News Brief: Langevin Promotes Job Growth At Johnston Business

U.S. Congressman James Langevin paid a visit to Alpha Metal Works on Industrial Lane on April 20, citing the small business — owned by Deborah Giannini of South Kingstown — as an example of the potential for job growth in the state.

Giannini explained that her company — staffed by highly-experienced welders and metal fabricators — is in a perfect position to handle additional work. The issue, she said, is that Rhode Island doesn't have the base of customers that would benefit from the services Alpha provides.

'I need manufacturers in Rhode Island to know about us," Giannini told Langevin. "We get a lot of work in Connecticut and Massachusetts where the owners are from Rhode Island — why aren't they in Rhode Island?"

Giannini, who has a banner above her company's door that reads: "Support Manufacturing — Save Rhode Island — Think Big," said her goal is to bring a positive message of the state's potential to as many people as will listen — and she's not afraid to push the message by herself, if that's what it takes.

"I'm taking this message out there, whether the state comes with me or not," Giannini explained. "We need to have our leaders broaden the tax base, not beat up on the big companies that are here."

Langevin termed Giannini's company "a true Rhode Island success story," and met with each of the craftsmen who work under Alpha's roof.

“We must take every opportunity to connect talented and determined business people like Deborah with the resources that will help them expand and create jobs,” Langevin stated.

Watch JohnstonPatch for more from the Congressman's visit tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.