This editorial appeared in today's edition of North East Independent.
Twenty-one year old Englishman Samuel Slater left England in September 1789. Dressed as a farm laborer, he didn’t arouse any notice from the British troops and customs agents guarding the seaports against the illegal export or larceny of valuable manufacturing plans. The most important were plans based on British advancements in the field of water-driven textile machines. The American textile industry was offering bonuses of $100 ($2,510 in 2009) for technical knowledge of manufacturing machinery. Slater arrived in New York City in December 1789.
Though young, Slater had been apprenticed to work in a cotton mill at the age of ten, learning about machines, technology, operations, and factory management. At the conclusion of his apprenticeship, Slater left England to pursue greater fortunes in the land of opportunity. Less than a year later, Slater’s skills, experiences, and entrepreneurial drive led him to Obidiah (Moses) Brown in Pawtucket where he improved and expanded Brown’s fledgling cotton mill. An experienced young man, a skilled merchant and industrialist, and some natural water resources were joined together to establish Rhode Island as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Rhode Island offered the right place, the right people, and the right time. Rhode Island mattered and was a national leader.
Rhode Island still matters and it could be a national economic leader again with many of the same successful Rhode Island keys that drove and supported vital innovation 220 years ago. Here are three things we can do now to make our state number one.
+ First, encourage all students to gain real skills and get practical work-style experience before they finish public school.
+ Second, match successful business owners and managers with the new generation of inventors, scientists, and innovative thinkers.
+ Third, turn every public library in every Rhode Island community into idea and new business incubators.
When we support our state’s most important 21st century resource---people---we can achieve great success and show the world once again that Rhode Island Matters!
----------------------------------------------------------
*Adapted from Why Rhode Island Matters! First in Independence, Industry, Art & Innovation (Shoreline Press, 2010), by Ann Marie Marshall, Economic Gardener for Exeter & North Kingstown. She writes the weekly business blog, http://rieconomicgardener.blogspot.com. She is a Republican candidate for House District 31.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BORDER
An article in today's Hartford Courant lays out in microcosm the dire situation faced by Rhode Islanders suffering through another year of woeful unemployment and static prospects for future job growth.
For all the negative news, I believe that with the right encouragement of the ideas, ambitions, and entrepreneurial spirit of my fellow Rhode Islanders there could be an economic renaissance that would rival the advancements of the past three hundred years.
As I researched my book, WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!, I was amazed over and over by the perseverance of the early industrialists, inventors, and business managers who created the industrial revolution, modernized our society, and built several important industries that continue today, albeit in other states.
We could do what they did again, in a new way, for a new world.
Here is the link to the article I mentioned earlier. Read it and think about what you could do to change the future. Call me if I can help your vision happen.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-rhode-island-0820-20100822,0,446120,full.story
Have a fantastically creative week-
Ann Marie
For all the negative news, I believe that with the right encouragement of the ideas, ambitions, and entrepreneurial spirit of my fellow Rhode Islanders there could be an economic renaissance that would rival the advancements of the past three hundred years.
As I researched my book, WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!, I was amazed over and over by the perseverance of the early industrialists, inventors, and business managers who created the industrial revolution, modernized our society, and built several important industries that continue today, albeit in other states.
We could do what they did again, in a new way, for a new world.
Here is the link to the article I mentioned earlier. Read it and think about what you could do to change the future. Call me if I can help your vision happen.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-rhode-island-0820-20100822,0,446120,full.story
Have a fantastically creative week-
Ann Marie
Sunday, August 15, 2010
NEW INFORMATION STATION: WRIM
Greetings-
There's a new station on the positive information dial----WRIM.
WRIM stands for a new approach to thinking about who we have been as Rhode Islanders and what we could be again.
WRIM is Why Rhode Island Matters!
You'll be hearing about this and the title of my book---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas throoughout history, and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell and re-tell some positive Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---!! It will be shipped to your home or office upon its release on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
There's a new station on the positive information dial----WRIM.
WRIM stands for a new approach to thinking about who we have been as Rhode Islanders and what we could be again.
WRIM is Why Rhode Island Matters!
You'll be hearing about this and the title of my book---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas throoughout history, and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell and re-tell some positive Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---!! It will be shipped to your home or office upon its release on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
Friday, August 6, 2010
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!
Greetings-
You'll be hearing about this book title---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It's my new book, published by Shoreline Press and developed with editor Ken Proudfoot.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell some of the Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---the publisher believes that all of the copies will be gone within the next 25 days. They are processing a number of pre-orders already and more are coming in. It will be shipped to your home or office on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
You'll be hearing about this book title---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It's my new book, published by Shoreline Press and developed with editor Ken Proudfoot.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell some of the Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---the publisher believes that all of the copies will be gone within the next 25 days. They are processing a number of pre-orders already and more are coming in. It will be shipped to your home or office on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
GROWING OUR ECONOMY!
The middle of Summer 2010 is near---but much lies ahead!
Growing our economy, but more importantly setting the stage for solid, strong and positive growth, is now our first priority. As an Economic Gardener, I am constantly preparing the soil and setting the stage for all those who dream to build on the vision of our founding fathers and those brave entrepreneurs who came before us.
In the next few months, I will continue meeting and joining with the leaders of the next New Frontier in the Towns of North Kingstown and Exeter to build on the business education and civic pride of our business owners, their families, and our residents to create the basis for growth of our existing businesses, the creation of new businesses, and the education of the next generation of entrepreneurs who will lead us forward.
Are you interested in transforming the present into something even more exciting?
Please call me at 667-0971 or email me at annmariemarshall8@hotmail.com to begin a conversation, take action, and speed the plow that will till the soil to unearth exciting new possibilities for business and economic growth in our South County communities.
Growing our economy, but more importantly setting the stage for solid, strong and positive growth, is now our first priority. As an Economic Gardener, I am constantly preparing the soil and setting the stage for all those who dream to build on the vision of our founding fathers and those brave entrepreneurs who came before us.
In the next few months, I will continue meeting and joining with the leaders of the next New Frontier in the Towns of North Kingstown and Exeter to build on the business education and civic pride of our business owners, their families, and our residents to create the basis for growth of our existing businesses, the creation of new businesses, and the education of the next generation of entrepreneurs who will lead us forward.
Are you interested in transforming the present into something even more exciting?
Please call me at 667-0971 or email me at annmariemarshall8@hotmail.com to begin a conversation, take action, and speed the plow that will till the soil to unearth exciting new possibilities for business and economic growth in our South County communities.
Monday, June 21, 2010
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS THIS WEEK!!
Today is the day with the most daylight hours all year!
The weather is getting much better, much warmer, and delightful---maybe except for the humidity---and that means that business too will begin to heat up as we move into the second half of the year.
This week we'll talk about adding customers to your client roster.
The main criteria for success in this effort is to identify those potential clients and businesses that have a problem you know how resolve. By focusing on clients with problems, you will be 85% of the way to increasing your customer base.
This Thursday we'll learn how to grow your business by adding clients and cross-selling products and services to improve your overall sales renenues.
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, June 24th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
The weather is getting much better, much warmer, and delightful---maybe except for the humidity---and that means that business too will begin to heat up as we move into the second half of the year.
This week we'll talk about adding customers to your client roster.
The main criteria for success in this effort is to identify those potential clients and businesses that have a problem you know how resolve. By focusing on clients with problems, you will be 85% of the way to increasing your customer base.
This Thursday we'll learn how to grow your business by adding clients and cross-selling products and services to improve your overall sales renenues.
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, June 24th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Who Needs What You Have to Offer?
Greetings in this wonderful week in May!
If a satisfied client is the goal, how can you get more (some) clients?
The big question you must find the answer to is:
Who Needs What You Have To Offer?
If you have a wonderful product or an outstanding service that clients have found beneficial but you're still not as busy as you like to be, then you haven't found all of the people (or businesses) that need what you have to offer.
You may be saying, "I've looked and I can't seem to find any more clients."
Clients are out there, but they might not be visible or obvious at first glance. And you may be comfortable (but unsuccessful) looking in places where most of the current demand for your product or service has been fulfilled.
That said, there's still plenty of business out there for you and your business.
On Thursday morning at 8:00am, at Updike's Cafe (on Post Road, across from the main post office in North Kingstown), we'll talk about how to get more creative about re-thinking your client base, identifying future clients, and making small adjustments to your product or service to reach a wider clientele without making new investments.
Come for our Coffee Conversation and get your business revved up for a great second half of 2010.
See you Thursday at 8am-
Ann Marie
If a satisfied client is the goal, how can you get more (some) clients?
The big question you must find the answer to is:
Who Needs What You Have To Offer?
If you have a wonderful product or an outstanding service that clients have found beneficial but you're still not as busy as you like to be, then you haven't found all of the people (or businesses) that need what you have to offer.
You may be saying, "I've looked and I can't seem to find any more clients."
Clients are out there, but they might not be visible or obvious at first glance. And you may be comfortable (but unsuccessful) looking in places where most of the current demand for your product or service has been fulfilled.
That said, there's still plenty of business out there for you and your business.
On Thursday morning at 8:00am, at Updike's Cafe (on Post Road, across from the main post office in North Kingstown), we'll talk about how to get more creative about re-thinking your client base, identifying future clients, and making small adjustments to your product or service to reach a wider clientele without making new investments.
Come for our Coffee Conversation and get your business revved up for a great second half of 2010.
See you Thursday at 8am-
Ann Marie
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