A #SUPPORTSMALLBUSINESSCHALLENGE Nepwort Summer
HOW THE CHAMBER HAS HELPED BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19
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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.
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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.
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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
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We Promote YOU!
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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!
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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.
UPCOMING EVENTS & WEBINARS: GREATER NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Each month the Chamber will host several free webinars offering professional development and education geared towards the business community.
SEPTEMBER 15th: 11 a.m. HR Roundtable: How to Build a High Performing Culture with Al Curnow, High Performing Culture 16th: 9 a.m. Retail & Hospitality Industry Resource 17th: 12 p.m. Business During Hours 22nd: 10 a.m. Ask the Expert: Design Thinking Workshop with Allison Ingalsbe, Design Thinking Consultant 30th: 11 a.m. SBA Webinar: Creating a Social Media Content Calendar 30th: 10 a.m. HR Roundtable: Plan Sponsor Attitudes with Elisabeth Hickox, Core Financial Partners
OCTOBER 7th: 11 a.m. HR Roundtable: Building Trust: Essential for Leaders with Heidi Werther, Executive & Leadership Coach 8th: 9 a.m. Retail & Hospitality Industry Resource Meeting 15th: 12 p.m. Business During Hours 15th: 5:30 p.m. Women in Business After Hours: Virtual Cocktail Hour 27th: 11 a.m. Ask the Expert: HeathsourceRI for Employers 28th: 2 p.m. CWE Webinar: Reaching Your Customers in a Post-Pandemic World
NOVEMBER 2nd: CWE Webinar: AARP Work for Yourself at 50+ 11th: SBA Webinar: Getting Your Business Into the Media 19th: 12 p.m. Business During Hours
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce 513 Broadway Suite 218 Newport, Rhode Island 02840 401.847.1600 www.NewportChamber.com
For Immediate Release August 21, 2020
Restore Greater Newport Tracks COVID-19’s Economic Impact Newport, RI - Restore Greater Newport is tracking COVID-19’s economic impact on the greater Newport region, to learn the needs of businesses and residents. A survey, designed to be taken monthly by local residents and business owners, will help to determine how people are participating in the local economy in the midst of the global pandemic.
“It’s important that we as a region have confidence in our operating environment so that visitors will feel more comfortable planning a trip to Newport. We need to work together to create an atmosphere where people feel safe to travel to and through the Newport region,” said Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport.
According to an SSR, LLC survey, June 2020’s lodging occupancy rates were down 54% from June 2019.
“It is essential that business owners and residents take the survey regularly so that municipalities and trade associations can prioritize recovery efforts and create plans and policies accordingly,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, Executive Director of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
Recent findings relating to unemployment, travel and lodging, and consumer and business sentiments from the survey and other data sources are posted weekly on Restore Greater Newport’s Recovery Dashboard. According to the survey Restore Greater Newport found the following:
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In June 2020, the unemployment rate for Newport and Bristol counties were 1.7% and 2.6% lower respectively, than the state unemployment rate of 12.1%.
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One third of Greater Newport consumers are concerned about making major purchases including home buying and major household items.
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One third of residents say that they are worse off financially than one year ago
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20% of businesses believe they will not recover from the impacts of COVID-19
Restore Greater Newport is a task force dedicated to regaining economic prosperity in our region. We are a group of private, public, and government representatives working collaboratively to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 economic crisis, especially for the most vulnerable businesses and workers in our community. The survey and recovery dashboard can be found at www.restoregreaternewport.com. ABOUT CONNECT GREATER NEWPORT
Connect Greater Newport is a regional economic development initiative launched by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to serve the region’s business community. Connect Greater Newport’s mission is to support the growth of the region’s existing businesses and serve as a resource to attract new companies to the region. For more information about Connect Greater Newport visit www.connectgreaternewport.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.
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HOW CAN I PROTECT MY BUSINESS AGAINST COVID-19? The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Commerce RI is distributing free PPE to RI small businesses (under 50 employees). September 29th & October 1st from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. stop by Innovate Newport to pick up your FREE supply of masks, disinfectant and hand sanitizer to all businesses in need while supplies last. If you have questions, email Joanne@NewportChamber.com. Sign up for your FREE PPE at newportchamber.com.
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.
The Newport Daily News welcomes nonprofit and municipal organizations with projects aimed t building their communities to apply to the 2020 A Community Thrives program, a $2.3 million initiative of the Gannett Foundation. The program is sponsored by the USA TODAY Network›s parent company, Gannett.
The nationwide crowdfunding and grant program is entering its fourth year of supporting organizations that address social issues including education, housing, arts and culture, wellness and the environment.
Typically, organizations apply to raise money for a specific project. Accepted organizations will work to raise funds on their own through a crowdfunding campaign, then may be eligible for more than 100 grants.
Organizers said A Community Thrives gives nonprofit groups the opportunity to fundraise on a national platform, while grants help further accelerate exceptional projects. “The Gannett Foundation grants will support our readers’ top community-building ideas to help address local needs and ensure a vibrant, healthy community. We are committed to work in partnership to help our communities connect, act and thrive,” Maribel Perez Wadsworth, Gannett Media president of news and Gannett Foundation vice president, said in a statement.
More than a dozen national grants to support projects are set to be distributed, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Separate incentives aimed at rewarding high-fundraising projects will be offered. Dozens more regional grants will be distributed for general operating support, starting at $2,500. These grants are chosen by leaders across Gannett’s nationwide USA TODAY Network of newsrooms. A Community Thrives harnesses that local knowledge in selecting winners of grants. A diverse group of leaders will assemble in Rhode Island to pick winners. They will especially keep in mind communities of color and underrepresented communities as they evaluate projects. “We encourage groups from across Newport County to apply and be among those in consideration with organizations from across Rhode Island,” Daily News Executive Editor Will Richmond said. Since the last Community Thrives initiative, Gannett has expanded the footprint of the USA TODAY Network, joining GateHouse Media to become the largest U.S. media company by print circulation, serving communities in 47 states. For nonprofit groups, that means more regions will offer local grants. Last year, more than $4.5 million was distributed to nonprofit groups as a result of the program. Applicants raised more than $2.5 million through their own fundraising efforts and the Gannett Foundation gave out $2 million in grants. This year, grants will be awarded based on the proposed projects› viability, sustainability, community need and service to historically disadvantaged groups. Organizations may submit applications from Aug. 18 to Sept. 11 on A Community Thrives’ website: acommunitythrives.mightycause.com or through the icon found at newportri.com.
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]. ###
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MEDIA CONTACT: Betsy Akin, VP Development 401.829.9294 bakin@childandfamilyri.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Child & Family to Launch Taste of Home Campaign 2020 and Online Auction this Fall to Benefit Housing Programs
Middletown, RI, August 26, 2020 – Child & Family will hold an online auction and fundraising campaign called “Taste of Home” from October 22-26th, 2020 in place of their annual Taste of Newport event. Due to the circumstances and restrictions on large in-person gatherings amidst the ongoing pandemic, the non-profit organization has pivoted to an online fundraising effort to benefit their housing programs that help vulnerable children, youth, families and seniors here in Rhode Island.
Marty Sinnott, President and CEO of Child and Family, made the decision not to postpone the fundraiser entirely, as their clients have been struggling well before COVID-19 hit. “The pandemic has exacerbated issues like homelessness, job loss, food insecurity, and substance use disorder that affect people’s ability to keep themselves and their families safe. If we have learned anything during the past several months, it is that the space we call home is critical to everyone’s health, safety, and ability to thrive. It is important to understand that home looks drastically different for each person. The Taste of Home Campaign will help fund our many critical programs that focus on the ability to secure and maintain housing throughout our continuum of care.”
Child & Family’s Taste of Home Campaign 2020 will include an online auction as the highlight of this fundraising effort. Without a place to call home, families with children in crisis and youth aging out of foster care cannot benefit from the proven, evidence-based programs and services that Child & Family provides. The programs directly support these families, foster care programs, elders and youth and give them the help they need to have a safe home, especially in these uncertain times.
Child & Family is currently seeking unique home-related auction item donations as well as sponsors, which currently include Gil’s Appliances, Bowen’s Wharf Company, Citizens Bank, BankNewport, Corrigan Financial, Hilb Group, Philadelphia Insurance Company, Affiliated Insurance Managers, leadership gifts from Sue and George Petrovas, and Sharon and Scott Alemany.
Lisa Sienkiewicz and Gail Parella, owners of Gil’s Appliances are excited to spearhead this creative effort, but everyone looks forward to hosting a more traditional Taste of Newport event in 2021. Betsy Akin, Vice President, Development of Child & Family agrees, “Make no mistake, Taste of Newport will return in full force when it is safe to do so! We cannot wait to share some of our amazing restaurant partners’ delicious food and to toast to this resilient community we consider ourselves lucky to be part of. Until that time, we hope you will join us in helping Rhode Islanders recover and remain safe at home.”
The online auction will kick off on Thursday, October 22nd and be open through 12 noon on Monday, October 26th. For more information please visit: https://childandfamilyri.com/
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About Child & Family – Caring for our Rhode Island Community since 1866
Child & Family RI is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit provider of social services. They are the largest and most comprehensive social service provider in Newport County, and one of the largest in the State of Rhode Island. It is a center for community involvement – a place where people come together to give help, to receive help and to support the work of others. With state-of-the-art Community Centers in both Middletown and Providence, Child & Family provides important services and programs to thousands of children, teens, families and elders throughout Rhode Island each year. https:// childandfamilyri.com/ Facebook Twitter YouTube