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12/13/2018 Rep. Marszalkowski elected chairman of commission on Blackstone Valley economic development
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Alex D. Marszalkowski (D-Dist. 52, Cumberland) was elected chairman of the special legislative study commission to provide recommendations to encourage economic development within the Blackstone Valley at the commission’s first meeting on Wednesday.  The commission was created by the passage of legislation (2018-H 7975) sponsored by Representative Marszalkowski last legislative session.

“The Blackstone Valley is one of Rhode Island’s strongest assets.  Its natural beauty is breathtaking and it was also the home of our country’s industrial revolution.  And with targeted approaches and thoughtful policy decisions, the Blackstone Valley can once again be home to another economic revolution in our state.  This commission is the first step toward the creation of a prosperous Blackstone Valley business corridor and I am eager begin working on ensuring the valley’s future economic success,” said Representative Marszalkowski.

Representative Marszalkowski’s legislation had the bi-partisan support of the Blackstone Valley delegation in the House of Representatives, with 15 members representing the valley signing on as cosponsors of the legislation.

The purpose of the commission will be to make a comprehensive study and make recommendations to foster and promote the economic growth of the Blackstone Valley in order to promote a stable and diversified local economy and enhance the quality of life of Blackstone Valley residents.  The commission will focus on strategies that promote and enhance responsible economic growth in the community, methods to support the continued success of existing businesses and industry, pathways that encourage new businesses and industry to locate in the valley, and policies that support the overall economic welfare of the Blackstone Valley while preserving its natural beauty.

The body of the commission represents a wide variety of bipartisan experience and expertise with members of government, business, academia and civic organizations serving on the commission.
The following are members of the commission:
  • Representative Marszalkowski, Chairman
  • Rep. Carlos E. Tobon (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket)
  • Representative-elect Jack Lyle (R-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket)
  • John Gregory, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
  • Jan Brodie, Pawtucket Foundation
  • Garrett Mancieri, Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative
  • Robert Billington, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
  • David Chenevert, Rhode Island Manufacturers’ Association
  • John Tavares, Bank of America
  • Tom Ward, Valley Breeze
  • Michael Souza, Landmark Medical Center / Prime Healthcare Services
  • Dan Sullivan, Collette Tours
  • Nick Goodier, Esq.
The Blackstone Valley consists of the communities of Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Glocester, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Smithfield, and Woonsocket.



For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124