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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Virgin Pulse Expands Operations In Providence, Rhode Island

12/16/2016
Virgin Pulse, a leading provider of software and technology solutions that increase employee productivity and business performance, will open its 90,000 square foot operations center in downtown Providence, Rhode Island.

"We considered a Boston office but ultimately chose Providence because of the access to talent and supportive business climate," said David Osborne, President & COO of Virgin Pulse. "Our growth strategy is centered on hiring high-potential, early-in-career talent. With its hip vibe, low cost of living and high density of college students, Providence was a great fit from both a business and cultural perspective."

Virgin Pulse already employs 65 people in its Providence office. The company will begin hiring nearly 300 additional staff over the next three to six months.

"Not only does it make good business sense for us, growing our presence in Providence allows our employees to take advantage of the wide range of healthy lifestyle experiences that the city offers," said Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Pulse. "As a company that cares about the health and wellbeing of its employees, it was clear that this walkable city has an active living culture that is well aligned with our corporate mission and values."

“Because of the great, talented people who live here and because of the economic tools we've created with help from the General Assembly, instead of losing 65 good-paying jobs to Boston, we're going to create nearly 300," said Governor Gina Raimondo. “We will continue to make the necessary investments in our people so that Rhode Islanders have the skills they need to compete for the jobs Virgin Pulse, GE Digital, CIC, Wexford and others are creating right here in Rhode Island."

Virgin Pulse has applied for economic development incentives under the Qualified Jobs Incentive Act and the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit program. Specifically, Virgin Pulse would be eligible for $2.5 million in Qualified Job Tax Credits. This tax credit would not take effect until the jobs are created and the people hired are paying state income tax.

Additionally, Virgin Pulse has applied for $3.2 million in Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credits to support the growth of their footprint from a 29,000-square-foot space to a nearly 90,000-square-foot office in downtown Providence. The request for incentives will be considered at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board Meeting on December 19.

Earlier this week the Governor announced that Wexford/CV Properties has secured key tenants - including Cambridge Innovation Center - for their anchor property in the 195 Innovation and Design District, with assistance from a 18.5 million incentive package.

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