Governor Nominates 5 to Economic Development Corporation

Last Friday, Governor Chafee nominated five people to fill vacancies on the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC):

• Shannon Brawley, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association;

• Dr. Nancy Carriuolo, President of RI College;

• Roland Fiore, President of South County Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.

• Jason Kelly, Executive Vice President of Moran Shipping Agencies; and

• George Nee, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO and an existing Board member.

In supporting the nominations, Governor Chaffee stated that “[t]hese nominees reflect my commitment to changing the focus and priorities of the EDC. We are going to do all we can to help existing Rhode Island businesses – many of them small businesses – succeed and grow. And we are going to continue to improve our economy by building upon Rhode Island’s strengths and assets and investing in the fundamentals, such as education. These nominees bring with them valuable experience in a number of our state’s key industries. This is a new direction for the RIEDC and, I believe, a more promising path to a stronger economy for Rhode Island.”

The nominees remain subject to confirmation by the RI Senate.  Chaffee's nominees expired last year because the state Senate never held confirmation hearings before adjourning.

While the position of Executive Director remains vacant, and the nominees remain unconfirmed, it may be difficult for the RIEDC to move forward with its mission to create jobs and help companies expand and relocate to RI.  Let's hope that politics will be set aside soon so that the RIEDC can get back to work itself.