SK Chamber of Commerce Throws Support Behind America's Cup Bid for Rhode Island

The Board Of Directors, staff and entire membership of The South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce encouraged the State of Rhode Island's newly-elected Governor Lincoln Chafee and his entire Economic Development Team to continue pursuing the State's proposal to host the 34th America's Cup for Newport in 2013 last week.

"Many local South County Chamber-member businesses have been excited in recent months to learn that our State is being considered to host this prestigious sailing event in 2013," said Joseph Iacoi, Executive Director of the South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce. "We would like to go on record today pledging our support".

"It's great to see our neighboring community of Newport still be a top contender to host the next America's Cup in 2013, and I know our State Economic Development Commission will develop a solid business plan and assure that the city can serve as a top notch site for this competition."

"Moving the race back to Rhode Island will be a boost to our local tourism industry & increase the hotel & meal tax collected to the local communities" added Joe Viele, Board Chair of the South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce.

"At this time of planning, it's great to see that our state is continuing it's efforts of winning back the world's most prestigious sailing competition, which it hosted from 1930 to 1983, and its very suitable to have it in our Ocean State," Iacoi said.