Summit to feature discussion on small-business climate

SMITHFIELD – Elected officials, including Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, will meet with more than 150 small business owners, leaders and advocates during the 8th Annual Rhode Island Economic Summit Friday to discuss the state’s small business climate.
The conference, at Bryant University’s Unistructure, Smithfield, will begin at 7:30 a.m.
It is put on by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Center for Women & Enterprise. The purpose of the conference is for small business owners, leaders and advocates to have discussions and connect directly with state-elected officials, according to Mark S. Hayward, SBA Rhode Island district director.
Hayward said Tuesday that 212 people had registered for the conference.
“We hold this to provide for a dialogue,” Hayward said. “It’s small businesses coming together to talk with the governor and the leadership and the general assembly.”
Susan Rittscher, president and CEO of the Center of Women & Enterprise said they were pleased to be able to co-sponsor the event.
“This is an important event that can shape and strengthen business opportunities in Rhode Island,” Rittscher said in a statement.
Besides Raimondo, elected officials expected to attend include Lt. Gov. Dan McKee, Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed and House Speaker Nicholas Matteillo, along with 25 state representatives and seven senators, according to Hayward.
This year’s forum includes breakout sessions in seven key business areas: taxes and budget, health care, regulations, economic development, Main Street issues, workforce development and emerging markets.

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