5Q: John C. Gregory

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 How would you describe business activity in northern Rhode Island in 2016?

Pretty active. Here are just a few examples: Citizens Bank decided it would [consolidate] its Rhode Island [operations center] to Johnston; the federal government awarded $13.1 million for the Pawtucket and Central Falls commuter rail station that should open in 2020; Neighborhood Health Plan relocated their corporate office to Smithfield; and Woonsocket announced a company that sells new and used biotechnology and pharmaceutical equipment is expected to move into a building that has been vacant since 2013.

2 What does that tell you about the overall economy in northern Rhode Island?

This has been one of the better years we have seen in a while. … We are certainly moving in the right direction. It is an overused phrase, but many of the businesses we talk to are cautiously optimistic.

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3 How is business different and/or similar in northern Rhode Island compared with the rest of the state?

One of the major differences is the diversity of the communities in our area. We have urban areas, [such as] Central Falls, Pawtucket and Woonsocket, as well as eight suburban communities. The diversity in the size and types of businesses in northern Rhode Island make it hard to define our sweet spot. We have signature companies, such as Amica [Mutual Insurance Co.], Collette, CVS Health Corp., Fidelity [Investments] and Hope Global that are near many of our other small to medium-size companies. Plus, our location with easy access to Routes 95, 295 and 146 makes us an attractive location.

4 What are the most challenging aspects of running a business for your members today?

Working with other business groups and the governor and General Assembly, we have made a lot of progress. However, we need to do more. Certainly, one area is how we can streamline the process in cities and towns and try to avoid duplication of paperwork. Plus, the Governor’s Workforce Board plans to address this: We have to work even harder to get people ready to enter the workforce. … It seems strange that jobs are going unfilled, yet we still have many people unemployed.

5 How do you feel about business activity in 2017? Why?

The feedback we are receiving from our members is many… will move to make capital investment and also to hire in 2017. •

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