Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation

Marcel Valois Nominated as Executive Director of RI EDC

John Bender — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:15:53 +0000

Marcel Valois has been nominated for Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Develop Corporation, which has been under a cloud since the 38 Studios bankruptcy.

It is the same position Valois held in the 1990’s under then Governor Lincoln Almond.

Valois most recently served as the Vice President of the Foundation of Rhode Island, a private non-profit organization.

The announcement came today from Governor Lincoln Chafee after his initial choice for the position, William Parsons, withdrew for medical reasons.

Woonsocket Council Prez Ward Concerned About Possible Tax Hit for CVS

Ian Donnis — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:56:20 +0000

Woonsocket City Council President John Ward is concerned that jobs provided by CVS Caremark Corporation could vanish if the company loses a big chunk of a state tax credit.

"Based on their reaction, I'm a little concerned," Ward said, referring to how CVS lobbyist Robert Goldberg said the company may reconsider its ties to Rhode Island if it loses part of a job development tax credit worth about $15 million a year.

Political Roundtable: Saul Kaplan says RI Should Decide its Economic Focus

Ian Donnis — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Saul Kaplan, founder and head of the Business Innovation Factory, and a former director of the state Economic Development Corporation, joins the panel to discuss struggles at the EDC, the outlook for gun-related legislation, municipal finance woes in Woonsocket and more.

RIEDC overestimated America's Cup haul

Kristin Gourlay — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:00:06 +0000

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation estimated this summer’s America’s Cup sailing event would pump more than $70 million into the state’s economy. But the actual haul was much less.

Chafee remains undecided on approach for reshaping EDC leadership

Ian Donnis — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee remains open to the idea of putting one person in charge of the state’s economic development efforts, although the precise approach for doing that hasn’t been decided, his office says.

Almost two months have passed since the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council issued its recommendations for reshaping the state’s strategy to improving the economy.

Chafee announces step toward “integrated approach” on economic development

Ian Donnis — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee, perhaps responding to the clamor about the need for more short-term steps on boosting hte economy, has issued this news release:

Chafee announces lawsuit over 38 Studios against Schilling, Stokes, others

Ian Donnis — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee used a video message today (above) to announce litigation by the state over the failure of 38 Studios. The defendants named in the state’s action include Curt Schilling and former EDC director Keith Stokes.

Here’s the transcription of Chafee’s comments, as provided by the Economic Development Corporation:

12 things about RIPEC’s recommendations on remaking economic development in RI

Ian Donnis — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:35:23 +0000

John Simmons (left), executive director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), formally presented this morning a 136-page report on remaking Rhode Island’s