Header, the Administration of the Honorable Lincoln C. Almond
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Executive Order 97-13
December 12, 1997


CREATION OF A BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE TO ASSESS THE OPERATION OF AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE GREATER PROVIDENCE-WARWICK CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU

WHEREAS, the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors' Bureau (the "CVB") was created approximately two vears ago through legislation contained in R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-11 to assist in attracting visitors to our State; and

WHEREAS, the budget of the CVB is comprised of over $51.5 million of State hotel tax money, which includes over 3,500,000 from the Convention Center Authority; and
WHEREAS, Rhode Island taxpayers spend more than $20 million each year to support debt service on the Convention Center; and

WHEREAS, the effectiveness of the CVB is vital to increase use of the Convention Center and to tourism; and

WHEREAS, a review of the effectiveness of the CVB by an independent Blue Ribbon task force will assist the CVB in its mission.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LINCOLN ALMOND, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby order as fellows:

1. There is established a Blue Ribbon Task Force to assess the operation of and provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors' Bureau.

2. The Task Force shall review all areas of the CVB's operation including its funding sources and expenditures, the results achieved through those expenditures, the membership framework of the CVB, the mission of the CVB, potential legislation, and all other areas pertinent to the effective operation of the CVB.

3. The Task Force shall issue such recommendations as it deems appropriate to assist the CVB in its mission.

4. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation shall provide staff, office space and materials to assist the Task Force with its duties.

5. The Task Force shall present its findings in a report to the Governor and the General Assembly within 90 days from the date of this Order.

6. The Commission shall consist of 13 individuals appointed by the Governor who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor as follows:

Lieutenant Governor Bernard Jackvony who shall serve as Co-Chairman;
Thomas Souza, Executive Vice-President of Collette Travel, who shall also serve as Co-chairman;
Senator Theresa Paiva-Weed; Representative Kenneth Carter;
John Swen, Director of the Economic Development Corporations-James Winoker, Chairman, Providence Foundations-Dean Holt, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Providence Chamber of Commerce;
Dale Venturini, President of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association;
Patricia McLaughlin, Esq., Assistant Solicitor for the City of Providence/Barbara Caniglia, Director of Economic Development for the City of Warwick;
Nancy Reed, State President of the Rhode Island Alliance of Social Service Employees (RIASSE); and
Monica Cayer, General Manager of the Residence Inn bv Marriot.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon the date thereof.

So Ordered:


Lincoln Almond
Governor