It is no secret that Rhode Island has a perception problem. As in, the Ocean State is perceived as a poor place to do business, to plant roots or even to find a job.
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo has done more than any others in recent memory to try and change that narrative. From the reform of state-worker pensions to a series of initiatives involving infrastructure investment and job training, Gov. Raimondo has tried to use the limited resources at hand to improve the economic health of the state.
But she also recognizes that what is already good about Rhode Island has been lost in the steady drumbeat of negativity, not the least of which comes from Little Rhody's own. Thus the naming of the team to craft and broadcast a new marketing campaign for the state was big news, with the potential to transform the conversation.
The budget for the undertaking is modest as such things go, $4.5 million in fiscal 2016. And the three-firm collaboration is unusual. But the talent is undeniable, including the firm that created the iconic "I Love New York" slogan.
And yet, less than 24 hours after the announcement was made, one of the local groups hoping for the business already is carping that out-of-state firms were given this plum assignment, claiming it is a slap in the face of the region's talent.
Without seeing the pitches of the 51 enterprises looking for the business, it is difficult to evaluate the governor's choice. But it is not difficult to note that someone truly interested in Rhode Island's health would offer to help out the new team, not throw brickbats at them. •