Thursday, February 23, 2012
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
February 20, 2012
Governor Chafee traveled to Cranston to announce that Rhode Island will serve as a national host site for the 2013 'Rallies for Recovery,' an event organized by Faces and Voices of Recovery. Pictured at the microphone is Craig Stenning, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. At left is Stephen Gumbley, Board Chairman of Faces and Voices of Recovery.
For more information, visit: www.rally4recovery.com
For more information, visit: www.rally4recovery.com
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.
February 16, 2012
Governor Chafee shakes hands with Steven King, Managing Director of the Quonset Development Corporation, following a ground breaking ceremony for the 76,000 square foot Indoor Sports Complex being built in the Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown. Also pictured are Stephen Sangermano, one of the complex's owners, far left, and Sandra Pattie, President of Bank Newport.
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.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Governor Chafee Celebrates Opening of Nina’s House for Rhode Island Families
Governor Chafee celebrated the opening of Nina’s House, a property purchased by the Nina Foundation to provide a welcoming space for families to rebuild relationships, on February 15.
The Nina Foundation was established in 2003 in memory of “Nina” Sullivan Bertuglio by her family to offer support to children in need. Nina dedicated her life to her family and to helping children, and members of her family started the Nina Foundation to honor her legacy.
“I want to thank the Nina Foundation for all of their excellent work on behalf of young people and families throughout our state, and for making Nina’s House possible. I am sure that Nina Sullivan Bertuglio would be very proud of her family and proud to see the accomplishment that we are celebrating today – this fantastic homelike space where families can spend time together,” said Governor Chafee at the event.
The Nina Foundation was established in 2003 in memory of “Nina” Sullivan Bertuglio by her family to offer support to children in need. Nina dedicated her life to her family and to helping children, and members of her family started the Nina Foundation to honor her legacy.
“I want to thank the Nina Foundation for all of their excellent work on behalf of young people and families throughout our state, and for making Nina’s House possible. I am sure that Nina Sullivan Bertuglio would be very proud of her family and proud to see the accomplishment that we are celebrating today – this fantastic homelike space where families can spend time together,” said Governor Chafee at the event.
Governor Chafee Tours Expanding Rhode Island Business
On February 15, Governor Chafee toured Rhode Island business PolyWorks, Inc., a North Smithfield-based company that has grown from 34 employees to 90 employees in just one year. PolyWorks, Inc. manufactures a range of products made from foams, gels, and adhesives.
The company is planning to move from two twelve-hour shifts to three twelve-hour shifts in order to keep up with product demand. The Governor, who toured the facility along with representatives from the Governor’s Workforce Board and the Department of Labor and Training, met with employees of PolyWorks, Inc. as they worked.
“The success of Rhode Island businesses like PolyWorks, Inc. sends a positive message for the future of our state’s economic development,” said Governor Chafee.
The Governor has made a commitment to the kind of job creation that PolyWorks, Inc. has demonstrated and will continue to make it a priority in his administration.
The company is planning to move from two twelve-hour shifts to three twelve-hour shifts in order to keep up with product demand. The Governor, who toured the facility along with representatives from the Governor’s Workforce Board and the Department of Labor and Training, met with employees of PolyWorks, Inc. as they worked.
“The success of Rhode Island businesses like PolyWorks, Inc. sends a positive message for the future of our state’s economic development,” said Governor Chafee.
The Governor has made a commitment to the kind of job creation that PolyWorks, Inc. has demonstrated and will continue to make it a priority in his administration.
February 15, 2012
Governor Chafee takes a tour of PolyWorks in North Smithfield, a design and manufacturing company working with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to create skilled manufacturing jobs. Pictured left is Roger LaFlamme, Vice President of PolyWorks. At center is Rick Brooks, Executive Director of the Governor’s Workforce Board.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
February 14, 2012
Governor Chafee tours the Veterans Administration Hospital in Providence with Jennifer Ector, Nurse Manager on floor 5B, and Medical Center Director Vincent Ng.
February 14, 2012
Governor Chafee, flanked by Colonel Steven O'Donnell, left, and State Fire Marshal John Chartier, right, participates in the unveiling of a new advance bomb truck, a piece of life saving equipment that will assist the Division of the State Fire Marshal.
Governor Chafee Meets with Amica Customer Service Training Team
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| This dedicated team at Amica volunteered their time to train employees at the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles as part of Governor Chafee's continued efforts to make a fast, friendly DMV. Thank you Amica! |
Monday, February 13, 2012
Governor Chafee Announces Central Falls Cost Reductions and Increased Efficiency
On February 13, Governor Chafee announced that after stabilizing Central Falls’ municipal finances, the Office of the Receiver is now pursuing additional cost reductions and increased operational efficiency through the consolidation of municipal functions and shared services between the City and the Central Falls School District.
State-appointed Receiver Robert G. Flanders, Jr. signed an order on February 13 creating the Department of Administration and Finance, an office of shared services that will oversee and coordinate all finance and administrative functions.
“As Central Falls eliminates duplicated services and tightens up operational efficiency, it also sends a message to other cities struggling both within Rhode Island and beyond, that consolidation and regionalization of services are vital steps on the road to recovery,” said Governor Chafee.
State-appointed Receiver Robert G. Flanders, Jr. signed an order on February 13 creating the Department of Administration and Finance, an office of shared services that will oversee and coordinate all finance and administrative functions.
“As Central Falls eliminates duplicated services and tightens up operational efficiency, it also sends a message to other cities struggling both within Rhode Island and beyond, that consolidation and regionalization of services are vital steps on the road to recovery,” said Governor Chafee.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Governor Celebrates First Class of Special Olympics Rhode Island Hall of Fame Inductees
On February 9, Special Olympics Rhode Island held an induction ceremony and dinner to honor its first class of inductees to the 2012 Inaugural Hall of Fame. Special Olympics Rhode Island provides sports training and athletic competition for 2,700 Rhode Islanders with intellectual disabilities.
“Tonight’s charter class should feel very proud for all they have done and continue to do for the Special Olympics, and I look forward to this Hall of Fame continuing to grow with outstanding inductees in the years ahead,” said Governor Chafee at the event.
The Governor spoke about how traditionally, for most sports halls of fame, the members of the first class of honorees – the “charter class” – are giants of the sport. He described how Baseball’s charter class, for example, included Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.
“Tonight’s charter class should feel very proud for all they have done and continue to do for the Special Olympics, and I look forward to this Hall of Fame continuing to grow with outstanding inductees in the years ahead,” said Governor Chafee at the event.
The Governor spoke about how traditionally, for most sports halls of fame, the members of the first class of honorees – the “charter class” – are giants of the sport. He described how Baseball’s charter class, for example, included Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.
Governor Chafee, General Assembly, RI Black & Latino Caucus Celebrate Black History Month at State House
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| Rep. Anastasia Williams, Chair of both the House Labor Committee and the Black & Latino Caucus, is pictured with Governor Chafee |
At the event, the Governor spoke about the important contributions African Americans have made to Rhode Island over the centuries. As the Governor noted, the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, composed largely of African American soldiers, played a key role in winning the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War. The Regiment is credited with saving the American line and widely believed to be the first African-American military regiment.
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