Quonset Ready to Lead Rhode Island's
Post-Pandemic Economy
Quonset continues to be a bustling hub of activity, despite the challenging economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) team has worked “hard and smart” to position the Business Park as an economic leader in the post-pandemic economy.

According to a 2019 report from Bryant University, the Business Park generates $1.28 billion in annual income for Rhode Island families with wages at Quonset Business Park 19% higher than the statewide average. 

Over the past 4 months, Quonset has forged ahead with critical infrastructure initiatives:
  • The Port of Davisville’s Pier 2 rehabilitation project is nearly complete, ensuring that Rhode Island will emerge from the pandemic among the leaders in offshore wind logistics and staging on the East Coast, while continuing to expand the auto import business;
  • Infrastructure improvements at Electric Boat to support Phase 2 of their submarine production expansion are nearly complete, maintaining Quonset’s status as a leader in the defense industry; and
  • Moved ahead on a number of state and federal grant funded projects to keep Quonset’s infrastructure modern. 

PBN: Quonset's Site Offerings Are Unique in the Region
“While COVID-19 has ushered in a kind of eerie silence across much of the state, a lot of the development of the sprawling 3,200-acre business park never stopped.” That includes construction of Gateway Offices Building #5 and Flex Industrial Campus Building #3.

The Gateway offices are designed for startups, small businesses and professional services firms, offering short-term, flexible lease agreements. Each facility includes wireless high-speed Internet, a shared kitchen and break areas (including an outdoor courtyard), a conference room, an abundance of natural light and multiple restrooms. 

The Flex Industrial buildings combine “office and warehouse space with soaring, 24-foot-high ceilings, high garage bays and drive-up loading docks – offering the kind of modern accommodations that older industrial real estate lacks.” 

Read more from Providence Business News, here and contact us to learn more about these site offerings.
Looking to Grow? Here's How.
The Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University is dedicated to helping the state’s businesses thrive through international trade. In 2019, the center engaged with more than 250 Rhode Island companies in support of their efforts to develop new markets across the globe. Its programming includes:
  • International Business, MBA and Global Supply Chain Management Practica. The program is built around semester-long, real-world consulting projects that connect student teams, with support from Bryant faculty and Chafee personnel, to companies looking for solutions to business challenges. Previous Quonset participants include Edesia, Unetixs Vascular and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.
  • SBA State Trade Expansion Program. The initiative offers financial support to international trade-related activities by Rhode Island businesses. 
  • World Trade Day. A gathering of 500 private- and public-sector leaders for a day of panel discussions, lectures and networking in service of improving global trade.
  • Training. A regular schedule of training programs make sure companies are up to date on the latest regulations governing global commerce.
Energy Savings for Quonset Businesses
Quonset is committed to keeping Park businesses connected with the resources that position their operations to stay on track and business to grow.
 
National Grid is offering energy efficiency incentives for Quonset businesses to pursue savings. Working recently with Supfina Machine Company, National Grid has helped reduce their utility usage and costs by up to $10,000, which is 15% of their annual energy bill.

Incentives are available for lighting, heating, and water heating modifications, including efficient building envelope and lighting, which provide enhanced comfort and reduced bills for the current and future building tenants. 

During a no-cost site energy assessment, the National Grid team found several opportunities to reduce Supfina’s energy use with a handful of low-cost operations and maintenance changes. These upgrades included compressed air system repairs and controls, additional lighting controls and HVAC optimization. Supfina moved quickly to implement these cost-saving measures, most of which will pay for themselves in a year or less. 

Businesses within the Park looking to participate in this program can contact National Grid’s Andrea Moshier. The latest information on National Grid’s response to the pandemic, including updates to programs and services is available here.
North Kingstown Restaurant Supports
Quonset's Frontline Heroes
North Kingstown’s very own Wickford on the Water helped feed frontline workers at Electric Boat’s COVID-19 testing facility recently (above). This meal donation was made through Frontline Foods Rhode Island which was started by Quonset company Falvey Insurance Group. The grassroots organization raises money from the community which goes directly to local restaurants to help keep their kitchens open. 

Read more about Frontline Foods’ work and find out how you can support local restaurants and frontline heroes at the Frontline Foods RI’s website
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