Rhode Island was always a long shot to win the General Electric sweepstakes, but a sense of disappointment was nonetheless palpable when the iconic global brand chose Boston as the new home of its corporate headquarters several months ago.

Tempering that feeling, though, were GE’s efforts – made without any true obligation – to paint the Ocean State, and its pitch, in a highly positive light. The company recognized Rhode Island as a finalist, and applauded the state and its leadership. It also said it would continue discussions regarding the possibility of locating jobs here in the future.

It hasn’t taken long for that possibility to become a reality. Last week came word the company is coming to Rhode Island in the form of a GE Digital information technology center, with plans to initially employee 100 people in high-tech jobs – and, potentially, add hundreds more over the next several years.

The center, according to a statement, will be a home for “developing new software applications and driving innovation in High Performance Computing,” and “will advance the company's digital and Industrial Internet platforms.”

“The unit of GE will employ a range of professionals from experienced engineers and data scientists to young professionals with backgrounds in data, design, and IT,” the statement continues.

The announcement is important for several reasons. The addition of high-paying jobs to the state’s economy is always welcome news, although it is worth noting GE will seek more than $5 million in incentives through the Commerce Corporation for the project. The hope, of course, is that the state’s investment pays great dividends with the expansion of GE’s local workforce.

More important are the less tangible benefits. As WPRI’s Ted Nesi pointed out over the weekend, GE CEO Jeff Immelt has made clear to several national media outlets that the company views its information technology efforts as a core part of its future. That bodes very well for future growth and success.

That GE would select Rhode Island as home to such a vital piece of its operation also sends a strong message as the state seeks to lure other businesses. As the Ocean State continues to find its footing in the 21st-century economy, this vote of confidence from such a successful brand is extremely meaningful.

“We needed a place that had a strong tech talent pipeline, top-tier university partnership opportunities and great quality of life. With its unique location along the northeast corridor, Rhode Island gives us access to many of the assets we need for success,” Chris Drumgoole, GE’s vice president and chief technology officer, said through the statement. “It has been a pleasure collaborating with Governor [Gina] Raimondo, [Commerce] Secretary [Stefan] Pryor and their team to make this new office possible.”

Added Raimondo: “This will create a meaningful opportunity for hundreds of Rhode Island families, and it was made possible by working together with the Speaker, Senate President, the Congressional delegation, and the business community.”

We applaud the governor, and others in state leadership, for their work to bring a GE presence to Rhode Island. We hope it is but the first of many success stories in the years to come.