Economic Development Corporation

Valois Faces Approval of Full State Senate

Ian Donnis — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:16:20 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee’s choice to lead the state Economic Development Corporation faces approval by the full state Senate committee Tuesday. The votes comes amid debate over the EDC’s future.

Chafee’s choice, Marcel Valois, was unanimously approved by a Senate committee last week. Valois led the EDC in the 1990s during Lincoln Almond’s tenure as governor. He says Rhode Island needs to do a better job of helping business when it can and getting out of the way when it can’t.

Valois Approved for Economic Development Corporation by Senate Committee

Ian Donnis — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:48:47 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee’s choice to lead the state Economic Development Corporation appears on a fast-track to approval, following his unanimous approval Tuesday by a state Senate committee. Marcel Valois is calling for more support for small innovators and entrepreneurs.

Valois says Rhode Island’s business climate doesn’t have to remain the butt of bad ratings in national surveys. Invoking the state motto of “hope,” he says Rhode Island can prosper by bringing a sharper focus and new approach to economic development.

Gov. Chafee's Pick for EDC up for Committee Vote

Ian Donnis — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:28:54 +0000

Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s choice to lead the state Economic Development Corporation faces approval by a state Senate committee Tuesday. The vote comes amid debate over whether to reorganize the EDC.

Chafee’s choice, Marcel Valois led the EDC back in the 1990’s during Lincoln Almond’s tenure as governor. Valois is the vice president of an economic foundation. He was previously chief operating officer of the Penske Automotive Group.

Expanding Rhode Island's Defense Industry

Ian Donnis — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:59 +0000

A state commission formed to preserve and expand defense-related businesses in Rhode Island holds its latest meeting Thursday.

The Defense Economy Planning Commission was created in 2010. The 25-member panel includes state legislators, as well as representatives of private businesses, the National Guard, chambers of commerce, and branches of state government.

New York Times on 38 Studios: Scandal Grew From Political Insiders' Delusions

Ian Donnis — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:27:14 +0000

The Sunday New York Times is out with Matt Bai's lengthy and well-written overview of Rhode Island's disastrous investment in 38 Studios, former Red Sox star Curt Schilling's bankrupt video game company. Bai's story doesn't offer much in the way of new findings, but it will expose the Ocean State's folly to a broad audience of influentials.

Political Roundtable: Rep. Chippendale Calls Heightened Enforcement Key to Curbing Gun Violence

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:00:00 +0000

State Representative Michael Chippendale (R-Foster) joins the Roundtable this week to discuss the nine-point gun-safety proposal unveiled this week by state officials, Governor Lincoln Chafee's choice to lead the state Economic Development Corporation, and other issues.

State Senate Unveils Plan to Boost Economy

Ian Donnis — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:21:04 +0000

The leadership of the state Senate Tuesday unveiled a legislative package of 25 bills meant to improve Rhode Island’s economy.

TGIF: 12 Things to Know About RI Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:21:14 +0000

Welcome back to my weekly column. As always, your tips and thoughts are welcome at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org. Let's get to the list.

Five nominated for EDC Board

Ian Donnis — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:41:28 +0000

Governor Lincoln Chafee has unveiled five nominees for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. The EDC has remained beset by turnover in recent years.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Lydia Rogers — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:57:02 +0000

Another snow storm is on its way. The new state Board of Education has all its members in place now. These stories and more on the RIPR Morning News Podcast.
Plus in this week’s This I Believe—Rhode Island essay, writer and actress Janine Weisman talks about the importance of community.

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@ripr.org