Creative:Interactive, Inc., a Providence-based Web design company, has launched The Rhode Island Trivia Challenge.  This interactive fundraiser is a Web-based raffle trivia game (http://www.RhodeIslandTrivia.com) that aims to raise money this holiday season for Providence¹s Amos House ­ a nonprofit social services agency that provides hospitality and direct services to the homeless and poor of Rhode Island.

From November 11 until December 17, 2008, visitors to the game site can test their knowledge of Rhode Island with 20 challenging questions focusing on the history of the state.  Prior to answering questions, users will pledge their desired amount of money, with a minimum pledge of $5.00.  Anyone who pledges to the cause by playing the game will automatically be entered to win one of many prizes donated by area sponsors (http://www.rhodeislandtrivia.com/prizes.php).  Questions will change weekly, and visitors can donate as many times as they like to increase their chances of winning. Visitors can also play more than once without additional donations.

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation’s online liquor product label registration service has been named a 2008 Excellence Award winner by the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council. The annual awards recognize innovative government electronic programs that have produced measurable improvements in the delivery of services. The winners included five states, one county and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Rhode Island’s Certificate of Compliance Product Label Renewal application was recognized in the “innovative use of the Web in government management practices” category. The application was developed by DBR’s Division of Commercial Licensing & Racing & Athletics, in partnership with RI.gov, the state’s official Web site and online services provider.

Rhode Island moved up to 11th place in the 2008 State New Economy Index released today by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

The Ocean State received 67.7 of a possible 100 points in the index, based on its focus on creating and keeping high-wage jobs. Its score has risen steadily since the measure’s inception, taking Rhode Island from 29th place in the initial index to 15th last year...to 11th today.