WARWICK, RI – Continuing his Rhode Island Skilled Economy (RISE) Tour, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) will visit the Biotechnology Manufacturing Program at the University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein Providence Campus on Friday, March 23, 2012, at 10:30am.  The Biotechnology Manufacturing Program at the Providence Campus has successfully trained students for employment in the Biotechnology Field since 2003.  Congressman Langevin will attend a presentation on the program’s role in growing the Knowledge District, a hub for key industries in downtown Providence. Leaders of their effort will address how to build a workforce with the skills required to support the state’s growing biotechnology sector.

Langevin will tout the potential of the Knowledge District to help rebuild Rhode Island’s economy and emphasize the essential role that biotechnology plays in making it successful. Following the presentation, he will tour the biotechnology labs and speak with students about ways to ensure they receive the best possible training.

DETAILS

WHO: Congressman Jim Langevin and leaders of the Biotechnology Manufacturing Program at URI Providence, including: Biotechnology Director Dr. Greg Paquette; Associate Professor Dr. Edward Bozzi, who administers the program; and Dr. Denice Spero, co-director of URI’s Institute for Immunology and Informatics (iCubed)

WHAT: Langevin continues his RISE Tour at a presentation by URI biotechnology program leaders on how their efforts will help grow the Knowledge District. The presentation is followed by a tour and discussion with students.

WHERE: University of Rhode Island Feinstein Providence Campus, 80 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 2012 at 10:30AM

Last week, Langevin launched his RISE Tour at a forum on career and technical education funding with students and instructors at the Regional Career and Technical Center at Coventry High School. Over the coming months, the tour will take Langevin to a variety of venues that can contribute to closing our skills gap and strengthening our economy. The events advocate initiatives and create partnerships that help address the inability of employers to find workers able to fit the needs of expanding industries. He is asking companies, job training facilities and other organizations that want to be involved to contact his office with ideas.