Click here to read Chamber President Laurie White's Op-Ed in The Providence Journal

Vote Yes on 4!

Talent retention, attraction and training will, in large part, determine Rhode Island's economic future. Businesses are telling us that the availability of qualified, local talent is their most important need. For our state's economy to grow and prosper over the long term, we must provide students with the best educational opportunities possible.

At the GPCC's recent Board meeting, Directors voted unanimously to support a bond initiative on the 2016 ballot (Question 4) to raise $45.5 million for higher education. Twenty million will be allocated to developing a corporate-university partnership to create an innovation center at the University of Rhode Island and $25.5 million will finance comprehensive updating of existing facilities at URI's College of Engineering.

Better education and training fuels innovation, investment, economic diversity, competitiveness, social and occupational mobility, and the creation of rewarding jobs.

World-class education prepares students for their productive lives. It provides them with the core skills that enable workers and enterprises to adjust to changes in technology and markets as well as to anticipate and prepare for the skills needed in the future.

Now is the time for all of us to be much more proactive so Rhode Island has the necessary tools to meet the demands for talent today and in the coming generations. 

Join us in supporting Ballot Question 4 on November 8!