PAWTUCKET — The former United States Ambassador to Portugal made his first visit to the city, touring a largely Portuguese manufacturing business and taking in all things Pawtucket as he continued the efforts to nominate Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, ahead of next Tuesday’s Rhode Island primary.

Gerald S. McGowan on Wednesday said that he visited the city and Key Container Corp. on Campbell Street because of his strong connections to Portugal. He also said that he felt Clinton was “the only person who should be the next President.” McGowan was the United States Ambassador to Portugal from 1998 to 2001.

Clinton “certainly knows how business works and how to keep business in the United States, McGowan said. “She’s into solutions and solving problems.”

Mayor Donald R. Grebien, who toured Key Container with McGowan said that the city has a high population of Portuguese citizens and that it was important to play host to a person who represented both the United States and Portugal. Additionally, stopping by a business with stron Portuguese ties was also beneficial while the ambassador’s visit to Pawtucket also “reminds us how important it is to vote for Hillary Clinton.”

Located at 21 Campbell St., Key Container converts paper to corrugated sheets, creates die-cuts and displays, and cuts to fit on-site. In business since 1959, Key Container brings the “whole package” solution to customers’ needs, from corrugated and custom shipping boxes to foam packaging and packing materials, according to the company’s website.

“It means a lot,” Strauss said of McGowan’s visit. “We hope the next President concentrates on manufacturing, which we think is the bedrock of the country.” Strauss further said that he’s seen too many manufacturing jobs leaves New England with not many coming in and he hopes that the next president will change that.

President David Strauss said that Key Container has seen a lot over its nearly 60 years in business and he said that when Grebien called with a “great opportunity,” he saw it as an ideal chance for many of their employees – several of whom are second-generation Portuguese – to connect with their homeland.

“It means a lot,” Strauss said of McGowan’s visit. “We hope the next President concentrates on manufacturing, which we think is the bedrock of the country.” Strauss further said that he’s seen too many manufacturing jobs leaves New England with not many coming in and he hopes that the next president will change that.

Key Container Vice President Telmo DaSilva agreed with Strauss’ sentiment, saying he’s seen many customers and neighbors in Pawtucket go out of business. However, he said he was “thrilled” with McGowan’s visit to the city and Key Container.

“It’s nice to be recognized in the community,” DaSilva said. “There’s true diversity here (at Key Container), not in talk but in practice.”

by Jonathan Bissonnette

See original article HERE.