2019 -- H 6144

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LC002051

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING AND RECOGNIZING JOHN GREGORY FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE

AND BUSINESSES IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Newberry, Mattiello, Shekarchi, Filippi, and Ackerman

     Date Introduced: May 23, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, To the immense good fortune of the citizens of Burrillville, Central Falls,

Cumberland, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield,

Pawtucket, Scituate, Smithfield, and Woonsocket, John Gregory joined the staff of the Northern

Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce in 1992; and

     WHEREAS, The goal of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is to

strengthen the "economic climate through business leadership that fosters member and

community prosperity"; and

     WHEREAS, With virtually no background in managing an organization, no access to the

Internet, and with the Chamber in dire financial straits, Mr. Gregory took the reins and

transformed the organization into a tour de force for those in the business community, with a

current membership of around 600, financial security, and broad support from many areas; and

     WHEREAS, By monitoring legislation on federal, state and local levels, and working

closely with dozens of mayors and town administrators, the Chamber advocates on behalf of the

communities it serves, as well as helping businesses to get started and succeed, networking,

workforce development, and educational components to develop a stronger base of potential hires

for Rhode Island's companies; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gregory considers the founding of the R.I. Chamber of Commerce

Coalition and helping to start the R.I. Business Coalition, to be two of his greatest

accomplishments, and convincing business owners in Rhode Island, who have been part of other

good chambers of commerce, that the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is "better

than good” to be one of his greatest challenges; and

     WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Town of North Smithfield, Mr. Gregory will be

retiring to spend some much deserved leisure time with his wife of 32 years, Barbara, who is also

an “ex-chamber person,” and his two children, Shawn and Meredith, and five grandchildren,

although he does plan to stay involved with local businesses and community efforts; and

     WHEREAS, John Gregory has demonstrated a deep-rooted commitment to Rhode

Island's business community and has earned the respect of the leaders and citizens of this great

state, and we are honored to join in the celebration of his retirement; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes and honors John Gregory for the enormous

contributions he has made to improving the state's business community. We moreover extend our

collective thanks and immense gratitude, and wish him the very best of health and continued

success; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. John Gregory.

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