Gov. Gina M. Raimondo says that when out-of-state business leaders see her coming, they know what's about to happen. She's going to sell Rhode Island to them.
Of course she is. In a state that doesn't require big numbers to move the needle, economic development often feels like retail politics.
But at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting on Nov. 21, Gov. Raimondo received welcome validation from Providence Equity Partners LLC founder and CEO Jonathan M. Nelson, who joined her for a question-and-answer session at the end of the event.
According to the Mr. Nelson, "the governor is nailing it," when it comes to her pitch to business leaders across the country.
Gov. Raimondo went on to say that she has credibility because the state is facing up to challenges that can undermine the state's business climate – infrastructure, pensions, taxes and Medicare. Being serious about these issues puts the state in the position to be heard.
The key for the governor, and Rhode Island, is not to squander the momentum her approach has created. •