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New Rhode Island Economic Development Website Receives Top Recognition at Annual Awards

The Northeastern Economic Development Association (NEDA) will recognize the Greater Rhode Island: Think Bigger website with two top awards at its annual conference gala on September 8th. The new economic development site, created and maintained by Commerce RI, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island, won first place in the "Website Award" category and was one of only two submittals to earn the "President's Award" for most outstanding submission.

"The Greater Rhode Island: Think Bigger website stood out throughout the long and challenging process of selecting our 2014 award winners. This site is a public/private collaboration that harnesses many of the best tools and insights in the industry to promote an economic development plan and attract positive attention for and business interest in Rhode Island," said Jim Keib, NEDA Executive Director.

Greater Rhode Island: Think Bigger is a new, interactive economic development website quantifying why Rhode Island is the ideal choice for business decision makers to relocate, start or expand. Pulling together more than 1,000 distinct data points, the site provides a one-stop shop for the critical information needed by business executives as they consider where in the Northeast to grow their business. The website also highlights growth companies and industries that have already taken advantage of the unique competitive advantage offered by Rhode Island.

"This comprehensive website provides the data and information to help businesses looking to expand in the Northeast make an informed decision and consider Rhode Island," said Marcel A. Valois, Executive Director of Commerce RI. "Rhode Island has many economic assets and we must collaborate and work in partnerships to achieve long-term sustainable economic growth that will benefit all Rhode Islanders."

"The NEDA President's Award confirms that Rhode Island is taking the right steps to promote its unique and compelling assets in one interactive site," said Laurie White, President of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. "Working together, we have created a high quality, well-researched tool that will drive business interest in Rhode Island, and reach corporate executives who may not have previously considered our state. Situated along one of the most powerful economic corridors in the world, with top education and research facilities, hospitals, start-ups and established businesses, Rhode Island allows for and cultivates the kind of collaboration that breeds innovative success stories."

"The Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Commerce RI and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce to design a digital strategy to better position the Rhode Island product in the northeast market. NEDA's recognition of our collaborative effort is sincerely appreciated and hard earned," said Scott Gibbs, Executive Director of the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island.

The awards will be presented at the annual NEDA Build Northeast Conference, which is expected to attract 500 professionals from federal, state, regional, and local governments as well as chambers of commerce, banks, venture capitalists, professional service firms, construction companies, architects, and more from all New England states.

Greater Rhode Island: Think Bigger is a public/private partnership based on research guided by the institutional knowledge of corporate relocation and site selection industry experts. It is the next step in Rhode Island's effort to showcase continuing industry successes in new and innovative fields such as brain science, medical advances, and food science, and make it easier for businesses to better understand why Rhode Island is the ideal place for their company.

The website can be found at www.GreaterRI.com. You can join the conversation on Twitter @GreaterRI or #ThinkBiggerRI.

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