Rhode Island must think creatively and act boldly to keep our major employers in the state. Collectively - business, policy and community leaders - must continue to listen to the needs of companies like Hasbro and be prepared to bring our imagination A-game to ensure we don't lose out to very aggressive and coordinated business recruitment efforts from outside Rhode Island. 

A big part of having a business environment where employers are looking for reasons to stay versus exploring options to leave, is providing a vision for what an attractive future looks like - right here in Rhode Island. Now is the time to think big and to give space to ideas that give our state the best possible chance to keep a top global brand like Hasbro here. 

A Providence Waterfront HQ for Hasbro
There may be other compelling ideas, but one proposal that checks a lot of boxes would be to pitch Hasbro on opening a new, landmark, waterfront headquarters and corporate campus in Providence ---   in the 195 District --- a visionary, futuristic space that evokes Hasbro’s legacy while advancing innovative gaming, prototyping and entertainment experiences. The building would be designed to take full advantage of the waterfront views and outdoor working spaces that create an open, collaborative, welcoming vibe. In addressing priorities around talent, transportation and lifestyle while accentuating all the benefits of our Capital City, this campus could be a magnet for creative talent seeking work/life balance.

The vision for a corporate waterfront downtown campus is to create an interactive, real-life toy box inspired by some of Hasbro’s most famous brands that were developed here in Rhode Island. A visually stunning, sleek, themed headquarters with a low-carbon footprint that would wow employees and the public.

Imagine...a Providence skyline lit up with Hasbro themed animations that could be spotted from miles away?

Access to Top Talent
Building on Providence's creative roots, we can build an exciting, high-energy atmosphere in the heart of the city. Proximity to talent at Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design along with all our many colleges and universities within an hour drive would be attractive to the company looking for brain power centered around creative and technical skills. This would position Hasbro’s new headquarters as a space for cross-industry collaboration, which as exemplified by CIC Providence, we are particularly good at. All Rhode Island companies would have access to this new energy, and it would be a lift to the overall economy.

Innovative Commuter Options 
Getting workers where they need to be is another top issue. As such, the community could come together to design novel commuting options for all Providence commuters. We could design the waterfront headquarters to be a mobility hub that integrates multiple forms of transportation—bikes, scooters, car shares, rail, and pedestrian-friendly walkways - allowing area employees to easily access work from multiple transit modes. The “Hasbro Express” could feature trains/rapid rail --- digitally enhanced with augmented reality games or Hasbro content that commuters could engage with through a mobile app. Employees and visitors could play interactive Hasbro games during the ride, making the commute more enjoyable.

For distance travel, we would collaborate with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and major airlines to establish direct flights between T.F. Green International and strategic west coast cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Hasbro’s role as an anchor business could give weight to this initiative.

An Economic Jolt for Pawtucket
So what about Pawtucket where the company currently has its headquarters? Well, there's a path for Pawtucket to get and economic jolt too. How about we convert the existing headquarters into industrial-style loft housing --- maintaining the historic architecture while adding modern amenities? The interior design would include open floor plans and flexible layouts to appeal to young professionals and families. In fact, purposely design the lofts with intergenerational living in mind. Activity spaces could be themed after Hasbro’s most famous games, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for residents. 

The availability of new, family-friendly housing would be a major selling point for any economic development efforts in Pawtucket. 

We certainly don't have a monopoly on ideas. The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce extends our resources to support the efforts to Governor McKee, Providence Mayor Smiley, the 195 District Commission and others as they work their magic to advance a truly creative, head-turning solution...one that would be the envy of any city in the country. Let the ideation continue on all fronts!

#hasbroPVD