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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Charlestown Economic Forum on October 16

Helping South County business to grow and thrive
DLT chief Charlie Fogarty speaks at last year's forum
From the Charlestown Economic Improvement Commission

In our continuing effort to address the challenges of our business community, the Charlestown Economic Improvement Commission will host a business forum so that we may hear from local businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed.

This year, we will be joined by Secretary of State, A. Ralph Mollis and members of his staff.
  • You have a solid idea for a business, and all that stands between you and the grand opening is getting started. That’s where the Office of the Secretary of State comes in. We’d like to introduce you to our QUICKSTART on-line program.  You’ll get proven advice that comes from years of experience in helping people just like you.  Our goal is to help you become a business superhero!

Also joining us will be the Director of the Department of Labor and Training, Charles J. Fogarty and members of his staff.


  • Learn about services and incentives available to your business including training dollars and tax incentives.  The RI Department of Labor & Training’s Business Workforce Center provides customized assistance and workforce development solutions to businesses of all sizes statewide at no charge to you.  You will be provided a Business Services Specialist to act as your liaison to services and information within the RI Department of Labor & Training as well as other business resources both State and Federal.

Wadensten is a colorful character who
loves to talk about his lean business
approach
Local entrepreneur, Karl Wadensten of VIBCO, Inc. will be sharing his unique brand of business expertise. 
  • Wadensten joined the R.I. Economic Development Corporation board of directors in 2010, just months before the board agreed to back a $75 million loan to 38 Studios, Curt Schilling's video game company. He was the only board member who voted against the idea, and discusses his reasoning and why he supported last spring's decision not to give the company additional support. Wadensten also reacts to the recent RIPEC study calling for an overhaul of the EDC and lays out his own vision for fixing state government's approach to commerce.

The Economic Improvement Commission believes that small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island communities and that their success will be a key factor in the revitalization of the states cities and towns.

All area businesses are invited to attend!  Please be sure to reserve your seat early, as we have limited seating.

BUSINESS FORUM DATE:  Wednesday, October 16, 2013
TIME: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:  The General Joseph Stanton Inn, 4115 Old Post Road, Charlestown, Rhode Island
RSVP: Frank Glista, frankiepallets@yahoo.com or (401) 364-3723

Forum agenda
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Welcome: State Representative, Donna Walsh

1) Town Council President, Thomas B. Gentz: Remarks (2-3 minutes)

2)  Town Council Vice President and Economic Improvement Commission Liaison, Paula Andersen, Remarks and Introductions (2-3 minutes)                                                                                                                                                                                                  
3)  A. Ralph Mollis, Secretary of State, Remarks and Program (30 minutes)

4)  Charles J. Fogarty, Director, Department of Labor and Training, Remarks and Program (30 minutes)

5)  Karl Wadensten, President, Vibco, Inc., Remarks (15 minutes)

6)  Frank Glista, Chair, Economic Improvement Commission, Closing Remarks (2-3 minutes)


7)  Question and answer period (opportunity for participants to sign up for one-on-one follow up appointments with the Secretary of State's representatives or the Department of Labor & Training representatives.)