No cuts for EDC in state budget

Governor Carcieri’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year keeps intact the state Economic Development Corporation’s key programs, according to a summary released by the governor’s office. Carcieri’s spending plan would give The Slater Technology Fund, a taxpayer-backed source of venture capital, $3 million, the same amount it received this year. If approved by the General Assembly, the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council would also see no cut to its $100,000 operating budget. The EDC would again receive $6.2 million, although it would become responsible for the $300,000 annual staff expenses of the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council, an advisory group made up of leading business, academic and political figures. There is no guarantee, however, that Carcieri’s economic development agenda will enjoy legislative support. Last year, lawmakers did not approve the EDC’s request to borrow $28.5 million to finance a statewide wireless network, or to spend $600,000 for the construction of an information-technology and digital-media center to aid entrepreneurs.

$4.1 million delayed for Dunk project

Governor Carcieri is delaying $4.1 million earmarked for the renovation of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Last June, the General Assembly agreed to spend an additional $12.5 million for the project, bringing its total cost to $80.5 million. But Carcieri’s budget proposal for the 2009 fiscal year includes $4.1 million for the arena that is being held back this fiscal year. James P. McCarvill, executive director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, said the delay would not affect the project. The money being targeted, McCarvill said, will pay for new seats that are scheduled for installation in July, after the current fiscal year ends and the new money becomes available again. “It didn’t reduce the amount we’re getting,” said McCarvill. David A. Duffy, chairman of the authority’s governing board, agreed. “It has no real effect on us,” he said.

East Providence printer adding employees

American Printing, of East Providence, said it plans to add 50 jobs to its work force over the next 18 months. “We have just purchased a second building to house our expanded divisions within our company. With this added space, we will be able to continue to serve our Fortune 100 companies that we serve nationally,” stated Paul Carroll, president and chief executive officer. “It is the acquisition of this needed added space that will allow us to continue to grow and add additional staff to our team.” American Printing is a full-service printing company and national visual marketing firm.

Quill workers to get job assistance

Workers at Quill Company Inc., of Cranston, have been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as eligible for U.S. Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits because of increased foreign competition and imports. The benefits include job training, job search and relocation allowances, health coverage tax credits and reemployment services. Pen maker Quill shut its doors Jan. 31, as the result of its sale to Sanford LP, a unit of Newell Rubbermaid, which will move Quill’s production to Wisconsin where it runs a manufacturing plant. Quill’s 45 employees will not make the move to the out-of-state plant.

GTECH buying video slot machine maker

Lottomatica SpA, operator of Italy’s national Lotto game, said its U.S. GTECH unit, headquartered in Providence, has completed the purchase of 50 percent of the Atronic Group of companies, based in Lubbecke, Germany, for 20 million euros ($29.7 million) in cash. GTECH plans to buy the remaining 50 percent of Atronic this year for 32 million euros, the company said, adding that GTECH will also assume 120 million euros in debt. Atronic makes video slot machines used in casinos in Europe, Russia and Latin America. The group includes Atronic Americas LLC, Atronic International GmbH, Atronic Australia Pty Ltd. and Atronic Systems.

W. Warwick nursing facility wins award

West View Health Care Center, of West Warwick, has been named the state’s outstanding small-business employer by The Rhode Island Psychological Association, which granted the facility its Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award at a recent ceremony at Bryant University. West View was selected for its employee involvement; health and safety; employee growth and development; work-life balance; and employee recognition programs. “In this time of high job stress and increasing demands on employees, West View Health Care Center has made it a priority to create an environment that is sensitive to the health and well-being of their workers and family members,” said Lou Turchetta, president of RIPA. West View is a family-owned, 120-bed skilled nursing and long-term care residence.

Affordable housing units get financing

The Washington Trust Co.’s commercial real estate group has loaned $6.5 million to Narragansett Affordable Housing Corporation to construct 40 condominium units in two buildings at 190 Clarke Rd., in Narragansett. Of the 40 units, 32 will be sold to individuals age 55 and older who qualify. The corporation is a nonprofit organization that works to develop affordable housing in Washington County.

Bank renews Holiday Giving Tree

Bank Rhode Island has committed to run one of its charitable programs for the ninth consecutive year. The bank’s Holiday Giving Tree program has each of its 16 branches partner with nonprofit organizations near them. “We find this program to be especially meaningful to our employees and customers because they are able to fulfill a specific wish made by an individual or family in need,” said Pattie Saracino, vice president of community relations, in a statement.

Now showing on Cox digital: Travel Channel

Cox Communications has added the Travel Channel to its high-definition lineup, making a total of 35 such channels. There is no additional charge for high-definition programming for digital customers, who must have a high-definition television and an HD-enabled receiver.

Cranston crane company adds 3 managers

Cranston-based LJ Cos. has announced the hiring of three new territory managers in crane service and rentals. Company vice president and chief operating officer Paul Fioravanti said, “Through the addition of Brian Dempsey, Scott Mogavero and Frank Bonzani, LJ plans to expand its presence in the Massachusetts and Connecticut market areas and within the mobile-crane, tower-crane and crawler-crane market segments.” He added, “LJ is one of the fastest growing crane-rental, crane-service and specialized-transportation providers in the Northeast, and manages large-scale construction services projects for a wide variety of North American contractors.”

Bath Iron Works wins Navy contract

The U.S. Navy has awarded Bath, Maine-based Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, a $3-million contract to develop a preliminary design for the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) program. Work to be performed during the next six months by BIW and its teammate Rolls-Royce includes the functional definition of the ship structure, systems and general arrangements of ship spaces. The JHSV program is an effort between the U.S. Army and the Navy to acquire vessels for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment. The ship concept proposed by the two companies is based on a Rolls-Royce design for a roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel. The steel monohull design features a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant, water jets, a large cargo area and a flight deck for helicopter operations.