PAWTUCKET, RI - Earlier today, at a press conference outlining a commitment to Pawtucket's future, Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced that one of the city's anchor employers, Collette, will expand and create 75+ new permanent, full-time jobs in Rhode Island. Collette is one of more than 25 companies to expand in or move to Rhode Island with help from Governor Raimondo's innovative economic development incentives. To date, the Qualified Jobs Tax Incentive is helping create more than 3,200 new jobs.
"Collette has been an anchor in Pawtucket for decades. They have always believed in Pawtucket and the Blackstone Valley and I'm thrilled that they are doubling down on their hometown," said Governor Raimondo. "This announcement is an important reminder that we must keep going to protect the investments we've made to revitalize this region. Our economy is stronger today than it's been in decades, and I'll keep working to create jobs and opportunity so every Rhode Islander is included."
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will recommend an estimated $1.2 million of tax credits over the course of 10 years. Collette plans to create 75+ jobs to include information technology, business development, product design, professional services and client services positions. The company will only be eligible to receive the tax credits after positions have been filled and employees have started paying state income taxes. This Qualified Jobs Program is projected generate more than $82 million in state revenue net of incentives over the next decade.
"Now in our 100th year of business, we have witnessed impressive growth over the past few years as consumers have recognized the tremendous value of our broad product offerings that deliver unique, immersive experiences to exciting destinations and more choice for travelers," said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert Colucci. "We're committed to both expansion and development over the next several years, particularly in the areas of technology, marketing and product design and development to meet the demands of our expanding customer base."
"Collette is a company with options throughout the region, country, and world," said Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. "It is wonderful that, at this important moment in Pawtucket's history, Collette has agreed to expand in the city that has proudly served as its home for decades. We are pleased that Collette is joining more than 25 other companies in drawing upon Governor Raimondo's job investment program to grow in Rhode Island."
In addition to the Collette jobs announcement, Governor Raimondo also announced today that the Commerce Corporation will award a $300,000 Main Street Improvement grant to Pawtucket via the Pawtucket Foundation for streetscaping and improvement projects in the City's downtown.