Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced plans today to lead a delegation of public and private sector representatives to Baltimore, Maryland this Friday, April 29th, to evaluate the University of Maryland Medical Center and BioPark as potential models for a medical, life-sciences, and research hub in Providence.
“I believe that Baltimore’s experience could be a blueprint for healthcare-related job creation and economic growth in Rhode Island,” Governor Chafee said. “A medical and research hub may be the best use of the valuable land opened up by the relocation of Route 195, and I look forward to bringing a delegation of elected officials and private sector leaders to see and hear first-hand how Baltimore’s vision might be applied in Rhode Island.”
“The visit to Baltimore is about meeting with leaders in these fields to determine what has worked there and made that area so successful,” Governor Chafee continued. “Then we can evaluate those lessons and potentially apply them to our broader strategy for growing the economy of Rhode Island and, most importantly, stimulating job growth.”
“I am delighted that Mayor Taveras of Providence, who shares my commitment to job creation and economic recovery, will be joining me on this visit,” Governor Chafee said. “In addition, I am gratified that both House Speaker Gordon Fox and Senate President Paiva-Weed will be making the trip, along with several representatives from our Rhode Island medical, business, and academic communities. I believe they can be essential partners in our efforts to grow the state’s economy and bring good, high-paying jobs to Rhode Island.”
From the medical community, Governor Chafee will also be accompanied by Timothy Babineau, MD, President and CEO of Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Steven Rasmussen of Care New England, and Stacy Paterno of Lifespan. Chief of Staff and Executive Counsel Patrick A. Rogers, who is the Governor’s principal liaison with the RIEDC on economic development issues, will also travel with the group. Laurie White, President of the Providence Chamber of Commerce will represent the business community.
The trip will be the second of several fact-finding investigations in cities that have successfully capitalized on medical and research related industries. The first group trip to Houston, Texas took place at the end of February.
The group will arrive in Baltimore on Friday morning and travel from BWI airport to the University of Maryland Medical Center. President of the University, Dr. Jay Perman will greet the delegation along with CEO’s of the Medical Center, Robert Chrencik and Jeffrey Rivest. Representatives of the Baltimore Mayor’s office will give a presentation on the history of “West Side Development” as an orientation to the medical center.
At 11:30, the group will begin a walking tour to several important sites within the medical compound, including nursing, medical, dental, and pharmaceutical schools. The tour will culminate at the Medical Center’s BioPark, a central location for innovation, job growth, and fostering start-up technology at the Medical Center. At 1:00, a discussion will take place about the University – Academic Medical Center partnership. Members of the Baltimore and Maryland government and economic development communities will be present to meet with their Rhode Island counterparts. This event will be followed by conversations with Baltimore neighborhood representatives and several medical center staff members. A bus tour of the city’s Westside will conclude the day’s scheduled events. The group will return to Providence in the evening.