Partnership for Rhode Island

Excited to announce our latest partnership with Rele Abiade and Tom Giordano from Partnership for Rhode Island! We're collaborating with their Compete Rhode Island initiative, a team that has supported transformations across the entire state of Rhode Island.

A win for Rhode Island’s workforce and economy! Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ocean Tech Works, the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Polaris MEP and University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, our state has secured nearly $4 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge funding. This investment will drive workforce development programs for the growing ocean technology sector, preparing nearly 300 individuals for in-demand roles like robotics technicians and machine maintenance specialists. It’s a crucial step toward equipping our region with the talent needed to lead in the hashtag #BlueEconomy. ?? Partnership for Rhode Island is proud to support initiatives like these that foster innovation, create good-paying jobs, and drive equitable growth across the state.

We’re thrilled to share that our Executive Director, Tom Giordano, was featured in Newsweek’s "America’s Next Chapter" issue. Tom shared insights on Rhode Island’s incredible potential to achieve 100% renewable energy within the next five to seven years, positioning our state as a leader in sustainability. Thank you, Newsweek, for spotlighting this vision and the lasting impact of the Partnership for Rhode Island. Together, we’re shaping a future that sets the standard for innovation and progress.

As we close out 2024, we reflect on a year of collaboration and progress for Rhode Island. With millions in funding secured and impactful partnerships formed, we’ve taken significant steps toward a stronger future. We look forward to continuing this important work in 2025 and beyond. Wishing you a successful and meaningful new year.

In January, our Executive Director, Tom Giordano, represented Rhode Island at The White House Communities in Action event for Rhode Island and Connecticut. This gathering brought together leaders making a difference through federal funding initiatives under the Biden-Harris administration. Tom had the opportunity to connect with changemakers across New England and discuss the impacts of programs like the IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS initiative. It’s an honor to see Rhode Island recognized on a national stage for its progress and potential.

In just two and a half years, Compete RI has become a catalyst for Rhode Island’s progress and innovation. Highlights of our impact include: Supporting $1.5 billion in grant funding applications. Engaging all 39 cities and towns statewide. Partnering with every higher education institution. Recognized by The White House for our best-in-practice approach, Compete RI continues to unite communities, build capacity, and drive equity and access across the Ocean State. Together, we’re unlocking Rhode Island’s full potential.

This year, our Executive Director, Tom Giordano, had the incredible opportunity to speak at the HolonIQ 2024 Global Impact Summit, hosted in Puerto Rico. Invited by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Tom highlighted two key focus areas of the Partnership for Rhode Island: employer alignment in workforce development and infrastructure investment attraction. He shared the success of initiatives like Compete RI, offering insights that are inspiring similar efforts across the nation.

From essential infrastructure funding to innovative workforce development, the Partnership for Rhode Island continues to champion efforts that create a stronger, more resilient state. Compete RI continues to demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships in securing federal funding for critical projects. Since September, the state has achieved significant milestones, including securing over $220 million in grants to replace the Washington Bridge and earning a $1.6 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to support energy code training and resources for local builders and inspectors. Compete RI also supported Polaris MEP's proposal for the U.S. Economic Development Administration's 2024 Good Jobs Challenge. Polaris MEP's project, Ocean Tech Works, will partner with the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training to address workforce needs in the Ocean Tech Hub, further positioning our state as a leader in ocean technology innovation. Reflecting on these accomplishments and the opportunities ahead, we are reminded of the collective strength that drives Rhode Island forward. The successes of Compete RI and other Partnership initiatives are proof that collaboration between the public and private sectors can transform our state. Together, we can continue building a brighter future for Rhode Island that fosters innovation, opportunity, and resilience. - Tom Giordano, Partnership for Rhode Island Executive Director

From our friends at Lawyers For Good Government, the Clean Energy Tax Navigator takes the mystery out of applying for Direct Pay / Elective Pay. This is a great tool. Let's bring this money home Rhode Island! https://lnkd.in/eK4eFnBz Reily Connaughton Cheyenne Cazeault Priscilla De La Cruz Rele Abiade Randy Rossi, MBA, CGFM, ICMA-CM Partnership for Rhode Island Tom Giordano

When we talk about the importance of building the muscle to compete for federal funding, this is what we mean. Thanks to our federal delegation and Governor, Rhode Island has secured another $95 million for the Washington Bridge. Our small but mighty state is competing at the highest level - winning these high-profile, highly-sought after grants like MEGA, INFRA, PROTECT, Tech Hubs designation and more. Let's keep it going RI - #CompeteRI Reily Connaughton Partnership for Rhode Island Direct Pay RI Energy Project Reimbursement Assistance #IIJA #BIL #Infrastructure #FederalFunding #CEOs Rhode Island Foundation Elizabeth Lynn