- 6/14/2010
Newport Daily News 06/14/2010, Page A01
EDC reaches out to local businesses
By Joe Baker
Daily News staff
NEWPORT — In the first of a series of business symposiums, officials from the state Economic Development Corp. traveled to Newport on Tuesday to outline ways they could lend a hand to businesses.
Counting EDC Executive Director Keith W. Stokes, there were seven of the corporation’s officials at the event, cosponsored by the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. Only a handful of other people attended.
“It’s a sunny day on a beautiful spring day,” said Sanne Kure-Jensen, the chamber’s director of marketing and communication said of the low turnout. “I was pleased with how much information was available. Hopefully, the message will get out.”
Stokes opened the forum, held at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Newport campus, by explaining that it was an attempt to bring the corporation’s plan directly to businesses and get their feedback, calling it “an insideout economic development plan.”
Katharine Flynn, EDC director of business development, said the corporation exists to provide a helping hand to businesses, both small and large.
“The message is we’re here to help,” Flynn said. “We want to come out and visit your businesses … to see how we can make things better for you.”
Heads of various business sectors within the corporation gave presentations about their industries, several of which are crucial to the Aquidneck Island economy.
Paul Harden, head of the marine trades sector , said those industries have been suffering in the recent recession, but are showing signs of rebounding. The state hopes finalizing the deal to turn over 30 acres of land in Melville to abutting boat builders will spur more growth.
In a similar vein, John Riendeau, head of the corporation’s defense industry sector, said the number of naval officers attending schools at Naval Station Newport has nearly doubled since the 2005 Base Relocation and Closure Commission moved several commands here. That process is also on the verge of releasing hundreds of acres of surplus military land on Aquidneck Island that will spur the local economy, he said.
The health of the tourism industry is also encouraging, said Mark Brodeur, head of the tourism sector. April room occupancy rates in Newport were at 57 percent, higher than national levels, he said. And the city is expecting 133,000 cruise ship passengers this year, up from 83,000 last year, he said.
Gov. Donald L. Carcieri and the General Assembly teamed up this year to enact several business initiatives that will help EDC do its job, Stokes said, including establishing $185 million in loan guarantees that will increase businesses access to capital and credit.
Legislative leaders and Carcieri “are very well engaged in developing and initiating an agenda of economic prosperity,” Stokes said.
Mark Fenton of Middletown said the program was worthwhile.
“If (people) did come they would have found it to be very informative,” Fenton said. “I feel we have very competent people promoting our state.”
For information about EDC’s programs to help businesses, call Flynn at 278-9100, Ext. 180.
Send reporter Joe Baker e-mail at Baker@NewportRI.com.
