Governor Meets with Two Local Businesses as Part of Focus on Improving RI’s Economy
Continuing his outreach to Rhode Island businesses and focus on economic development, Governor Chafee toured both Pontiac Mills in Warwick and Taco, Inc., in Cranston this past week. Along with Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, the Governor met with the owners of Pontiac Mills to discuss ways in which the state could support its restoration. Pontiac Mills was heavily damaged during the 2010 flood. The Governor has vowed to do whatever he can to help the effort to revitalize the mill and bring new jobs to the area.
One of the possibilities mentioned was the reinstatement of the historic tax credit. With the recent approval of the runway expansion project at T.F. Green airport, which is located only seven minutes from the Pontiac Mills, the potential is great for growth at both Pontiac Mills and the renovated NYLO hotel.
The Governor also visited Cranston-based Taco, Inc. Since 1920, Taco has been developing and manufacturing hydronic-based components for commercial and residential heating and cooling units. The company is focused on research and development geared towards finding innovative ways to improve heating and cooling component parts.
Taco is growing and anticipates adding more employees in the near future. Taco currently employs three-hundred and ninety people at its Cranston facility. The company offers a GED program, courses in English as a second language, and an MBA program in conjunction with Johnson & Wales University at its Taco Learning Center not only for employees, but also for their family members.
The Governor toured Taco’s manufacturing facility, as well as the new construction at its Learning Center.
