PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — 12 News has learned of new information regarding Hasbro's potential move out of Rhode Island, a decision that seemingly took state and city officials by surprise. As one of Rhode Island's largest publicly traded companies and a major employer, Hasbro’s potential departure from its Pawtucket headquarters raised concerns. Screenshots of text messages, obtained by The Providence Journal through an Access to Public Records Act (APRA) request, showed how officials reacted when the news broke on Sept. 16. TARGET 12: Hasbro mulls leaving Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner’s phone was flooded with messages about the situation, including one from Gov. Dan McKee’s chief of staff, Tony Alfonso, who wrote, "Commerce says they did not receive any previous outreach from Hasbro. We’re being asked if there were talks with our office about efforts to keep them here." Tanner responded, "Just left you a message with the status and I also connected with the Mayor." She then reached out to Laurie White, CEO of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, saying, "Hoping you can give me a call ASAP regarding Hasbro." White provided a contact at Hasbro to reach CEO Chris Cocks. An hour later, McKee sent a group text, which included Tanner and Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien, saying, "Send an email to Chris Cocks asking for a time when we can meet. Mayor Grebien has sent an email and received a response from Chris saying he would meet when he returns from travel." McKee followed up, noting, "Mayor received a response that Chris is traveling and will meet upon his return. I think it makes sense to coordinate our statement with the Mayor." While Grebien’s initial outreach to Tanner is redacted under a state law exemption for elected officials, he told 12 News that Pawtucket is committed to keeping Hasbro in Rhode Island. "There's over a thousand jobs, there's buildings in Pawtucket. And then there's the prestige of having this global company here that started here," Grebien said. MORE: Pawtucket mayor strives to keep Hasbro in RI amid potential move In September, 12 News reported that Cocks reassured employees in an internal memo that the company wouldn’t be moving for at least another 18 months and to "not pack your bags yet." "We know a potential new office location is a big deal for you and your families," Cocks wrote in the memo. "We will give you plenty of time and transition before any major change if there is even a major change." NEXT: I-195 commission proposes new Hasbro HQ in Providence Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW