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.
Showing posts with label NewsLINC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NewsLINC. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Governor Celebrates Leadership Rhode Island’s 2012 Inspiring Leaders Awards
Governor Honors Rhode Island College Student as Emerging Leader for Efforts in Raising Awareness about the Dangers of Bullying
The Governor spoke at the Leadership Rhode Island 2012 Inspiring Leaders Awards Luncheon on March 8 and presented the “Emerging Leader” award to Rhode Island College student Amanda Hannon.
“As all of you know, some of Rhode Island’s foremost leaders in a variety of fields are graduates of Leadership Rhode Island. As we work to get our economy back on track and get our people back to work, the alumni of this organization will be key partners, using the lessons and values they learned here to improve Rhode Island,” said Governor Chafee in his remarks. “Leadership Rhode Island continues to contribute so much to the civic life of our state, and the legacy of its founders and alumni is worthy of celebration.”
The Governor also introduced Ms. Hannon, the 2012 recipient of the “Emerging Leader” award. Ms. Hannon started a local chapter of Stop Bullying Now!, a national campaign that strives to teach students and parents about the effects of bullying, when she was just seventeen years old. Named Miss Teen Rhode Island in 2009, Ms. Hannon was recognized for her efforts in the community by YWCA Northern Rhode Island, which presented her with a Women of Achievement Award in 2010. She volunteers her time working with disabled students at Rhode Island College’s Sherlock Center.
“Each year, Leadership Rhode Island presents this award to an outstanding young person whose vision, dedication, and leadership qualities have inspired others to take action to create community change, and that is certainly true of today’s recipient,” stated Governor Chafee.
The Governor spoke at the Leadership Rhode Island 2012 Inspiring Leaders Awards Luncheon on March 8 and presented the “Emerging Leader” award to Rhode Island College student Amanda Hannon.
“As all of you know, some of Rhode Island’s foremost leaders in a variety of fields are graduates of Leadership Rhode Island. As we work to get our economy back on track and get our people back to work, the alumni of this organization will be key partners, using the lessons and values they learned here to improve Rhode Island,” said Governor Chafee in his remarks. “Leadership Rhode Island continues to contribute so much to the civic life of our state, and the legacy of its founders and alumni is worthy of celebration.”
The Governor also introduced Ms. Hannon, the 2012 recipient of the “Emerging Leader” award. Ms. Hannon started a local chapter of Stop Bullying Now!, a national campaign that strives to teach students and parents about the effects of bullying, when she was just seventeen years old. Named Miss Teen Rhode Island in 2009, Ms. Hannon was recognized for her efforts in the community by YWCA Northern Rhode Island, which presented her with a Women of Achievement Award in 2010. She volunteers her time working with disabled students at Rhode Island College’s Sherlock Center.
“Each year, Leadership Rhode Island presents this award to an outstanding young person whose vision, dedication, and leadership qualities have inspired others to take action to create community change, and that is certainly true of today’s recipient,” stated Governor Chafee.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
In the Year of Cities and Towns, Community Involvement Matters
Governor Speaks at Greater Providence YMCA Kick-Off Breakfast, Praises the Organization’s Unique and Important Role in Communities Across RI
Governor Chafee delivered the keynote address at the Greater Providence YMCA Kick-Off Breakfast on March 7. He thanked volunteers and staff for their commitment to helping Providence and other Rhode Island communities and highlighted the strong partnerships between the state and the organization.
“The YMCA was originally founded as an organization that could provide a protecting, enriching environment for rural men and women drawn to major cities for industrial work. Nearly two centuries later, in 10,000 communities across the country, the YMCA remains a safe haven, a place where young people and adults can find a range of important services and opportunities, as well as a sense of community,” said Governor Chafee.
“I can confidently say that what you do every day as an organization—in conjunction with your partners, collaborators, and investors—will pay off in the long run for our communities,” concluded Governor Chafee.
The YMCA serves more than 75,000 Rhode Islanders, providing health and wellness programming to children, adults, and families.
Governor Chafee delivered the keynote address at the Greater Providence YMCA Kick-Off Breakfast on March 7. He thanked volunteers and staff for their commitment to helping Providence and other Rhode Island communities and highlighted the strong partnerships between the state and the organization.
“The YMCA was originally founded as an organization that could provide a protecting, enriching environment for rural men and women drawn to major cities for industrial work. Nearly two centuries later, in 10,000 communities across the country, the YMCA remains a safe haven, a place where young people and adults can find a range of important services and opportunities, as well as a sense of community,” said Governor Chafee.
“I can confidently say that what you do every day as an organization—in conjunction with your partners, collaborators, and investors—will pay off in the long run for our communities,” concluded Governor Chafee.
The YMCA serves more than 75,000 Rhode Islanders, providing health and wellness programming to children, adults, and families.
Governor Presents $336 Million Check to Powerball Winner Louise White
When Louise White of Newport stepped forward this week as the sole winner of the estimated $336.4 million Powerball jackpot, Governor Chafee was on hand to congratulate Ms. White and present her with her check.
Ms. White bought three tickets at the Stop & Shop on Bellevue Avenue in Newport on the evening of February 11 after getting a ride to the store with a family member craving rainbow sherbet.
Governor Chafee praised Ms. White’s decision to speak to lawyers and advisors before coming forward to claim her prize.
“Not only were you lucky, but you were very smart,” said Governor Chafee.
Because Ms. White has decided to take the lump sum of $210 million, the Powerball jackpot is expected to generate $14.7 million in tax revenue for the state.
Ms. White bought three tickets at the Stop & Shop on Bellevue Avenue in Newport on the evening of February 11 after getting a ride to the store with a family member craving rainbow sherbet.
Governor Chafee praised Ms. White’s decision to speak to lawyers and advisors before coming forward to claim her prize.
“Not only were you lucky, but you were very smart,” said Governor Chafee.
Because Ms. White has decided to take the lump sum of $210 million, the Powerball jackpot is expected to generate $14.7 million in tax revenue for the state.
Paul W. Crowley Award Presentation: Honoring Those Who Fight to Improve Education in Rhode Island
The Governor attended a ceremony honoring Paul W. Crowley Award recipient Dr. Tony Antosh on March 6. Given annually by the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association, the award is presented to a Rhode Islander who has demonstrated a passion for and commitment to improving education for children in the state.
Representative Paul Crowley, who passed away in 2007, used his position to fight for education improvement in Rhode Island. Dr. Antosh has embodied this dedication and passion for the education of Rhode Island’s young people.
Representative Paul Crowley, who passed away in 2007, used his position to fight for education improvement in Rhode Island. Dr. Antosh has embodied this dedication and passion for the education of Rhode Island’s young people.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
43rd Military Police Brigade Returns from Year-Long Afghanistan Deployment; Governor: Occasion for “Happiness”
The Governor welcomed home troops at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Quonset Air National Guard Base on March 6. About one-hundred members of the 43rd Police Brigade had been deployed in Afghanistan for the past year. The returning troops were greeted by many family members and friends all eager to see loved ones after the long tour of active duty.
“There’s a lot of happiness here,” said Governor Chafee at the event.
“There’s a lot of happiness here,” said Governor Chafee at the event.
Recognizing the Important Role Pharmacists Play in the Health Care System
On March 6, Governor Chafee applauded the good work performed by Rhode Island pharmacists as part of the annual “Face of Pharmacy” Legislative Day at the State House.
“Too often, we fail to recognize the vital role pharmacists play in the health care system,” stated Governor Chafee.
The Governor highlighted how pharmacists provide support to patients –and keep health care costs down- by giving advice and monitoring prescriptions and the proper use of medications. The Governor also issued a proclamation to students from URI’s College of Pharmacy who participated in the Script Your Future Adherence Challenge, a national program that assists people in medication adherence.
“Too often, we fail to recognize the vital role pharmacists play in the health care system,” stated Governor Chafee.
The Governor highlighted how pharmacists provide support to patients –and keep health care costs down- by giving advice and monitoring prescriptions and the proper use of medications. The Governor also issued a proclamation to students from URI’s College of Pharmacy who participated in the Script Your Future Adherence Challenge, a national program that assists people in medication adherence.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Governor Welcomes New Brown President Christina Hull Paxson to RI, Praises Outgoing President Ruth Simmons
Governor Chafee welcomed Christina Hull Paxson, Brown University's 19th President, to Rhode Island this week, and praised the leadership of outgoing President Ruth Simmons. Noting Brown’s role as a major employer and economic force in the state, the Governor looked forward to a strong working relationship with Dr. Paxson.
“I was pleased to learn of the election of Christina Hull Paxson as the 19th President of Brown University,” Governor Chafee said. “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.”
“I was pleased to learn of the election of Christina Hull Paxson as the 19th President of Brown University,” Governor Chafee said. “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.”
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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.”
“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.”
Monday, February 27, 2012
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.”
“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.”
Governor Attends Annual National Governor’s Association Meeting
This past weekend, Governor Chafee attended the National Governor’s Association meeting, held in Washington, D.C. Governors from across the United States gathered to discuss topics such as the economy, health care, education, and other issues facing states. Governor Chafee is a member of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Part of the conference included a visit with President Obama at the White House. While at the meeting, the Governor took a few minutes to speak with Bloomberg News about the difficult fiscal situation facing cities and towns in Rhode Island. Read the full article from Bloomberg News.
Part of the conference included a visit with President Obama at the White House. While at the meeting, the Governor took a few minutes to speak with Bloomberg News about the difficult fiscal situation facing cities and towns in Rhode Island. Read the full article from Bloomberg News.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Advancing Offshore Wind Energy Development: “Smart from the Start” Initiative Announced
"I am excited about this announcement today as we move forward with offshore wind energy," said Governor Chafee. "Rhode Island is one of the leading states in the country in advancing offshore wind energy development. I am also pleased that state and federal officials are identifying the valuable fishing habitats within the Area of Mutual Interest being discussed for these offshore wind projects. There are important fishing habitats within those waters, that need to be protected for the fishing and recreational community. As we move forward with these projects it is important that a strong dialogue continue with federal officials, fishing and recreational community, environmentalist, and the offshore wind industry."
For more details, read the full release.
For more details, read the full release.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
$1 Million in Funding for Regional and Local Planning Initiatives Announced by Governor
Fifteen regional and local planning projects will receive approximately $1 million under the Statewide Planning Program’s Planning Challenge Grant Program, Governor Chafee announced on February 23 at a public ceremony in the Atrium Gallery of the Department of Administration. Selected from 33 proposals requesting over $2.3 million, the 15 projects slated for funding come from a variety of project sponsors and propose innovative solutions to address land use and transportation issues faced by Rhode Island communities.
“These Challenge Grants represent a creative use of Federal funds to help Rhode Island cities and towns to plan for their future growth and development. They include projects of statewide significance, such as the Warwick Station Development District, to projects more local in scale, such as the Woonsocket Main Street Livability Plan, and the joint collaboration between Pawtucket and Central Falls. Through this partnership with our local governments and non profit agencies, we are working together to advance both state and local initiatives in transportation, land use, and economic development,” Governor Chafee said.
“These Challenge Grants represent a creative use of Federal funds to help Rhode Island cities and towns to plan for their future growth and development. They include projects of statewide significance, such as the Warwick Station Development District, to projects more local in scale, such as the Woonsocket Main Street Livability Plan, and the joint collaboration between Pawtucket and Central Falls. Through this partnership with our local governments and non profit agencies, we are working together to advance both state and local initiatives in transportation, land use, and economic development,” Governor Chafee said.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
President Obama Names Governor National Co-Chair of 2012 Re-Election Campaign
President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have named Governor Chafee as a co-chair of their 2012 re-election campaign. The Governor was selected as one of thirty-five campaign co-chairs – a list that includes supporters such as former Whitehouse Chief of Staff and current Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, actress Eva Longoria, and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
The President and Governor Chafee have been friendly since their days in the U.S. Senate. When Vice President Biden visited Rhode Island on February 23, he thanked Governor Chafee for his support and expressed both his and the President’s gratitude to the Governor for co-chairing the campaign.
The President and Governor Chafee have been friendly since their days in the U.S. Senate. When Vice President Biden visited Rhode Island on February 23, he thanked Governor Chafee for his support and expressed both his and the President’s gratitude to the Governor for co-chairing the campaign.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Governor Chafee, Secretary Mollis Announce Rhode Island 1663 Colonial Charter 350th Anniversary Commission
Joined by Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts, Matthew C. Campion, Vice Consul for the British Consulate-General, and State Historic Preservation Officer Edward F. Sanderson, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee signed an executive order establishing the Rhode Island 1663 Colonial Charter 350th Anniversary Commission to plan and organize a celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Charter in 2013.
“Rhode Island’s Charter is a unique document of international significance,” Governor Chafee said. “Before any other Colony, in fact, more than a century before the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, its issuance marked the first time in modern history that individuals within a society were free to practice the religion of their choice without the interference of government.”
“Original colonists Roger Williams and John Clarke helped create what is still today respected throughout the world as a sanctuary of freedom,” Governor Chafee continued. “This is a most appropriate time to revisit our roots.”
“Rhode Island’s Charter is a unique document of international significance,” Governor Chafee said. “Before any other Colony, in fact, more than a century before the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, its issuance marked the first time in modern history that individuals within a society were free to practice the religion of their choice without the interference of government.”
“Original colonists Roger Williams and John Clarke helped create what is still today respected throughout the world as a sanctuary of freedom,” Governor Chafee continued. “This is a most appropriate time to revisit our roots.”
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rhode Island Rally for Recovery Selected as 2013 National Hub Event
On February 20, Governor Chafee congratulated the Rhode Island Rally for Recovery for being selected as the 2013 National Hub Event. Rally for Recovery events, held in September of each year, are part of National Recovery Month, an initiative of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, within the Department of Health and Human Services. The event will raise awareness about drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and the road to recovery.
Governor Chafee commended the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), the Anchor Recovery Center, RICARES, and other members of the Rhode Island Recovery Month coalition on their achievement.
Governor Chafee commended the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), the Anchor Recovery Center, RICARES, and other members of the Rhode Island Recovery Month coalition on their achievement.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Governor Chafee Appoints Professor Jorge O. Elorza to Rhode Island Foundation Board
Governor Chafee announced his appointment of Roger Williams University School of Law Professor Jorge O. Elorza to the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Foundation on February 17.
“Professor Elorza is the perfect candidate for the Rhode Island Foundation’s Board of Directors,” Governor Chafee said. “He is a true Rhode Island success story. The son of immigrants, he has excelled at the highest levels of academia and law and returned to practice and teach in his home state. Professor Elorza is committed to Rhode Island and will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation as it works to fulfill its mission of developing proactive and strategic methods to meet the needs of the people of our great state.”
Rhode Island Foundation Chairman David M. Hirsch reinforced the governor’s comments, saying, “We are delighted that Governor Chafee selected Professor Elorza for this position. The Foundation’s directors endorsed his appointment with great enthusiasm and appreciation for his expertise and perspective. We anticipate that he will make wonderful contributions to our board.”
“Professor Elorza is the perfect candidate for the Rhode Island Foundation’s Board of Directors,” Governor Chafee said. “He is a true Rhode Island success story. The son of immigrants, he has excelled at the highest levels of academia and law and returned to practice and teach in his home state. Professor Elorza is committed to Rhode Island and will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation as it works to fulfill its mission of developing proactive and strategic methods to meet the needs of the people of our great state.”
Rhode Island Foundation Chairman David M. Hirsch reinforced the governor’s comments, saying, “We are delighted that Governor Chafee selected Professor Elorza for this position. The Foundation’s directors endorsed his appointment with great enthusiasm and appreciation for his expertise and perspective. We anticipate that he will make wonderful contributions to our board.”
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Governor’s Workforce Board Announces Short-term Training and Hiring Incentives for Unemployed Rhode Islanders
The Governor’s Workforce Board announced on February 16 that it plans to fund more than $200,000 in short-term training and hiring incentives for unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders this spring and summer. The four pilot programs include:
- An electronic health records training pre-employment program with hiring incentives for Rhode Island employers.
- A hospitality training program with hiring incentives.
- Subsidized fellowships for graduating college seniors to work in the information technology (IT) field.
- Post-employment IT and bioscience training for previously unemployed Rhode Islanders. In total, the four pilot programs hope to serve 50 to 60 Rhode Island job seekers.
Governor Chafee Signs New Apprenticeship Program for Information Technology Industry
On February 16, Governor Chafee and the RI Department of Labor and Training cosigned an authorization for the state’s first apprenticeship program in information technology. The program, submitted by Atrion Networking Corporation, creates an Internetworking Associate Apprentice Program that includes 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 272 hours of related classroom instruction. The signing occurred at the monthly meeting of the state’s workforce policy-making body, the Governor’s Workforce Board.
Previously, Rhode Island’s active apprenticeship programs had been limited to construction and manufacturing occupations, such as carpenters, electricians, iron workers, pipefitters and machinists. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers and/or employer associations.
Previously, Rhode Island’s active apprenticeship programs had been limited to construction and manufacturing occupations, such as carpenters, electricians, iron workers, pipefitters and machinists. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers and/or employer associations.
Governor Chafee, State Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking of Jobs-Creating Wide World of Indoor Sports Complex in Quonset Business Park
Governor Chafee joined with state officials and local business leaders to celebrate the beginning of construction of a new Wide World of Indoor Sports facility in the Quonset Business Park. The new multi-use health and wellness sports complex is expected to create approximately 85 new full- and part-time jobs when completed.
Construction of the facility is a result of the successful partnership between the company, Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Rhode Island District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Bank Newport, and the Ocean State Business Development Authority (OSBDA). The complex is the first parcel to be leased and developed under QDC’s new “Site Readiness” program which streamlines and expedites permitting in order to provide pad-ready sites within the business park. DEM worked with QDC to ensure that permits were issued to meet environmental requirements in a timely manner to begin development. Financing for the complex was secured through the SBA, Bank Newport and OSBDA.
Construction of the facility is a result of the successful partnership between the company, Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Rhode Island District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Bank Newport, and the Ocean State Business Development Authority (OSBDA). The complex is the first parcel to be leased and developed under QDC’s new “Site Readiness” program which streamlines and expedites permitting in order to provide pad-ready sites within the business park. DEM worked with QDC to ensure that permits were issued to meet environmental requirements in a timely manner to begin development. Financing for the complex was secured through the SBA, Bank Newport and OSBDA.
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