The collaborative shall support and work collectively with the Rhode Island manufacturing and creative community to promote the marketing and sustainability of Rhode Island products, including, but not limited to:
(1) Designate, in collaboration with the advisory council established in § 42-64.15-6, a "Made in Rhode Island" logo by a Rhode Island graphic designer as the official state emblem to identify products that are locally manufactured;
(2) Recommend eligibility requirements that will permit businesses the use of the "Made In Rhode Island" logo on their products and represent that a product is made in this state;
(3) Identify regulatory restrictions preventing and/or inhibiting marketing initiatives for locally manufactured products;
(4) Examine the practices from other states that have implemented a state sponsored "Made In" program; such review may include a regulatory oversight process to ensure authenticity and adherence to quality standards for participating entities, companies and businesses;
(5) Make recommendations for implementing a state sponsored "Made In Rhode Island" program;
(6) Identify and facilitate opportunities to increase consumer demand for locally produced manufactured goods or services;
(7) Identify and facilitate opportunities to establish agreements with local manufacturers for potential marketplace expansion of products;
(8) Review and identify existing studies, pilot programs, initiatives and incentives of this state and other states regarding locally produced marketing practices;
(9) Identify and recommend incentives to benefit and encourage the manufacturing and sale of locally manufactured products that qualify as "Made in Rhode Island";
(10) Provide educational opportunities for consumers regarding local manufacturing of products and initiatives to further promote the brand;
(11) Identify funding sources available to the manufacturing community to support marketing, branding and promotion of locally manufactured products;
(12) Respond to requests for information from the legislature and comment on proposed legislation as it relates to local manufacturing branding efforts; and
(13) Identify potential funding streams through state, federal, in-kind and private organizations to support future "Made in Rhode Island" manufacturing and marketing efforts and initiatives.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 123, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 129, § 1.