NEW: Rhode Island Foundation Issues Report on Make It Happen RI
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Rhode Island Foundation has released a progress report sharing findings from Make it Happen RI, an economic development gathering held last month. The Foundation also announced that its board of directors approved a $1 million commitment to fund ideas from this initiative, which drew 300 Rhode Islanders together to brainstorm ideas to boost the state’s economy. The event was supported by the Foundation’s new Civic Leadership Fund.
“We are greatly encouraged by the response to Make it Happen RI,” stated Foundation President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg, who added, “the enthusiasm and positive energy, and the real, practical ideas that have come out of this convening are further proof that there are many talented, caring, and committed Rhode Islanders who want to work together to make something happen here.”
The progress report includes a summary of top-level ideas and themes, along with a detailed appendix featuring all of the ideas generated during the two-day summit and a full list of participants.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Six overarching themes emerged from the summit,” noted Foundation Vice President for Strategy, Planning, and Special Projects Jessica David, who along with Steinberg organized Make It Happen RI. “Our hope is that Rhode Islanders will work with each other and with the Foundation to try new things and get some of these ideas off the ground.”
The six major themes are:
- Create jobs
- Close the skills gaps
· Better connect the unemployed with existing job opportunities
- Address specific barriers to success
- Collaborate
- Promote Rhode Island internally and externally
The progress report cites specific action steps and ideas that generated energy and interest at Make It Happen RI. Examples include:
· Explore the need and capacity for a private sector fund for early or growth stage capital for local companies;
· Host a “super” job fair to match those looking for work, those looking for workers, and training resources;
· Ensure that economic decisions are based on data and facts by creating a research consortium of higher education institutions;
· Develop a marketing campaign that celebrates Rhode Island success stories and allows every Rhode Islander to become an ambassador for the state.
Several action steps are already underway following Make It Happen RI, which are noted in the report.
Additionally, The Rhode Island Foundation is committing $1 million to be expended at its discretion in the next year to initiate, accelerate, and amplify these efforts, beyond what the Foundation plans in terms of leadership, organizing, and convening.
“The next 12 months are critical,” noted Steinberg. “We cannot afford to wait.”
“This progress report is our pivot point from the two-day event to a year of action,” said David. “We are excited about many of the ideas and partnerships that emerged from Make It Happen RI and hope that more will develop in the future. Together, we will move Rhode Island forward.”
