RI, Conn. leaders: manufacturing key to growth

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Members of Congress from Rhode Island and Connecticut say workforce training and more advanced manufacturing are the keys to reversing decades of job losses in the region.

U.S. representatives David Cicilline and Jim Langevin from Rhode Island and Joe Courtney and John Larson from Connecticut attended a manufacturing forum Tuesday at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Speakers at the forum say manufacturing in biotechnology and nanotechnology could bring thousands of jobs to New England by tapping the area's existing strengths in education and advanced research. But they say New England must attract more business start-ups and boost workforce training programs.

The event was sponsored by the New England Council.