WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Banking Committee, today joined with Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce officials to announce that Federal Reserve Board Chair Janet L. Yellen is scheduled to visit Rhode Island on Friday, May 22.

The Fed Chair will deliver a speech to the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce for their annual Economic Outlook Luncheon. 

Chair Yellen is the first woman in U.S. history to lead the central bank.  She also has a Rhode Island connection, having graduated summa cum laude from Brown University with a degree in economics in 1967.

“I am pleased Chair Yellen will return to Rhode Island, a place where she spent quite a bit of time as a college student.  Today, Chair Yellen helps set the course not just for the U.S. economy, but the world economy,” said Senator Reed.  “This is a great opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential voices in the world about our economic future.  I hope she will talk directly with business, community, and civic leaders about conditions in the local economy and job market and what we need to do to build a stronger and more sustainable economy.”

“We are honored that Chair Yellen will take the time to visit Rhode Island and discuss issues vital to our local businesses and community at the Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Luncheon.  As one of the world’s most respected economists and leading policymakers,  the opportunity to hear directly from Chair Yellen about her insights on the economy, jobs, and business will be an important moment for the state,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you to Senator Reed for his leadership to help improve the lives of Rhode Island workers and families and for his efforts to secure Chair Yellen’s return to the state she called home as a college student.”

The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States.  It was created as an independent entity by Congress and some of its duties include: conducting the nation’s monetary policy, supervising and regulating banking institutions, maintaining the stability of the financial system, and providing financial services to depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions.

The Fed’s Board of Governors oversees the Federal Reserve System.  It is made up of seven members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

-end-