Message from the President

On behalf of the board of Directors and the staff of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, welcome to the Chamber’s web site. As you explore this site you will see that we are in fact dedicated to growing the economy for northern Rhode Island and the balance of  state.

As you read our key initiatives, you will see why over 800  businesses consider membership in the chamber as an important part of their business plan.

    Key Goals and Strategies

Working with the coalition members and other partners the Chamber will continue to advocate for responsible Government spending and other tax reduction strategies for the short term and the long term fiscal viability of Rhode Island

• The Chamber will promote several ideas and potential solutions for tax reduction, tax competitiveness and government spending reduction without compromising necessary services to the citizens of Rhode Island.
• Seek legislative sponsorship of an index bill that aligns budget creation with either a Northeast Region inflation index or the U.S. inflation index.
• Work with the newly appointed Director of the State Department of Revenue in assessing the economic impact of tax policies.
• Monitor and advocate for regulations and codes that are consistent and fair to businesses including but not limited to Fire Code & Zoning Regulations.
• Continue to advocate for elected and appointed officials who will create a pro business economic growth climate
• Encourage a higher participation of our members and the community in the election process
• Establish an on line “forum” for political candidates on a state and local level to express their views on issue that are import to our members and the community
• Produce special features in Under the Dome at least once a month. These could include interviews, guest editorials and other issues of interest.
• Utilize the Advisory groups as way of informing local businesses on issues that will have an impact on their business and as potential community leaders.
• Advisory groups will meet no less than six times per year and will include “State of the Community” addresses from elected or appointed officials and a meeting with the town/city General Assembly delegation.
• Monitor municipal dockets in order to keep local businesses aware of municipal issues.
• Strengthen relationships with city/town council officials in order to increase Chamber presence and influence at the local level.

Some of the key strategies for Economic Development include:

The Chamber will be an active participant in regional and local economic development efforts.

• Continue to be a leader in the Blackstone Valley Partnership.
  • As the “official” convener of the Partnership, a two state initiative, work with other partners to develop action plans from strategies as defined in the 2020 Action Agenda.
• Encourage more local involvement from our membership in economic climate issues
• Make members aware of local economic development initiatives like the Smithfield Route 7 and 116 Corridor study.
• Working with other partners begins planning a strategy to promote Northern Rhode Island as a region. Conduct meetings with NRI Planners/ Economic Developers for information sharing and a better understanding of what each city and town has to offer businesses.
• To help develop a quality workforce, a key component of economic development, the Chamber will work with leading local training providers, organizations and schools to meet the training needs of local employers in the short and long term. 
• Conduct a survey to identify needs of member businesses for training and professional development.
• Serve as an informational resource on workforce development issues utilizing the Chamber’s website and other media
• Assist Chamber members with state grant process
• Monitor and work with the U.S. Chamber on workforce development programs
• Continue to seek out collaborative partners to promote a sustainable workforce.
• Organize two meetings per year with school based coordinators to identify areas where the Chamber may be of assistance
• Survey the Chamber membership to find out areas of interest and need relating to Business/Education
• Identify individuals to serve on school-based advisory boards, portfolio review teams, guest speakers, job shadows opportunities and internships
• Collaborate with agencies in an effort to promote a qualified future workforce.

In the area of networking the Chamber plans to:

The Chamber will provide our members with opportunities to network in order to form meaningful and profitable relationships with other members that will help grow their business.

• In addition to our signature events (annual dinner, golf tournament, Expo, etc.) we will more aggrievedly promote our existing programs like Business After Hours and Eggs n Issues.

• Add“Speed” Networking to our list of events.

• Promote use of web site based Member to Member discount program

• Examine potential of establishing our third Executive Success Club (leads group)

• Conduct a Fall Membership Campaign

• Reestablish the Ambassadors program, (volunteers to help with retention)

• Continue "Business Matters", the Chamber's public access television show that would present business issues to the public while promoting the Chamber’s message and raising the public’s awareness of the Chamber.

• Continue with local radio exposure.   

• Establish plan for better promotion of Chamber events and Chamber positions

John C. Gregory, IOM
President/CEO