The National Governors Association’s annual summer meeting will be held in Rhode Island in 2017, the NGA announced Monday.
"We’re excited to bring the nation’s governors to Rhode Island, and we thank Gov. Gina Raimondo for her invitation,’’ said Gov. Terry McAuliffe, vice-chair of the NGA.
This meeting, which will be held between July 13 to 16, is an opportunity for the state to strut its stuff and shine a national spotlight on tourist attractions and on hotels and restaurants.The state last served as host to the NGA summer meeting in 2001, when Lincoln Almond was governor.
The annual conferences allow governors to share ideas and engage in public policy forums and information sessions on a wide spectrum of issues affecting state governments. Besides governors and their staffs, these events are usually well-attended by members of the media and corporate lobbyists and public affairs executives.
The 2001 event was well-planned and went off without a hitch. Governors and their staffs were treated to a "Taste of Rhode Island" at the Statehouse that featured a huge buffet of all things Rhode Island, with a special emphasis on the state’s seafood dishes.
Governors were also feted at a Newport mansion, the Breakers, for a sumptuous repast. Special programs, beach trips and boat rides were organized for families of the governors. Governors and members of the national media also were invited to a special event at McCoy Stadium for a Pawtucket Red Sox outing. The late Washington Post political columnist David Broder and Post political writer Dan Balz were especially pleased to catch a game between interviews with the governors.
And, of course, there was a WaterFire in Providence.
That confab received great reviews from the visiting state chief executives.
The NGA’s executive committee, comprised of nine governors, picked the Ocean State for its accommodations and venue options, as well as "its overall appeal.’’
"It is an honor to be selected to host the nation’s governors in Rhode Island for the first time in more than 15 years,’’ said Raimondo in a statement. "This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Rhode Island and all we have to offer.’’
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