Chamber Annual Meeting Focuses on "Connecting RI's Dots"
Rhode Island is successfully "connecting the dots." Businesses, institutions and organizations are collaborating in new and exciting ways, driving the next iteration of the state's economy.
That was the positive message sent to a crowd of more than 700 at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held Monday, November 23 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The event, which was focused on the theme furthering Rhode Island’s Knowledge Economy, featured a keynote address by Gail Boudreaux, president, UnitedHealthcare, and executive vice president, UnitedHealth Group.
“We continue to believe that now is the time to truly modernize – not just reform – the U.S. health care system,” Boudreaux said. “We need to work together collaboratively – the health care community, business, government and individual consumers – exchanging information and bringing to the table our best ideas for improving the health care system.”
As part of the evening’s event, the Chamber for first time brought together representatives from all the local colleges, universities and hospitals to recognize them for their positive impact on Rhode Island’s Knowledge Economy.
“These institutions carry on cutting edge research, which drives innovation, new company creation and new discoveries to benefit the planet and advance the human condition,” Chamber President Laurie White told the crowd. “Partnerships become magnets for talent and billons of dollars in investment all of which are essential to the region’s recovery.”
While the event provided an opportunity to recognize work that is already being done in Rhode Island’s Knowledge Economy sectors, it also served as a platform for galvanizing support for advancing current efforts.
“We are working to use the downturn as an opportunity to not just transition Rhode Island’s economy, but to accelerate that transition to the knowledge economy, “ said Chairman of the Board William Hatfield, market president of Bank of America. “We want Rhode Island to be a place where there are quality jobs for everyone.”
The program also included as an awards program recognizing Davol Inc., a subsidiary of the C.R. Bard Company for its impact in growing the Knowledge Economy. Started in 1874 as a manufacturer of rubber products, today, Davol is a worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of medical technologies. In addition, they are the largest company in Rhode Island’s medical device sector. Company Vice President and General Manager John Groetelaars accepted the award.