Governor Chafee Hosts Community Small Business Outreach Forums

Continuing his efforts to address the fiscal challenges of Rhode Island's cities and towns, Governor Chafee, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and municipal leaders, hosted three community forums. The goal of the forums, held between January 11 and January 13, was to hear from local small businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed, grow the economy, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.

The Governor was joined at the forums by mayors and municipal leaders from Pawtucket, Cranston, and West Warwick, as well as representatives of the RIEDC and SBA.

Governor Chafee believes that small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island communities and that their success will be a key factor in the revitalization of the state's cities and towns.

Forum discussions were focused on a review of state programs and initiatives developed for:

• providing greater access to financing and credit for small businesses
• making it easier to do business by creating clear, predictable and reliable regulatory and permitting processes
• revitalizing urban communities and business
• energy efficiency programs to help businesses operate more cost effectively

The Governor has been praised for his leadership in organizing the forums. A Newport Daily News editorial stated that the paper gave the Governor "credit for hosting these meetings, which allowed him to hear from dozens of small-business owners in Pawtucket, West Warwick and Cranston, and hope[s] he soon will hold similar meetings in Newport County and the East Bay."