Bryant U.’s annual economic forum March 13 examines role of health care industry in job creation, long-run economic development
SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Feb. 21, 2011) – The importance of the health care industry to Rhode Island’s economy will be a topic of discussion at the third annual Rhode Island Economic Forum to be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bryant University on Tuesday, March 13.
The forum, which is free and open to the public, features discussion and debate among business, government and academic leaders from Rhode Island and the region. Register online at http://www.bryant.edu/wps/wcm/connect/Bryant/Divisions/Academic%20Affairs/RI%20Economics%20Conference/Registration
The agenda for the event, which takes place in the Bello Center on the Bryant campus, 1150 Douglas Pike, includes:
Strategic Plan: Rhode Island on the Rise (8:30-9 a.m.)
• Keith Stokes, executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
• Lincoln Chafee, governor of Rhode Island
Panel Discussion: Long-Run Economic Development in Rhode Island (9-10:30 a.m.)
• Edward M. Mazze, Distinguished University Professor of Business Administration, University of Rhode Island
• Charles J. Fogarty, director of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
• Ross Gittell, chancellor, Community College System of New Hampshire, and vice president of New England Economic Partnership
• John Simmons, executive director of Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council
Panel Discussion: The Health Care Industry and Job Creation in Rhode Island (10:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m.)
• Sam Mirmirani, professor of economics, Bryant University
• Michael Fine, director, Rhode Island Department of Health
• Christopher F. Koller, Rhode Island health insurance commissioner
• Elizabeth Roberts, lieutenant governor of Rhode Island
• Jose-Marie Griffiths, vice president for academic affairs, Bryant University
Poster presentation: Rhode Island by the Numbers (12:20-12:55 p.m.)
Keynote address: Healthcare and a Healthy Economy: A Prescription for Change (1-2 p.m.)
• William K. Wray, chief operating officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
A complete agenda is online here: http://www.bryant.edu/wps/wcm/connect/Bryant/Divisions/Academic%20Affairs/RI%20Economics%20Conference/Agenda