Governor asks business leaders to be economic ‘ambassadors’

 By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Gov. Gina Raimondo is asking the state’s business leaders to become “business development ambassadors” for Rhode Island, much like her mother is.

Raimondo spoke at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce annual economic outlook luncheon Friday. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen was the keynote speaker.

Raimondo asked the executives in attendance to tell their suppliers and other companies to consider Rhode Island if they’re thinking about moving.

Raimondo says her mother, Josephine, recently spoke with a friend at a senior center whose relative wants to move their medical device company from Arizona to the East Coast.

The owner was considering New York, but Josephine Raimondo insisted they come to Rhode Island.

The governor says she’s pursuing that lead. Raimondo says those types of interactions will help ignite the state’s comeback.

© The Associated Press / WLNE-TV 2015