiles were imported at the Port during the year, and another 41,000 autos came to Davisville by rail. Quonset Business Park is already considered one of the premiere business parks in New England and one of the largest in the Northeast. Quonset is home to more than 165 companies, employing approximately 8,800 people in a variety of industries.

“The Port of Davisville – as well as the entire Quonset Business Park – is one of Rhode Island’s key assets,” Governor Chafee said. “Last year’s results put us ahead of Boston, Halifax, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Charlestown, Seattle – among others – as one of the premiere auto ports on the continent.”

February 28, 2012

February 28, 2012, a photo by rigovernor on Flickr.

Governor Chafee joined with state officials and local business leaders to announce that the Port of Davisville at Quonset Business Park has now moved up to become the 7th largest auto importer in North America, based on figures for 2011. Pictured with the Governor are Michael Miranda, left, CEO and President of NORAD, and Steven King, P.E. QDC.

Governor Announces Finalized Agreements with RI Entrepreneurship Groups Aimed at Creating Jobs

On February 27, Governor Chafee announced that the RIEDC has finalized Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the Small Business Loan Fund Corporation, BetaSpring, and Slater Technology Fund to deploy the first tranche of the $13.1 million in federal grant funds Rhode Island has been awarded through the U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).

“The success of small businesses and our talented entrepreneurs is key to Rhode Island’s economic expansion and the future of our cities and towns,” Governor Chafee said. “These federal SSBCI funds are an important tool to help strengthen existing capital and economic development programs, support businesses and job creation in our communities and encourage private investment to grow innovative companies.”