RI gov seeks 'back-to-basics' economic development

By ERIKA NIEDOWSKI

Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee met Thursday with government and private-sector leaders to present his vision for a ‘‘back-to-basics’’ approach to economic development following the collapse of former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling’s video game company.

Chafee convened the roomful of officials — ranging from the head of the state AFL-CIO to an executive at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce — in an attempt to put new life into lifting the state’s sagging economy and efforts to improve a business climate that is consistently given low marks.

Rhode Island has struggled with the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, now at 10.7 percent. More here.