Rhode Islanders will elect a new governor this year. In recent months, each major candidate has toured the Quonset Business Park, where more than 175 companies employ 9,500 people. Despite their sometimes differing political views, all of the candidates agree that Quonset is one of the state's key drivers of economic growth and job creation. Here, in their own words, is what they are saying about the Quonset Business Park:
* "I have met multiple times with the people who manage Quonset Business Park. The work they are doing to bring jobs to Rhode Island is impressive, with 3,500 private sector jobs created since 2005. As governor, I will work with Quonset and other members of the business community to improve the economic climate to encourage expansion and new development in order to create more jobs for Rhode Islanders." - Ken Block
* "Quonset Business Park is the epitome of what business owners look for in a corporate location. The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) has provided a strategic vision which is consistent and predictable. The team at QDC has proven that with strong leadership and an eye toward growth, we can attract new business to Rhode Island. Quonset's template is simple. They've created a more friendly business environment with uniform regulations and pad-ready sites. Quonset's concept has led to over 9,500 full and part-time jobs with over $2 billion in private investment.
For instance, the improvements in infrastructure has led to Mike Miranda's NORAD becoming one of the largest auto importers in North America. In addition, several companies, including Electric Boat and Job Lot, are expanding their facilitiess. The Quonset model is one that should be implemented throughout Rhode Island, similar to what we have done in Cranston. If you create a friendly environment, businesses will come. I personally would like to thank the QDC team for all their hard work and look forward to working with them in the future." - Cranston Mayor Allan Fung
* "As governor, I will passionately promote the successes and continuing opportunities at Quonset. With close to 300 acres still available for development and the expanded infrastructure at the Port of Davisville, Quonset will continue to be a major driver in the state's economic recovery.
The working relationship between the Town of North Kingstown and the QDC is a model of how businesses can advance when state and local agencies partner effectively.
The Uniform Development Regulations and Site Readiness Program adopted by the Town and QDC allow construction to start within 90 days of site control. The success of these and other programs can be measured by the 9,500 full-time and part-time jobs created by more than 175 Rhode Island companies at Quonset. The most recent expansion and investments made by Electric Boat, as well as the construction of the Greencore facility are evidence that Quonset Business Park can attract major business investors to Rhode Island. As governor, I look forward to promoting the continued economic growth of this important public asset." - Clay Pell
* "Every time I visit the Quonset Business Park, I am impressed by both its progress and potential. With so many great things happening there, from the use of green technologies like solar arrays to the creation of new jobs in the food industry, Quonset is a shining example of growth in our state. As governor, I will do everything I can to help Quonset build on this growth. Businesses the world over should know about its incredible assets, infrastructure and location. Quonset's accomplishments are already impressive, and I am truly excited to see what the future holds." - General Treasurer Gina Raimondo
* "As home to more than 175 companies, employing more than 9,500 people, Quonset Business Park is a tremendous asset to our state. The recent addition of Greencore Group is a testament to the work that the QDC has done in attracting new businesses and jobs to Quonset. Their Site Readiness Program is a model of collaboration, helping to remove uncertainty in the development process and making it easier to do business in Rhode Island. As Rhode Island's next governor, I look forward to working with QDC to accelerate this success and bring prosperity back to our state." - Providence Mayor Angel Taveras