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Client Bylines

March 2019

Leveraging RI C-PACE in opportunity zones 

Opportunity zones are new economic development tools designed to stimulate investment in distressed and underutilized areas. Investment in an opportunity zone provides a federal tax incentive for private investors to direct capital gains as equity investments into qualifying projects. Opportunity zones in Rhode Island are designated in 25 census tracts across 15 municipalities.  As redevelopment accelerates in these neighborhoods, including Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (RI C-PACE) financing in the capital stack can unlock additional value for investors, while building greener, more efficient buildings in the state.

RI C-PACE provides long-term, fixed rate, 100% financing for clean energy and energy efficiency projects.  Financing is secured through a property tax assessment reflected on the tax bill and recorded on the title, so the assessment stays with the property. The non-recourse financing is more cost effective than traditional forms of mezzanine financing.  

A recent example of a RI C-PACE project in action can be seen at Mirror Image Inc., a Pawtucket, R.I. screen-printing and embroidery company – best known for printing Super Bowl shirts – that is upgrading the property’s roof and installing a mounted solar array. The business will save over $530,000 over the life of the project and increase the value of their property by $317,000.

The Providence Public Library has recently embarked upon Rhode Island’s largest-ever library renovation through a variety of financing sources, including RI C-PACE. The 83,000 s/f $25 million redevelopment project will transform the library’s 1950s wing, auditorium and special collection areas to provide 21st century library services. The $1.6 million in C-PACE financing will include the installation of energy-efficient windows and building envelope improvements; updated rooftop units for heating, ventilation and air conditioning; an energy recovery unit; and computer-room air conditioning.

Investing in opportunity zones and utilizing C-PACE financing is the perfect opportunity to support long-term, climate-conscious investments while driving higher pre-tax IRR. Developers will breathe new life into buildings that once sat dormant. Projects will spur job growth and economic development, while significantly reducing costs through clean energy usage. As one of the Infrastructure Bank’s C-PACE clients recently said, “C-PACE just makes sense!”

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February 2019

Annual report highlights Quonset’s 2018 successes

Quonset is the leading engine of economic development in Rhode Island and home to over 200 companies and nearly 12,000 full and part-time jobs. We recently submitted our 2018 annual report that highlights the past year of successes and developments at the park. The business park saw significant growth in 2018 with investments in essential infrastructure and the construction of new company facilities.

2018 was another record-breaking year for Quonset’s Port of Davisville. Consistently named a Top Ten Auto Importer in North America and gateway to markets throughout southern New England, the port has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. The Port of Davisville achieved the seventh automobile import record in eight years, with 241,851 cars passing through the Port throughout the year via a record-breaking 225 ship calls. The ongoing modernization of the Port’s ‘workhouse,’ Pier 2, will position Port of Davisville for further success in 2019, including a greater role in imports for the Rhode Island wind energy industry.

In April, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced that the Port of Davisville was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Division (MARAD) to join a new maritime highway initiative between the ports of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Newark, N.J. The Marine Highway Project will allow the Port of Davisville to begin a container shipping operation, facilitating the port’s role on the new marine highway.

2018 by the Numbers

• 225 ship calls at the Port of Davisville – a new record

• 241,851 cars imported – a new record

• $56 million invested in park infrastructure

• $340 million in private investment by Quonset companies for 655,180 s/f

of new building construction

At Quonset, we provide world-class infrastructure to each company that makes their home here – it is one of the secrets of our success. Quonset Development Corp. (QDC) invested $56 million in infrastructure projects throughout the park in 2018. These upgrades included new gateway office buildings, renovations underway to Pier 2 at the port and the development of our new flex industrial campus. Building one is now fully leased, with construction of the second building in progress. Quonset also looked to lower its carbon footprint in 2018 – QDC offices are now powered 100% by renewable energy.

Over the last 30+ years, a total of $667 million in public investment at Quonset has generated over $2 billion in private investment, $113.1 million in annual tax revenue and $2.85 billion in economic output every year. These infrastructure upgrades position Quonset to generate additional tax revenues and reduce the environmental impacts of a major industrial park, while supporting an environment that allows great companies to succeed in Rhode Island. 

Quonset companies invested $340 million in their state-of-the-art facilities at the park in 2018, a significant increase over the $16 million in private investment secured in 2017. The leasing of 50 acres of land and the construction of 655,180 s/f of new structures were key components in this influx of private capital.

QDC remains committed in 2019 to creating additional jobs, stimulating private sector investment and creating an additional tax base. Our 2018 annual report illustrates how Quonset Business Park continues to be a Rhode Island success story as the state’s leading engine of job creation and economic growth.

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December 2018

2018: Reflecting on a year of growth at Quonset 

The continued success of the Quonset Business Park in 2018 is in part a testament to the broad range of businesses that call Quonset home. As the year comes to a close, Quonset is now home to over 200 companies and nearly 12,000 full and part-time jobs, including one out of every seven manufacturing jobs in Rhode Island. This year we welcomed two new exciting businesses to the park, another company with a long history at Quonset announced a major expansion, and 500 new full and part-time jobs were added, with many more planned.

This past April, Governor Gina Raimondo joined us at the ribbon cutting of Finlays USA’s new 28,800 s/f, state-of-the-art, global research and development center. Finlays is a global leader in the development and distribution of tea and coffee extracts, and owns the iconic local brand Autocrat coffee syrup. Finlays has committed to hiring additional employees by 2019 and maintaining these jobs in Rhode Island for at least 12 years.

Quonset also welcomed Infinity Meat Solutions, a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize, parent company of Stop and Shop, to the business park with a groundbreaking this fall. The state-of-the-art 200,000 s/f protein packaging facility is slated to bring 700 new jobs to Rhode Island. Infinity Meat Solutions leads the market in providing pre-packaged deli meats to grocery stores throughout the country. 

Meanwhile, Electric Boat broke ground on an expansion of their Quonset facility this past fall – a major step forward for both the Business Park and the Rhode Island economy. The ongoing $792 million expansion will create and support 1,300 new jobs in Rhode Island. 

Another company on Quonset’s waterfront, J. Goodison Co., saw remarkable growth this year. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Division (MARAD) provided the company with a $635,453 federal grant last year, facilitating the purchase of a new wastewater collection and treatment system for their shipyard here. The new system helps the shipyard operate more efficiently and is environmentally friendly.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) announced in April that the Port of Davisville was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to join a new maritime highway initiative. This development represents a tremendous opportunity for the shipyard and our Port of Davisville. The Marine Highway Project will position Davisville to grow a container shipping operation and collaborate with the Ports of Brooklyn and Newark.

This year, we welcomed new companies to the Flex Industrial Campus at the business park, the first of its kind in the region.  The building has three units, each around 10,000 s/f total including a state-of-the-art office – about 1,600 s/f, and commercial manufacturing and warehouse space – about 8,000 s/f. The first flex space building is now fully leased, and construction of the second building has begun.  The flex campus will allow new companies to make their home at Quonset without the cost and time of developing their own facilities.

Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) was proud to affirm our commitment to clean energy this year. We received the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources 2018 Leading by Example Energy Award for our efforts to implement energy efficiency measures. The QDC offices, as well as various facilities throughout the Business Park, are now 100% powered by solar energy. 

In September, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, we unveiled a 22-acre athletic field complex for the Town of North Kingstown. The fields, which reflect our commitment to our host community, are available for use now by North Kingstown residents and will be utilized by the town’s youth lacrosse leagues this coming spring.

Quonset’s successes this year reflect the Quonset team’s determination to continue our role as Rhode Island’s leading driver of economic development and job growth. We look forward to continuing this momentum in the year ahead.

Academic Writing: Graduate Thesis

For access to my full Master’s thesis, please click here.

Short-Form Writing

February 2018 - April 2019

Client Newsletter Copy

DATMA:

Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) Officially Launches

The Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) is a new 21st century museum based in New Bedford, MA. The “museum without walls” will showcase contemporary art, technology and design through exhibitions featuring international artists. DATMA will develop an array of programs to highlight cultural life in the SouthCoast region while tying in local artists and organizations. Longtime New Bedford resident and well-known local artist Lindsay Miś has been named Executive Director. 

The museum will be “non-collecting,” instead focusing on public art installations throughout New Bedford. The opening exhibit and program will be centered around a theme of wind and involve collaborative efforts between local, regional and international artists.

DATMA will use New Bedford’s warehouses, parks and public spaces to host art exhibits. Programming will focus on the intersection of art, technology and education through collaborations with UMass Dartmouth and the Tabor Academy Art Department. The museum will take a multidisciplinary approach to its installations and programs, with the goal of elevating New Bedford’s role as a center for arts and culture. 

DATMA Receives $27,500 as their First Arts and Culture Grant

DATMA was awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts  (CFSEMA) recently. The $27,500 in funding will support DATMA’s inaugural exhibit, Summer Winds, taking place summer of 2019.

CFSEMA aims to improve the quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts by matching donors with cultural, educational and humanitarian organizations in the community. Since 1995, they have contributed over $25 million to the region’s arts and culture scene.

Summer Winds will be a city-wide art series that underscores New Bedford’s emerging leadership in the wind energy industry. The central pillar of Summer Winds will be the installation of “Liquid Shard” a 15,000 sq. ft. kinetic sculpture in Custom House Square by the internationally acclaimed Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics.  Featured most recently in Los Angeles, Liquid Shard will serve as the centerpiece to a three-month long array of educational programming, a film series and “pop ups” that engage art, technology and design.

New Bedford Mayor Endorses DATMA

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has officially announced his support for DATMA following its launch in September. A longtime supporter of the city’s arts and civic community, the Mayor pledged to help promote DATMA’s Summer Winds exhibit with marketing, promotion and any infrastructure needs that may present themselves given the influx of visitors during the summer.

“An exhibition of this breadth, depth and scale is unprecedented in our city and it promises to draw considerable attention to New Bedford’s emergence as a center for the arts,” said Mayor Mitchell.

DATMA plans to install public art exhibits and “pop-ups” throughout the city, beginning with Summer Winds. The museum aims to enhance tourism and economic development in the region, while inspiring the public to engage with art in new ways.

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank:

Infrastructure Bank Celebrates 30 Years 

As part of its annual Legislative Day event, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Rhode Island State House this past Tuesday, March 5.

The celebration featured remarks from Infrastructure Bank CEO Jeffrey Diehl, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, House Majority Leader Representative Joseph Shekarchi, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator William Conley and Director of the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Janet Coit.

“The Infrastructure Bank is one of Rhode Island’s best-kept secrets and has saved Rhode Island communities millions in debt service payments over the last 30 years,” said General Treasurer and Infrastructure Bank board member Seth Magaziner.

“For the past three years, the Bank has migrated to an outward facing, customer-centric business model. This transition intends to make our programs more accessible to municipalities, business owners and homeowners,” said Infrastructure Bank CEO Jeffrey Diehl. “While there is more work to be done, I can confidently say we are beginning to see the impact of our efforts. This year will be a record year for the Bank and over 33% of our lending volume is coming from new business.”

Infrastructure Bank Addresses Water Contamination in Burrillville

The Infrastructure Bank has invested $2.85 million through a principal forgiveness loan to address water contamination in the Burrillville villages of Harrisville and Oakland. The Harrisville Fire District and Water Department (Harrisville Water) is utilizing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to replace Oakland Association’s current contaminated well-based system. This capital will allow Harrisville and Oakland homes to connect to municipally managed water in the late spring and early summer of 2019.

Researchers discovered high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wells managed by the Oakland Association and at private residences in Mapleville.

“Simply put, the Infrastructure Bank was the solution to our pollution. The entire Oakland Association community thanks the Infrastructure Bank for standing by us in our time of need,” said Richard Nolan, treasurer of the Oakland Association Water System.

Learn more

 Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank Launches Municipal Resilience Program

In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the Infrastructure Bank launched the Municipal Resilience Program (MRP), a pilot that aims to equip municipalities with the tools and funds necessary to address the effects of climate change in Rhode Island.

The Bank is seeking three Rhode Island municipalities to be part of the initial pilot program. They will have access to technical assistance with The Nature Conservancy. After successful completion of the program, MRP municipalities will be eligible to apply for project implementation funding.

The program supports the goals outlined in the state’s Climate Resilience Action Strategy (Resilient Rhody) released by Governor Raimondo in 2018. Resilient Rhody outlined steps the state can take to prepare for evolving weather patterns and severe weather events.  The MRP enables municipalities to accurately assess their vulnerability to the stressors of climate change, while providing the necessary funding to take on specific community resilience projects.

All cities and towns are eligible to apply, but only three municipalities will be selected for initial funding. Responses are due March 29, 2019.

For more information click here.

Infrastructure Bank Launches Online Application Portal System

Municipalities and businesses seeking to apply for one of the Infrastructure Bank’s diverse financing programs may now utilize a new online portal system. Applicants must set up a username and password to log into the Online Financing Application Portal and access the appropriate applications.

Applications are now available and may be viewed here.

For borrowers initiating projects that will need funding in fiscal year 2020, applications are due no later than March 22, 2019.

Brownfield Listening Session w/ RI DEM

The Infrastructure Bank and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) offered a listening session on the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund recently. The organizations partnered to bring awareness to the program, discuss case study examples, offer assistance and answer questions 

The loan fund makes financing available to public, private and non-profit borrowers for the remediation of properties contaminated with hazardous substances. For a project to be eligible for financing, it must be placed on DEM’s Project Priority List. The program allows for the transformation of previously hazardous spaces into useful pieces of land.

Client Quotes

Below is a list of quotes I have drafted for clients. They appeared in press releases and newsletters developed for clients of my former firm.

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank:

"The Infrastructure Bank’s expanded mandate allows us to provide competitive financing to a wide variety of infrastructure projects throughout Rhode Island,” said Executive Director and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank Jeffrey Diehl. “The Bank looks forward to working more closely with cities and towns to finance more climate resilience infrastructure projects and develop specific resilience plans for communities through the Municipal Resilience Project.”

Quonset Development Corporation:

“The QDC is excited about the continued success of the Port of Davisville,” said QDC Managing Director Steven King. “Access to the Port is instrumental in the success of the 200+ businesses that call Quonset home and we’re thrilled to see what 2019 holds for the Port.”

“We are thrilled to welcome another year of growth at the Port of Davisville,” said Port Director Bob Blackburn. “The record-breaking is evidence of our hard work. We look forward to further success with the upcoming improvements to Pier 2, the ‘workhorse’ of the Port, and the continued support of the Quonset Development Corporation.”

Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns:

“Our Annual Convention is an opportunity for municipal leaders from our 39 cities and towns to come together to talk about the many important issues they face as government officials in Rhode Island,” said Brian Daniels, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. “The League is thankful to all workshop and panel participants who generously donated their time and efforts to make this year’s conference successful.”

Press Release

September 2018

Port of Davisville Breaks Record for Monthly
Auto Imports

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Vehicle imports increased nearly 25% in August 2018

Quonset, R.I. – Quonset Business Park’s Port of Davisville had a record-breaking month for auto imports in August 2018. The Port saw a total of 35,000 vehicles unloaded, breaking the previously held record in November of 2017 by nearly 25%.

The Port of Davisville is Rhode Island’s only public port and offers four berths for ships along with over 60 acres of terminal storage. Over the past 20 years, the Port has seen unprecedented growth of over 547%. The Port now handles six times the volume of auto imports than were received in 1996.

“We are excited to see the Port of Davisville break yet another import record this past August,” said Steven King, Managing Director of the Quonset Development Corporation. “We look forward to the continued growth of auto imports and other industries as we embark on critical upgrades to Pier 2.”

A top ten Auto Importer in North America, the Port of Davisville will be further positioned for success with upcoming planned improvements to Pier 2, the “workhouse” of the Port. The ongoing renovation of Pier 2 will be instrumental in increasing the Port’s capacity. The renovations were announced in 2016 by Gov. Gina Raimondo and include the construction of a new steel sheet along the north, south and east faces of the pier and dredging the port to accommodate large tankers. These renovations will give the Port new berthing spaces for unloading of cars and other cargo.   

“I am proud of the tremendous growth at the Port of Davisville,” said Port Director Bob Blackburn. “This record-breaking month is a testament to our hard work at the Port, and the strong support of the Quonset Development Corporation.”

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced in Spring 2018 that the Port of Davisville was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to be part of a new maritime highway initiative, joining the ports of Brooklyn, NY and Newark, NJ in operating a twice weekly service. This initiative will provide an alternative mode of transportation for businesses that reduces transportation costs, reduces highways congestion and increases the overall efficiency of the national transportation system.

About Quonset Development Corporation: The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) manages the Quonset Business Park, home to more than 200 companies, nearly 12,000 full and part-time jobs, and the Port of Davisville, one of the Top Ten auto-importers in North America. The 3,212-acre Business Park is Rhode Island’s leading engine of job growth and economic development. 

Press Release

April 2019

Rhode Island’s Leaders Rally for Census 2020 Day of Action

Attendees call for a fair and accurate count and increased funding to support this work

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island’s state and local officials and labor, business and community leaders rallied at the State House today to mark Census Day of Action, one year from the start of the official count. The rally drew attention to the importance of ensuring a fair and accurate Census count for Rhode Island.

“We only get one shot at this, and it’s critical that every single Rhode Islander is counted,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “The 2020 Census will have serious implications for Rhode Island for the next decade. Too often, vulnerable populations are undercounted, leading to decreased federal funding. The Complete Count Committee has the complete support of my office to work with the legislature and stakeholders to ensure complete statewide engagement.”   

The Census is a required, once-in-a-decade count of every person living in the United States. The results of the Census are used to guide government planning around public education, public assistance, housing, health care, business development, infrastructure and more. Rhode Island receives over $3 billion in federal funding every year based on Census estimates. This is equal to ⅓ of the state’s annual budget.

 “The Census will have far-reaching, long-term effects on Rhode Islanders, including funding for schools, public safety and housing,” said Central Falls Mayor James Diossa. “Leaders from all sectors are coming together to make sure that all Rhode Islanders have a voice and are counted. From the start, the Census Bureau has undercut resources for the 2020 count. It is up to us to double down on our efforts to raise awareness over the next year and mobilize resources to make sure that we are not short changed.”

Past Censuses have undercounted communities of color, people living in poverty, young children and people living in rural communities. The systematic undercounting of these communities decreases access to federal funding and accurate Congressional representation. 24% of Rhode Islanders are categorized as hard-to-count (HTC) by the U.S. Census Bureau.

“We will be working to ensure that every Rhode Islander is a part of 2020 U.S. Census, regardless of their ZIP code, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, level of education or level of income,” said Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Billions of dollars are at stake for programs that provide critical services to Rhode Islanders. We are going to carry today’s momentum forward and work every day through the end of the census counting period to make sure that we receive the funding we need to serve all Rhode Islanders in every community throughout the state. Every single Rhode Islander counts.”

If Rhode Island’s population declines, as shown through the 2020 Census, the state is at risk of losing a Congressional seat and changes to our voting districts, which will impact state representatives. The Census will also affect Rhode Island’s federal funding. These funds are used towards vital community assets including schools, hospitals and public safety, as well as programs for vulnerable Rhode Islanders, such as special education, free/reduced school lunch programs, Medicaid, foster care and the Children's Health Insurance Program.  

The rally also included remarks from Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, Attorney General Peter Neronha, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, House Majority Leader Joseph Shekarchi, Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey, Senator Sandra Cano, Representative Anastasia Williams, Chanda Womack, Executive Director of the R.I. Southeast Asians for Education, Marcela Betancur, Director of the Latino Policy Institute, and George Nee, President of the R.I. AFL-CIO.

April 1, 2020, Census Day, will mark the start of the Census count. The majority of people will receive an invitation letter with instructions on how to respond online or by telephone. A smaller population will receive both an invitation letter and a paper questionnaire with a postage-paid return envelope. Local libraries will also serve as a location for Rhode Islanders to complete the Census online. For Census job opportunities, such as census takers, recruiting assistants, and office staff, please visit: https://2020census.gov/jobs.

The Rhode Island Complete Count Committee was created by an Executive Order, issued by Governor Gina Raimondo, in December 2018. The RICCC is tasked with developing and recommending a census outreach strategy to encourage full participation in the 2020 federal census ensuring that the segments of the Rhode Island population are not undercounted. More information on the committee can be found at http://www.planning.ri.gov/planning-areas/Census/census-2020.php.

Social Media Copy

February 2018 - April 2019

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

Twitter

The Bank has invested $2.85 million to address water contamination in the #Burrillville villages of Harrisville and Oakland. Read more about this important project in our newsletter: https://conta.cc/2EQA6cn

The Municipal Resilience Program aims to equip municipalities w/ the tools and funds to address climate change in #RhodeIsland. The Bank is seeking three municipalities to be part of the initial pilot program. Applications are due 3/29. https://www.riib.org/rfp

Progress at the Providence Public Library via today’s @projo. As part of the overall renovation, @provlib is making $1.6 million in energy efficiency upgrades through @RI_CPACE. #Transformation #Savings #RIJobs http://ow.ly/Uls550ncSdj

As part of our annual Legislative Day, the Infrastructure Bank celebrated our 30th anniversary at the Rhode Island State House this month. Read more in our latest newsletter: http://ow.ly/t6A150n4XRn

Tweets developed as part of the Bank’s 30th anniversary celebration:

The Bank is customer-centric, making it easier for municipalities, businesses and homeowners to navigate and access our programs. And it shows: 2018 was a record year with $81 million in loans, 25% of which is from new business. @JeffDiehl2 #30YearsofRIIB

#DidYouKnow - the Infrastructure Bank has financed a total of $17.9 million to help residential property-owners in the state replace old and failing septic systems. #30YearsofRIIB

For 30 years, the Infrastructure Bank has served as the central hub of local infrastructure financing in #RhodeIsland. Our innovative programs are supporting the economy, creating local jobs and protecting Rhode Island's environment. #30YearsofRIIB

The sun is shining and we are exciting to break ground at Four Seasons Mobile Home Association. The $350K principal forgiveness loan will rebuild their water system covering the install of an entirely new distribution system, pump house & back-up generator @RIHEALTH

The Infrastructure Bank’s diverse financing programs help protect Rhode Island communities. The Bank has financed $488.8 million in drinking water loans in its 30-year history. #30YearsofRIIB

Facebook

The Municipal Resilience Program aims to equip municipalities w/ the tools + funds to address climate change in Rhode Island. The Bank is seeking three municipalities to be part of the initial pilot program. Learn more in our e-news: https://conta.cc/2EQA6cn  

"We're really focused on four main sectors [of local infrastructure development]: water (clean water, drinking water), roads & bridges, energy and brownfields. In the last 30 years, we've invested $2 billion in the state in infrastructure, created or supported over 57,000 jobs and saved cities and towns hundreds of millions of dollars in interest." - Infrastructure Bank CEO Jeffrey Diehl on WPRO: https://bit.ly/2F6jsqF

The Bank invested $2.85 million to address water contamination in the #Burrillville villages of Harrisville and Oakland recently. Read more about this important project in our latest e-news: https://conta.cc/2EQA6cn

Are you a commercial building owner looking to save on energy costs? Join us tomorrow afternoon in Pawtucket at for an information session on utilizing the @RI_CPACE Program for no-money-down, 100% project financing for energy efficiency upgrades: http://ow.ly/sLmu50mpkYz

Changing weather and severe weather events are threats to all cities and towns. The Infrastructure Bank has partnered with @natureorg to launch the Municipal Resilience Program (MRP) to help communities combat climate change. RIIB is seeking applications from municipalities for participation in the program, which aims to support municipalities in increasing their climate resilience by providing technical assistance and the ability to apply for implementation funds. Submissions are due March 29. The RFR may be access via the RIIB site: https://www.riib.org/node/466

RIIB's innovative programs have been supporting the economy, helping to create local jobs and protecting Rhode Island's environment for 30 years. Join us on March 5 at the State House to celebrate 30 years of investment in Rhode Island communities.

Helping Hands utilized the Infrastructure Bank's RI C-PACE Program recently to install a new HVAC system, windows, insulation and wiring. Learn how you can take advantage of C-PACE financing to improve your company's building: https://ri-cpace.com/

Quonset Development Corporation

Twitter

Learn more about QDC Director of Development Services Ted Spinard in @NEREJ. Quonset "has leveraged $700M of direct public infrastructure development to the nearly $2 billion in private investment - in large part due to Ted’s leadership and hard work." http://ow.ly/ea5h50ndA3z

Quonset company Commodity Haulers Express spotted in @ProvBusNews this week: http://ow.ly/4h1A50ndxxB

#Flashback to this @nytimes feature on Quonset published two years ago today: http://ow.ly/ABsO50ncLHZ

QDC extends congratulations to the @EdesiaNutrition team on being honored for Excellence at a Mid-Size Manufacturer at the @ProvBusNews Manufacturing Awards this evening.

Quonset's Port of Davisville is one of the top auto ports and frozen seafood ports along the East Coast. The Port had a record-breaking 225 ship calls in 2018.

On #InternationalWomensDay we recognize Drusalina Romano. In the early 1900’s, Drusalina was a driving force behind the thriving 370-acre Romano Farm & Vineyard at Davisville. Today, Davisville’s Romano Vineyard Way is named after the family’s business. http://ow.ly/82ud50mLpBn

QDC board member and accomplished RI attorney Susan Leach DeBlasio was featured in this month's edition of the Rhode Island Bar Journal. @ribarassoc http://ow.ly/PSGv50mxTJA

#DidYouKnow - Quonset's Port of Davisville contributed over 1,500 jobs to #RhodeIsland in 2018.

Quonset contributed $113.1 million in annual state and local tax revenue in 2018. #2018InReview

Learn about Seaview Railroad and how the rail company is an integral part of Quonset Business Park: http://ow.ly/W32S50llOrl

Facebook

QDC Director of Development Services Ted Spinard was recently named the 2019 Engineer of the Year. "Ted’s experience and skills as a civil engineer is one of the things that helps make Quonset Business Park a great place for companies to grow and employees to thrive," writes QDC Managing Director Steven King in New England Real Estate Journal: https://bit.ly/2Ojp2cp

Have you seen the latest edition of our e-newsletter #QuonsetPoints yet? Make sure to scroll to the bottom and subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on what's going on at Quonset: http://ow.ly/nXrX50lDZRt

Quonset Development Corporation is hiring a Senior Accountant. Visit the Quonset Jobs website to apply: https://bit.ly/2TCAeGE

Take a look at this spotlight in The Providence Journal detailing the amazing work Edesia Nutrition does every day at Quonset. Edesia is a non-profit that produces ready-to-use foods w/ the mission of treating and preventing malnutrition in the world's most vulnerable populations. https://bit.ly/2EJwVDu

Quonset Business Park is "a thriving industrial center that employs more than 11,640 people and accounts for 14 percent of all manufacturing jobs in Rhode Island. Of the park’s 1,350 developable acres, only about 200 remain vacant, but Quonset continues to add new jobs as Electric Boat expands its operations and new tenants like Infinity Meat Solutions move in; the meat-processing company will add another 700 jobs in Quonset when it opens in 2020, for example."

Read more in this in-depth feature in Rhode Island Monthly: https://bit.ly/2HFhcIy

Quonset Business Park offers a site-readiness program that provides pre-permitted parcels and a streamlined development process for companies looking to call the Business Park home.

Learn more on our website: http://ow.ly/u4C050kpc2Z

#ICYMI - Quonset Business Park was recently awarded a grant to help fund a freight-rail enhancement and expansion project. Learn more: http://ow.ly/60k750kiQ67

The Park's Port of Davisville is strategically located near the mouth of Narragansett Bay with 4 berths and 5 terminals and over 56 acres of laydown and terminal storage. http://www.quonset.com/sea/

New Harbor Group

Twitter

Our clients have received some awesome coverage lately. Visit our website to read up! #GreatClients #NiceInk https://nharbor.com/client-news

We're proud of the hardworking New Harbor Group team, over two-thirds of which are women. Stay tuned today on #InternationalWomensDay to learn about the dynamic women who tell our client's stories every day.

When not hard at work telling client stories, @sekennedy9 loves being active and creative - you can find her running, doing yoga, chefing up a new recipe, trying a new wine or reading! #WomenofNewHarbor

Our fearless intern Abbey is a @universityofri senior studying communication + public relations. After graduating this May, she is looking forward to jumping into the workforce and can’t wait to see what the future has in store! #WomenOfNewHarbor

Lawren says: “Working at New Harbor gives me the ability to be creative and a strategic thinker. I feel empowered by David and our amazing team, and I am proud to work here!” #WomenAtNewHarbor

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Blog Post

3 things to keep in mind when dealing with a client crisis

As a public relations professional, you're tasked with elevating your clients' profiles in a positive and meaningful way. Sometimes the story you are trying to tell can get lost, especially when faced with a client crisis. 

1.    Be prepared.

You can't deal with a crisis properly without ample preparation. First, make sure you're consistently and effectively telling the right story about your client to those who need to hear it. Keep track of the great coverage you get for them, so you can develop the right messaging to handle a potential crisis.

Next, establish a crisis management task force and get contact information for each person. This may sound simple but being able to get in touch with the people who need to be informed in times of a crisis is essential to getting in control of the situation. 

Lastly, you shouldn't be scrambling to cover your tracks when a scandal hits. Anticipate potential scenarios and develop a plan with your team for how to handle them. 

2.    Be credible. 

This next tip ties back to number one. Honesty is the number one way to establish trust with your audience. You should have a breadth of information about your client to share. Use this credible, positive coverage you have prepared to counter the negative stemming from the crisis. Building your client's credibility through great coverage before the scandal even hits will go a long way in keeping your client credible and authoritative, even during disaster scenarios. 

3.    Get ahead of the story. 

As the PR pro, you should be prepared for any crisis that might pop up before it happens. You know your client's story, and any potential situations that come along with it. When a crisis hits, get in front of the story immediately with the right messaging and you'll go a long way in advocating for your client. 

Hopefully, you'll never find yourself faced with a client crisis, but you should still be fully prepared to handle one. Being equipped to tackle whatever comes your way will only better prepare you to serve your client the best you possibly can on a daily basis.