Contact
Not sure who to talk to at EDC?
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation provides access to Rhode Island's economic development services. Its primary mission is to assist in the growth and expansion of existing Rhode Island firms and to attract new business and investment to the State. Below you'll find listed the essential staff contact for many of the business services we offer. A staff directory is also available.
General Inquiries
General inquiries and correspondence should be directed to
315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
(401) 278-9100
(401) 273-8270 FAX
Business Development
RIEDC offers a broad portfolio of client services and financing programs to help companies — both big and small — grow. Whether expanding your business in Rhode Island or starting a new venture, the RIEDC business development team can provide you with the tools, expert advice and partnerships you need to succeed.
Contact: Katharine Flynn at (401) 278-9100 x180
Communications & Market Development
Inquiries regarding EDC's marketing programs and development should be directed to:
Contact: Melissa Withers at (401) 278-9100 x134
Inquiries from the media or about RIEDC press releases should be directed to:
Contact: Andy Cutler, Cutler & Company at (401) 743-7842
Financial Assistance/EDC Capital
A one-stop financing center for businesses in all phases of economic development by providing access to financing options offered through a variety of venues and programs - EDC Capital. With the programs and services provided through EDC Capital we can assemble a complete financial package for the commercial and industrial prospect.
Contact: J. Michael Saul at (401) 278-9100 x171
Government Contract Assistance
Assistance is offered to companies that are interested in selling to the United States Federal Government, one of the major purchasers of goods and services in the world. Lists of procurement agencies, as well as information and assistance in procurement policies and bidding procedures, can be obtained through this office.
Contact: Dorothy Reynolds at (401) 278-9100 x175
International Trade
The International Trade Office located within the Economic Development Corporation, is a joint venture with the Corporation and the Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University. A variety of programs are available that focus on training and education, marketing, lead development and individual counseling.
Contact: Maureen Mezei at (401) 278-9100 x136
Workforce Development and Training Programs
The Corporation can help facilitate job training funds for companies seeking to expand with new hires or to upgrade existing worker training. Federal funds through the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and the State funded Human Resource Investment Council provide programs that are available to all Rhode Island businesses who qualify. Both programs are administered by the Department of Labor and Training with coordination through the Economic Development Corporation's job training liaison.
Contact: Paul Harden at (401) 278-9100 x149
Quonset Business Park
The State owned and managed Quonset Business Park, located in North Kingstown, is one of the best equipped industrial parks on the east coast.
Contact: Steven King at (401) 295-0044
Research and Development
The RIEDC Research Division gives the public access to information on the Rhode Island economy and economic development services through a variety of publications, the website and over-the-phone support. The RIEDC publications include: Directory of Manufacturers, Moving to Rhode Island, Rhode Island Business Incentives, Rhode Island Community Profiles and a host of others. The Research Division maintains the RIEDC Company Database.
Contact: Mike Doherty at (401) 278-9100 x141
Rhode Island Regulatory Technical Asistance
Provides assistance to businesses in navigating the various environmental regulatory permitting process at the federal, state, and local levels. Administers the Rhode Island Expedited Permit Process.
Contact: (401) 278-9100
Site Selection
Rhode Island offers a variety of incentive programs and support services ranging from site selection assistance to industrial revenue bond financing. A comprehensive database of available land and buildings in the State can help you find and acquire space for any business.
Contact: Bill Parsons at (401) 278-9100 x109
Tourism
Requests for Rhode Island Tourism information should be made through the state's official Tourism website: VisitRhodeIsland.com.
Contact: David DePetrillo at (401) 278-9100 x108
Urban Business Programs
RIEDC provides staff assistance to the Rhode Island Enterprise Zone Council and serves as the point of contact in managing the state's nine Enterprise Zones. The Program provides tax credits to businesses and individuals conducting business in the zone.
Contact: Victor Barros at (401) 278-9100 x137