The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) has hired the consulting firm of AngelouEconomics (AE) to lead a new effort focused on increasing business activity and prosperity throughout the region. Beginning this week, the Austin-Texas based consulting company will be working with the Chamber and other partners to create a business investment strategy that will serve as a roadmap to future economic development in the state.

Called “Empower Rhode Island,” the five month process is designed is to create a private-sector led approach to spurring business activity among selective industry sectors in Providence and across the Rhode Island.

“Our goal is to develop an action-oriented economic development strategic plan that will continue to build on the area’s assets, address opportunities and encourage the private sector to take a stronger role in shaping the economic future of the community,” said Edward J. Cooney, vice president and treasurer of Nortek Inc. and Chairman of the Board of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “AngelouEconomics will bring international experience and expertise to the table.”

A project website, http://www.angeloueconomics.com/GreaterProvidence/home_2008.htm, will provide ongoing details on the project and an online survey that community residents and business leaders will be encouraged to complete. The consulting team plans to hold several meetings with business, civic and elected leaders during its first trip through personal interviews and focus groups. This initial phase of the study will help the AE team form a baseline understanding of greater Providence and the state’s opportunities, issues and strengths for business growth.

“We feel extremely fortunate to be working with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the greater Providence region, a community with a world-renowned cultural atmosphere that has earned such a positive reputation as being one of the nation’s top lifestyle destinations,” said Ben Loftsgaarden, AngelouEconomics senior project manager. “We look forward to creating a strategy that complements these tremendous quality of life attributes and capitalizes on the economic assets that position the region and state as a world-class location for business as well.”

AngelouEconomics’ consulting team will be in the Providence region April 23-25 to formally launch the project and begin conducting focus groups and gathering input with the community. AE is enthusiastic about getting the public involved to ensure a community-wide economic initiative that leads to a greater economic future for all citizens of Rhode Island.