Brett Smiley: We Can Spur a True Providence Economic Renaissance
Friday, April 18, 2014
Providence has a long and proud history as an economic engine of the United States, leading the country in the manufacturing of base metals and machinery, jewelry and silverware, textiles and more for much of the 19th and early 20th Centuries. In 1867, the water tube boiler was invented and patented by Providence’s own George Babcock and Stephen Wilcox, and within twenty years it was used to power everything from Edison laboratories in New Jersey to President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet.”
However, like Babcock and Wilcox, much of our manufacturing base moved away or dwindled during the 20th Century. But this same kind of Providence-based ingenuity and entrepreneurial excellence once again can take hold in our city in the 21st Century. What Providence needs is a clear vision, leadership, and a plan to get there. Job creation and economic development will be a top priority in my administration. I spell out exactly what I am going to do and how I am going to get the job done in my recently released Jobs and Economic Development Plan.
When I was first appointed to Chair the Providence Water Supply Board, there was a significant issue with spiraling workers’ compensation costs. Providence Water had a culture in which accidents were too common and many sought to abuse the system, and I set out to change it. I restructured management and provided them with the guidance and support they needed, and together we created a culture in which employees were incentivized, managed and rewarded for excellence. As a result, Providence Water has now gone 650 days without a lost time accident in its most dangerous department and has reached unprecedented levels of productivity that saved businesses and families money while still providing the best water in the state.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMy “Jobs and Economic Development Plan” is centered on the idea of changing the culture in City Hall in much the same way, creating a city government that facilitates job creation through better serving Providence businesses and new entrepreneurs. I will do so with emphasis on seven areas:
1) Making city government work for business by automating systems and eliminating inefficiencies.
2) Bolstering our “meds and eds” to create a base of steady jobs, trained employees, and lifelong residents.
3) Turning STEM into STEAM: Infusing our growing Knowledge Economy with the city’s arts and design.
4) Anchoring Providence’s working waterfront to the city’s economic growth.
5) ACT Providence: Promoting Providence’s arts, cultural, and tourism industries.
6) Advocating on behalf of the Greater Providence region
7) Supporting Providence’s neighborhood businesses.
I opened my small business in Providence seven years ago, and in the midst of an economic recession, I have grown my company, hired new employees, opened additional offices and turned a profit every year. I know what it takes to grow a business, and I know what it takes to grow a city. I’ll get it done, and I’ll do it with integrity and transparency above all else.
By focusing on Providence’s strengths – world-class hospitals and universities, homegrown, neighborhood businesses, arts, culture and design, a working waterfront and more – I will run a City Hall that supports the right businesses in the right ways.
Providence is on the brink of an economic renaissance. Many of the pieces are in place and poised for growth – strengths like our “meds and eds” that lay the foundation for future innovation; a vibrant, energized start-up community; an engaged foundation and non-profit community; committed, hard-working small business owners; and a trained, educated workforce that is ready to make a difference.
I’m ready to get working from Day One in order to make sure that the people of Providence can get working for many years to come.
Brett Smiley is running in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Providence. He is the founder and owner of a small, Providence-based accounting and election compliance firm. You can find his plan at www.smileyformayor.com .
Related Slideshow: 7 Strategies for Rhode Island Economic Development in 2014
What will it take to move the Rhode Island economy forward in 2014? GoLocal talked with elected officials, candidates, and leaders for their economic development plans in the coming year.
Below are key elements of the economic priorities for Governor Lincoln Chafee, Speaker of the House Gordon Fox, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed, House Minority Leader Brian Newberry, gubernatorial hopefuls General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Ken Block, and RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity's Mike Stenhouse.
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