RHODE ISLAND NEWS
Greater Providence – The Chamber is surveying its membership to determine key areas of interest and importance. The survey focuses on: Economic Development, Professional Development, Government Relations, Quality of Life, and Networking opportunities. Public Policy issues being examined include: Taxes, Health insurance cost containment, Workforce Development, Airport Expansion, and Casino gambling opposition. The survey asks members how important the following issues are to them: Cost of energy; cost of worker’s compensation insurance; cost of keeping pace with technology; cost of providing employee health care insurance; cost of taxes; new sales potential; workforce inadequacies; Industry make-up in Rhode Island; Offshore imports; and economic conditions in Rhode Island, the region, and the country.
Greater Westerly – The Chamber has undertaken a massive postcard mailing campaign developed by the Tourism Committee. It consists of members and non-members to help shoulder season revenues. The postcards are being mailed at intervals to reflect the season that they are trying to influence. The theme is "rediscover Westerly, RI"…The Chamber has worked with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation in the launching of a new "Blue Sky, Rhode Island" campaign. It is a branding campaign for economic development with the goal of changing the business psychology of the state, stimulating job growth among existing companies and attracting new jobs to the state.