Member Exchange July 2023
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island wins two prestigious awards in first half of 2023!
Providence, RI: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI) is celebrating its achievements, being named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for the 5th consecutive year and has received the prestigious Gold Standard Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). The two BIG wins for the agency reinforce their commitment to excellence in the workplace and positive community impact.
The Best Places to Work in Rhode Island program was created by Providence Business News and Best Companies Group and designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Rhode Island, benefiting the economy, workforce, and businesses in the state. Of the 67 companies that won, BBBSRI won 1st Place, of 17, in the small employer category.
BBBSRI takes pride in providing an array of benefits that foster employee well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Benefits include comprehensive health and dental insurance, retirement plans with employer contributions, paid time off, and sick time. Additionally, BBBSRI offers paid parental leave, training, and tuition reimbursement to fuel personal and professional growth as well as a hybrid/remote work option for flexibility. Their Wellness Committee hosts activities like yoga, spirit weeks, walking groups, and book clubs, promoting self-care and positive work culture.
Statistics show that employees who work in a healthy environment are 38% more likely to be productive. (Source: The World Health Organization). CEO Katje Afonseca states, “As a mom of two young children, I understand the challenges of balancing the demands of a full-time career with the responsibilities of caring for family members. Providing holistic support enables employees to feel whole and results in better morale and productivity.” BBBSRI employees agree, sharing, “BBBSRI and the CEO truly care about each individual who works for the agency. We are valued and supported. The work we do is seen as important,” and, “This organization offers support and guidance. They really care about you!” Furthermore, 100% of employees agree their job provides them with a sense of meaning and purpose, that they’re proud to work for BBBSRI, and would recommend a friend.
Media inquiries contact:
Delaney Daly Development & Communications Coordinator 401-846-0813 x110 ddaly@newporthistory.org
Newport, RI (JUNE 2023) –The Newport Historical Society is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated French in Newport Living History Weekend, July 14 and July 15, 2023 from 11am-4pm, in historic Washington Square. This immersive weekend aims to transport visitors back in time to the roots of the Franco-American alliance.
In July 1780, thousands of French troops landed in Newport beginning an occupation that lasted for nearly a year. The presence of this new ally represented a turning point in the American Revolution.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic and engaging experience. Living historians will portray recognizable figures such as George and Martha Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, the Marquis de Chastellux, along with the head of the French army, comte de Rochambeau. Dozens of costumed living historians representing both civilians and French soldiers will also discuss the challenges of establishing this new alliance. Learn about newspapers in 1780, the many layers of French military uniforms, see French fashion and hair styling demonstrations, sample historic teas, and much more.
The NHS will partner with the Museum of the American Revolution’s “First Oval Office Project,” a hand-sewn replica of George Washington’s sleeping tent, which will be exhibited in Washington Square. General Washington met with Rochambeau and other French leaders under canvas throughout the final campaign of the war. Join costumed staff from the Museum of the American Revolution in immersive explorations of Washington’s tents and campaign equipment and the stories his guard and “military family” in the Revolutionary War.
Justin Cherry from Half Crown Bakehouse, and resident baker at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, will offer 18th century baking demonstrations and discuss the rations that would have been available to soldiers in 1780 Newport.
“We invite the community and visitors alike to experience the French in Newport Living History weekend,” states Johnny Carawan of the National Park Service. “This event provides a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic cultural exchange that occurred
“RAS1 has been nothing short of fantastic for the past 15 years. Before them, I had an entire corporate accounting department with a CFO and many bookkeepers. Now I simply have RAS1 with Arthur as my CFO and the RAS1 team replacing the huge overhead of an accounting department. Most importantly, I have reliable weekly bookkeeping and reporting and monthly financial statements that are fine-tuned and dialed in to all my restaurant holdings. I only wish I discovered my alternative accounting solution and moved over to RAS1 15 years sooner.”
Don’t settle for generic Accounting & Reporting. Your restaurant’s metrics are not the same as a landscaping company. Yet, your accountant is likely providing you with the same generic reporting processed from bookkeeping software. There is a better way — a much better way. With RAS1 you have all of your bookkeeping along with customized financial reporting in your hands on a timely and accurate basis every week allowing you to stay profitable and gain control of your prime cost and operating expenses.
Pioneers for the business you love. There are many reasons why there is a number 1 in our name. In 1989, RAS1 started first in Nantucket providing bookkeeping and accounting solutions to high volume, seasonal restaurants. Over 30 years later, we are still truly the number one accounting solution for restaurants, delivering weekly processing of bookkeeping and financial reporting to a much expanded restaurant client base with longevity to customers and membership with the MRA.
Can your current Restaurant Accounting Service truthfully say that?
Arthur G. Chaprales, Founder & CEO George A. Leonovich, Co-Founder &“14 years ago, our legendary Boston Restaurant CPA, Mr. Saul Garlick, recommended RAS1 as an alternative to our then in-house accounting department. Thank you Saul for that recommendation and thank you RAS1 for continuing to provide the optimum of bookkeeping and financial reporting standards.”
“ For the past 19 years, I could always count on RAS1 to guide me through the financial challenges that go hand and hand with operating a very busy restaurant. The daily, weekly and monthly financial information I receive has made my life less stressful and my restaurant more profitable.”
Alan Delaney, Owner Skipper Chowder House
“In the restaurant business, you can get in trouble really fast. That’s the beauty of receiving accurate bookkeeping resulting in critical weekly and monthly reports. RAS1 lets you know where you are and where you should be like a road map, making sure percentages are in line at all times. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to operate my busy restaurant without the RAS1 road map and team approach which I have had for over 25 years.”
858 West Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Contact: Courtney Hunter
401.619.1754
chunter@peoplescu.com
MIDDLETOWN, RI (JUNE 21, 2023): People’s Credit Union is once again sponsoring the Newport Gulls FANatic About Reading Program to promote the importance of reading at elementary schools on Aquidneck Island. The FANatic About Reading Program, now in its 15th season, gives Newport Gulls college athletes the opportunity to read books to children in the classrooms. As part of the program, players hand out bookmarks to the students and ask the students to read four books over the summer. Students will be honored for their accomplishments at the People’s Credit Union FANantic About Reading Night at Cardines Field in Newport on July 12th.
“The FANatic About Reading Program with the Newport Gulls players engage s young students in a unique and fun way on the importance of reading and education,” stated Courtney Hunter, Head of Community Development for People’s’ Credit Union. “The Gulls and their mascot, Gully, are hometown favorites so the children are more than happy to see and hear from them off the field in the classroom. The People’s Credit Union’s FANatic About Reading Night event will be memorable for everyone,” Hunter added.
In all, the FANatic About Reading Program will reach over 3,000 students in 150+ classrooms on Aquidneck Island this year.
858 West Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Courtney Hunter
401.619.1754
chunter@peoplescu.com
PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION PARTNERS WITH TURNING AROUND MINISTRIES INAUGURAL PLANTING A SEED FOR SUCCESS CLASS
MIDDLETOWN, RI (JUNE 23, 2023): People’s Credit Union partnered with Turning Around Ministries’ (TAM) Planting a Seed for Success (PASS) Program by conducting financial wellness & interview workshops as part of TAM’s PASS 12-week curriculum. The wellness workshops included presentations on basic banking, budgeting, and credit health, as well as mock interviews created by People’s to help participants with skill development, confidence building, and job preparedness. Since 2005, TAM has provided community-based services to under-served or at-risk persons, and the Planting A Seed for Success is one of the programsmanyand services TAM offers.
“As financial and personal wellness are important areas of the Credit Union’s focus on community giving, we believe it is important to find ways to positively impact the community whenever possible,” stated Courtney Hunter, Head of Community Development at People’s Credit Union. “TAM’s Planting a Seed for Success Program enabled People’s Credit Union to provide valuable resources and information to participants,” Hunter added.
“All of the participants in the PASS program remarked how pleased they were with the mock Interview experience they had,” remarked Kathy McGrath, PASS Facilitator. “We are delighted to be partnering with People's to support all of the members of our commun ity, especially those who are finding themselves in a particularly vulnerable situation right now ,” McGrath further offered.
858 West Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Contact: Courtney Hunter
401.619.1754
chunter@peoplescu.com
MIDDLETOWN, RI (JUNE 20, 2023): Representatives of People’s Credit Union served as “investors” on the Shark Tank judging panel as part of North Kingstown High School’s Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship course. Similar to the popular entertainment show , Shark Tank, student-contestant teams presented their prospective business concept’s eight-point plan for funding. The judging panel then awarded the winners with hypothetical investment checks to launch their businesses and in some instances, requested royalties or shares in the business. A wide variety of potential businesses were presented with one ironically being an actual shark-repellent concept. In all, there were eight high school teams that went before the judging panel.
“This was a really fun, yet valuable educational opportunity for all involved, especially for the students,“ commented Erin Connor, Head of North Kingstown Market Development at People’s Credit Union.
“The effort, insight, and thoroughness in their presentations were quite remarkable and innovative,” observed Erine Lewis, Head of Risk for People’s Credit Union.
“The Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship course, for many of these students, is their first insight into the world of business, with many being members of the school’s Business and Finance Academy,” stated Richard Garland, Teacher: Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Economics “The judges were instrumental in their role as “investors” and we cannot thank them enough for their volunteerism,” Garland added.
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People’s offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People’s Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com
Our 7th Annual State-Wide Rhode Island Calamari Festival is ON, and we have some BIG news from the DEEP!
You know more than anyone how our Calamari Festival has grown to be one of Narragansett’s biggest events, serving over 1,500 lbs. of calamari while drawing in thousands of people from across Rhode Island & Southern New England. Held rain or shine, under our beautiful tent, it features our fabulous Calamari, a Calamari Cook-off, Live Entertainment and Good Old Fashion Fun! Patrons come back year after year.
The Endless Summer Celebration sponsored by the Lions Club, along with Gansett Days, sponsored by Parks & Rec. where local attractions are featured are also gaining in popularity so……
This year, we are COMBINING efforts for one BIG Gansett Fest!
Please Save the Date (September 16th) for the Calamari Festival and Cook Off and please let us know ASAP if you plan on competing this year, WE HOPE …WE HOPE!!!
Remember all the propane & cleaned squid is donated. We provide all the tables, serving utensils, cups etc. You simply bring your recipe, a fryolator or grill, and your staff. We have even lined up students form The Jib Corps to help you that day!
We end cooking at 3:30 to give you time to get back to your restaurant to handle your evening crowds.
BTW, your Restaurant’s name will be on full display all three days (Friday, Sat and Sun). More info will follow as we will be sharing the tent with the Lions Club. Thanks so much.
All my Best~
Peg Fradette at 783-7121 or pfradette@narragansettcoc.com
Elisabeth A. Hickox CIMA®, CPWA® , AIF®, CPFA Financial Advisor Core Financial Partners
Kashif S. Ahmad CFA, CPWA
® ,
Managing InvestmentDirector Senior
Consultant City National Rochdale
Join us for the first part of our series to learn how to structure an efficient sale of your business and take advantage of TCJA opportunities while they are available. Join us for part two to learn how to turn an asset into a sustainable income stream to benefit yourself, future generations and any charitable organizations you may like to support
Wed, July 19 11 AM ET Business Succession Planning Opportunities featuring Gerry Gaeta, JD, MSFS, CEPA
More about each session:
Wed, July 26 11 AM ET REGISTER
Designing an Optimal Business Transition Strategy featuring Ken DiCairano
CFA, CEPA
• Business Succession Planning Opportunities: As wealth grows, needs become more diverse, complex and interrelated. Learn how City National Rochdale can help you focus on identifying gaps and solutions to help empower you to make informed decisions about your wealth.
• Designing an Optimal Business Transition Strategy: Business owners have needs that differentiate them from other investors in terms of managing, growing, and transitioning their wealth. Our two