The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce was pleased to be part of the “Bringing Jobs to Rhode Island” campaign, supporting the 2012 Twin River table games referendum, which kicked off at a rally at Waterplace Park on Monday, April 16.
Chamber President Laurie White joined Twin River Chairman John E. Taylor, Jr., Rhode Island AFL-CIO President George H. Nee, and Twin River Advisory Committee Chairman and Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce President John C. Gregory to voice support of the referendum, which is expected to spur significant job creation and economic development.
“April 16th marks the first day in a journey to bring 650 new jobs to Rhode Island,” said Taylor. “Twin River already contribute
s around 900 jobs to the benefit of the state’s economy. Table games will allow us to add 350 more, as well as generate an additional 300 jobs in the state, while providing exciting new entertainment options for our visitors.”
Last year, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved the referendum for table games at Twin River on the November 2012 ballot. Despite the challenging economic climate, Twin River has increased its year-over-year revenue in 30 of the last 31 months, and has contributed a total of $2.55 billion to Rhode Island since 1992.
“Twin River is an important asset to Rhode Island,” said White. “It is the third largest source of revenue for the state, providing $270 million to the general fund last year alone for vital services. The addition of table games not only provides a much needed boost in employment and corresponding economic impact, it will allow Twin River the ability to remain competitive. There is strong support among business, labor, and community leaders here today because we recognize how important it is that we approve the referendum on November 6th.”
Click here to learn more about the Bringing Jobs to Rhode Island Campaign.
The Bringing Jobs to Rhode Island coalition currently includes: Robert Billington, President of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council; Joseph J. Bairos, Secretary-Treasurer/General Principal Executive Officer of Teamsters Local Union 251; Buddy Croft, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority; Kevin A. Dillon, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation; John C. Gregory, Chairman of the Twin River Advisory Committee and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce; James P. McCarvill, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority; Terrance P. Moran, President of McLaughlin and Moran, Inc.; George H. Nee, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO; Robert Nickerson, President of Stone Tower Properties; Peter H. Ottmar, Chairman of TWOBOLT, a division of Mercury; John J. Palumbo, President and Publisher of Rhode Island Monthly magazine and Chairman of the Board, Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau ; Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council and Business Manager, Laborers Local 271; Gary Sasse, Director of the Bryant University Institute for Public Leadership and former Director of the Rhode Island Departments of Revenue and Administration, and RIPEC; Donald R. Sweitzer, Chairman of GTECH Corporation; Paula Twidale, Executive Vice President of Collette Vacations; Dale Venturini, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association; and Laurie White, President of the Greater Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.
