People don’t believe me when I tell them this, but Rhode Island’s Quonset Business Park was not always viewed as the success it is today. In fact, when our firm started with Quonset in 2004, the facility was generally considered an “underachiever” and a missed opportunity (despite already being home to over 150 companies and 6,000 jobs.) Two years earlier, Rhode Islanders rejected a modest bond referendum to invest there, one of only six times in this century that voters have done so. Meanwhile, the relationship with the host community was contentious and counter-productive. Things were pretty grim. | |
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Now fast forward 20 years to polling we conducted this August. We asked voters about their perception of Quonset and the Port of Davisville, and the numbers were unlike anything I’ve seen in my career. 60% of voters had a favorable impression of the Business Park, while only 3% were unfavorable – a “fave / unfave” number that would be the envy of any elected official, or brand, in the known universe.
What changed? Two things – first, the leadership and team at Quonset have put Hall of Fame results up on the scoreboard. Today, Quonset is home to over 14,000 jobs at 250 companies, including one of every five manufacturing jobs in Rhode Island. Meanwhile, Quonset’s Port of Davisville is consistently in the Top 10 in North America for auto imports and is an emerging hub for wind energy in the North Atlantic.
But if a tree falls in the forest, no one hears it. A second component of Quonset’s strong polling numbers has been our firm’s consistent, targeted and focused effort to proactively define Quonset on its own terms at every opportunity on nearly every available platform. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with the world-class Quonset team to convey to the public, policymakers, our host community and the media that the Quonset Business Park is a success by many metrics, and a key driver of economic opportunity for all Rhode Islanders.
Sometimes, particularly at the beginning, building a successful brand can be a long, hard slog. But Quonset’s polling numbers, and four straight wins at the ballot box (see below) shows what can be done to create a climate that turns results into – even better results.
Best,
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Investing in Education, the Environment and our Economy | |
New Harbor managed two successful bond referenda campaigns in last month’s election. On Election Day, voters approved smart investments that will drive innovation and create jobs in cybersecurity, healthcare and the life sciences while improving our environment. | |
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The passage of Question 2 positions The University of Rhode Island to build a cutting-edge biomedical sciences building that will enhance research capabilities and expand opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries in health care and life sciences.
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Question 4, The Green Bond, will invest in clean water, forest restoration, coastal resilience and more. The largest investment will be at Quonset’s Port of Davisville, where World War II-era infrastructure is being upgraded and expanded. This will position Rhode Island to serve as a key offshore wind hub in the North Atlantic, creating new jobs and supporting clean energy projects to help achieve the state’s climate goals.
We were glad to have the opportunity to work on these important initiatives.
Learn more about the details and benefits of these projects here: Question 2 and Question 4
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HopeHealth is One of the Best in the Nation | |
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Rhode Island-based HopeHealth has been recognized nationally for caregiver and employee satisfaction by the American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine. HopeHealth ranked second among the nation’s 50 largest hospice providers.
“This work is a privilege. We are all proud to see HopeHealth recognized nationally as not only an exceptional care provider but an exceptional workplace,” says HopeHealth President & CEO Diana Franchitto.
“Every day, I hear from families and employees about how our organization touches their lives,” Franchitto adds. “Families rave about the skills and compassion of our team members. Employees talk about finding their calling here. It is rewarding to see that feedback reflected in these rankings. It highlights the very heart of HopeHealth’s mission: an extraordinary experience for patients, their caregivers and our employees.”
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Local Scouts Collect 88 Tons of Food
While Membership Grows
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Scouts from Troops 6 and 66 Cranston pose in front of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank during Scouting for Food. | |
Thousands of Scouts from across the region did a "Good Turn" by collecting over 88 tons of food during their annual Scouting for Food Drive last month. The donations directly support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and 50 other local food pantries, supporting families in need. | |
Meanwhile, Scouting America, Narragansett Council has also been actively recruiting new members over the past three months. New Harbor worked with the Scouts using targeted social media, engaging stories, video and direct outreach to welcome over 800 boys and girls, along with their families, into Scouting across the region.
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Imagination Playground and Providence Children’s Museum Team Up to Launch a New Exhibit | (L to R) Ted Kresse, New Harbor alum and Chair of Providence Children’s Museum Board of Directors; Liz Tanner, Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce; Caroline Payson, Executive Director of Providence Children’s Museum; Jim Stallman, CEO of Imagination Playground; Joe Wilson Jr., Director of Providence Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism, celebrate the launch of the new exhibit. | |
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The Providence Children’s Museum cut the ribbon on a new exhibit last week developed by the Providence-based toy company Imagination Playground. The Big Blue Blocks encourage creativity and interactive play, offering children a chance to explore their imagination through hands-on activities. Children use the large foam blocks to create their own structures and adventures.
“Our mission at Imagination Playground is to encourage children to get creative, work together and have fun,” said Imagination Playground CEO Jim Stallman. “We are thrilled to partner with Providence Children’s Museum and Rhode Island Commerce to promote this mission in our hometown.”
| Watch families explore the exhibit for the first time here. | |
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Grey Sail Brewing and South County Distillers
Celebrate the Holidays
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Brewed in Westerly, Grey Sail Brewing has two seasonal beverages that are perfect for your next celebration: Kegnog Milkshake IPA combines vibrant Amarillo hops with sweet vanilla while Leaning Chimney Smoked Porter features dark chocolate, coffee and a hint of campfire essence.
Looking for a creative cocktail? Try spirits from their sister company, South County Distillers. Their ready-to-drink cocktails make it even easier, like the Whiskey Highball or a ready-to-pour Espresso Martini, crafted with local Dave's Coffee. Cheers to a joyful holiday season!
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Getting into the Holiday Spirit | |
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The holidays have arrived at Old Sturbridge Village and its sister museum, Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol!
At Old Sturbridge Village's Christmas by Candlelight, guests can stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas tree trail, experience live music performances and meet Santa Claus.
“Christmas by Candlelight is a celebration of the cherished traditions that make the season truly special,” Rhys Simmons, Director of Interpretation at Old Sturbridge Village. “Our goal is to transport you back in time with an experience that delights all the senses.”
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On Rhode Island’s East Bay, Coggeshall Farm Museum presents “A Coggeshall Christmas” happening on December 14, 15, 21 and 22. Visitors can celebrate the holiday season by walking along decorated tree-lined pathways, play traditional holiday games and gather around the decorated Christmas tree for storytelling.
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