Let’s not sugarcoat things. I recognize that Rhode Island isn’t perfect. We have some serious challenges facing this state. Admitting our competitive shortcomings and developing an aggressive agenda to fix our flaws is a must. But we also have much to be proud of. If we are to improve the state’s long-term economic health and prosperity, we need to do both – build upon our real strengths and opportunities as well as address the negatives.
Back in October, I outlined eight important priority areas where we can focus as a state to create the right conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive. By focusing on these areas, we can facilitate a broader discussion about what can be done and formulate the actions and steps that need to be taken to improve Rhode Island’s economy.
One of those priorities is that we need to market our assets and strengths, while proactively managing our reputation. I believe we can do this in a variety of ways, including:
Promote private and public partnerships to develop marketing and reputation management activities for the state.
Re-brand the Rhode Island product by focusing on our competitive advantages and unique assets.
Highlight core competencies and address negatives aggressively.
Gain control of Rhode Island’s reputation and anticipate events that can harm it.
Be a leader in the use of new marketing technologies and put Rhode Island on the map for those planning new business investments.
The recent economic action agenda we unveiled with the Rhode Island Foundation stated, “Rhode Island has considerable economic assets and competitive advantages that can be harnessed to change the state’s economic future.”
For example, consider Rhode Island’s amazing marine environment and its contribution to our economic base. Our pristine coastline, marine-based competencies, oceanographic research, boat-building skills, underwater acoustics expertise and productive fishing fleets offer opportunities that are the envy of most states in the country.
Rhode Island is also at the top of its game in the fields of design and innovation. We are home to the world’s top school for art and design, and we have a unique opportunity to couple this with our proud history of manufacturing in the state. It’s no wonder that Rhode Island has already been awarded a $100,000 “Investing in Manufacturing Community Partnership” grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop a proposal to create a design and manufacturing center in Rhode Island.
We have begun the process of focusing the outside world on our positives. Please take look at this new video that we are sending to thousands of business location experts around the country to help capture the “Spirit of Rhode Island.” And, go deeper by exploring our new website at GreaterRI.com that opens a window into the positive things happening in Rhode Island and the tremendous assets we have to offer.
Yes, we have our challenges, but they are nothing compared to our strengths. Our state has “a maverick, nurturing and visionary spirit” that all of us should harness.
Marcel A. Valois is the executive director of Commerce RI.3
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