Good Job Grebs’! Reactions to the Worst Kept Secret in Rhode Island. Hasbro is Outta Here! Are There Ramifications for Generational Failures CommerceRI & Mayor Don Grebien

How Long Has Dan McKee Known?

 

In an announcement described as the “Worst Kept Secret” in recent Rhode Island History, Hasbro Corporation formally revealed that it is, in fact, moving its Corporate Headquarters to Boston, Massachusetts.

This is the latest blow to the troubled Grebien Pawtucket Mayoral Administration, following years of high level failures and departures .. The Pawtucket Red Sox … The GAMM Theater, Memorial Hospital … among the defections, or outright collapses. Add to that? The inability of the McKee Administration to build a relationship with Hasbro Corporate Management, or, organizations like CommerceRI to create a business climate capable of sustaining a Fortune 1000 Enterprise.

Given the totality of his failure: Is it possible this announcement will cost Mayor Grebien Reelection?

The reactions were swift:

 

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee

Today, Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement regarding Hasbro’s decision to relocate:

“Hasbro has made positive contributions in business and philanthropy in our state, and we thank them for that. We maintain that Rhode Island is the best place for Hasbro to call home, and many more companies agree with that sentiment.

“Under my administration, we’ve created more than 36,000 private sector jobs—an 8.8 percent increase—and over 6 million square feet of new development in Quonset, the I-195 Redevelopment District, and Amazon alone. We continue to attract and grow companies in innovative industries like ocean technology, life sciences, offshore wind, defense, cybersecurity, AI, logistics, and more. Here’s just a fraction of our progress:

• Fidelity Investments — over 2,000 jobs already created
• Amazon — 1,500 jobs already created
• Breeze Airways — over 200 jobs already created, increasing to 400 jobs over 10 years
• REGENT — 300 jobs over 10 years
• Organogenesis – 103 jobs over 4 years
• Anduril – 100 jobs over 4 years
• Blount Fine Foods — 120 jobs over 3 years
• Flux Marine – 380 jobs over 10 years
• Saab – 45 jobs over 10 years
• Vatn Systems’ new HQ at Unity Park – 228 jobs over 10 years
• Norpak – 75 jobs over 4 years

“Today’s announcement does not impede Rhode Island’s growth or economic success. Make no mistake: we are continuing to build on our progress and deliver good jobs for Rhode Islanders.”

 

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER CHIPPENDALE OFFERS STATEMENT ON THE LOSS OF RHODE ISLAND LEGACY COMPANY, HASBRO

“Once again, Rhode Island is left watching a major legacy company leave our state despite costly efforts to lure and retain businesses with taxpayer-funded incentive packages. This cycle repeats itself because our leaders fail to focus on improving our dismal, bottom-ranking business climate. Instead, we continue to try to compete in niche sector arenas where we cannot win against our larger neighbors, like Massachusetts.

We must stop chasing corporations with taxpayer-funded giveaways, focus on correcting what is driving this exodus, and improve our business climate for those that have invested in our state.  Good jobs for our residents and building a solid tax base depends on thoughtful action now. It requires leaders willing to change the status quo — that will fight for reform, not just talk about it while clutching their pearls.

It is time that Rhode Island accepts the reality of our geography. Our strength is on the water. With a world-class deep-water port at Quonset, our naval heritage, and a growing defense and shipbuilding sector, we have assets that cannot be replicated elsewhere in New England. We should focus our strategy and investment on strengthening Rhode Island’s role in maritime commerce, naval research, and defense manufacturing. That is how we create lasting jobs, expand our tax base, and build an economy that plays to our strengths.”

 

Bye Bye Mr. Potato Head – The Rhode Island Young Republicans

The Rhode Island Young Republicans are calling out Governor Dan McKee’s failed leadership following the confirmed departure of yet another major Rhode Island-based company to Boston. The move not only drains jobs and tax revenue—it’s a devastating blow to the state’s future workforce and its youngest generation of talent.

“This is about more than one company,” said Ken Naylor, Chair of the RI YRs. “It’s about the message we’re sending to young people graduating from Rhode Island’s schools and colleges: there’s no future here. No opportunity. No reason to stay.”

“We’ve now watched multiple companies  fully leave our state,” said Naylor,“Governor McKee has had years to implement a serious economic development plan. Instead, we’re left watching good-paying jobs, tax revenue, and economic opportunity pack up for Massachusetts.”

While state officials have touted Rhode Island’s “business-friendly climate,” companies and national rankings tell a different story: aging infrastructure, high taxes, rising energy costs, a lack of long-term vision, and failed education outcomes.

“Hasbro was founded here. Their identity was tied to Rhode Island,” said Naylor. “If a company like that doesn’t see a future here, what does that say to new businesses we’re trying to attract?”

In response to this latest move, RI YRs are calling for the following:

• An Inspector General audit of the state’s economic development policies and corporate retention programs.
• Sunset review of taxpayer-funded incentives that aren’t delivering results.

“Rhode Island can’t afford to keep losing its economic foundation while politicians in Providence point fingers and pass the buck,” Naylor added. “This is about the future of our generation—and we demand better.”

 

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN JOE POWERS ON HASBRO’S DEPARTURE FROM RHODE ISLAND

“Today’s announcement that Hasbro, a company that has proudly called Rhode Island home since 1923, will move its global headquarters to Massachusetts is not just disappointing, it is devastating,” said Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers. “For more than a century, Hasbro has been a cornerstone of our economy and our identity. To see them pack up and leave is a damning indictment of the state of affairs in Rhode Island.”

Powers continued, “Let’s be clear about why this is happening. Rhode Island has ranked at or near the very bottom in national surveys on business climate, economy, and trust in government. CNBC’s most recent rankings put us 46th, an embarrassment for a state with so much potential. Businesses large and small are suffocated by high taxes, endless mandates, and a hostile regulatory environment. The message from Hasbro’s decision is loud and clear, Rhode Island is not a place where businesses can thrive.”

Turning to the policies coming out of Smith Hill, Powers did not hold back saying,  “Instead of addressing these real economic problems, our leaders remain fixated on pushing a so-called ‘green agenda’ that is not green at all. These projects are killing our waters, harming marine life, and lining the pockets of a select few who benefit politically and financially. They are green only for those pushing the agenda, not for the people of Rhode Island. Meanwhile, our economy continues to stagnate, and now, we have lost one of our most iconic employers.”

Powers concluded, “This isn’t just about Hasbro—it’s about every family, every worker, and every small business owner who is paying the price for failed leadership. Rhode Island can either wake up and chart a new course, or we will keep watching more jobs, more opportunity, and more of our future leave us behind.”

 

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