In his continuing effort to address the fiscal challenges of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, Governor Lincoln Chafee, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), City of Woonsocket, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and municipal leaders, will host a community forum to hear from local small businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed, grow the economy, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.

The Governor will be joined at the forum by Mayor Leo T. Fontaine and municipal leaders from Woonsocket as well as representatives of the RIEDC and SBA.

Governor Chafee believes that small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island communities and that their success will be a key factor in the revitalization of the state’s cities and towns.

Forum discussions will review state programs and initiatives developed for: a) providing greater access to financing and credit for small businesses; b) making it easier to do business by creating clear, predictable and reliable regulatory and permitting processes; c) revitalizing urban communities and business; and d) energy efficiency programs to help businesses operate more cost effectively.

All area businesses are invited to attend! Representatives from the Governor’s Office, RIEDC, municipalities, SBA, SBDC, DLT and the Ocean State Business Development Authority will be on-hand to answer questions or schedule follow-up one-on-one appointments.

The forum will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Museum of Work and Culture. Those interested in attending the forum are asked to RSVP to Linda Plays at lplays@woonsocketri.org or 767-9282.