1. Rhode Island Edward Mazze, Ph.D. Distinguished University Professor of Business Administration University of Rhode Island

2. SLOW ECONOMY IN 2007 Three Hundred Fifty Net New Jobs A Month Population Decreases by 1000 Labor Force Increases by 2000

3. RHODE ISLAND CHALLENGES Workforce Development, Affordable Housing Tax Structure, Declining and Aging Population State Budget Deficit

4. GROWING EMPLOYMENT SECTORS Financial Services, Professional and Business Services Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality High Tech

5. HOUSING MARKET Fewer Houses Being Sold Decrease in Median Price of a House/Condominium Decline in Construction Jobs

6. AFFORDABLE HOUSING Bond Issue Passed in 2006 $50 Million + $300 Million Foreclosures and Bankruptcy

7. GREAT TIME TO BE BUYING A HOME Properties on Market Average of 93 Days House Sales Differ by Area: Providence (-) South County (+) Prices Decline in Most Areas

8. WHAT’S AHEAD More House Choices for Second Homes Need to Replace Skilled Workers Retiring New Opportunities for Entrepreneurial Businesses