The name changes, but the mission will stay the same. Over a year ago I (and many others) had conversations with a consultant who was working with the Poverty Institute to rebrand their image. And today, in coordination with the annual Budget Rhode Map, the Poverty Institute is officially changing its name to the Economic Progress Institute. And they have a flashy new website designed by the local web development firm Embolden.
From Jennifer Leigh, Communications Director of the Poverty Institute Economic Progress Institute:
A bit of background on the name change: We have always been about creating opportunities and economic progress for all Rhode Islanders. Over the past decade, as our organization grew and our scope of work expanded, we decided that we needed a name that is aspirational, speaks to what we stand for, and reflects the reality that we have become advocates not only for those living in poverty, but for the growing number of middle-income Rhode Islanders struggling to make ends meet.
While our name is changing, our mission is not. We are still the voice for low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders, and we will continue to work to promote policies to improve the economic vitality of Rhode Island and its residents.
The truly observant will notice the name is eerily similar to another great research think tank in Washington DC, the Economic Policy Institute. Great minds think alike.
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Register now for The Poverty Institute‘s 5th Annual Budget Rhode Map Conference “From Poverty to Progress” to hear from leading experts about the economic vitality of Rhode Island and its residents.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
$35 per person
Featuring keynote speaker Jared Bernstein
Senior Fellow, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Former Chief Economist and Economic Advisor to Vice President Biden and member of President Obama’s economic team.
A Skilled Workforce: Meeting the Demands of the Innovation Economy
- Julian L. Alssid, Executive Director, Workforce Strategies Center
- Rick Brooks, Executive Director, Governor’s Workforce Board
- Keith Stokes, Executive Director, RI Economic Development Corporation
- Adriana Dawson, State Director, RI Small Business Development Center
Rhode Island’s Human Service Budget: The Story Behind the Headlines
- Elena Nicolella, Rhode Island Medicaid Director
- Linda Katz, Policy Director, The Poverty Institute
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