Greening the Rhode Island Economy

The panelists were full of ideas and information as to how to create green jobs and develop a green economy for Rhode Island. It will take a little while to post everything, and it's just as well ~ gives us time to digest what they said, let alone figure out what to do next.

I've begun posting the panelists remarks with those of Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics at Bryant University, the first panelist. I also started with him because he made a point of saying he was NOT a green economist, yet he clearly was very supportive of the theme of the conference ~ to create green jobs NOW.

I'll be adding notes on the rest of the panelists, as well as Mayor Cicilline's remarks, Greg Gerritt's welcome, and the moderator, Connie McGreavy's, comments in the next week or so. ~ SK

Vote in the poll about Dr. Ilaqua's remarks.

Senator Whitehouse sent this short greeting that was shown at the Greening RI Economy conference at New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, Rhode Island. The conference was one of the Green Jobs Now events held throughout the nation on September 27, 2008. The senator was unable to attend the conference in person due to the negotiations over the financial crisis in Washington the weekend of our conference.

We will be posting more photos of the conference on this website as we compile summaries of the speakers' presentations. For now please see a slideshow of photos of the September 27, 2008, conference, Greening the Rhode Island Economy, posted on Photobucket.

Projo 9/28/08 ~ Forum looks at ‘greening’ of Rhode Island economy

September 27, 2008
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
New England Institute of Technology2480 Post Road, Warwick, RI
REGISTER for Greening the RI Economy Community Discussion

Sheldon Whitehouse to Give Keynote via Teleconference [due to Senate votes on Saturday]

Rhode Island will have a community discussion of "Greening the RI Economy" as its part in the first national Green Jobs Now campaign on Saturday, September 27. The event will be held at New England Institute of Technology, 2480 Post Road in Warwick, from 9:30 AM till 11:30.

Rhode Islanders from more than 15 schools, government agencies, labor unions, training programs, environmental and social justice organizations will gather to share understandings of how the coming wave of green technology will create new types of work opportunities and what to do next to move this agenda forward in Rhode Island.

Welcoming Remarks – Greg Gerritt, Founder, Rhode Island Prosperity Project

Introduction of Keynote Speaker and Remarks - David Cicilline, Mayor of Providence

Keynote Speech - The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, United States Senator (9:45 AM)

Panel of experts:

• Mrs. Connie McGreavy, Chair-Elect, RI Green Building Council (also, panel moderator)
• Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics, Bryant University
• Mr. Al Durand, Business Manager, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 99*
• Mr. Norman Cook, Architect Tonic Alchemy
• Mr. Steven Kitchin, VP Corporate Education and Training, New England Institute of Technology
• Mr. Anthony Hubbard, Program Director, YouthBuild*
• Rep. Art Handy, Sustainable RI Coordinator, Apeiron Institute of Sustainable Living*

* Indicates affiliation with the Green Jobs Alliance

"Our goal is to make sure that the job force of the future reflects our community and is ready for the brave new world," says event organizer, Greg Gerritt, from the Rhode Island Prosperity Project.

The conference is FREE but pre registration is encouraged.

Register online
Or via email
Or by phone ~ 401-621-8048