Rhode Island Launches Powerful Website Designed to Attract Business, Create Jobs

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island (EDFRI), the Rhode Island State Planning Office and GIS Planning Inc. announced today the launch of a website, http://www.RISiteLocator.com that provides free, comprehensive and accurate information to businesses looking to relocate or expand in the Ocean State.

Using Geographic Information System (GIS) Software, the website provides instant access to in-depth data that previously took weeks to research.  Now, customized real estate, demographic and industry breakdowns are available for every city and county in Rhode Island.  Also, business prospects can quickly find available industrial, office, and retail properties based on geographical and physical criteria.

"In today's fast paced, digital world, it is more important than ever for businesses to have access to critical information at their fingertips," said Rhode Island's Governor Donald L. Carcieri.  "By employing GIS Planning software, the state is making its assets more easily accessible to decision makers at companies across the globe."

"This new website will help put Rhode Island at the top of short lists for business owners seeking a new location," said Keith Stokes, executive director of the RIEDC.   "Particularly in today's challenging economic times, this new cutting-edge tool will help position our state favorably against the competition and within the New England market."

In 2009, the RIEDC commissioned the Rhode Island Statewide Land Assessment initiative that identified development of the www.RISiteLocator.com site as a critical piece in making the state more competitive with neighboring states Massachusetts and Connecticut.

"This is evidence of the positive results from working collaboratively to enhance Rhode Island's capability to retain and attract private jobs and investment," said Scott A. Gibbs, president of EDFRI.

"Over 97% of initial site selection screening is done on-line now, and the new Rhode Island website provides immediate access to critical business intelligence needed to make an investment decision," said Anatalio Ubalde, CEO of GIS Planning (http://www.gisplanning.com).

The GIS-powered website is built upon Google Maps technology, and offers state-of-the-art site selection mapping capabilities. The new website is also integrated with GIS Planning's national site selection search engine, http://www.ZoomProspector.com, which allows visitors to conduct national searches of cities and commercial properties that match their unique criteria.

"From a commercial broker's point of view, this new web-based tool allows the broker immediate access to current, accurate property information along with mapping and demographic tools," said Michael Giuttari, SIOR, president of MG Commercial Real Estate. 

About Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation is the full service, official economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island.  http://www.riedc.com

About Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island

The Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc. (EDFRI) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization.  http://www.edf-ri.com

About GIS Planning, Inc.  GIS Planning, http://www.gisplanning.com, is the world leader in online economic development solutions. 

SOURCE Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation; GIS Planning, Inc.