A #SUPPORTSMALLBUSINESSCHALLENGE Nepwort Summer
HOW THE CHAMBER HAS HELPED BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19
01
Restore Greater Newport Initiative
Restore Greater Newport is a task force comprised of leaders from the private and public sectors, dedicated to regaining economic prosperity in our region, working collaboratively to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 economic crisis. Founded by the Chamber and Discover Newport, we are working with SENEDIA, RIMTA, Polaris MEP and RIHA to develop a recovery and resiliency strategy for the region to help the broader business community bounce back to become the thriving economy we were pre-pandemic. Visit restoregreaternewport.com to learn more.
02
Restore RI Grant Program
The Chamber is a partner organization with the state of RI in rolling out this grant program. Visit newportchamber.com and click on the Restore RI Grant tab for application details. The Chamber regularly offers direct guidance and informational webinars to business owners.
03
PPE Distribution
The Chamber has distributed PPE supplies to over 3,200 employees in 300 local businesses, in collaboration with the state of RI. More supplies to come! newportchamber.com/ri-ppe-forpersonal-service-businesses
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Virtual Programming
05
We Promote YOU!
06
Keeping you informed now - more than ever!
In addition to hosting forums with government officials to discuss the various stages of shut down and reopening plans, we continue to provide professional development and education to the business community. Series include Ask the Expert, HR Roundtables, Financial Fitness and more. Partner organizations include CCRI, CWE, SBA, SBDC, and HSRI for Employers. newportchamber.com/events
Member benefits include full page ads in our monthly Member Exchange, shared posts on social media, radio spots, and more. Throughout the pandemic crisis, we have been proactive in highlighting our local businesses and the innovative ways they have adapted to this new norm. newportchamber.com/marketing-opportunities
Sharing up to date information that businesses need to know to comply with new regulations and restrictions, as well as funding opportunities to help businesses through these difficult financial times has been our top priority. Our weekly At a Glance email reaches 2,400 recipients. Monthly E-Newsletter: 3,000. Member Exchange: 2,400. Follow us on Social for daily posts!
07
Advocacy
The Chamber continues to advocate for the needs of the business community and has had a seat at the table as part of the Commerce Corporation’s Reopening Advisory Committee. We have also consulted on many of the initiatives contemplated at the Commerce Corporation of Rhode Island to help with policy and program implementation for the region’s small businesses and assisted in spreading information to municipal and business leaders.
Show some love for your favorite 1 202 local businesses. Nominate them for a Best of Newport County Award!
Nomination Phase NEW IES! R O G E T CA
November 1– 30, 2020 Voting Phase February 1– 28, 2021
Let your opinion be heard! Cast your ballot at
NewportRI.com/Contests
25+
Complete categories and you could win $ *
250
Nominations are limited to locally owned businesses based in Newport County. (Big box stores or online-only businesses are not eligible.) Winners will appear in the May/June 2021 issue of Newport Life and in the Newport Daily News. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. To be eligible for the $250 prize, at least 25 categories must be filled in. $250 prize is a gift card. For complete official rules go to NewportRI.com/Contests.
To promote your business in online ballots, call 401-380-2386 or email nduffy@localiq.com.
RESTORE RHODE ISLAND GRANT PROGRAM
The Restore Rhode Island Grant Program allocates $50 million of CARES Act funding to support our state’s small businesses effected by the COVID-19 crisis. Twenty percent of the funding is designated for minority-owned business enterprises. This is one element in a $100 million+ package of emergency financial support for Rhode Island’s small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How much money will I receive? Grants of up to $30,000 are available for eligible Rhode Island businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by COVID-19. Grant amounts will be calculated based on business size, industry and revenue loss.
Is my business eligible? Program eligibility includes the following: •
Small businesses and nonprofits in eligible industries who demonstrate a 30% or higher revenue loss due to COVID-19.
•
Applicants must have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees or qualifying independent contractors (includes sole proprietors and businesses without employees). The employee cap does not apply to restaurants or caterers.
•
Must have a physical presence in Rhode Island & be open or have a plan to reopen in the next 60 days.
•
Additional industry eligibility rules & company specific rules apply. Visit CommerceRI.com for more information.
Businesses that require assistance may contact the Rhode Island Commerce Small Business Hotline at Info@CommerceRI.com
What can the funds be used for? Costs and expenses incurred due to the business interruption or other adverse conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Permissable expenses include: • Rent or mortgage interest payments
• Supplies or equipment related to new COVID-19 protocols
• Utilities
• Professional services procured
• Technology upgrades
• Other COVID-related fixed expenses
• Physical adaptation changes
What documents do I need to prepare? Information that will be collected during the application process includes the below: •
Details about COVID impact and revenue loss
•
Information about total number of W2 employees or qualifying independent contractors
•
Additional required information such as a federal DUNS number, the business’ most recent tax return, ownership information, etc.
A full checklist to help you prepare your application and collect required documentation can be found on CommerceRI.com
When will I receive the funds? •
Once an application is submitted, approved requests are expected to be fulfilled within approximately 30 days.
•
To accommodate the high demand for the program and to provide for an effective distribution of funds throughout the state, funding will be awarded in rounds; the program may be adjusted from time to time to ensure the fair allocation of funding.
APPLY NOW! Grants of
$1,000 – $30,000
available at: CommerceRI.com
Businesses that require assistance may contact the Rhode Island Commerce Small Business Hotline at Info@CommerceRI.com
As you have heard, we are hitting a high increase in positive cases of Covid-19. I have heard that during the external audits done by DBR, that the manufacturers are passing with flying color. Governor Raimondo and Dr. Scott at a recent press conference endorsed RIMA’s Covid-19 Audit program (see attached). RIMA believes this is just another pro-active program that all manufacturers should embrace and sign the attached document. The manufacturing sector has been the leader in establishing proper safety protocols as recommended by DOH in our facilities since this virus has raised its ugly head.
RIMA, Governor Raimondo and Dr. Scott ask that each manufacturing facility and businesses to participate in this program. RIMA urges employers to meet with all employees to stress the need for their co-operation in preventing the spread of this deadly virus. We also need to urge their compliance in wearing masks needs on their personal time. If they become complacent on their own time, the potential is to bring this virus into your manufacturing facility. The impact to your facility is the potential cost of overtime, lost production, and the shortage of personnel to operate efficiently.
The situation right now is very serious especially with the flu season coming upon us. Together. we can get this under control. In as much as we are asking to appoint an auditor to monitor various aspects of the safety protocols, it is the responsibility of management and each employee to be part of this audit program. The auditor is just a monitor but each employee needs to be part of enforcing the guidelines of the established safety protocols for your company. RIMA and Polaris MEP have resources to visit your facility, train COVID Auditors and support your maintained compliance. We know the COVID guidance create obstacles for operations, but the state, RIMA and Polaris have people and programs to help you through these times. Please reach out to us. See Attachment Below.
Please give serious consideration to participating in this program. We need your assistance and co-operation to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Thank you, Dave
David M. Chenevert Executive Director of Rhode Island Manufacturers Association
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce 513 Broadway Suite 218 Newport, Rhode Island 02840 401.847.1600 www.NewportChamber.com For Immediate Release September 18, 2020
East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) Seeking Youth Career Specialist in Partnership with The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce Newport, RI - The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and the East Bay Community Action Program are committed to building a workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow by strengthening the regions college and career readiness system. There are many roles to fill so flexible approaches to workforce preparation is necessary. It is the goal of this partnership to prepare young people with the knowledge, skills, and experiences for college, career readiness, and civic preparation. This partnership will provide structured work-based learning and career development resources for young adults that supports academic and employability skill attainment. To advance this agenda, this partnership has secured funds through the Governor’s Workforce Board to hire a new youth focused, education and career development specific position at the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. This “Youth Career Specialist” position will be an EBCAP Youth Center employee housed at the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce charged with streamlining employer outreach and workforce preparation efforts across community partners and Chamber membership. “We are pleased to partner with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to provide essential career development opportunities for young people. This is in keeping with our mission of providing high quality, comprehensive, and accessible heath and human services to assist people to achieve their fullest potential,” said Dennis Roy, EBCAP’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Executive Director, Erin Donovan-Boyle added, “Working together with the EBCAP will further align identified workforce development needs between our regional employers and our younger residents, helping to create the skilled talent pipeline that is needed to support our local economy’s growth and resilience.” ABOUT THE GREATER NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest business advocacy organizations, whose mission is to connect, innovate, enhance, and advocate for the businesses of Greater Newport. As a trusted and reliable institution for nearly 100 years, the Greater Newport Chamber is a vibrant collective body of the greater Newport business community with nearly 1,100 members representing over 50,000 employees. We work to create valuable strategic partnerships, promote strong economic growth, diversity, and prosperity to serve its members and the Greater Newport region.
For Immediate Release:
Museum at International Tennis Hall of Fame to Close Temporarily for Winter October 26, 2020, NEWPORT, R.I. – The Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame will be closed for the winter months, November 2 – March 31. The museum will reopen to the public on April 1, 2021. “During the upcoming winter months, we have decided to close the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. During this temporary closure, we will continue to provide opportunities for tennis fans around the world to connect with the sport’s history through digital exhibits, virtual experiences with Hall of Famers, and additional online content. We will also utilize this time to develop new content for the physical museum and digital offerings for the future. This temporary closure is in the best interest of the International Tennis Hall of Fame with regard to the health and safety of our staff and visitors and organizational finances. We look forward to welcoming visitors back once again starting April 1, 2021,” stated ITHF CEO Todd Martin. Through tennisfame.com, fans can currently access several digital exhibits including Smash Hit, a look at the evolution of tennis racquets; Courting Fashion, which explores the history of tennis fashion; as well as online exhibits that showcase vintage tennis ball cans, inspiring tennis artifacts, a look at historic pauses in tennis history, and more. Additionally, the website features in depth biographies on the Hall of Famers, and numerous video content pieces featuring Hall of Famers sharing first-person stories about their remarkable lives and careers. This temporary closure will only impact public access to the Museum. The International Tennis Hall of Fame offices; TeamFAME, the organization’s youth tennis enrichment program; and the Hall of Fame Indoor Tennis Club will remain open through the winter months. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting tennis history, utilizing that history to inspire across generations, and celebrating its greatest champions. Any questions may be directed to newport@tennisfame.com.
About the International Tennis Hall of Fame The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) is a non-profit organization that preserves and promotes the history of tennis and celebrates its champions, thereby serving as a vital partner in the growth of tennis globally. The ITHF is located in Newport, Rhode Island in the United States, with Hall of Famers hailing from 27 nations around the world. The Hall of Fame honors these legends and chronicles the sport’s history in a comprehensive interactive museum in Newport and programming to celebrate the sport around the world. For information on the International Tennis Hall of Fame and its programs, visit tennisfame.com.
Media Contact: Anne Marie McLaughlin, amclaughlin@tennisfame.com, 401-324-6033
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce 513 Broadway Suite 218 Newport, Rhode Island 02840 401.847.1608 www.NewportChamber.com
For Immediate Release September 15, 2020
Chamber to Partner with CCRI Division of Workforce Partnerships to Provide Free Virtual Courses NEWPORT, RI – The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and the Community College RI Divisions of Workforce Partnerships (CCRI) have formalized a partnership that will bring valuable programming to the businesses of Greater Newport. The Chamber’s partnership with CCRI was created to educate and empower local entrepreneurs and business owners by providing enriching skill-specific courses. Course topics include: Advanced Excel, Technical Writing, Data Literacy, and Virtual Technology. All courses will be held virtually throughout the summer, with limited class size. We encourage all businesses and nonprofit organizations to consider taking advantage of this valuable, professional development opportunity, which is being offered at no cost, courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Jobs Rhode Island Grant Program. For more detailed program, please email: workforcepartnerships@ccri.edu. To register for a course, or inquire about registering your team, please email Kate@newportchamber.com, or visit NewportChamber.com. The organizations will kick off the partnership by taking registration for the following virtual courses: Make remote work ‘work’ for your team. With rapid advancements in technology, a world-wide trend towards “This is a great opportunity for employers, their employees and the unemployed throughout the Greater Newport region to skill up. I hope that companies who have transitioned to remote work, or have been forced to reduce their employees’ hours take advantage of these free, value-added programs”, says Erin Donovan-Boyle, Executive Director of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. “Developing industry partnerships and strengthening the skills of Rhode Island’s workforce continues to be an important initiative at the Community College of Rhode Island. CCRI is excited to partner with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to help support its members through in-demand trainings that allow businesses to thrive in a digital economy,” said Meghan Hughes, President of CCRI. For more information and to register for these courses visit NewportChamber.com. ABOUT THE GREATER NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest business advocacy organizations, whose mission is to connect, innovate, enhance, and advocate for the businesses of Greater Newport. As a trusted and reliable institution for nearly 100 years, the Greater Newport Chamber is a vibrant collective body of the greater Newport business community with nearly 1,100 members representing over 50,000 employees. We work to create valuable strategic partnerships, promote strong economic growth, diversity, and prosperity to serve its members and the Greater Newport region.
Contact: Matthew Sheaff (401) 490-0688, matt.sheaff@commerce.ri.gov Restore Rhode Island Grant Program Expansion Launching Tuesday, September 22 Now includes expanded eligibility for sole proprietors and reduced documentation requirements for all applicants Nearly 900 businesses already funded, including more than 300 restaurants, over 100 retail businesses, approximately 100 personal care businesses like hair salons and barbershops, and nearly 50 gyms and fitness centers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Rhode Island Commerce today announced that the Restore Rhode Island grant program [commerceri.com] expansion will launch tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22. This new round will feature expanded program eligibility, an updated application process with reduced documentation for all applicants, and other new program features. In the seven weeks since the program began receiving applications, nearly 900 Rhode Island small businesses have already received Restore RI grants totaling approximately $8M. Updated information regarding expanded eligibility and the application process is already available at commerceri.com. Rhode Island Commerce will also hold a Facebook live tomorrow, September 22 at 10:30AM to explain how to apply. Registration for the live event can be found on the Rhode Island Commerce Facebook page [facebook.com]. Businesses can also sign up for Zoom office hours this week to get answers to their questions. Details and registration can be found on commerceri.com. Important note: if you are a business who has already applied for the Restore Rhode Island grant program and was previously deemed ineligible (perhaps because you were a sole proprietor with no additional employees) you will NOT need to reapply for the program. To request your previous application be reactivated, contact Commerce here [commerceri.com]. Key Program Changes More businesses are now eligible including sole proprietors and businesses without employees and businesses with up to 50 FTEs Streamlined grant amount calculation process: any eligible business with at least 30% revenue loss in a month March to July may now apply. Fewer documents to upload for all applicants About the Program The Restore Rhode Island grant program provides grants to the small businesses in Rhode Island hurt by COVID-19 to offset fixed costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic or costs related to reopening or adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the small business community hard and our team is working day and night in order to support more and more small businesses,” said Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. “We are pleased to be expanding program eligibility this week so we can assist a broader array of small businesses. If you own or operate a small business and want to find out more about this grant program, please join one of our upcoming information or technical assistance sessions.” The Restore Rhode Island grant program was instituted after extensive dialogue with the state’s business community including a May meeting [providencejournal.com] of the Governor’s Business Restoration Advisory Council which discussed various options for small business relief, a survey posted in May on [linkprotect.cudasvc.com]https://link.edgepilot.com/s/1ff3c2d3/ diIhqzlEH0SCqKYMk6iG-A?u=http://www.reopeningri.com/ [linkprotect.cudasvc.com] which asked Rhode Islander’s their priorities for the State’s allocation of CARES Act funding, and consultation with industry associations and representatives of the Black and Latino business community. The Restore Rhode Island grant program award amounts are calculated based on the information provided by small businesses in their applications. Businesses must demonstrate they have experienced a financial loss and have also incurred (or will incur) expenses due to COVID-19 in order to qualify for an award. Additional eligibility requirements can be seen on the Restore Rhode Island grant page [commerceri.com]. ###
GREATER NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Contact: Kate Murphy Regan Communications Group 401-808-4649 kmurphy@regancomm.com
BankNewport Named Among Fastest Growing Companies by Providence Business News NEWPORT, R.I. (September 28, 2020) – BankNewport, one of the country’s oldest community banks whose hallmark is its dedication to the communities it serves, has been named among 20 of the highest earners on Providence Business News’ list of Fastest Growing Private Companies as part of the PBN’s 2020 Fastest Growing & Innovative Companies awards program. The 20 fastest growing companies recognized this year had the highest-percentage growth in revenue of all applicants from 2017 to 2019. The companies were named in four separate revenue categories – $250,000 to $5 million; $5 million to $25 million; $25 million to $75 million; and $75 million and above. BankNewport was ranked in the top five in the $75 million and above category. “We are thrilled to be recognized among so many notable businesses who are contributing to economic success in our state,” said Sandra J. Pattie, President & CEO, BankNewport. “Our incredible team, and most importantly, our customers, have been instrumental to our growth and we look forward to continued success for years to come.” About BankNewport: Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. With $1.7 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the oldest community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. BankNewport has 18 branch locations, with commercial lending offices in Cumberland and Providence.
BankNewport business lines include OceanPoint Marine Lending, specializing in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs, and OceanPoint Insurance, a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, providing a broad range of property casualty insurance products, including employee benefits and marine related insurance products.
Through a relationship with LPL Financial, a leader in the retail financial advice market, BankNewport is able to offer access to investment products and services with OceanPoint Investment Solutions*. *Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. BankNewport and OceanPoint Investment Solutions are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using OceanPoint Investment Solutions, and may also be employees of BankNewport. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, BankNewport or OceanPoint Investment Solutions. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency Not Bank Guaranteed Not Bank Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value About Providence Business News: Providence Business News strives to be the trusted business news and information source for the Rhode Island and Southeastern MA business community providing timely, insightful, in-depth and breaking news coverage that advances individual and company growth and success in local, state and global markets. ### Pictured, left to right: Wendy E. Kagan, Executive Vice President, Director of Employee and Community Engagement; Mary E. Leach, Executive Vice President, Director of Consumer Relationships; Sandra J. Pattie, President, Chief Executive Officer; John P. Sullivan, Executive Vice President, Digital and Technology Strategy; Gregory Derderian, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Strategic Analysis