With First-Ever Endorsement, Rhode Island’s Manufacturers Back Raimondo
NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI – The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) released a statement today announcing the organization’s first-ever endorsement of a political candidate, throwing their weight behind the re-election effort of Governor Gina Raimondo.
A non-partisan business advocacy organization, RIMA cited the Governor’s track record of support for pro-manufacturing initiatives and policies and her success in helping to reinvigorate Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector as the reason for their endorsement. In particular, they noted the Governor’s inclusion of bold manufacturing initiatives in her annual budgets and her leadership on increasing funding at Davies Career and Technical High School; revamping workforce development through the creation of the Real Jobs Rhode Island Program; and supporting economic development opportunities for manufacturers through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
“On day one of her administration, Governor Raimondo promised to prioritize making things in Rhode Island,” said Dave Chenevert, RIMA’s executive director. “Every day since, through her words and actions, she has lived up to that promise. It is a common refrain among our members that they can’t remember having a governor and state government this dedicated to putting Rhode Island manufacturing back on the map.”
According to RIMA, the Governor’s programs are bearing fruit. They highlight the fact that in 2017, roughly 1,500 new manufacturing jobs were created in the state, the biggest uptick in years. Moreover, numerous members have reported taking advantage of the RI Commerce Corporation’s economic development incentives to invest in their business.
“For us, this isn’t a partisan issue; the growth and optimism we are seeing in manufacturing is real and is a direct result of the programs Governor Raimondo has put in place to support our sector. Just look at the recently announced expansion of Amgen,” continued Chenevert. “We have come a long way over the last four years toward getting our state back on the right track. Rhode Island’s manufacturers want to keep the momentum going. We know that with Governor Raimondo at the helm for four more years, we’ll do just that.”
– About RIMA –
The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) is a 501c(6) organization formed in 1997 to serve as the unified voice of Rhode Island’s manufacturers. As an advocate for strengthening and growing Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector, RIMA engages with government leaders, academic institutions and likeminded organizations to improve the business climate, connect manufacturers with each other and available resources, and facilitate opportunities to create new jobs and business opportunities in the Ocean State. For more information on RIMA, visit www.rimanufacturers.com