Partnership for Rhode Island

#CompeteRI's success is made possible through collaboration and strong partnerships. A big thank you to Governor McKee and the McKee administration for your continued dedication and support!

Over the last two years, #CompeteRI has dedicated itself to supporting communities across Rhode Island. We are proud to celebrate our achievements and look forward to expanding our impact for years to come.

Thank you U.S. Economic Development Administration!

As we mark two years of #CompeteRI, we reflect on where we began, celebrate our progress, and look forward with renewed motivation to continue competing, innovating, and building for a better Rhode Island. We are excited for what lies ahead in 2024 and beyond.

Dear Friends, Compete RI began as an initiative of The Partnership for Rhode Island in 2022 to maximize the once-in-a-generation funding opportunity made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. And it has evolved into so much more than that in two years. Compete RI has focused on bringing people together across our state to increase influence and impact. Our work as a convener and connector has only just begun. From assisting state and community organizations and municipalities in their funding applications, to working closely with them to build their capacity or grow workforce development opportunities, Compete RI and all of our partners want to make an inclusive state economy that works for all Rhode Islanders. We are proud of the work highlighted in this report and eager for the exciting projects to come. This unique and effective public-private partnership is only possible because of the collaboration of Gov. Daniel McKee, his administration, and our state officials. The board members and companies of the Partnership for Rhode Island have believed in the purpose of Compete RI from day one — and the return on this investment has brought nearly $400 into the state for each dollar spent. We recognize that there is more exciting, important work ahead, and Compete RI looks forward to continued partnership and collaboration across the state. Our mission is not yet done. Working together, we can make an impact on the Ocean State for generations to come.  - Thomas Giordano, Partnership for Rhode Island Executive Director

Big news for Ted Shallcross and the Amica Insurance team

May was filled with celebration, learning, and momentum for the Partnership for RI. At the end of the month, we celebrated the second anniversary of Compete RI and the $17 million PROTECT Grant awarded to restore Mt. Hope Bridge alongside Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Gabe Amo, Governor Dan McKee, and Lori Caron Silveira. I was also honored to be invited to speak on behalf of the Partnership for RI at two events in May. At the National Talent Collaborative Gathering in New York City, I discussed how the Partnership for RI uses employer signaling systems to better understand employer needs so states can prepare a workforce ready to meet employer needs. At the HolonIQ 2024 Global Impact Summit, I spoke about why initiatives like Compete RI can be the difference maker in states getting federal funding for much-needed projects. It was inspiring to speak alongside leaders who have worked with Compete RI to start similar initiatives in their states and hear about the positive impact these initiatives have already made. As we celebrate the second anniversary of Compete RI, an initiative made possible by the Partnership for Rhode Island, I am reminded why it is so crucial for business leaders to come together to support continued economic growth throughout Rhode Island. - Tom Giordano, Partnership for Rhode Island Executive Director

Today marks two years since the Partnership for Rhode Island, Governor McKee, and the congressional delegation launched Compete RI, an initiative to help Rhode Island state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofits compete more effectively for federal funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. #CompeteRI has played a key role in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to Rhode Island in just two years. Just yesterday, the Partnership,  Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Gabe Amo, Governor Dan McKee, and Lori Caron Silveira celebrated our $17 million PROTECT grant. This grant, made possible through #CompeteRI, will enable us to implement crucial enhancements to the Mt. Hope Bridge. #CompeteRI continues to prove why the White House said #CompeteRI is a “Best Practice” in public-private partnerships.

The Partnership's work on our #CompeteRI project is a national example fostering innovation and investment. Our work as a private partner to the state, cities and towns, higher education institutions and our community members will be highlighted at the HolonIQ Conference this week.

Rhode Island employers are hiring and efficient employer alignment makes that work so much easier. Thank you Strada Education Foundation for recognizing our work. More to do but great partners will continue to lead to great results. Stephen Moret Shannon Gilkey