Inaugural Rhode Island Infrastructure Summit a “Great Success”

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank recently hosted more than 300 people at the inaugural Rhode Island Infrastructure Summit. The event, which was held at the Omni Providence Hotel, provided attendees with the opportunity to hear from policymakers and private sector experts with regards to the State’s infrastructure and the opportunities and challenges that it presents for economic development.

The Summit included both panel discussions and breakout sessions covering a variety of topics in the areas of economic development, green infrastructure and clean energy. Panelists from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including several from outside Rhode Island, provided their expertise in these areas and sought to engage with attendees to discuss best practices.

“I am delighted to say that our first Rhode Island Infrastructure Summit was a great success,” said Jeffrey Diehl, CEO of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. “The Summit provided an excellent forum to foster an open dialogue and cultivate relationships between experts representing all facets of infrastructure from policy to investment. We are thrilled with the response to this event and look forward to working with our partners to continue strengthening Rhode Island’s infrastructure and economy.”

The keynote address was delivered by corporate site selection expert John Boyd, Jr. of The Boyd Company. Boyd noted the importance that businesses place on infrastructure when making decisions on where to locate their facilities. Boyd elaborated by saying that access to modern, high-quality infrastructure is one of the key factors that goes into business site selection.

In addition to live remarks made by General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin and Congressman David Cicilline supported the Summit through a video message that can be viewed below: