RI gov to meet with business owners in Bristol

Associated Press

BRISTOL, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's governor is hosting a forum for small business owners to hear ways to improve the economy in a state with the nation's second highest jobless rate.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee and town officials are schedule to meet with business owners Tuesday morning at the Rogers Free Library in Bristol.

State officials from agencies overseeing business regulation and economic development will also be on hand to answer questions.

The forum will include discussions on government programs to help businesses access financing, energy-efficiency programs and ideas for lessening regulatory red tape.

Chafee has held similar forums with business owners throughout the state.

Rhode Island's unemployment rate is 10.5 percent.