PROVIDENCE, R.I. (November 2013) – RIPEC will hold a forum on the state’s business climate, sponsored by Fidelity, which will focus on the steps Rhode Island can take to improve the perception that the state is not a good place to start or grow a business. Key policymakers and stakeholders, from within Rhode Island and representing national organizations, will discuss how Rhode Island measures up on a number of metrics relating to the business climate. Speakers on the national review panel will offer specific suggestions for improving the state’s business climate.
WHO:
National Review Panel
- Jonathan Haughton, Senior Economist at the Beacon Hill Institute for Public Policy at Suffolk University will discuss the Beacon Hill Institute’s annual State Competitiveness Report.
- Joseph D. Henchman, Vice President of Legal & State Projects at the Tax Foundation will discuss the Tax Foundation’s annual State Business Tax Climate Index.
- Melissa Loeb, Senior Policy Analyst and Author at the Federal Funds Information for States will discuss the State Policy Reports’ economic vitality index, The Camelot Index.
- Aaron Renn, Urban Analyst, Entrepreneur, and Writer, will discuss urban affairs research and data from the Urbanophile.
Local Review Panel
- Leslie Taito, Director of the Office of Regulatory Reform at the Rhode Island Office of Management and Budget will discuss the business climate priorities and opportunities of the state’s Office of Regulatory Reform.
- Marcel Valois, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) will discuss the business climate priorities and opportunities of the RIEDC.
WHAT: The three-hour forum will focus on the state’s business climate and will include a national and local review panel. There will be a question and answer period after each panel.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 20, 2013. Registration will begin at 8:15 am.
WHERE: Fidelity Investments, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island
