STOP HIM. That’s been especially true in the past year, as he’s raced not toward reelection but to push forward a host of big ideas and personal priorities, regardless of political headwinds. After financial experts dismissed his plan to borrow money to shore up the city’s beleaguered pension fund, he went back for a second try with a smaller borrowing amount and added taxpayer protections that this year swayed many former naysayers, along with state lawmakers and voters. When the R.I. Department of Transportation last year wanted him to stop construction of a seg ment of bike lanes along the city riverfront because the agency questioned whether it was legal, he kept going. Even now, as his vision for a city reparations program that acknowledges its role in systemic racism takes shape, he readily admits that he doesn’t know if most voters support the evolving plan. Unburdened by an election bid since dropping out of the gubernatorial race last year, he also says he doesn’t care.
BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com test strips can detect whether a drug sample contains fentanyl, a highly potent opioid that can cause an overdose, even at trace amounts. the organization makes it easier for individuals to access the test strips, figuring out how to use the strips can be more complicated, Amy Qu, a recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design
that
PBN PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS pbn.com SEE MAYOR PAGE 12 Designers try to betterdevisesites for safe injections TRANSIT ADVOCATE: Providence PBNStreetsandwhotransportationseat,MayorDemocratsLaFortune,mayoralCouncilwomanCityandcandidateNirvaoneofthreerunningforJorgeO.Elorza’sisanavidcyclistandadvocateplanstocontinueexpandElorza’sGreatInitiative.PHOTO/MICHAELSALERNO Will Providence’s next mayor keep their predecessor’s big ideas alive? BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com
While
says
TERM-LIMITEDBUSINESS WOMEN Her interpreting skills in demand in pandemic | 8 REGISTER NOW August 18 | Aldrich MORE5:30–8:00pmMansionDETAILSONPAGE23 ELECTIONRACELEGACY2022
ONE LAST THING Judith S. Earle Building a community | 31 YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS NEWS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND | VOL. 37, NO. 7 | $5 AUGUST 5-18, 2022 SPECIAL SECTION PBN’s 2022 Healthiest Employers Awards IN PROVIDENCE AND PAWTUCKET, harm-reduction organization Project Weber/RENEW regularly hands out
PROVIDENCE MAYOR JORGE O. ELORZA DOESN’T LET CRITICISM
SEE SAFE SITES PAGE 17 &CONSTRUCTIONFOCUS:DESIGN
2 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com CONTENTS www.linkedin.com/company/providence-business-news@provbusnewswww.facebook.com/providencebusinessnewsWHAT’S HAPPENING? SUBMIT YOUR NEWS AT PBN.COM/PBNCONNECT/ PBN Providence Business News is published every two weeks by Providence Business News, 400 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 (USPS 002-254) (ISSN 0887-8226) Periodical postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to 400 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. 400 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903 Main Phone: 401-273-2201 Subscription Services: 855-813-5805 ©2022 Providence Business News Inc. President & Publisher: Roger C. 680-4848Bergenheim|Publisher@PBN.com ADVERTISING Advertising@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0270 Director of Sales and Marketing: Annemarie Brisson 680-4800 | Brisson@PBN.com Marketing and Events Manager: Donna Rofino, 680-4832 | Rofino@PBN.com Marketing, Events & Social Media Coordinator: Tracy Hoyt, 680-4818 | Hoyt@PBN.com Senior Account Managers: Linda Foster, 680-4812 | Foster@PBN.com Jim 680-4801Noreen680-4816Hanrahan|Hanrahan@PBN.comMurray|Murray@PBN.com Advertising Coordinator: Joyce 680-4810Rylander|Production@PBN.com EDITORIAL Editor@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0670 Editor: Michael 680-4820Mello|Mello@PBN.com Managing Editor: William 680-4826Hamilton|Hamilton@PBN.com Web Editor: Chip LeClerc, 680-4886 | LeClerc@PBN.com Copy Editor: Matt Bower, 680-4824 | Bower@PBN.com Special Projects Editor/Researcher: James (EDUCATION,680-4838Bessette|Bessette@PBN.comNONPROFITS) Staff Writers: Claudia (WORKFORCE,680-4828JacquelynFINANCIAL(CITY680-4822NancyREAL(HEALTH680-4830Chiappa|Chiappa@PBN.comCARE,GOVERNMENT,ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT)Lavin|Lavin@PBN.comGOVERNMENT,ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT,SERVICES)Voghel|Voghel@PBN.comMANUFACTURING,ENTREPRENEURSHIP) PRODUCTION Production Director: Anne Ewing, 680-4860 | Ewing@PBN.com Graphic Designer: Lisa Harris, 680-4868 | Lharris@PBN.com CIRCULATION PBN@cambeywest.com | 1-855-813-5805 ADMINISTRATION Fax: 401-274-6580 Business Manager: Tammy D’Antuono 680-4840 | Dantuono@PBN.com COVER LEGACYSTORYRACE Will Providence’s next mayor keep their predecessor’s big ideas alive? 1 FOR STARTERS Trending: Most-read stories on PBN.com, July 2022 3 5Q: David J. Bonenberger 4 Dining Out: New eateries to discover 5 Spotlight: Rarities Books & Bindery 6 Something New: Newport Picnic Co. 6 Hot Topic: Concerns over more e-bikes, scooters 7 Business Women: Her interpreting skills in demand in pandemic 8 Another Look: R.I. colleges bucking trend of declining enrollment 9 What’s Happening .............................................................10 Everybody’s Business: Building her food company with eye toward greater good ...........................................15 IT’S PERSONAL People in the News 26 Mackay’s Moral 27 To Savor: Jessica Norris Granatiero 28 Guest Column: Jennifer Taylor and Katrina Miller-Stevens 28 Editorials and Opinion 29 One Last Thing: Judith S. Earle .......................................31 FOCUS: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN Designers try to devise better sites for safe injections Rhode Island School of Design students worked with the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence at Rhode Island Hospital to design harm-reduction centers as part of a state pilot program to combat the opioid epidemic. .........1 $6.7M charging station to boost electric buses The R.I. Public Transit Authority is preparing to start construction on a $6.7 million charging station in Cranston that will allow electric buses to be charged in minutes. 16 Lists Highway Projects...............................................................18 Meetings and Facilities ....................................................20 Caterers 22 5Q | 4 EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS | 15 FOCUS: CONSTRUCTION&DESIGN | 16 THIS WEEK’S FEATURED COMPANIES Amos House 15 Beech 5 Be Moore Interpreting LLC 8 Bonnet Shores Beach Club 5 Brown University 9, 12 Bryant University 9 Community College of Rhode Island 9 Grow Smart Rhode Island 16 Incred-A-Bowl Food Co. 15 Jewelry District Association 7 Johnson & Wales University 9 KG Kitchen Bar 5 Marc Allen Inc. 12 New England Institute of Technology 9 Newport Picnic Co. 6 Newport Restaurant Group 5 Paolino Properties LP 7 Project Weber/RENEW 1 Providence College 9 Rarities Books & Bindery 6 Rhode Island College 8, 9 Rhode Island Hospital 17 Rhode Island Hospitality Association 5 Rhode Island School of Design 1, 9 R.I. Department of Administration 14 R.I. Department of Health 17 R.I. Department of Transportation 1, 16 RI Kickball 26 R.I. Public Transit Authority 16 Roger Williams University 9 Ruth’s Chris Steak House 5 Salve Regina University 9, 26 The Trap 5 University of Rhode Island 9 White Horse Tavern 5 CORRECTION: In the Colleges & Universities list in the July 22 edition, the data for the New England Institute of Technology was incorrect. The school had 1,739 full-time undergraduates, 168 other students, 136 total staff and 115 full-time faculty in the 2021-22 academic year.
POSTED ONLINE: JULY 22 Forty young business pro fessionals were honored on July 21 at Aldrich Mansion for their efforts in the workplace and com munity at Providence Business News’ 18th annual 40 Under Forty Awards program. The 24 women and 16 men who comprise the 2022 class work in various industries. bit.ly/3d0uRvL
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 3 FOR STARTERS TRENDING Most-read stories on PBN.com, July62022 Providence home sells for $1.38M in biggestever single-family sale on West Side POSTED ONLINE: JULY 22 bit.ly/3zqcurk 7 New errand service takes off in East Providence PUBLISHED IN PRINT: JULY 22 bit.ly/3oL991b 8 Providence College names Ramirez as in augural Ryan Incubator director POSTED ONLINE: JULY 5 bit.ly/3OUWqng 9 Study: Providence has 3rd-highest commercial tax rate POSTED ONLINE: JULY 13 bit.ly/3Jo6Avn 10 Report: Average onebedroom rent in R.I. up 32% since June 2020 POSTED ONLINE: JULY 5 bit.ly/3OQ0WU9 AP FILE PHOTO/STEVEN SENNE PBN FILE PHOTO/MIKE SKORSKI COURTESY DEVELOPMENTQUONSETCORP. COURTESY KENT COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1 McKee adviser arrested in Vermont on felony charges POSTED ONLINE: JULY 18 Christopher Farrell, 38, of Pawtucket, a senior adviser to Gov. Daniel J. McKee, was arrested July 16 on felony unlawful trespass and unlaw ful mischief charges in Vermont. When he was mayor of Cumber land, McKee served as a mentor to Farrell and helped him attend Rhode Island College, where Farrell graduated in 2006. bit.ly/3BxMVHQ
KRISTYN GLENNON Vice BSA/AMLPresident,OfficerBayCoastBank
With the
2 PBN announces 2022 Leaders & Achievers honorees
5 Care New England votes to stay independent, rejects merger offers
will feature panel discussions with various experts, business executives and community leaders. • What can we expect for impact/ growth in this sector in
—panelists confirmed to date —NOWREGISTER
4 Quonset opens fully renovated Pier 2
POSTED ONLINE: JULY 8 Providence Business News announced 21 honorees for its 2022 Leaders & Achievers Awards program. The individuals were selected for this year’s program from multiple nominees based on their leadership, achievements and longstanding com mitment to the business community. They will be recognized in an Aug. 18 ceremony at Aldrich Man sion in Warwick. bit.ly/3PJEXiV
POSTED ONLINE: JULY 6 Care New England Health System has turned down all offers to either merge or be acquired by another hospital group. Care New England’s board of directors voted to “pursue a strategy of operat ing the health system independently,” spurning at least one offer from a suitor to acquire the finan cially struggling nonprofit hospital group. bit.ly/3vTJAPJ recent passage of the bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Rhode Island and retail sales December 1st, PBN’s 2022 Business of Cannabis Summit RI 9-11AM
for local businesses and the local economy? • What are some of the legal/human resource implications impacting local businesses? • What are the business development opportunities, challenges and innovations as a licensee, ancillary service provider or consumer? —presenting sponsors— For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact 680-4800 or Advertising@pbn.com SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 CROWNE PLAZA |
POSTED ONLINE: JULY 12 Following a six-year renovation pro cess, Quonset Point’s Pier 2 is complete, with enhanced capabilities to service cargo ships and the offshore wind sector. Quonset Devel opment Corp. Managing Director Steven J. King said the renovations will guarantee 50 more years of service at the North Kingstown pier, which has been in service since 1958. bit.ly/3Bvdf5h
MICHAEL BUDZISZEK Professor, Johnson & Wales University, CannabisProgramEntrepreneurship
3 Young professionals honored at 2022 PBN 40 Under Forty event
MATTHEW SANTACROCE Chief, Office of Cannabis Regulation, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
BENJAMIN L. RACKLIFFE PannonePartner,LopesDevereaux&O’GaraLLC
set to begin
JOSHUA MILLER RI Senator, District 28 Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
5Q: David J. Bonenberger
3 There was some concern surrounding the sale from environmental groups who didn’t think PPL Corp. had the experience to lead Rhode Island’s renewable energy goals. What would you We believe we are uniquely qualified to support Rhode Island’s decarbonization goals. We’re excited to prove ourselves and play a key role in this im portant journey. A critical path to achieving those goals lies in smart grid technology, and PPL has created arguably one of the smartest grids in the country to enable this transition while maintaining safe and reliable service.
BY
2 What do you see as the greatest priorities in taking over the state’s gas and electric busi ness?
FOR STARTERS NOVEMBER
5 What can customers expect in terms of changes to their experience in the coming year? Rhode Islanders should know we’re commit ted to meeting the state’s renewable goals by build ing one of the nation’s most advanced energy grids. That includes addressing aging infrastructure, investments to make the grid more resilient to everincreasing storms, while creating the grid of the future with advanced meter functionality and grid modernization. We know we can improve reliabil ity and customer service, enable more clean energy – including solar and wind – and support the state’s decarbonization goals. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s coming. Rhode Island Energy has the team to make it happen. PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO We are uniquely qualified to support Rhode Island’s decarbonization goals. NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com 10, 2022 | 5:30-8PM
n PBN
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4 How does PPL’s experience running utilities in Pennsylvania and Kentucky translate to its operations in Rhode Island? Our customer-centric approach knows no geo graphic boundaries. We are committed to deliver ing significant value in every community we serve, and our track record of doing it will benefit Rhode Island. In Pennsylvania, we’ve reduced customer outages by nearly 30% over the past decade. We’ve also improved customer satisfaction by 20%, win ning 10 straight J.D. Power awards during that time frame. Importantly, while making those improve ments, we’ve kept operating costs essentially flat for the past 11 years.
1 Why did PPL Corp. choose to rename Narragan sett Electric Co. to Rhode Island Energy?
The new name reflects our focus on the entire state and all of our customers. We also believe it reflects us as a Rhode Island company served by employees who are committed to the state.
First, our focus is on making this transition as smooth as possible for our customers and employ ees, all the while continuing to deliver energy commitments to have both these studies completed within one year through a very robust stakeholder process. Third, we want to work with our custom ers to help them navigate the rising costs of energy. Due to a variety of reasons, including the antici pated increase and demand for natural gas, New England will soon see some of the highest electric ity prices in years this winter.
President, Rhode Island Energy
WHEN NEW RESTAURANTS OPEN, it is usually the beginning of an exciting discovery for guests. For restaurateurs and chefs, it is often the culmination of a lengthy period of preparation.T.J.Martucci has two new versions of his The Trap pub and grill in vari ous stages of construction around the state and has just begun acquisition of an eatery on Block Island to add to his group of restaurants and bars in East Greenwich.Martucci plans to build a new Trap in Narragansett at the site of the longtime Charlie O’s, which was torn down this past spring. Another Trap is in the works to open in Smith field, replacing the former Kountry Kitchen on Smith Avenue. Martucci said he hopes to open Trap North in September, shortly after school starts. The company has begun advertising online for Martuccistaff.was at the New Shoreham Town Council meeting on Block Is land on July 5 as the council, acting as the town’s Board of License Commis sioners, voted to transfer the liquor license of Finn’s Restaurant to him. There was concern among the council members, as this summer has been a challenge with a larger-than-an ticipated crowd packing every place in town serving food and drink. Reports of strain between owners of various establishments and law enforcement were filling local TV newscasts in ear
2023 Be Seen by Rhode Island’s Business Leaders ALL YEAR LONG BE IN THE BOOK 73% of our readers* reference PBN’s Book of Lists year-round – guaranteeing wherever business happens, you’ll be right there too. *cvc subscriber survey, 2020 PUT 12 MONTHS OF EXPOSURE TO WORK FOR YOUR COMPANY Premium positions still available Publishes January 20, 2023 | Secure ad space by December 8, 2022 Contact your account manager or Advertising@PBN.com | 401-680-4800 BE WHERE BUSINESS HAPPENS
New eateries to discover
DINING OUT | BRUCE NEWBURY
When new restaurants open, it is … an exciting discovery for guests. ly July due to tourists at or just below the drinking age behaving badly. The island has found itself in the spotlight and local officials are anxious, so it is understandable that any change would be the subject of scrutiny, particularly one that involves a new business wish ing to engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages.Martucci is taking the long view, making no changes this season. “I think I would be doing your town a disservice, and I think I would be do ing my brand a disservice, to miracu lously close, redecorate and open up. It just won’t happen,” he said. While his philosophy is to build his brand “out on the backs of The Trap,” Martucci does not envision the Block Island property as such a concept. In Jamestown, chef and restaura teur Kevin Gaudreau’s nationwide reputation was established in the kitchen of the popular eatery Simpa tico Jamestown, known for years as Trattoria Simpatico. Gaudreau dis closed in an interview in January that he had purchased the Narragansett Avenue restaurant and was renovat ing it for a spring opening under a new“Thename.new place will be called Beech after the 150-year-old Beech tree that’s on the property,” he said at the time. Beech opened in June. Gaudreau, an experienced chef-owner, has been involved with numerous places that could be described as iconic, from the White Horse Tavern to the Providence location of Ruth’s Chris Steak House to executive positions at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett and the Newport Restaurant Group Earlier this year Gaudreau was named to the board of directors of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association Gaudreau’s most recent concept, KG Kitchen Bar in Providence, has become a landmark on the Hope Street restaurant row. The restaurant is known for a menu of comfort food reflecting local ingredients. As KG’s executive chef says, the menu is a fresh take on local dishes. Right now, local seafood is represented. When asked if Beech was its own unique brand or if he was bringing some of KG Kitchen Bar to the menu or approach, Gaudreau replied, “Beech is KG Kitchen’s grownup sister! [Beech has a] similar menu but different.”Anexample this summer is calamari, which is served at both locations done with grape tomatoes, olives, arugula, banana peppers and tomato aioli. At Beech, there is a lobster roll on the menu, while KG serves weekend brunch. Reservations are advised at both. n Dining Out With Bruce Newbury is broadcast locally on WADK 101.1 FM and 1540 AM and on radio throughout New England. Contact Bruce at bruce@brucenewbury.com.
COURTESY
GRAND OPENING: People gather at the newly opened Beech restaurant in Jamestown in June. Beech replaces the former Simpatico Jamestown restaurant on Narragansett Avenue, which was bought by restaurateur Kevin Gaudreau, renovated and reopened under the new name. BEECH/KEITH MERLUZZO
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 5 FOR STARTERS
PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN
OWNER: Kelly Allen-Kujawski TYPE OF BUSINESS: Bookbinding and vintage book sales
6 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com FOR STARTERS SOMETHING NEW SPOTLIGHT
picnicsluxuryPop-up
PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM Bookbinder also sells rare books BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com
“I’m an avid reader and always have been since childhood,” AllenKujawski said. “I always had a book, and I had picked that up from my mom, who was an avid reader. Then my love of old things comes from my dad, who is a master car penter who specializes in historic renovations, and my godmother, who specializes in historic an tiques.”Before long, Allen-Kujawski be gan her own collection of old books. Now she specializes in restoring and selling vintage books as the owner of Rarities Books & Bindery in South ThoughKingstown.bookshave long been a constant in Allen-Kujawski’s life, she decided she wanted to pursue this interest professionally around seven years ago. Then working as an elementary school teacher, Allen-Kujawski spent time outside of work hunting down craftsman ship and bookbinding courses, then “started taking all the classes I could get my hands on,” she said. Allen-Kujawski launched her bookbindery business in 2017, specializing in restoration and preservation services for antique books, documents and handmade or custom journals and notebooks. Eventually, she knew she also wanted to open a storefront. That opportunity began forming in 2019, when Allen-Kujawski met and befriended Allison Goodsell of the former Kingston Hill Books, who asked Allen-Kujawski if she would be interested in learning about antiquarian resale. Goodsell closed her business to in-person sales after the COVID-19 pandemic struck but used this time to train Allen-Kujawski.Whenthebuilding where Kings ton Hill Books was located went up for sale, Allen-Kujawski and Good sell agreed that Allen-Kujawski would carry on the business from a new location, as Goodsell prepared to retire.Allen-Kujawski’s preservation and restoration services still com prise the bulk of her business, and interest in this side of her services has been particularly high since the start of the Allen-Kujawskipandemic.advises clients that a potential project should at least have sentimental, if not mon etary, value, as the restoration pro cess is time-consuming and costly. Most repairs she fulfills range from around $250-$450 in cost, with some added features such as high-quality leather bringing the price tag as high as $600. But it’s fulfilling for customers to hold on to history, she added, noting that many books she repairs have emotional value for families. Clients commonly bring in projects such as family Bibles, cookbooks, journals and genealogical texts. Though bookbinding still takes up much of her time, Allen-Ku jawski runs the store at 396 Main St. solo. While the bookstore usually runs at a slower pace than her stu dio, business picks up significantly during the summer. As its name suggests, customers won’t find the typical bookstore offerings at Rarities. Inventory in cludes “a lot of classics and obscure titles,” Allen-Kujawski said, with the oldest book in the store dating back to Subject1711.matter ranges from Rhode Island history to religious and occult books, reprints of medi cal texts, and classic fiction and poetry. She also sets aside a small section of the store for newer titles written by local authors, and a gifts section drawing entirely from local women-owned businesses. ” n
Keeping heirlooms intact
PICNIC PREP: Newport Picnic Co. owner Hollie Mitchell prepares one of her pop-up picnics at Brenton Point State Park in Newport.
GROWING UP, Kelly Allen-Kujawski always had “a love of old things,” and a book in her hand. This interest in his tory and literature ran in her family.
LOCATION: 396 Main St., South Kingstown EMPLOYEES: One YEAR FOUNDED: 2017 ANNUAL REVENUE: WND
WHEN MOST RESTAURANTS were closed or offered lim ited services due to COVID-19 lockdowns, Hollie Mitchell, like many others, turned to the out doors for special occasions with friends and family. Now Mitchell works with customers to take the experience of a day at the park to the next level through her pop-up luxury picnic rental business Newport Picnic Co. “We’re really trying to give people an easy way to spend a perfect day at the park without any cleanup or the hassle of bringing all their stuff out,” Mitchell said. A rental package includes blankets, tables, dishes and silverware, along with decor and a personal stylist to tailor the outing’sCustomersaesthetic.canbring their own food or coordinate with Newport Picnic for delivery from a partnering business. The business most commonly caters to micro-events such as bachelorette parties, birthdays, date nights and proposals. Mitchell didn’t expect much fanfare when she launched the company ahead of summer 2021. A full-time special education teacher, she thought it could be “a nice summer gig” and attract a handful of bookings. Instead, she had more than 100 bookings in her first summer in business. n
FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION: Kelly Allen-Kujawski used her love of reading to launch Rarities Books & Bindery in South Kingstown, where she specializes in restoration and preservation services for antique books and documents.
BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com
“The city made a decision to more than double the number of scooters and e-bikes without ever coming to the neighborhoods to ask us what our experience is and continues to be with the thousands of scooters and bikes littering the streets,” Steele said. The program is drawing praise, too.Liza Burkin, organizer for Provi dence Streets Coalition, says busi nesses overwhelmingly support the program, with only a small minority speaking against it. “We live in a real city and deserve many ways to get around,” Burkin said. “Every day you should have the option to drive, take a train, walk, bike, or take a scooter.” n
Some neighborhood and business leaders in Providence are worried that the city’s plan to allow more rental electric bikes and scooters on the streets will exacerbate problems with abandoned vehicles, obstructed sidewalks and danger ous drivers in the coming months. dumped in the Providence River. The city eventually pulled the sharing program and, in 2019, signed deals with VeoRide Inc. and Spin, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Co. E-bikes returned in 2021 when Spin entered into a yearlong contract with the city. Now new contracts with VeoRide, Bird and Spin will more than double the number of small e-vehicles roam ing the streets by “MicromobilitySeptember.ingeneral, wheth er those be electric scooters or bikes, are very well suited to the sort of scale and density of a city like Providence,” said Alex Keating, head of policy and partnership at VeoRides. “We’re re ally excited to be back.” The Elorza administration says it has learned lessons and that things will be different this time, but it remains unclear if there have been reports of theft, vandalism or misuse since the relaunching of the program. The administration did not respond to ‘We’re really excited to be back.’
or Hanrahan@PBN.com Don’t miss this chance to share your success with your customers and employees. WOMEN IN INSURANCE A special PBN advertising section Information to include in profile: • Name • Job Title • Company Name • Phone number • Email address • Company Website • Number of years working in current industry • Number of years with current company/firm • Degree/university • Official bio, 150 to 300 words • High resolution headshot (minimum 300 dpi) full page 9.75” x 13.73” half page 9.75” x 6.34” quarterpage 4.79”x 6.34”
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 7 FOR STARTERS HOT ConcernsTOPIC over more e-bikes, scooters BY CLAUDIA CHIAPPA | Chiappa@PBN.com requests for that information. Elorza spokesperson Andrew Grande did say the companies have met city standards. He says the com panies are responsible for removing vehicles that are incorrectly parked within two hours of being notified of a violation. The ride-share apps also require users to take a photo of the vehicle at the end of each ride. There is always at least one Veo Ride technician available for every 30 to 50 vehicles, Keating says. Nevertheless, Steele is steamed about the lack of communication.
ALEX KEATING, VeoRides Inc. head of policy and partnership veteran, Hanrahan at 401-680-4816
The bike- and scooter-sharing companies have had a bumpy jour ney in Providence since Bird Rides Inc. scooters first appeared unan nounced in 2018. They were followed by JUMP e-bikes and Lime scooters. Soon reports surfaced that people were circumventing the electronics and taking the bikes for joy rides or for committing acts of vandalism and crime. Scooters and bikes were found
There are currently 1,000 e-bikes and scooters on the streets of Provi dence, but thanks to Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s decision to expand the city’s share program, an additional 1,200 vehicles will soon join them. While the mayor’s office calls it “another step forward in cost-effec tive, sustainable transit options for residents and visitors alike,” some argue that the expansion will add to existing difficulties with the rentable e-bikes and scooters. “It’s problematic if people are throwing bikes and scooters all over the place,” said Joseph R. Paolino Jr., a former mayor of Providence and managing partner of Paolino Proper ties LP, which owns numerous down townSharonbuildings.Steele, president of the Jew elry District Association, agrees. “When people use them and are finished with them, they simply dismount and dump it wherever they are,” Steele said. “On sidewalks, streets, private properties, in door ways, blocking access to buildings.”
Recognizing women in the Insurance industry who are navigating company restructuring, serving on boards, innovating, and mentoring the next generation, while making an impact on their communities. Profile women leaders, new or
in this special feature in the PBN Insurance Focus Section on Sept. 2nd. September 2, 2022 DEADLINE: August 24, 2022 Reserve your ad space by contacting Jim
SHIRLEY MOORE, Be Moore Interpreting LLC owner
8 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com FOR STARTERS | BUSINESS WOMEN
‘The reason why Be Moore is here is because I want kids to be kids.’
For years, this meant Moore was pulled out of school to interpret for her mother, sometimes traveling with her to doctor’s offices or other places of business. She also translated all correspondence that came into the house.Moore doesn’t want other kids to have to take on that same responsibility. “The reason why Be Moore is here is because I want kids to be kids,” she said. Moore was a diligent student in school, but she temporarily ran off the rails in eighth grade when she and a cou ple friends set fire to the middle school bathroom and were suspended for four months. The suspension meant Moore started ninth grade behind schedule at Mount Pleasant High School, where she
Her interpreting skills in demand in pandemic was placed in the teacher academy despite having no interest in it. “They put me there because they wanted to find a way to keep me out of trouble by giving me the least amount of freedom,” Moore said. The academy offered benefits, however, including the chance to take classes at Rhode Island College. An other lucky break came after Moore served her suspension, when she was required to do community service, which started with volunteering as an outreach worker at a local community center.Moore went on to work for various nonprofits for the next 18 years, including a stint as an interpreter for Catholic Charities USA in Massachusetts.Inher30s,Moore entered college, earning her bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College in Massachusetts and her master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from the college’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies in Boston. Then came the Bootstrap Bootcamp course by the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Leadership. The first several weeks were aimed at the self and internal resources, while the second part focused on business formation.Whena course leader asked participants what they did that they could monetize right away, the answer came to Moore in a flash: “Interpreting. I’ve been doing that all myMoorelife.” also knew quite a bit about securing clients. She said her first year in business led to sales of $2,000. Sales doubled the next year, reached $30,000 by 2019, and in 2020 exploded fourfold to $125,000. The need for interpreting blew up because of the pandemic. Along with not speaking English, many of Moore’s clients are in immigrant communities, living close together, doing front-line service work.“A lot of social injustice was revealed at that time,” Moore said. “Latinos were disproportionately affected, living with large families, carpooling, and so on. People realized we needed to reach the masses [with information about COVID-19] and we could not do it in English.” The pandemic brought a flood of need for communicating information about COVID-19, from health care and hygiene to personal protection and vaccinations.“Wehadto get information out to communities,” Moore said. Previously, the company’s interpreting services were done entirely face to face, but now virtual communication was the rule. Moore spent weeks turning her business on a fast pivot, researching platforms and services such as Zoom and learning about integrated video services and cybersecurity.Clientsand freelance interpreters had to instantly be educated on all these virtual tools. “We did everything we could to be the best asset our clients had,” Moore said. n wasn’t until she took a Bootstrap Bootcamp course for entrepreneurs that Shirley Moore, 40, fully realized the idea for her business, something that had been by her side for most of her life. What no one could have predicted, however, was how essential the business would become during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how its services would lead to a quadrupling of sales. Moore’s company, based in Pawtucket, is Be Moore Interpreting LLC She provides both interpreting (oral conversation) and translation (written word) services for non-English speakers. Since founding the business in 2016, Moore has amassed a database of about 160 subcontractor interpreters, nearly half of whom regularly help her clients, which include educational institutions, attorneys and medical offices. When she was 6, Moore moved to Mas sachusetts from Puerto Rico with her mother. They first lived in Boston for a year, where Moore spent time in a bilin gual class with pull-out English tutoring. After they moved to Rhode Island, Moore said she was expected to sink or swim linguistically, having entered an all-Eng lish-speaking second grade class. Moore also served as interpreter and translator for her mother, who never learned to speak English. In Spanish families, Moore said, the oldest girl tends to be put “in charge of everything; she is like the second mom.” At an early age, she continued, “I had to become an adult; I had to help my mom navigate everything.”
IT
HELPING OUT: Shirley Moore, left, owner of Be Moore Interpreting LLC in Pawtucket, SALERNOPBNFreshSummittheforinterpretingprovidesservicestheattendeesatLatinoFinancialatFarminProvidence.PHOTO/MICHAEL BY MARY LHOWE | Contributing Writer
Rhode Island School of Design spokesperson Danielle Mancuso says it is projected to “meet or exceed” last year’s enrollment record of 2,154 un dergraduate students and 530 gradu ate students. Admissions officials
PROVIDENCE – Across the coun try, colleges and universities have seen fewer students fill academic halls and dorm rooms over the last few years. But Rhode Island-based colleges are bucking this trend, based on early fall enrollment projections. According to a spring 2022 study from the National Student Clear inghouse Research Center, total national enrollment across all sec tors has dropped from 17.2 million in the spring of 2020 to 15.9 million last spring. Additionally, the report notes that enrollment has dropped nation ally by 20% over the last two years. However, most institutions within the Ocean State are anticipating increased enrollments from the previ ous academic year, although final enrollment counts won’t be available until October. Some local colleges are seeing record-setting first-year atten dance. At worst, some local colleges say they’re projecting to meet enroll mentLocalexpectations.collegeshave also gone full speed on marketing to attract more students seeking degrees and have hope that this year will see normal campus life fully return for the first time since early 2020. Providence College and Bryant Uni versity will set school records for new enrollment this fall. PC is slated to have about 1,170 new students attend the Dominican Friars institution, while Bryant is expecting to have be tween 925 and 950 new students enroll this fall – about 10% above Bryant’s previous record level, according to President Ross Gittell. “That’s very exciting for the insti tution,” Gittell said, “It shows high interest and the value of a Bryant education.”
R.I. colleges bucking enrollment trend could not provide any further details. Community College of Rhode Island Dean of Enrollment Management Amy Kacerik says fall enrollment is up about 13.5% from last year. Fresh man enrollment at Salve Regina Uni versity in Newport is expected to rise by 3% over last year, says Jim Fowler, vice president for enrollment manage ment. Roger Williams University in Bristol is about 6% ahead of where the institution was last year with firstyear enrollment projections and 36% ahead in transfer student projections, according to Vice President for En rollment Management Amy Tiberio. New England Institute of Technology is anticipating a 10% bump in new enrollment when fall classes begin in October, according to Executive Vice President Scott Freund. Rhode Island College, which has seen enrollment declines in recent years, is seeing a rebound this fall. RIC is anticipating a 10% rise in new undergraduate students attending the college and a “modest” 3% to 5% increase in graduate enrollment, RIC Dean of Enrollment Management Jim Tweed says. The projected fall enrollments for the University of Rhode Island and Brown University are on par with what they anticipated. URI is slated to have approximately 3,800 new students, which includes about 500 transfers, while Brown is expected to welcome 1,700 first-year students this fall. Brown spokesperson Brian Clark said the university typically has seen in recent years between 1,650 and 1,750 new students attend Brown. Johnson & Wales University, which had 4,290 full-time undergraduate stu dents enrolled last year, is expecting a decline in new students this year, although it did not clarify how much of an enrollment drop it is expect ing. University spokesperson Rachel Nunes says the lower enrollment results reflected changes, including new admission standards. However, Nunes says inquiries to JWU about the fall 2023 semester are “running at pre-pandemic levels.” n
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BIG ATTRACTION: Bryant University, pictured, along with Providence College report that they will have record first-year enrollments this fall. BRYANT UNIVERSITY BY JAMES BESSETTE | Bessette@PBN.com
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THURSDAY, AUG. 11, 8-9 A.M. $5/members; $10/nonmembers Holiday Inn Express Coventry, 4 Universal Blvd., Coventry.
HOPE AND CHANGE FOR HAITI, a local nonprofit organization that advo cates for women and immigrant rights and promotes culture awareness, will hold its third annual Engage for Change Gala. The event will help the organization maintain its operations in Rhode Island and in Haiti. The organization offers assistance with immigration, women’s program ming and microfinancing.
THE GREATER NEWPORT Chamber of Commerce will hold a discussion titled “The Blue Ecosystem” as networkingNoontime ONE SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER of Commerce, along with Club Madei rense S.S. Sacramento and the 106th annual Feast of the Blessed Sacra ment Committee, will hold a Business During Hours event. The gathering will provide an opportunity for at tendees to network and experience the Portuguese feast over lunch. Guests will receive free vouchers for a sandwich and drink, as well as be offered free wine tasting.
THE CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a Morning Coffee networking session, hosted by Holiday Inn Express Coventry. The event will allow a group of professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs to meet and gather in a relaxed setting to help build business relationships.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3P9vwIN Feeling ‘blue’
FRIDAY, AUG. 5, NOON TO 2 P.M. Free Club Madierense S.S. Sacramento, 50 Madeira Ave., New Bedford.
THURSDAY, AUG. 25, 6-9 P.M. $60 Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. 2022 Accounting TaxAdvisory SPONSOR
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PROMOTING CHANGE: Local nonprofit Hope and Change for Haiti will hold its third annual Engage for Change Gala on Aug. 25 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. COURTESY RHODES ON THE PAWTUXET Interested in having your businessProvidence Brewing Co., 10 Sims Ave., Providence.
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INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3Pc2KHs Creating connectionsnew THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND and Rhode Island Hispanic chambers of commerce are jointly holding EDITOR’S CHOICE Hope and Change for Haiti to hold annual gala Aug. 25
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THURSDAY, AUG. 11, 4-5:30 P.M. $10 Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport.
THE TAUNTON AREA Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Grow with Google” workshop. Bryan Caplan, the event’s speaker, will show attendees how to sell products online. He will walk through listing your products for free with Google My Business and Merchant Center and will show you one way to sell on your website, using an e-commerce store built with Shopify.
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THE SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours networking event, hosted by Shaidzon Beer Co. The event offers local business professionals the opportunity to meet other businesspeople in a relaxed setting. Food from Phil’s Main Street Grille will be provided. Walk-ins will be accepted but preregistration is encouraged.
THE EAST GREENWICH Chamber of Commerce will hold its “Taste of EG Stroll,” the final installment of the Chamber’s Main Street Strolls series. Various restaurants and eateries will offer food samplings all along the street.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3uGhsPl theEnjoyingwater SAIL NEWPORT will hold a four-day summer fundraiser titled “All Decked Out.” Attendees will enjoy live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, complimentary full bar, a view of Newport and the opportunity to support Sail Newport, which offers public sailing. Proceeds raised will support the 2022-23 offering of Sail Newport’s Pell Elementary School fourth grade science and sailing program. THURSDAY, AUG. 18, THROUGH SUNDAY, AUG. 21, 6-9 P.M. $225 Sail Newport Sailing Center, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3ceCCxH Yoga and beer SMUG BREWING CO. will host a “Namaste and Have a Beer” fundraising event. Yoga instructor Kelly West will hold a one-hour yoga class. A post-workout pint of beer will be offered to each attendee. All proceeds raised will support the American Diabetes Association’s New England Tour de Cure.
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part of the Chamber’s “The Blue & You: Understanding Our Blue Economy” summer speaker series. The discussion will focus on the state’s geographical characteristics being a critical component, but the ecosystem, which includes industry, academia and government partners, now has the tools to take advantage of natural resources, build a workforce pipeline and accelerate economic growth. Christian Cowan, chief operating officer for the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, will be the guest speaker.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3yDmA7Z Take a stroll
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17, 5-7 P.M. $5/members; $10/nonmembers Shaidzon Beer Co., 141 Fairgrounds Road, South Kingstown.
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ONE SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER of Commerce will hold an End of Summer Business After Hours Bash, hosted by ServPro of Dartmouth/ New Bedford. The event will offer complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, as well as plenty of time for attendees to network with one another. THURSDAY, AUG. 25, 4:30-7 P.M. Free ServPro of Dartmouth/New Bedford, 1476 Purchase St., New Bedford.
SATURDAY, AUG. 13, 1 P.M. $25 Smug Brewing Co., 100 Carver St., Pawtucket.
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That’s because traffic and parking problems businesses feared have come true, according to Marc Streisand, whose South Main Street boutique Marc Allen Inc. is a block away from the lane. “Every time there’s a delivery truck or someone tries to parallel park, there’s this huge backup of cars,” Streisand said. Cuervo, who helped launch the car-free “Cyclo via Providence” event while working for former Mayor Angel Taveras, bringing the international phenomenon to the city from 2012 to 2014, praises the Great Streets plan as “an ambitious and im portant proposal.” But when it comes to shelling out the money to continue the bike network, the former deputy secretary of state and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is noncommittal.“Budgetsare about priority,” Cuervo said. “I can’t speak to what I am going to allocate money for next year.” He added, “If the money existed for this, it would have been done by now.”
“Our job as elected officials is not to simply follow the political winds,” he said. “We have a responsibility to exercise our judgment, even if it’s not the politically popular thing to do.” But will his successor share that sentiment and his unfinished priorities? Or will the loose ends left by the two-term mayor start to unravel without their top advocate in City Hall? All three mayoral candidates – Democrats Gon zalo Cuervo, Nirva LaFortune and Brett Smiley – say they’re interested in continuing at least some of the projects that could define Elorza’s legacy, such as the Great Streets Initiative and the racial reparations program. But there’s a difference between words and actions, and even the best in tentions can often languish in circular committee discussions and dusty piles of paper. And in a city crippled by pension debt and un nerved by a perceived increase in crime, practical ity may trump ideology when it comes to priori ties, says Wendy Schiller, a political science profes sor at Brown University “The obstacles to com pleting Elorza’s agenda when it comes to any kind of welfare program right now are that the climate in Providence is one that desires safety, stability and economic growth,” Schiller said. “People want to see streets fixed and not worry about getting shot. They’re not thinking about bike lanes.”Others disagree. Liza Burkin, organizer for the Providence Streets Coali tion, says street safety and alternative transporta tion – such as cycling and public transit – are more important than ever, thanks to elevated gas prices and a heightened desire to combat climate change. Meanwhile, $10 million in federal stimulus money earmarked by city leaders for racial reparations ensures that the initiative will outlast Elorza, at least for a few years, says Rodney Davis, chair man of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission.
Cuervo needs to see the price tag before he de cides whether to buy in on continuing reparations.
While bike lanes have garnered the most atten tion, the plan also aims to make roads safer for motorists and pedestrians. These general “traf fic calming” measures are the primary focus for Smiley, a former top aide to former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo.Incontrast to LaFortune’s enthusiastic support for other safety elements of the plan, his stance on the bike lanes is measured. He hasn’t commit ted either way to keeping or removing the lanes already built, saying more information is needed about how many cyclists were using them and how they affected parking and car traffic. “We need more information,” Smiley said. “I don’t want to be arguing over opinions.” Smiley also stresses the need for better commu nication with the residents and businesses whose neighborhoods would be affected by changes, indi rectly alluding to the backlash over lanes such as the one on South Water Street that was opposed by business owners, universities and RIDOT. That opposition has hardened in the nine months since the bike lane was installed, says Sharon Steele, president of the Jewelry District Association.“Somebusinesses there are contemplating whether or not to move,” she said.
PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO ELECTION MAYOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUES ON PAGE 14
Cuervo describes his campaign as one focused on financial growth and economic opportunity for the city’s disappearing middle-class families. That financial lens also shapes his interest in how to continue several of Elorza’s other social programs, chief among them racial reparations.
The commission also plans to ask the city to ‘I don’t expect [the candidates’]mayorialideastobe100%inlinewithmine.’
“Programs cost money,” Cuervo said. “First, we need to go through the process, and work within the parameters of what our resources are.”
BIKE DETOUR? Proponents hope that’s true for the Great Streets Initiative, parts of which have been vocally op posed by some in the business community. While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the work outlined in Elorza’s 100-page master plan, the vision for 78 miles of interconnected “urban trails” regained its momentum with 20 miles of protected bike lanes added in 2021. There’s a goal of finishing another 20 miles by the time Elorza leaves office at the end of 2022.Even though there’s still more than one-third of the entire trail network yet to be built – or, in many cases, designed or funded – Burkin considers the pending completion all but guaranteed. “I don’t see it as a loose end,” she said. To Burkin, the proof lies with the sentiment of voters, a majority of whom backed the plan in a June 2021 poll by national nonprofit People for“PeopleBikes. are going to continue demanding safety on our streets,” she said.The three mayoral can didates who will face off in the primary on Sept. 13 have also expressed sup port for the plan, albeit to varying AstheLaFortunedegrees.isperhapsmostvocalproponent.acyclistandarun
COST SENSITIVE: Mayoral candidate Gonzalo Cuervo says he needs to see the potential costs to city taxpayers before he decides whether to back any recommendations for racial reparations.
PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
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Elorza insists he isn’t worried about leaving his unfinished business in the hands of a new mayor. Most of the projects and programs are far enough along – even if not totally finished – that it’s too late to reverse course, he says. “It would be incredibly difficult to turn back the clock,” he said.
A FUTURE PATH: Brett Smiley, a candidate for mayor, says better communication with residents and businesses about the city’s plans for bike lanes is needed.
ner, the Ward 3 city councilwoman says she has benefited from safer routes to ride her bike to work and City Hall. But LaFortune’s interests go beyond her own or that of the cycling community. “The point of Great Streets is for Providence to be safe, clean, healthy, inclusive and vibrant,” she said.She insists that creating that safe and vibrant city requires a complete network – perhaps even more extensive than what Elorza outlined in his master plan – with LaFortune eyeing additional areas for improvement such as North Main Street.
REPARATIONS Since his racial reparations initiative was un veiled in July 2020, Elorza has kept its description vague. In a recent interview, he said he was glad the community conversation has moved beyond the “simple idea” of direct payments to a “more nuanced and complicated discussion about the dif ferent shapes that reparations can take.” That discussion is playing out now among a 13-member city commission tasked with offering recommendations on how to proceed. Now in the final stages of its work, which will culminate in a report of proposed changes, the focus has expanded beyond one-time payments to systemic changes that address disparities in homeownership, health care and the criminal justice system, Davis said.
“Reparations [are] not just about money,” Davis said. “Money is definitely the fuel for that, but it’s also about the process and the systems in place.”
JORGE O. ProvidenceELORZA,mayor
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 13 Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. Learn more at bankofamerica.com/rhodeisland What would you like the power to do? ® The only way you get to #1 is by putting clients first. World’s Best Bank is a huge honor, but we couldn’t have earned it — or others we’ve received — without our 200,000+ teammates and millions of clients around the globe. Kevin President,TracyBank of America Rhode Island Together, we’re demonstrating that we deliver great results for clients while helping address important priorities for our employees and the Rhode Island community. It’s amazing what we have the power to do when we work together.
The price tag also looks like a potential road block in advancing Elorza’s sweeping vision to transform the Greater Kennedy Plaza area into a downtown centerpiece. The plan so far has only se cured $15 million of an estimated $140 million cost for safer walkways, climate resiliency and interac tive community spaces, according to the city.
Elorza hopes the array of upcoming real estate projects in and around the plaza – filling the iconic “Superman” building, adding a food hall at Union Station and moving the central bus depot out of Kennedy Plaza – could spur a transformation of the city center into a community gathering space. Still, he isn’t banking on the next mayor moving forward the Kennedy Plaza redesign – or any of his projects or programs – in the exact way he would have done it if he had another term.
“I don’t expect their ideas to be 100% in line with mine,” Elorza said. “I am excited to see the different ways new mayors will add their own vi sion.”While new leaders naturally come with their own ideas, Elorza is unique among recent mayors in his focus on the philosophical and ideological in his policymaking, Schiller says. Taveras, who served one term as mayor preced ing Elorza, agrees that Elorza’s approach has been much more abstract than his own, which favored brick-and-mortar projects such as turning the South Street Power Station into a nursing educa tion“Icenter.don’tknow that I really had that philosophi cal approach,” Taveras said. Neither Taveras nor his immediate predecessor, U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline, can measure up to the legend of former Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr., who made a dramatic impact on Providence. Indeed, the longest-serving mayor transformed a derelict downtown into a “renaissance city.” That the road to revival was paved with bribery and a mob-boss mentality only makes Cianci more memorable, Schiller says. Schiller doubts Elorza’s legacy will ever gener ate the same kind of awe, if only because he has not had as strong a “personal presence.” But his influence may nonetheless shape the city’s future for“Peoplegenerations.mayget impatient with him … but if you want to be able to position this city to be com petitive and able to survive, you have to think like the competitors think,” Schiller said. “Elorza was always thinking ahead.” Elorza, though, resists such legacy talk and says he views the practical changes as his biggest achievements: an annual city capital improve ments plan, a 24-hour hotline for city services and a $5 kids summer camp program. But his approach has set the stage for his suc cessor to turn those ideological programs into concrete signs of a transformed city, Schiller says. “This is an opportunity for a new mayor to re ally sell the 21st-century Providence that Elorza always thought it could be,” Schiller said. n
PASSING THE TORCH: Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, who is term-limited, hopes his successor continues the work he started to transform Kennedy Plaza into a com munity gathering place.
BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com issue a formal apology for its role in slavery and discriminatory land redevelopment. Schiller doubts any of the mayoral hopefuls would denounce efforts to combat racial inequity, but she says the open-ended nature of the racial reparations idea gives them free rein to take it in a newAnddirection.withso many financial demands facing the city, direct payments may not be the most politi cally popular option. “Each of them will probably pivot to say, ‘We understand the need for recognition, but let’s channel that money into improving schools and housing in predominantly Black neighborhoods,’ ” Schiller said. To that end, Cuervo suggests financial assis tance to first-time homeowners as one option. LaFortune also called for improvements to the city rules for contracting with minority and women-owned businesses. But like Davis, her focus was on the bigger pic ture. The only Black candidate in the race, LaFor tune highlighted the importance of acknowledging the city’s systems and actions of discrimination before considering how to change them. “If we want to address the root causes of the systemic issues that currently exist in our city, in our state, we need to do a full assessment of what isn’t working now for marginalized communities,” LaFortune said. Smiley says he needs to see the commission’s recommendations before making any definitive statements.“It’sreally important that the community, and not me, or really any of us running for office, pre scribe what the proposed next steps are,” he said. Davis isn’t worried. Using part of Providence’s American Rescue Plan Act allotment, city leaders set aside $10 mil lion for the racial reparations program, although the spending plan doesn’t say what specifically that money will fund. It’s hardly enough money to create the kind of systemic overhaul that Davis and other advocates are hoping for, but the multiyear federal timeline tied to the stimulus aid ensures the conversation isn’t ending when Elorza leaves office, Davis says. “Whether or not the next mayor wants to em brace this as one of their chief goals, this is going to be an issue that’s not going to disappear,” Davis said. NO GUARANTEES A temporary program that gives direct, monthly payments to select low-income city families won’t enjoy that same future financial guarantee.
14 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com ELECTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
IN ANY ELECTION, money talks. But the talking isn’t quite as loud in Provi dence. Rather than money in the bank, it’s doorknocking, pavement-pounding and baby-kissing that can decide the winner on Election Day, says Wendy Schiller, a professor of political science at Brown“RetailUniversity.politicsis essential to winning this primary,” Schiller said. “Every festival, every event, every community meeting is an opportu nity for these candidates.” That’s especially true in the upcoming Demo cratic mayoral primary, where three well-known faces in local politics are vying for the top seat in Providence City Hall: Gonzalo Cuervo, Nirva LaFortune and Brett Smiley. While Schiller is more interested in their grassroots campaign efforts than the cash in their war chests, the reality of elections is that campaigns need money. And who the candidates take contributions from and how they deploy that money can also symbolize their broader campaignSmiley,platforms.atopaide to former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, has raced far ahead of Cuervo and LaFortune when it comes to fundraising. Smiley’s $642,372 campaign balance at the end of the second quarter is nearly triple what Cuervo had on hand as of June 30, and even more than three-fold LaFortune’s balance. Smiley is also the biggest spender, with $277,733 on cam paign expenses as of June 30. But Smiley, who began raising money for his campaign two years ago, came under fire last year for taking $1,000 in donations from people with state contracts while he was still working at the R.I. Department of Administration. Last September, he was fined $4,500 by the R.I. Ethics Commission for those donations, which were returned.
Smiley’s funds include $10,725 from political action committees, as well as an $83,807 personal loan.He declined to comment for this story. Cuervo, the former deputy secretary of state and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Nel lie M. Gorbea, has framed his own campaign as one not “beholden” to big-dollar donors. “Who you take money from is a good deter minator of how you’re going to govern,” Cuervo said. “My base is the people who are working class, business owners, people who love this city.”The $219,367 Cuervo had in his account as of the second-quarter campaign finance report came from individual donations, boosted by $50,000 he loaned his campaign. He spent $139,177 for the Meanwhile,quarter.LaFortune is working with $172,433 as of June 30 – a reflection of the type of individual donors she has attracted so far. For most of them, even small contributions might be a hardship, she says. She spent $64,196 in the second quarter. And she says she cannot afford to loan her campaign money as a single mother of two chil dren and her own student loan debt. LaFortune isn’t worried about her level of resources, saying she is proof that personal wealth isn’t needed to run for office or to get elected. It helps that local races don’t require the kind of costly TV and radio advertising needed to be viable in statewide or national contests, Schiller says. Locally, voters are much more likely to cast their ballot based on who they know already, who they live near or have had the best front-door conversation with, rather than on a splashy ad. A victor will be decided in the primary on Sept. 13. The winner will be the only name to ap pear on the November ballot. n
The $1 million Providence Guaranteed Income Pilot Program reaches the end of its one-year pilot in December.Withoutmore money to continue the initiative, which was initially funded by philanthropy, there appears to be little appetite among the three candi dates to keep it going. “As a concept and a policy, it has merit,” Cuervo said. “But it’s difficult for cities [such as] Provi dence with severe financial challenges to launch a program that’s sustainable in any long-term way.”
PBN FILE PHOTO/PAMELA BHATIA
In campaign, some things are worth more than money
BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com
Building her food company with eye toward greater good (Editor’s note: This is the 24th installment in a monthly series speaking with minority business owners and leaders. Each is asked their views on minority-business conditions in the state and for ways to improve those businesses’ chances for success.)
5 If another minority entrepreneur asked you where they could turn to for support for their business, where would you direct them? I learned early on that your network is your net worth. Get connected. You will need a third party to vouch for you to get your foot in the door or a seat at the table. In our experience, it was our connec tions and network of entrepreneurs that assisted in learning about grant opportunities, events and business incubators that have allowed us to grow and prosper at the rate we have been able to these last few years. n
Sterling Spellman Incred-A-Bowl Food Co. co-ownerThe fact that I have the power … to help someone through their next growth phase is mind-blowing.
2 How dependent is your business on the support of other minority groups? Is that a sus tainable business model? We are a multicultural food company that serves delicious and healthy food with ... [bold] flavors, like our Cuban chili mango bowl, Spicy kimchi noodles, Liberian bowls, and Korean barbecue beef. For our business model to be sustainable and thrive, we need all groups and members of our com munity to support us. I often hear the misconception that Black-owned or minority-owned businesses only serve Black people or other minorities, and that is simply not true. For a majority of Black-owned businesses, that misconception can be detrimental to their growth. The market calls for diverse offerings and solutions, and customers come from diverse backgrounds. There is a need for Black-owned busi nesses to compete in the marketplace.
3 What one thing could Rhode Island do to boost the odds for minority-owned business success? People from historically disenfranchised com munities are oftentimes in survival mode. We often do not know someone who has been successful in business, how the system works or the questions to ask. You don’t know what you don’t know. Here are some things that would be helpful: make minority businesses aware of grant opportunities through a welcome/thank you letter at business formation; provide bank incentives for investing in minority businesses; form mentorship opportunities that support minority-owned businesses’ growth and sustainability.
1 Do you believe racism is keeping minorities from starting businesses in the Ocean State or succeeding when they do? I do believe systemic racism is a significant factor in why Black people do not open or do not thrive in their businesses in this state. When a racist and discriminatory situation occurs, it is often difficult to pinpoint or prove, and that is the danger. Often times, Black people are gaslit when we bring to light situations where we have experienced racism and we know that race was a factor in the outcome. We have been conditioned to not speak up because of the fear of backlash and being accused of playing the “race card.” It has taken years of collecting data to prove that discriminatory practices and systemic racism impacts our level of success. Even answering these questions causes some anxiety around possible backlash for speaking our truth and the experience of many in our commu nity, but I strive to always speak truth to power.
PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
FOR STERLING SPELLMAN, co-owner of Incred-A-Bowl Food Co., growth means not just expanding her business but sharing that success with people who are commonly denied professional opportunities. The food truck company has transformed significantly from its 2013 beginnings as The Salad Man and Juice Bar food truck, with Spell man and her husband, Russell, rebranding the business as Incred-A-Bowl in 2017 and shifting to a menu of multicultural dishes. Two years later, the business added a second food truck. And in the fall, the co-owners plan to open a restaurant at 1075 South Broadway in East Providence, where renovations are underway.
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 15 EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS
“Incred-A-Bowl is a company that celebrates culture through food, so all of our bowls are multicultural,” said Sterling Spellman. “When we open a restaurant, we’re going to expand that menu to different bowls that celebrate cultures from around the world.”
EXPANSION-MINDED: Russell and Sterling Spellman operate Incred-A-Bowl Food Co., a food truck com pany that is preparing to open a restaurant in East Providence in the fall.
4 Have you had to turn somewhere other than a bank for a loan? Do you believe the state’s lending institutions generally treat minorities fairly? After several no’s from our banks, credit unions, state lending agencies, we had to turn to nontradi tional lenders. Nontraditional lending has higher upfront cost and interest in the long run. Sometimes they treat you like you don’t matter, that you are not capable of creating a profitable business, or are very dismissive throughout the vet ting process. It can be very dehumanizing. I feel like they do not consider the full picture and that they may need to shift their practices to accommodate small-business owners with various situations.
Drawing from her background in education, coaching and leadership and her husband’s experience as a chef, the company blends its menu of multicultural dishes with professional development opportunities for employees. Working with organizations such as Amos House, the company, through its Incred-A-Bowl Fresh Start Program, seeks to hire and uplift people often deemed unemployable, including formerly incarcerated people and those with gaps in work histories or skill sets. “If someone made a mistake years ago and they’re trying to get back on their feet but no one gives them an opportunity, how do we expect anything in our community or world to change if we’re not giving people second chances?” Sterling Spellman said. “The fact that I have the power in my hands to help someone through their next growth phase is mind-blowing.”Thebusiness employs five people now, but she says that will expand to around 16 when the restaurant opens later this year. The Spellmans have big plans for the future, which include adding many locations and employing 2,500 people by 2030.
EASY CHARGE: A rendering provided by the R.I. Public Transit Authority shows one of the overhead systems that will enable bus drivers to pull up and charge the bus for five to nine min utes through a con nection on the roof. There will be over head connectors for multiple buses at a $6.7 million charging station to be constructed in COURTESYCranston.R.I.
16 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com FOCUS | CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
$6.7M charging station to boost electric buses due to snags in the supply chain, among other problems. The project is expected to start in August, after Bond finalizes permits with the city of Cranston. Construction is slated to be completed by spring next year. The $6.7 million price tag is being covered by federal aid and part of the state’s share of the 2018 settlement from the Volkswagen AG diesel emis sions scandal. In 2018, Rhode Island received $14.4 million as part of the German carmaker’s settlement with the Environmental Protection Agen cy. The state has allocated the funds toward improving air quality. This included RIPTA’s Zero Emis sions Electric Bus Program, a plan to replace its bus fleet with new, all-elec tric, zero-emission vehicles. RIPTA launched the pilot program by leasing the three electric buses and chargers for $2.5 million in 2019. Raposo Perry says RIPTA is now in the process of purchasing the three buses for $975,000. The construction of the new charging station launches phase two of theTheproject.additional 14 heavy-duty 40foot transit buses are being produced now, says Raposo Perry. Each bus costs a little more than $1 million and funding came from a combination of the Federal Transit Administration aid, Volkswagen settlement funds and RIPTA capital funds. About 40% of the state’s green house gas emissions come from transportation and Rhode Island is racing to meet the requirements set in the state’s 2021 Act on Climate, which calls for the state to achieve net-zero emissions by Electrifying2050.public transit will help curb the emissions, but some argue that this is only one step to improving public transit and reducing green house gas emissions. “We should put this in the broader context of how we look at the entire transportation and transit system,” said John Flaherty, deputy director of Grow Smart Rhode Island. “We still have much work to do.” And much of that work should include addressing how little Rhode Islanders currently rely on public transit and invest in a system that will incentivize them to switch their car for more sustainable alternatives. That is what will make a significant difference when it comes to emissions caused by transportation, Flaherty says.There are many reasons why Rhode Islanders choose to drive their own car instead of taking the bus: lengthy wait times, limited hours, infrequent service and unreliable transportation.ButifRhode Island hopes to meet the target set by the Act on Climate, Flaherty says, it needs to make a fi nancial commitment to implement the entire Transit Forward master plan, created by RIPTA, the R.I. Department of Transportation and the Division of Statewide Planning. “We’ve only got eight years globally to make these important changes to reduce emissions in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change and that clock keeps ticking,” Flaherty said. n electric is about to get a little easier for the R.I. Public Transit Authority
GOING ‘The technology is complex and industry-leading.’
JORDAN BARLETTA, Bond Civil & Utility Construction Inc. project executive
The bus agency is prepar ing to start construction on a $6.7 million, state-of-the-art charging station along the busy R-Line that will allow electric buses to be charged in just minutes. Experts say the new station will be faster and more efficient because it uses an overhead – or pantograph –drop-down system enabling drivers to pull up, charge up and drive off. “The technology is complex and industry-leading,” said Jordan Barlet ta, the project executive for Bond Civil & Utility Construction Inc., a Medford, Mass.-based construction firm hired to build the station in Cranston. Right now, RIPTA operates three electric buses along the popular R-Line from Pawtucket to Cranston through downtown Providence. RIPTA says the route has averaged 6,768 passengers per day so far this year. But the three buses currently use plug-in stations that require an indi vidual to physically connect wires to the buses to recharge slowly overnight. The new technology allows for quicker recharging en route – between five and nine minutes – and no human inter action with charging cords. A fully charged bus can run about 32 miles. The faster speed in charging buses will be needed when RIPTA adds an other 14 electric buses to its fleet by the end of the year to run on the R-Line, which will no longer use diesel buses. “RIPTA’s first fully electric route will lower emissions on this key cor ridor, where many low-income and [Black, Indigenous and people of color] have been affected by air pollution,” said Cristy Raposo Perry, a spokesper son for RIPTA. The new charging station will be located on a 1.5-acre lot at 1533 Broad Street in Cranston and will have four drop-down units that connect to charg ing rails on the roof of the electric buses. The driver can remain inside the bus as the charging takes place. The station, which will be able to charge up to three buses at one time, will also feature driver restrooms, an on-site snow melt system, new park ing, areas for bus turnaround and layover, and other site improvements. “Combined, this offers RIPTA employees and riders with a cleaner, better experience, while electrifying a public bus fleet to lower emissions,” BarlettaWhilesaid.construction was supposed to start earlier this summer, Raposo Perry says the project was postponed
BY CLAUDIA CHIAPPA | Chiappa@PBN.com
SAFE SITES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ‘Designers relationshipunderstandthe andbehaviorbetweenhumanhumanthinking.’ AMY QU, recent Rhode Island School of Design graduate 1-(800)starshep.com854-4625 Offering Business Insurance, Personal Insurance and Benefits Solutions
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | FOCUS CONTINUES ON PAGE 19 Qu, who graduated in May with an industrial design degree, hopes to change that. In the spring, she visited Project Weber/RENEW’s Ken nedy Plaza booth as part of a studio course, Design Beyond Crisis, cen tered around using design principles to develop new ways to combat the opioidWithepidemic.theteststrips, Qu says, the problem is in the design, which does not cater to the average individual. “On the test strips, it literally says ‘for forensic use only,’ ” Qu said. “There were no instructions any where on the packet on how to use them.”Additionally, the strips are flimsy and require different pieces – which aren’t included – to prepare the samples for testing, such as a con tainer to mix part of the drug sample withTowater.demystify this process and actu ally reduce harm, Qu created a rede signed version of the test strips that focuses on a user-friendly, intuitive interface, with features such as printed instruc tions, a visual aid and a physi cally lenceResearchofwithpartnershipdevelopedwhichintoofyou.”theresomeonehowwouldn’tcenters,harm-reductiontributedthe“becauselearn,”canhowdiately[testencountersthattoinproductsturdierthatfitsawallet.“Mygoalismakeitsoanyonewhothiskit]immeknowstouseitorimmediatelyQusaid,withonesdisbytheyouknowtouseitifwasn’ttoteachQuwasoneeightstudentsparticipatethecourse,wasintheCenterBiomedicalExcelat
Rhode Island Hospital Projects ranged from user-friendlyQu’s test strips to proposed layouts and locations for the state’s planned harm-reduction centers and harm-reduction manuals. “The idea of the studio was to reimagine a system of care that’s not based on criminalization and incarceration but is based on a more humanistic perception,” said Justin Cook, executive director of the RISD Center for AlreadyComplexity.atcrisislevels prior to the emergence of COVID-19, opioidrelated deaths have spiked, with confirmed accidental drug overdoses in Rhode Island jumping from 308 in 2019 to 435 in 2021, according to R.I. Department of Health data. With front-line workers inundated, Cook says designers can play a key role in finding innovative methods for harm“Peoplereduction.onthe front lines of these issues don’t have a lot of time to step back and look at the big picture, and that’s the kind of strategic support we provide,” he said. The Design Beyond Crisis studio was launched after Rhode Island became the first state in the U.S. to approve safe-injection sites on a pilot basis. The facilities allow people to use drugs in a supervised setting, with medical help available in case of an Cookoverdose.saw this legislation as “an opportunity on the policy side to do some research,” he said.In areas that have sites,safe-injectionestablishedthefacilities“areputinremotelocations;they’rekindofhidden,they’renotwell-resourced,sotheyendupbeingstigmatizedspaces,”Cooksaid.“Sowethought,let’stakeRISD’sincrediblecreativetalenttothedesignofharm-reductioncenters,”headded.RhodeIsland’spilotprogram,whichlegislatorsapprovedin2021,givesthestateuntilMarch2026toestablishtheharm-reductioncentersandevaluateifthesitesshouldbepermanent.Thehealthdepartmentbeganacceptingapplicationsfor safe-injection sites in mid-February but hasn’t received any, RIDOH spokesperson Joseph Wendelken says. No sites have been designed as of late TheJuly.organizations that eventually receive a license will likely consider different design approaches, Wen delken says.
14 Reservoir Avenue Bridge Replacement Providence Full replacement of bridge that carries Reservoir Avenue over Amtrak freight rail lines $13.8 mil. 2022 2
2 The project's tentative completion date has been delayed. There is no word when it will be completed.
13 Greenville Avenue Bridge Replacement Johnston Full replacement of the Greenville Avenue Bridge, two spans that carry Interstate 295 over Greenville Avenue at the Exit 10 interchange $16.5 mil. 2022
1 Projects are part of the R.I. Department of Transportation's RhodeWorks infrastructure repair initiative.
@NewEnglandMCA
18 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com CLOSER LOOK Total cost for projects listed: billion$1.3 FOCUS | HIGHWAY PROJECTS IN RHODE ISLAND (ranked by project cost) LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information. UPCOMING LISTS Aug. 19: Estate Planners, Rhode Island CIOs, Rhode Island Law Firms, Software CasualtyResources,PreparednessCompanies;DevelopmentSept.2:Disaster&ResponseProperty&Insurers. WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com. FOOTNOTES j Projects are part of the R.I. Department of Transportation’s RhodeWorks infrastructure repair initiative. The project’s tentative completion date has been delayed. There is no word when it will be completed. FOCUS | HIGHWAY PROJECTS IN RHODE ISLAND (ranked by project cost) 2022 rankProject name 1 Project location Project description Project cost dateCompletion 1 Route 6/10 Interchange Reconstruction West of betweenProvidenceinterstates 95, 195 and 295 Reconstruction of entire interchange, including replacing seven bridges, adding new bicycle/ pedestrian paths, a "flyover" ramp and landscaping improvements $410 mil. 2023 2 I-95 Northbound Viaduct Providence Replacement of the structurally deficient northbound section of the Providence Viaduct Bridge $265 mil. 2025 3 Route 146 Reconstruction Project North Smithfield Improvements to the Route 146 corridor, replacing multiple bridges, repaving 8 miles of roadway and correcting numerous safety and congestion problems $150 mil. 2026 4 Newport Pell Bridge Approaches Newport Connection for pedestrians and bicyclists along rail corridor between America's Cup Avenue and Admiral Kalbfus Road, consolidation and removal of existing highway structure, reconnecting JT Connell Highway $85.5 mil. 2024 5 Henderson Bridge No. 600 & Henderson Expressway East Providence RIDOT will demolish it and build a narrower structure with two lanes of travel in the westbound direction and one lane of travel in the eastbound direction $84 mil. 2024 6 Washington Bridget Project East Providence and Providence Addresses structural deficiencies of the westbound portion of the Washington Bridge; includes a new off-ramp $78 mil. 2026 7 I-95 Bridge Project Interstate 95, Providence and Cranston Repairing of four overpasses; repairs include full deck replacements, concrete repairs, steel beam repairs and underside repairs $37.7 mil. 2023 8 Elmwood-Wellington Avenues Bridge Project Cranston/Providence line Replacing bridges carrying Interstate 95 over Elmwood and Wellington avenues; rehabilitation of the ramp bridges carrying traffic from Interstate 95 North to Route 10 North and Route 10 South to I-95 North $37.7 mil. 2023 9 Division Street Bridge Replacement Division Street near Route 4, East Greenwich Full bridge replacement and rehabilitation work $22.9 mil. 2022 10 Kingston Road Bridge Replacement Kingston Road near Interstate 95, Richmond Full bridge replacement and rehabilitation work $21.3 mil. 2022 11 Route 5 Improvements Cranston and Warwick Improvements for corridor between Lambert Lind Highway and Greenwich Avenue; includes replacing Pontiac Bridge over Pawtuxet River $19.9 mil. 2023
15 Park Avenue Bridge Replacement Cranston and Providence Full replacement of bridge that carries Park Avenue over railroad $11.7 mil. 2022
PROMOTING INDUSTRYCONTRACTINGMECHANICALTHEFOROVER YEARS130617.405.4221www.nemca.org PROMOTING INDUSTRYCONTRACTINGMECHANICALTHEFOROVER YEARS130
12 Broad Street Regeneration Central Falls, Cumberland and Pawtucket Paving new road surface, curbs and sidewalks, ADA improvements, new bike lanes, upgraded drainage systems and traffic signals, and a number of other pedestrian and streetscape improvements for safety purposes $18.2 mil. 2022
17 Mount Pleasant Avenue-North Main StreetHartford Avenue Intersection Improvements Providence and Johnston Safety improvements for motorists and pedestrians on a portion of Mount Pleasant Avenue in Providence (from Smith Street to Beaufort Street) and at two intersections: North Main Street and Randall Street/Doyle Avenue in Providence and Hartford Avenue at Bishop Hill Road in Johnston $6.3 mil. 2023
16 Mohegan Bridge Replacement Burrillville Complete replacement of the deficient Mohegan Bridge, which carries Route 102 (Bronco Highway) over the Branch River $10.6 mil. 2023
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank proudly supports road and bridge construction projects through our Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund, which provides our cities and towns with affordable, long-term financing for transportation infrastructure projects.
www.RIIB.org
Safe-injection sites have met opposition in some communities, but Cook and other advo cates point to New York City’s two overdoseprevention centers – opened in December 2021 – as examples of the centers’ ability to saveAccordinglives.
COURTESY RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
“Designers understand the relationship between human behavior and human think ing, and physically-built environments, expe rience and products,” Qu said. “We have the understanding of how to implement design decisions into that changed behavior.” n
EASY TO UNDERSTAND: Amy Qu, a recent Rhode Island School of Design graduate, presents her redesign of the fentanyl test strips as part of the Design Beyond Crisis studio course in May. The redesign is intended to make the strips easier to use for people without training.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 19 FOCUS | CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
to a Journal of the American Medical Association Network report, 613 in dividuals visited the New York City centers almost 6,000 times in their first two months of operation, with trained staff members responding to a possible overdose 125 times. No deaths have occurred.
The Design Beyond Crisis participants and partnering organizations hope that these initial results, combined with designs that emphasize a destigmatized view of substance use disorders, will allow the harm-reduction centers to remain in Rhode Island. The studio concluded at the end of the spring semester in May, but Cook and several students are continuing to advance their ideas from an academic project to a realworldForapplication.Qu,thatmeans seeking collaborators to help get the redesigned test kits into the hands of people who need them, and then moving forward to secure manufacturing contracts.Forthe test strips and in general, Qu believes that designers have a natural role to play in harm-reduction efforts.
20 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com CLOSER LOOK Most rooms:meeting Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Meeting rooms: 30 Largest capacity:seating Dunkin’ Donuts Center Seating capacity: 14,000 banquetMaximumseats: The ConventionR.I. Center Banquet seats: 5,500 FOCUS | MEETING & CONVENTION FACILITIES (ranked by meeting space square feet) LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information. UPCOMING LISTS Aug. 19: Estate Planners, Rhode Island CIOs, Rhode Island Law Firms, Software CasualtyResources,PreparednessCompanies;DevelopmentSept.2:Disaster&ResponseProperty&Insurers. WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com. NL = Not listed last year. FOOTNOTE j Bally’s Corp. on June 28 agreed to sell the properties and buildings of its two Rhode Island casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton to Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc. for $1 billion. The sale is subject to state approval. FOCUS | MEETING & CONVENTION FACILITIES (ranked by meeting space square feet) 2022 rank Company | Owner/managerWebsite PhoneAddress Meeting space (sq. Meetingft.) rooms Largest Max.capacityseatingbanquetseats 1 2021: 1 The R.I. Convention Center |riconvention.com DanielP.McConaghy, executive director, R.I. Convention Center Authority; LarryLepore, general manager 1 Sabin (401)458-6000Providence,R.I.02903St. 137,000 23 5,5009,500 2 2021: 2 Dunkin' Donuts Center |dunkindonutscenter.com DanielP.McConaghy, executive director, R.I. Convention Center Authority; LarryLepore, general manager 1 LaSalle (401)331-0700Providence,R.I.02903Square 50,500 4 1,20014,000 3 2021: 3 Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick |ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/ LynneOscarsonwarwick/wrwri/hoteldetail 801 Greenwich (401)732-6000Warwick,R.I.02886Ave. 45,400 26 700900 4 2021: 4 Dave & Buster's |daveandbusters.com RobertAllard, general manager 40 Providence (401)270-4555Providence,R.I.02903Place 42,000 2 2501,200 5 2021: 5 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood |marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosof-fourArunSharma,points-norwoodgeneral manager 1125 Boston Providence Turnpike (781)769-7900Norwood,Mass.02062 40,000 30 5501,000 6 2021: 6 The WaterFire Arts Center / WaterFire Providence |waterfire.org/wfac PeterA.Mello, co-CEO and managing director;BarnabyEvans, executive artistic director 475 Valley (401)273-1155Providence,R.I.02908St. 37,000 4 7001,000 7 2021: 7 Bally'sCorp. 1 SoohyungKim,|ballys.comchairman.;LeeD.Fenton, CEO;MarcA.Crisafulli, executive vice president 100 Westminster (401)723-3200Providence,R.I.02903St. 36,000 11 1,4002,850 8 2021: 8 Hope Artiste Village |hopeartistevillage.com JacquelineDuBose, property manager 999 Main (401)312-3850Pawtucket,R.I.02860St. 35,000 5 245245 9 2021: 9 Westerly Education Center |westerlyedcenter.org AmyGrzybowski, executive director 23 Friendship (401)584-4931Westerly,R.I.02891St. 34,500 17 NA100 10 2021: 10 Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina |gurneysresorts.com/newport DavidSmiley 1 Goat (401)849-2600Newport,R.I.02840Island 28,000 19 6001,000 10 2021: 10 Rhodes on the Pawtuxet |rhodesonthepawtuxet.com HillaryWilliamson, general manager 60 Rhodes (401)785-4333Cranston,R.I.02905Place 28,000 3 1,2001,200 12 2021: 12 Newport Marriott |newportmarriott.com WalterAndrews 25 America's Cup (401)849-1000Newport,R.I.02840Ave. 24,284 16 6001,100 13 2021: 13 Omni Providence Hotel |omnihotels.com/hotels/providence KevinHurley 1 West Exchange (401)598-8000Providence,R.I.02903St. 22,877 19 660850 14 2021: 15 enVision Hotel & Conference Center Mansfield-Foxboro | RichardWalker,envisionhotels.comgeneral manager 31 Hampshire (508)339-2200Mansfield,Mass.02048St. 20,000 16 7001,200 15 2021: 16 Graduate Providence |graduatehotels.com/providence ScottWilliams 11 Dorrance (401)421-0700Providence,R.I.02903St. 19,000 14 350400 16 2021: 17 The Preservation Society of Newport County |newportmansions.org TrudyCoxe, CEO and executive director 424 Bellevue (401)847-1000Newport,R.I.02840Ave. 18,223 12 350400 17 2021: 18 White's of Westport |lafrancehospitality.com CharlesF.Fellows, general manager 66 State (508)675-7185Westport,Mass.02790Road 17,700 6 1,6002,500 18 2021: 19 The Ryan Center |theryancenter.com LeahBecki, general manager 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza South (401)788-3200Kingstown,R.I.02881 16,600 10 2,4007,800 19 2021: 20 Hotel Viking MeghanWalsh,|hotelviking.comgeneralmanager 1 Bellevue (401)847-3300Newport,R.I.02840Ave. 14,500 11 400400 20 2021: 21 Ramada by Wyndham Seekonk-Providence Area | NancyMarocco,wyndhamhotels.com/ramadasalesdirector 213 Taunton (508)336-8700Seekonk,Mass.02771Ave. 14,025 8 520800 21 2021: 22 BankNewport City Center |theprovidencerink.com BrantGawrys, manager 2 Kennedy (401)680-7390Providence,R.I.02903Plaza 14,000 0 2,5002,500 22 2021: 23 BelleMer TraceyBecker,|longwoodvenues.compresidentandmanaging partner 2 Goat (617)854-5000Newport,R.I.02840Island 13,769 3 450600 23 2021: 24 Providence Marriott Downtown |marriott.com/pvdri FaroukRajab 1 Orms (401)272-2400Providence,R.I.02904St. 11,351 13 450650 24 2021: NL Newport Beach House |longwoodvenues.com TraceyBecker, director of sales 55 Purgatory (617)854-5000Middletown,R.I.02842Road 11,105 3 400500 25 2021: NL Kirkbrae Country Club |kirkbrae.com MikeBradshaw, chief operating officer 197 Old River (401)333-1300Lincoln,R.I.02865Road 10,382 5 420420 1 Bally’s Corp. on June 28 agreed to sell the properties and buildings of its two Rhode Island casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton to Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc. for $1 billion. The sale is subject to state approval.
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 21 The 70-room French chateau mansion sits on 75 rolling acres with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay, providing a perfect venue for business conferences and meetings & social events of any size. Our chef will customize menus to fit your needs and budget. Aldrich Mansion also provides WiFi and is just 15 minutes from major transportation hub (airport & train). For information, call: 401.739.6850 x102 Email: tmaggiacomo@aldrichmansion.com | 836 Warwick Neck Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 Beautiful Distinctive, andMemorable,perfectfor businessKeepmeetings.usinmind for your upcoming events.
22 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com CLOSER LOOK Total number of FTE employees: 1,196 LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information. UPCOMING LISTS Aug. 19: Estate Planners, Rhode Island CIOs, Rhode Island Law Firms, Software CasualtyResources,PreparednessCompanies;DevelopmentSept.2:Disaster&ResponseProperty&Insurers. WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com. NL = Not listed last year. FOOTNOTE j B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner; BR = Brunch; HD = Hors d’oeuvres FOCUS | CATERING COMPANIES (ranked by number of full-time employees)FOCUS | CATERING COMPANIES (ranked by number of full-time employees) 2022 rank Company | Website Owner(s) PhoneAddress No. of local FTE Priceemployeesrange per person Meals served 1 Specialties 1 2021: 6 Lafrance Hospitality |lafrancehospitality.com RichardLafrance 41 Old Bedford (508)678-7888Westport,Mass.02790Road 578 $6 to$89 Custom catering operation; special events 2 2021: 1 Russell Morin Catering & Events |morins.com RussellMorin Jr., CEO 95 Frank Mossberg (508)226-6600Attleboro,Mass.02703Drive 350 $200 to$300 B; BR; D; HD; L Cocktail events, corporate events, fundraisers, picnics, station and plated dinners, weddings 3 2021: 2 Pranzi Catering and EventsInc. |pranzi.com LisaMattiello, co-owner and president;NickMattiello, co-owner and general manager 10 Rosario (401)383-3631Providence,R.I.02909Drive 125 $10 to$200 B; BR; D; CorporateLfunctions, event planning, party rentals, tent, weddings 4 2021: 5 The Catering Gourmet DaveGoulart,MistyScottandJoshuaWilley,|thecateringgourmet.netowners 333 Strawberry Field Road (401)773-7925Warwick,R.I.02886 40 $10 to$150 B; BR; D; HD; L Corporate catering, school functions, social events, weddings 5 2021: NL Glorious Affairs Catering |gloriousaffairs.net BarbaraBehan Howlett 926 Aquidneck (401)842-0404Middletown,R.I.02842Ave. 25 $75 to$145 B; BR; D; HD; L Bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, fundraisers, galas, special events, weddings 6 2021: 7 Blackstone Caterers |blackstonecaterers.com Karen R.Tungett, owner and general manager 224 John Clarke (401)848-2030Middletown,R.I.02842Road 22 $100 to$200 Bar/batB mitzvahs, corporate events, galas, social events, weddings, yachting events 7 2021: 9 Christian's Catering operations;CharlieFellows,R.ChristianLafrance,lafrancehospitality.com/christians-catering|vicepresident,restaurantgeneralmanager 66 State (508)675-7185Westport,Mass.02790Road 20 $6 to$89 B; BR; D; HD; L Custom catering for any function, specializing in corporate events, weddings 7 2021: 8 Easy EntertainingInc. |easyentertainingri.com KaitlynRoberts, proprietor 166 Valley St., Building 10 (401)437-6090Providence,R.I.02909 20 $35 to$130 B; HD; LocallyLsourced and seasonally inspired cuisine 9 2021: 10 Ocean State SandwichCo. |sandwichri.com EricHandwerger 155 Westminster (401)521-6772Providence,R.I.02903St. 5 $9 to$20 B; LuncheonL meetings 9 2021: NL D&D CaterersInc. DrewSylviaandDaveSylvia,|danddcaterers.comowners 297 Ashley Blvd. New (508)997-8229Bedford,Mass.02746 5 $15 to$90 B; BR; D; HD; L Cookouts, corporate events, galas, social events, parties, weddings 11 2021: 13 WBG Fine Catering & Event Design | K.C.Bishopwbgfinecatering.com 889 Boston Neck (401)789-9229Narragansett,R.I.02882Road 2 NA B; D; HD; L Social and corporate events, weddings 11 2021: 13 Laurel Lane Country Club | JoeVidetta,laurellanecountryclub.comowner 309 Laurel Lane South (401)783-3844Kingstown,R.I.02892 2 $5 and above B; BR; D; HD; L Golf outings, weddings, receptions, special events, graduation celebrations, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, confirmations, award ceremonies 11 2021: 13 Silver Spoon Bakery |silverspoonbakery.com MichaelTedesco 58 Main St. East (401)384-0078Greenwich,R.I.02818 2 NA Made-to-order cakes and desserts gluten free, sugar free and vegan 1 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner; BR = Brunch; HD = Hors d'oeuvres
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 23 TOBY AYERS Rhode Island for Community Justice executive director STUART BENTON Bradford Soap Works Inc. CEO and president DAVID CURRIE Province Mortgage Associates Inc. president KAREN G. DelPONTE Cameron & Mittleman LLP partner DANIEL DiMASE Aerocyonics Inc. CEO and president JAMES DONAHUE Old Sturbridge Village/ Coggeshall Farm Museum CEO and president THOMAS EAGAN Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP director of finance and administration ELIZABETH ECKEL The Washington Trust Co. SVP, chief marketing and communications officer RENEE EVANGELISTA Day Pitney LLP managing partner LORI GIUTTARI Visual Thrive LLC chief marketing officer MARY JO “MJ” KAPLAN Kaplan Consulting LLC founder and CEO DR. MARTHA MAINIERO Rhode Island Medical Imaging Inc. PETER MARINO Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island CEO and president BRUCE PARKES International Game Technology PLC systems engineer CRAIG SCULOS Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort and Bally’s Tiverton Casino Hotel SVP | RI regulatory and general manager KRISTEN SLOAN MACCINI Key Mediation LLC co-founder WENDY TAYLOR West Place Animal Sanctuary founder and executive director MICHELLE WILCOX Crossroads Rhode Island president JODIE WOODRUFF Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Education director of innovation JAMIE WORRELL Strategic Retirement Partners LLC co-founder and managing director STEPHEN ZUBIAGO Nixon Peabody LLP CEO and managing partner CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERSCELEBRATE WITH US August 18 | Aldrich 5:30–8:00pmMansion Register at PBN.com REGISTER TODAY Access the application by hovering over the QR code with your phone camera or visit PBN.com/eventsForsponsorshipandadvertising opportunities, contact Advertising@PBN.com | 401-680-4800 our partner sponsors
Honoree Gregory Garvin, Gilbane (second from right), with family and colleagues.
24 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com
Tolulope Fayanjuola, Electric Boat. Sunny Sampson, Centreville Bank, accepts her award.
JF Moran team with honoree Ashleigh Crowe, fourth from right.
Honoree Daniel Roxbury, URI, with Abby Windley.
Christopher Wildenhain, Partridge Snow & Hahn, accepts his award from John Silva, Bristol County Savings Bank.
#PBN40Uforty
Bay Coast honoree Claudia Rocha (middle).
Michele Roberts and BristolCounty honoree Timothy Chaves.
Honoree Alexandre McGovern-Siembab, CVS Health (middle with white dress) with friends and colleagues.
Honorees James Rajotte, Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Holly Ferrara, Greenwood Credit Union, Julie Moura, Hasbro, and her husband Jason. Zachary Nieder, RI Foundation.
Presenting Sponsor
Honoree Mildred McNeill, Brown University, with her mother Mildred.
Honoree Justin Deveau, top left, with Shawmut colleagues.
Timezone team accepts the award forhonoree Pieter Martens.
Chris Burch, Jade Manufacturing, with wife Olivia. Nicole Martucci, Duffy and Sweeney, accepts her award.
Thank you to all who celebrated with us.
Honorees Kristin McCabe, Care New England, and Sherri Sprague, Kent Hospital.
Honoree Patricia Conn Ryan,Johnson & Wales, with husbandKevin. Nicole Verdi, Orsted (second from left), with her team.
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 25
Krystle Tadesse, Locke Lordaccepts her award.
Lifespan team with honoree Theresa Jenner.
Gift Sponsor Jean-Paul Vandeputte (middle), Rise Engineering,celebrates with his team.
Michael Menard, Blue Cross Blue Shield, accepts his award.
What does being awarded the key to Newport mean to you? Being awarded the key is a very meaningful honor. Kickball league leaders approached the city to share the work and news of our 20th season of RI Kickball and that led to the key to the city award. To think that they went through that effort for me is very memorable and it is something I will remember for ever. I am also very proud of the work I have done to build this community and create new lifelong friendships. What was the impetus in starting RI Kickball? I started RI Kickball back in 2011 as a way to bring different groups of young people together in the area, and to make new friends. At the time, there were a lot of people in different groups based on interests in the area; kickball brought everyone together and we are still going strong 11 years later. RI Kickball has yielded marriages, births, part nerships and lifelong friendships for many of our league players, and I am very proud to have had a small impact on their lives. How many people participate in RI Kickball on a regular basis? RI Kickball plays in Newport in the spring and fall. The idea is kickball is a shoulder season sport to fill a void in folks’ calendars. We currently oper ate with 12 teams, with a range of 18 to 24 people on each team, resulting in about 216 to 288 people per season. We do currently have an opening for one new team for the fall season, which starts at the end of August.
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What other community initiatives do you hope to work on in the Newport area? Over the years, RI Kickball has been involved in the community by donating excess funds to the Newport parks and recreation office to be used for sports registration fees for children in need of financial assistance. Personally, I have been an advocate for the enforcement of illegal short-term rentals in residential zones. My neighborhood was impacted by an illegal rental a few years ago and I was proud to advocate for our neighborhood that resulted in that property being sold and is now occupied by a full-time resident. I am also interested in getting in volved in helping to improve our traffic issues and to help create a community of residents in Newport. n CONTENT | MANUFACTURING
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LINDSEY TUROWSKI, director of integrated marketing strategy and brand deployment within Salve Regina University’s Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, was recently awarded the key to the city of Newport for her efforts in community building. Turowski was recognized for her leadership with local nonprofit RI Kickball, a sports league that creates social and athletic connec tions for residents on Aquidneck Island, which consists of Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport.
Mark Turano has promotedbeen to the position of Division.PolyesterLumirrorSalesDirectorSeniorofofToray’s®FilmHewill oversee sales, contribute to long-term planning, and coordinate scheduling and logistics. Turano most recently served Toray as the Division’s Director of Sales. He joined the company in 2016. “Mark possesses tremendous knowledge of the PET film industry, markets, film manufacturing, and converting, has been instrumental in the Division’s growth during challenging times, and is a thoughtful, respected leader. We’re grateful for his service and wish him continued success,” says Matt Brown, General Manager of the Lumirror Division.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
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Turowski receives key to Newport
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26 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com IT’S PERSONAL
Announce new hires, promotions and special accomplishments to the Rhode Island business community with PBN’s People on the Move.
IT’S PERSONAL Listen up
Your
Mackay’s Moral: If you want people to listen to you, you must listen to them. n Harvey Mackay is the author of the body communicates do.
as much as your words
LISTENING IS IN DANGER of becom ing a lost art. This old anonymous piece, slightly abridged, just about sums it “Whenup:I ask you to listen to me and you start giving advice, you have not done what I asked. “When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way, you are trampling on my“Whenfeelings.Iask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problems, you have failed me, strange as that may seem. “All I ask is that you listen.” Listening is just as important to business. When Charles Wang’s fam ily arrived in America, they had only two suitcases. Wang, who became a multibillionaire before he died in 2018, said his company, Computer Associates International Inc. – now known as CA Technologies – grew be cause it listened to its clients. While most computer companies sell people what they need, Wang decided to ask customers what they wanted. Sam Walton, founder of Walmart Inc., said: “The key to success is to get out into the store and listen to what the associates have to say. It’s terribly important for everyone to get involved. Our best ideas come from clerks and stockboys.” Walton once took his corporate plane to Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and told the pilot to pick him up 100 miles or so down the road. He jumped in a Walmart truck and rode the rest of the way to “chat with the driver.” I suspect he let the driver do most of theNormantalking. Brinker, the former chair man of the restaurant chain Chili’s Bar & Grill, said responsive commu nication is the key to good relations with both employees and sharehold ers. It pays huge dividends. Almost 80% of the Chili’s menu came from suggestions made by unit managers. Too many salespeople talk when they should listen. Ben Feldman was the first salesperson to crack the $25 million mark in a calendar year. And then he doubled that figure. He was the insurance company New York Life’s leading sales rep for more than two decades, and he did this in the small town of East Liverpool, Ohio. When asked his secret, he said: 1. Work hard. 2. Think big. 3. Listen very well. The Healthline website shares these tips for learning active listen ing: Give people your full attention. Concentrate on their words to the exclusion of everything else. Don’t plan your response while they’re still speaking, and don’t use a pause to steer the conversation around to another topic. Use positive body language. Your body communicates just as much as your words do, if not more. Make sure you’re fully facing the other person. Relax your body but lean in slightly to show interest in what they’re say ing. Make eye contact. Nod to show you’re listening and that you under stand. Don’t interrupt. You may be tempt ed to jump in with an idea or solution. Restrain the impulse. Instead, wait to start talking before asking questions or offering your point of view. President Franklin D. Roosevelt often endured long receiving lines at the White House. According to an old story, he complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” The guests responded with phrases such as, “Marvelous! Keep up the good work. We are proud of you. God bless you, sir.” Only one person noticed, in some versions an ambas sador, in some a banker. Nonplussed, this person leaned over and whis pered, “I’m sure she had it coming.”
MACKAY’S MORAL | HARVEY MACKAY Winners announced August 12 THANK YOU to all who applied. & AWARDS FASTEST GROWING 2022 FOCUS LAW 2022 400 Westminster Street, Suite 600 Providence, RIPBN.com02903 Providence Business News provides comprehensive reports on the legal profession and laws affecting businesses. Advertise in these thoughtful, informative focus sections and remind our readers of your law practice expertise and update the community on news at your firm. PRINT August 19, 2022 Top Lists: Law Firms; Estate Planners October 14, 2022 Top List: Top Private Companies Contact Linda Foster at 401.680.4812 or email Foster@PBN.com for details.
Kermit Lynch Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais, France. Beaujolais is the region in France that gives us red wines that are made from the grape gamay noir. This is one of the classic and best wines with a chill on it. Domaine Dupeuble’s Beaujolais is made from a method called carbonic maceration. The grape clusters are placed whole and intact into the tanks to ferment. This is different from the regular method in which the grapes are crushed with the wine. The resulting wine is one of great vibrancy and acidity with notes of fresh bing cherry, cran berry and raspberry. It pairs with tomato salads with feta cheese, grilled shrimp and ceviche. Less than $25. Rota Lambrusco, Italy. Lambrusco is one of the oldest styles of wines from Italy’s Emilia Romagna and Lombardy. Lambrusco is both the name of the grapes (there are many) and the name of the wine itself. Slightly effervescent, lambrusco is a lower alcohol wine. The Rota family has been making lam brusco for more than 100 years and has committed to organic farming and winemaking. This style is made from the lambrusco salamino and lambrusco grasparossa grapes. The result is light, vivacious with black cherry, plum and strawberry notes. The effervescence tickles the nose upon the first sip. This is a great partner for cheese and meat boards and grilled turkey burgers. Less than $20. n Jessica Granatiero is the founder of The Savory Grape, a wine, beer and spirits shop in East Greenwich. She can be reached through her website, www.jessicagranatiero.com.
Nonprofits on both sides ... have reaped windfalls.
I JUST RETURNED FROM NARBONNE, in the south of France along the Mediterranean. While there, I encountered 100-degree weather, a natural part ner for light and refreshing chilled white and rosé wines. Since I’m in the wine business, the trip was naturally centered around the enjoyment of pairing wines with local cuisine. However, we were sipping chilled red wines perfectly paired with the cuisine. I personally love to drink my red wines on the cooler side, and even more so in the summer. Does that mean that all red wines should be chilled? Well, they should be served on the cooler side in general, never warm. But reds best served chilled are those with lower tannins, natural components in wine that also give you that gripping, drying sensation in the mouth. Lighter-style red wines with low tannins – pinot noir, grenache, gamay noir, barbera lambr usco – are best served chilled and can be enjoyed cool all year, not just during summer. Here are some of my chillable red picks that are available locally. Gérard Bertrand Corbieres, France. Corbieres is the region in southern France from which this wine comes. Like most European wines, the wine’s label shows the name of the region, not the actual grapes inside. The grapes grown in Corbieres are mostly grenache, syrah and another lesser-known grape, mourvèdre. The wine displays a silky mouthfeel with black cherry and plum notes. It pairs well with burgers topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese. Less than $25. Tre Monti Barbera Frizzante, Emilia Romagna, Italy. Barbera is a grape that produces a red wine JUST CHILLING: Four red wines that can be served on the cooler side. COURTESY JESSICA NORRIS GRANATIERO lower in tannins. Tre Monti’s is lightly sparkling, also known as frizzante in Italy. You will get beauti ful cherry and raspberry frothiness upon the first sip like you are enjoying a rich bowlful of candied cherries. It has a fruity mouthfeel that makes it a great partner for dried or cured meats or fresh sum mer strawberries with homemade whipped cream. Tre Monti’s owner, Vittorio Navacchia, visits Rhode Island regularly, making the wine even more special. Less than $20.
WHEN ANGER OVER EVERYTHING from the killing of unarmed people of color to new restrictions on access to abortion bubbles over, many Ameri cans act on it. One avenue for someone who has gotten fed up with current events is to take part in protests, such as march ing for gun reform in response to mass shootings. Another is by what nonprofit and philanthropy scholars like to call “rage giving” – charitable donations motivated by strong emo tions and dissatisfaction with the politicalPeopleclimate.oftendonate to nonprofits following breaking news about events they consider to be tragic or unjust. By donating, people may feel they are addressing the wrong they want to see righted, or they can express a strong politically driven view or value. When news coverage grows and collective anger culminates in highprofile marches, rage givers can experience an emotional release by channeling their feelings into some thing they consider positive. Quick bursts of anger sometimes called “fury triggers” usually drive theseWegifts.have found that waves of rage giving are often sparked by divisive political moments. These unexpected spikes in donations are typically fu eled by extensive media coverage. For example, after the mass shoot ings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, N.Y., donations to groups that support gun violence victims in both commu nitiesAnd,surged.shortly after the leak of the Supreme Court’s draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in May, NARAL Pro-Choice America, an organization that advocates for access to abortion, saw a 1,400% increase in donations within 24 hours. Rage giving isn’t limited to guns or abortion. Nor is it new. But there are many signs that the phenomenon grew ahead of, during and after the heated 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Many people who were concerned about immigra tion, civil rights and sexual assault and harassment sought out opportuni ties to give to nonprofits and political action committees as quick and easy ways to express their outrage.
‘Rage
GUEST
28 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com IT’S PERSONAL
The ease and growth of online giv ing, up 42% in the three years ending in 2021, makes it simpler for rage giv ers to express their outrage. Rage giving is, to be sure, partisan in that anger and outrage can provoke political mobilization, action and higher voter turnout. But nonprofits on both sides of the political and cultural divide have reaped windfalls from rage giving. Giving to pro-gun organizations such as the National Rifle Association, for example, can surge when gun control measures are in the news. In 2017, we commissioned a survey that identified 520 people who said they had donated to a nonprofit of their choice after feeling unbridled an ger during the 2016 presidential elec tion. Based on that data, we estimated that about 58% of these rage givers were women and 80% were white. About 44% said they were Demo crats, roughly 35% said they were Republicans and the remaining 21% identified as independent voters. Because the shares of Americans who lean toward one major political party or the other is more evenly matched, we found that, at that moment in time, Democrats were more likely to donate this way than more-conservative Americans.Wealsofound the surveyed rage donors were likely to be civically engaged – through behaviors such as volunteering, voting, contacting elected officials and participating in marches and protests. Rage giving, as a form of collective action, aligns with other helping behaviors by giving a voice to the underserved and unheard. More research is needed to get a clearer picture of why certain people do this. But based on what we’ve learned so far, we believe that people who engage in rage giving see philanthropy as a type of civic engagement and that their gift makes a difference. n Jennifer Taylor is an associate profes sor of political science at James Madi son University. Katrina Miller-Stevens is an associate professor of manage ment at Colorado College. Distributed by The Associated Press. giving’ is growing COLUMN | JENNIFER TAYLOR AND KATRINA MILLER-STEVENS
Reds made for chilling TO SAVOR | JESSICA NORRIS GRANATIERO
EDITORIALSAfailure to communicate on city’s e-bike expansion
EXPANDING: Prov idence is set to double the number of rentable electric bicycles and scoot ers in the city to more than 2,000 by MICHAELPBNSeptember.FILEPHOTO/SALERNO POLL CENTRAL All dressed up
• Deny it and require the utility to find cost savings to help lessen the increase
New England Tech plans to create an East Coast center for video game design and development. The idea came from a discussion the school hosted with more than 50 industry, education and business-community leaders. The school envisions the center as both a training ground for emerging talent and a catalyst for innovation in game design and development not just for entertain ment but also uses in health care, defense, manufacturing and other industries. New England Tech will cover the development costs, which will include renovating space on campus in East Greenwich. Student training is expected to begin next summer.Rhode Island is, of course, intimately familiar with the high failure rate of video game companies. But it’s longpast time for the state to move past the 38 Studios debacle. New England Tech deserves credit for both recogniz ing that and doing something about it. n
The term-limited mayor may no longer be concerned about critics in his final months of office. But failing to communicate with them or others about the expansion – or offer data in support of it – does little to build confidence in either the program or those managing it. n
Expect to see more electric bikes and scooters on Providence’s streets and sidewalks in the coming weeks – a lot more. Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s office recently announced an expansion of the program that will more than double the current 1,000 e-bikes and scooters. While Providence is certainly big enough to accommodate such an expansion, the program’s past history is enough to give local business owners pause. So is selective communication about the program from the mayor’s office. Poor oversight doomed the first iteration of the program soon after it was launched in 2018. E-bikes and scooters were routinely left strewn throughout the city and especially downtown. They showed up again in limited numbers in late 2019. While the pandemic temporarily curbed their availability and use, e-bikes returned in 2021 and the city now has contracts with three companies. Elorza spokesman Andrew Grande told PBN the companies will be responsible for ensuring the bikes don’t stay wherever users drop them. But when PBN asked multiple times for information on how the program has been managed since its relaunch, the mayor’s office did not respond. And while the program certainly has its advocates, some business leaders are upset it is being expanded without neighborhood input.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, did your company require some form of dress code for virtual company meetings? Do you feel that employees sometimes break the dress code? Business casual: 100% Yes: 50% Yes: 50% Yes: 63%
THIS WEEK’S POLL: How should the state respond to Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise winter electric rates by $50 per month?
N.E. Tech sees future of video games
EXECUTIVE POLL Is inflation affecting your vacation plans this year? JULY 22-28
What is the dress code for your office? Does your office have “Casual Fridays?”
• Approve it, so the utility can properly prepare to meet demand
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 29 OPINION
• I’m not sure To vote, go to PBN.com and follow the link on the home page
PBN.COM POLL Casual: 0% No: 50% No: 50% No: 38% Business professional: 0% The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. Yes, we’re staying local this year 45% Yes, we’re planning or have taken shorter, cheaper trips 45% No, we budgeted ahead to include rising costs 5% No, we need to get away from all the bad news 5% I’m not sure yet 0%
Kudos to the New England Institute of Technology for not only coming up with a big idea on how to tap a $300 billion global industry but also looking to lead the way.
• Step in and provide ratepayers with credits to help cover some of the rising costs
RINGSMUTHEVE GUEST
While this law applies to Supreme Court justices, it does not cover other areas, such as political activity, that are part of the code of conduct for lower court judges. It is also difficult to enforce this law with Supreme Court justices since there is no higher judicial body that can review the justices’ actions. Congress could pursue impeachment of a justice for violating this law. But, as is the case for other government officials, if the House votes to impeach a justice, removal from office still requires a two-thirds Senate vote – a very tall order. The U.S. Supreme Court was designed to operate differently from the legislative and the executive branches. Presidents appoint Supreme Court jus tices to lifetime positions, making it possible for them to make decisions independent of politics and the pressure of elections – even if those decisions are unpopular. The U.S. Constitution’s writers developed some important constraints on the court that were intended to balance out this lack of public accountability. The country’s founders noted that the judiciary must rely on Congress for funding and lacks an army or other mechanisms for directly enforcing its decisions. Some scholars argue that because of this, the court strives not to stray too far from public opinion because doing so could damage people’s respect for the court – and its Severalauthority.polls show that public support for the Supreme Court has been declining to historic lows. There is a growing perception that partisan politics – rather than neutral legal analysis – is driving the court. Scholars have shown that the Supreme Court has a substantial “reservoir of good will” that has insulated the court from the long-term effects of past controversial deci sions, such as Bush v. Gore in 2000, when the court ruled in President George W. Bush’s favor regarding an election recount dispute.
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James T. Brett is the CEO and president of The New England Council, a regional alliance of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and health and educational institutions supporting economic growth and quality of life in New England.
After nearly two years and multiple itera tions, Congress recently passed a sweep ing piece of bipartisan legislation aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor manufac turing, as well as making key investments in research and development. The New England Council was proud to support the CHIPS and Science Act and we believe that its passage is a huge win for the New England innovation economy.Firstand foremost, this new law makes over $50 billion in investments to bolster the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing industry. Over the past several years, our nation has experienced a critical shortage of semicon ductor chips. The shortage is the result of a perfect storm of circumstances, including a variety of supply chain constraints combined with an increased demand for electronics to support remote work and schooling amid the pandemic. Semiconductors enable the key technologies driving the future economy and our national security, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud ser vices, and more. The New England region is home to numerous semiconductor manufac turers – including industry leaders such as Analog Devices Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. – as well as a wide array of technology businesses that rely on semiconductors to support continued innovation and growth. So the impact of this shortage on our region has been significant. At the same time, the percentage of mod ern semiconductor manufacturing capacity located in the U.S. has declined significantly from 37% in 1990 to just 12% today, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. This is due in large part to the fact that other countries such as China, India and South Korea have invested in chip manufacturing incentives, while the U.S. has not. Federal in vestment in chip research has also remained stagnant in the U.S. while other nations have ramped it up. The CHIPS and Science Act will make significant strides to address the shortage and increase domestic capacity by providing $52 billion in subsidies for U.S. semiconduc tor production, as well as an investment tax credit for chip plants estimated to be worth $24 billion. The new law also authorizes more than $170 billion over five years to boost U.S. scientific research to better compete with China.Beyond this vital support for the semicon ductor industry, the act also makes several other important investments that will sup port continued growth in the New England innovation economy. It authorizes $81 billion in funding over five years for the National Science Foundation to support science, tech nology, engineering and mathematics educa tion, establish regional technology hubs and support a new technology directorate that aims to turn basic research breakthroughs into real-world applications. New England is, of course, home to some of the world’s lead ing research institutions and received nearly $800 million in NSF funds in 2021, including over $60 million in Rhode Island alone. Our region will undoubtedly benefit from this ad ditional infusion of NSF funding. In addition to this critical funding for the NSF, the measure also provides research funding for the U.S. Department of Com merce, the Department of Energy, NASA, and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology to increase investments in research and development.
JAMES T. BRETT GUEST COLUMN
The high court’s shrinking goodwill COLUMN Recent evidence showing that Virginia Thomas, wife of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, sent at least 29 text messages to former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows urging him to help overturn the 2020 election has reignited a long-simmering debate about judicial ethics and the nation’s highest court. Fair and impartial judges are essential to the health and legitimacy of the judicial system and are a critical component of the system of government established in the U.S. Constitution.AsaSupreme Court scholar, I think it is important to recognize that there is no for mal code of conduct guiding the work of the Supreme Court, which contributes to a lack of clarity regarding the ethical boundaries forUnlikejustices.Supreme Court justices, other federal judges follow a code of conduct developed by the Judicial Conference, a government policymaking group for lower federal courts The code outlines ethical principles for judges, saying that they should remain inde pendent and abstain from political activity. The code also has a process for reviewing when judges should not participate in a case because of a conflict of interest. But the Judicial Conference does not have any authority over the Supreme Court. A federal law applying to both Supreme Court justices and lower court judges does say that judges should remove themselves from a case when their “impartiality might reasonably be questioned.”
The New England Council is grateful to the many members of the region’s congres sional delegations who supported this im portant legislation, including Rhode Island’s delegation, Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. David N. Cicilline and James R. Langevin. The investments in this bill will breathe new life into domestic semiconductor manufacturing, make our nation more competitive on the global stage and spur new research and scientific break throughs that will no doubt have a lasting impact for many years to come. n
The investments … will breathe new life into domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
OPINION
OPINION
CHIPS Act a win for region’s economy
Democratic lawmakers have called for Thomas to recuse himself from court cases that address the 2020 election or the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Thomas was the only justice who dis sented from the Supreme Court’s early 2022 decision to refuse former President Donald Trump’s request to withhold documents from the U.S. House committee investigating the Capitol attacks.
Thomas has not indicated whether he would recuse himself from future cases about this issue. This position, combined with public op position to the court’s abortion decision and low levels of overall public approval, sug gests the court may be testing the limits of its “reservoir of goodwill.” n Eve Ringsmuth is an associate professor of political science at Oklahoma State Univerity. Distributed by The Associated Press.
Our agency has also developed a presentation that we provide businesses that highlights the complexities of the issue of domestic violence and offers insight into how the workplace can become a safe haven for their employees who are suffering abuse at home. Absenteeism due to abuse directly affects the productivity of the worker and thus the business Stalking,itself. other forms of harassment [constant phone calls] can occur relentlessly while the employee is at work. Employers can be the key to facilitating appropri ate help to a victim by initiating basic steps, such as posting a sign where employees gather that states, “This business is a place where those who may be experiencing domestic abuse at home can feel safe while at work. Our HR staff are here to help you during the workday so that you may work without fear from outside sources.”
Every person in our community can be a stew ard, a resource and a lifeline to victims and their children who suffer abuse. n
Building communitya
PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | 31 ONE LAST THING
the field of interpersonal violence, our mis sion and the wonderful work of our staff can only go so far, unless entire communities are Whenengaged.victims go to the dentist, to the hairdress er, to the nail salon or the yoga class, they ideally could be going to an extension of our staff, some one who would listen, ask appropriate questions and provide critical referrals to other services.
So how do we “deputize” folks in our communi ties? We provide free training to help service providers recognize the red flags of abuse and to provide not just a sympathetic ear but informa tion to their consumers about our services.
Judith S. Earle Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center executive director Judith Earle has served as executive director of Warwick-based Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center since 1997. The nonprofit serves victims and families of domestic violence and sexual assault. IN
32 | AUGUST 5-18, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com Innovation fuels us. At Johnson & Wales , collaborative lear ni ng and creative e ntrepreneurship prepare graduates to take on the new and next. WE ’ RE P O WE RE D BY PURPOSE.Learn more at JWU.edu
5,000+ EMPLOYEES CVS HEALTH CORP. 1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES AAA NORTHEAST 15-499 GROOV-PINEMPLOYEESCORP.500-1,499 EMPLOYEES SOUTH COUNTY HEALTH of Rhode Island 2022 AWARDS
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“We found out we can be just as competitive, if not more produc tive, with people working from home,” said Candace Jodice, CVS Health Corp.’s vice president of benefits strategy. The company is ranked first among PBN’s 2022 Healthiest Employers in the 5,000-plus employee category because of its broad commitment to employee well-being. That includes a host of health benefits, a supportive workplace culture and a recognition during the pandemic that at least part-time remote work for many employees allowed them to better balance work and family demands. “People have to make sense of how they can use their days,” Jodice added.
Peter Church, Point32Health Services Inc.’s chief people officer, said that a hy brid workplace allows the company to “offer a level of flexibility for people to hold on to some of the things that the pandemic has taught us about what is important about life outside of work.”
The nonprofit, which includes Tufts Health Plan, is ranked fifth among companies with between 1,500-4,999 employees. Other large companies recognized this year that continue to offer hybrid or re mote work include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and AAA Northeast. The daily challenges of even a partially remote workforce may be easier for such large employers to manage, but smaller ones see the retention benefits too. They include Children’s Friend and Service and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, both 2022 Healthiest awardees in the 15-499 employee category. We thank Healthiest Employers for again surveying and judging this year’s competition.
WHILE MANY COMPANIES are wrestling with the implications of a remote workforce amid the pandemic, those that prioritize em ployees’ mental and physical health see little chance of a return to full-time office work.
MichaelEditorMello of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS HEAL Remote work boosts retention CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR 5,000+ EMPLOYEES CVS Health Corp. 4 U-Haul International Inc. 5 Lifespan Corp. ................................................................... 5 1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES AAA Northeast 6 Gilbane Building Co. .......................................................... 7 Brightview Senior Living LLC 7 Ocean State Job Lot 8 Point32Health Services Inc. 8 List: 5,000+ employees 9 List: 1,500-4,999 employees 9 500-1,499 EMPLOYEES South County Health 10 Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island 11 The Washington Trust Co. 11 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island ........................ 12 Providence Community Health Centers Inc. 12 15-499 EMPLOYEES Groov-Pin Corp. 13 Rhode Island Medical Imaging Inc. 14 Coastal1 Credit Union 14 Children’s Friend and Service 14 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island 14 List: 500-1,499 employees 15 List: 15-499 employees 15 We’re thrilled to be a PBN Healthiest Employer because it means our team members are not just healthier but also more engaged. Now we can help other businesses with programs that work. Wellness Premium Reward pays your business and your employees for making healthy choices. Our newest well-being program, Take 5 for You, delivers quick, simple steps that help employees feel more balanced, in control, and ready for life’s challenges. Building healthy businesses. It’s what we live for. We all employeeshealthywant Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 7/22 IER-761000
“We found out we can be just as productive, if not more productive, with people working from home. I don’t see our company going back to the way it was before,” she said. “But we need to figure out the best way to do it. You can’t just say, OK, everyone in the office Tues day, Wednesday and Thursday.”
Jodice does not see CVS, or many large American corporations, going back to having all employees in an office five days a week.
A HEALTHY THOUGHT
4 | AUGUST 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS | www.pbn.com of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS
AS A DIVERSIFIED HEALTH SERVICES COMPANY that owns retail pharmacies, a pharmacy benefits management company, a health insurance company and more, Woonsocket-based CVS Health Corp. feels a special responsibility to maintain a healthy work place for its employees.
Taking care of staff allows CVS to best serve customers offices but not full time.
TREADING ALONG: CVS Health Corp. employee Diana Valavender works out on a treadmill at one of the company’s on-site fitness centers.
“As a purpose-driven company, we know that bringing our heart to every moment of your health begins with prioritizing health and well-being for our 300,000 employees,” said CVS Chief People Officer Laurie Havanec. “We are building an employee culture where taking care of mental and physical [health] is part of the way we work every day.”
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Thousands of CVS employees were work ing from home at the height of the pandemic. Starting in March 2022, they returned to their
COURTESY CVS HEALTH CORP.
Contributing Writer
In addition to traditional health care benefits, CVS is emphasizing the mental and physical well-being of its employees, which is particularly important considering the role CVS is playing in the national efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Candace Jodice, vice president of benefits strategy, said CVS administered 59 million COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. CVS acquired Aetna Inc. at the end of 2018, so it provides its own insurance coverage for employees.Jodicesaid some CVS locations have their own fitness centers. There’s also a fitness staff that can provide advice online for employees. Aetna has a program called Attain by Aetna, which offers activity goals monitored by an Apple watch or Fitbit. More than 30,000 CVS Health and MinuteClinic employees are active users.CVS also provides discounts toward gym memberships for employees. Some CVS corpo rate facilities even have a “serenity space” for meditation, prayer, yoga and relaxation. The company uses digital resources such as the Calm app to help employees navigate stressful times. Recently, Jodice said, CVS has partnered with Thrive Global, a series of be havioral change apps that provide small steps to relieve stress and help prevent burnout. “We’re trying to show the impact that people can have when they take care of them selves first,” Jodice said. Employees covered by Aetna also have access to a variety of additional counseling services, from face-to-face meetings to video or textCVSsessions.isamong many large companies, in cluding Starbucks Corp., Tesla Inc. and Google LLC, that will reimburse travel and lodging expenses for employees covered by health care if they must travel from states that have insti tuted more-restrictive laws on abortion.
Jodice said. “People have to make sense of how they can use their days.”
As people’s needs evolve, Jodice said, CVS tries to evolve with them. The company offers a Family Building Assis tance Program, for example, which is designed to help employees who want to grow their families by helping to offset expenses for adop tion; use of a gestational carrier or surrogate; purchase of eggs, embryos or sperm; and use of a doula. n
Jodice said the ongoing COVID-19 pan demic has changed the way many companies operate across America. For CVS, many of its corporate employees were able to work from home. Medical and pharmaceutical workers, however, did not have that option, and Jodice said protecting them through vaccinations and protective equipment has been a priority.
Certainly, she said, there’s a virtue to inperson brainstorming, collaboration and com munity. On the other hand, it’s not necessary all the time, particularly when employees have grown accustomed to using social collabora tion tools such as Zoom. “If there’s a silver lining to the pandemic, it’s that we learned how to pivot to a differ ent way of working,” she said. “There was no playbook when COVID hit. Now we have a bit of a playbook to use in the future.”
‘We’re trying to show the impact that people can have when they take care of themselves first.’
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BY MARY LHOWE |
| 5,000+ EMPLOYEES
CANDACE JODICE, CVS Health Corp. vice president of benefits strategy BY ANDY SMITH | Contributing Writer CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Karen S. Lynch, CEO and president OF EMPLOYEES: 325,000
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“We’ve shifted to allow colleagues to balance work and family by using a hybrid system,”
To that end, the Providence-based health system offers programs as simple as providing stress-reducing coloring pages in clinical unit breakrooms to embedded mental health counselors that provide imme diate support for team members to manage complex emotional situa tions, such as stress, fear and anxiety, in the moment.
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Being both physically and financially fit BY JENNA PELLETIER | Contributing Writer EMPLOYEE HEALTH INITIATIVES created at the Arizona headquarters of truck and storage rental company U-Haul International Inc. have a wide reach, benefiting workers at the company’s 20,000-plus locations, including those in Rhode Island. U-Haul Wellness and Recruiting Manager Monique Harty said the company’s wellness focus comes straight from CEO [Edward J. “Joe” Shoen]. The program includes five pillars: nutrition, fitness, health, mindset and financial wellness. Highlights include companywide fitness-based challenges, reim bursement for gym membership and mindfulness apps. In addition, Verta, one of the company’s newest benefits, “has been a complete success and hit,” Harty said. Through it, employees can access science-based care and coaching to manage or reverse Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity. “We’ve had so many team members use it,” Harty said. “We get photos of people every day with notes saying things like, ‘You know, I’ve never been able to fit in an airplane seat until now,’ so we’re really excited about the results.” n ‘We show our team how much we care about them by giving them the tools and the support they need to live their best and healthiest lives. Then in turn, they treat our customers right.’ HARTY, U-Haul International Inc. wellness and recruiting manager A HEALTHY THOUGHT
EMPLOYEES 3 Discover Your Health at this free event! Passport to OctoberSurvivorship1,2022RIConvention Center 9AM to 4PM 40+ gloriagemma.orgRegisterGiveawaysInteractiveHealthVendorsScreenings,Exhibitsat:Dr.SPEAKER:KEYNOTEJenniferArnoldcancersurvivorandcostarofrealityTVseriesLittleCouple Caring for Rhode Islanders Thank you to the more than 600 Neighborhood employees who make health and wellness a priority each and every day – for our employees, members, providers, and the communities we serve. Your commitment has once again made Neighborhood one of Rhode Island’s Healthiest Employers. www.nhpri.org
MONIQUE
www.pbn.com | HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 2022 | 5 of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS HEAL 2
Self-care is the best care BY WENDY PIERMAN MITZEL | Contributing Writer LIFESPAN CORP. OPERATES under the idea that “delivering health with care starts with caring for ourselves and our colleagues.”
‘In order for a company to create a culture of wellness, they must … listen to their team members and let them know that they are valuable and you care about them as individuals and as a team.’
“Over the past two years, the mental health needs of team members have become the No. 1 topic in employee well-being,” said Greg Sal gueiro, Lifespan director of well-being. “And that goes beyond provid ing counseling services. Employees need support around child care and elder care, as well as financial wellness.” Employees are now taking advantage of a robust set of virtual bene fits thanks to a new employee assistance provider, NexGen EAP, and its virtual Healbright courses meant to make mental wellness accessible, engaging and stigma-free. In its first year, users more than doubled and the number of counseling sessions increased from 55 to nearly 1,800. n
GREG SALGUEIRO, Lifespan Corp. director of well-being A HEALTHY THOUGHT CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Arthur Sampson Interim CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 12,935 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Edward J. “Joe” Shoen Chairman and CEO OF EMPLOYEES: 14,021 | 5,000+
PROTECTING CHILDREN: AAA Northeast recently donated $5,000 to the R.I. State Police’s Community, Equity and Inclusion Unit to purchase child vehicle seats and perform outreach in underserved communities. Pictured back row from left, R.I. State Police Trooper Roupen Bastijian, Sgt. Wesley Pennington and Capt. Kenneth Jones. Pictured front row from left, AAA Senior Traffic Safety Manager Diana Gugliotta and public affairs specialists Cassidy Duble O’Connor and Joanna Frageorgia. AAA NORTHEAST
6 | AUGUST 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS | www.pbn.com of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS | 1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES
All of these public-facing employees were directly affected by COVID-19 during the state’s quarantine periods and were retrained to the company’s call centers. They also delivered both for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, as well as masks and medical equipment to facilities in need. There were no layoffs or salary cuts due to COVID, San Giovanni said, and that was true companywide. In fact, far from shrinking, AAA Northeast’s staffing has grown in the last couple of years, and now hovers around 2,900. Perhaps less tangible but equally important is giving employees the sense they’re invested in their communities. AAA Northeast offers one paid day off annually to anyone who par ticipates in the company’s volunteer program, and those who work in teams may get up to five days of volunteer time off. Employees can choose what they want to do: helping Habitat for Humanity build a house, for example, or putting in a day at Amos House, one of the state’s largest soup kitchens. Karen Diehl, human resources senior employee experience specialist, said about 400 staff members have volunteered more than 2,000 hours in the first six months of 2022. “In addition to employees giving back to the communities in which we work and live, we know that volunteering also has a tremendous impact on overall mood and mental well-being,” Diehl said in an email. “It’s a win-win on many levels.”
TWO AND A HALF YEARS into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to feel the worst is over. Its lingering effects, however, cast a long“We’reshadow.continuing to manage the impacts,” said Ron Arigo, AAA Northeast senior vice president of human resources. “And we’re working to make it easier for employees to access health care. Our CEO is very employee centric. He’s aware that a highly engaged staff wants to Puttingstay.”employees’ health and well-being at the forefront of policies leads to a high level of service and continuity to members, Arigo said. That, in turn, is beneficial to the Providencebased automotive and travel benefits compa ny’s bottom line. Dealing with COVID-19’s long-term effects has been top of mind at AAA Northeast since 2020. As a result, the company introduced a more flexible work schedule. Depending on the job, staff can be in the office full time, opt for a hybrid model, or work remotely. There’s also a new policy that allows employees to take up to two additional weeks of COVID-19 sick time during the pandemic, along with regularly al lowed sick days. Unused COVID-19 time can be rolled over from year to year. Gina San Giovanni, human resources benefit specialist, said flexibility is important because this illness may have long-term, unpre dictable effects. As telemedicine becomes more popular, employees can also take advantage of a virtual health care company that offers annual physi cals and some annual screenings online in a different yet efficient manner. The company is also aware that employ ees may face significant illness. Two leading concerns: diabetes and cancer. A couple of years ago, AAA Northeast launched Livongo for Diabetes, an online employer-paid program that provides free test strips, a digital monitor and support for employees and spouses. San Giovanni said up to 35% of eligible staff mem bers have enrolled since its debut, and partici pants’ blood glucose levels have dropped year overForyear.employees dealing with a cancer diagno sis, AAA Northeast has introduced the option of getting an initial or second opinion from Memorial Sloan Kettering, an expert cancer research and treatment center. Livongo’s online mental health program, myStrength, is also employer paid, and has a 16% enrollment rate, higher than the industry standard, San Giovanni said. Smaller initia tives, such as an annual virtual health fair with live sessions in yoga and mindful breathing, along with cooking demonstrations that are recorded and kept in an online library, have been popular. Of course, most know AAA Northeast for its roadside assistance rescuing stranded motor ists, its driving school, as well as its much-wel comed R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles services. ‘We know that volunteering also has a tremendous impact on overall mood and mental well-being.’
BY MARY LHOWE | Contributing Writer
A multilayered approach to employee health at AAA
COURTESY
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... KAREN DIEHL AAA Northeast human resources senior employee experience specialist A HEALTHY THOUGHT BY SARAH FRANCIS | Contributing Writer 1 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): John Galvin, CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 2,909
RON BRYAN, Brightview Senior Living LLC vice president of human resources A HEALTHY THOUGHT CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Marilynn Duker NUMBER EMPLOYEES:OF 2,737 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Thomas F. Gilbane Jr. Chairman NUMBER EMPLOYEES:OF 3,355 3 are committed to supporting our employees –mentally, emotionally –continue to high-quality for our patients every day. Lifespan’s employee well-being program, Living Well, is designed to help all employees reach their personal health and wellness goals, and live their best
care
BY NANCY KIRSCH | Contributing Writer
deliver
BRIGHTVIEW SENIOR LIVING LLC associates with diabetes receive an app, blood sugar monitoring device and testing strips for free, and monthly insulin copays are capped at $25 per person. That’s one of the many health and wellness initiatives Brightview offers its associates, including the 86 employed at Brightview Commons in South Kingstown.
BY NOEMI ARELLANO-SUMMER | Contributing Writer
Proud to be a 2022 Healthiest Employer
Helping our employees achieve a healthy work/life balance! 401-722-2212 I coastal1.org We
“Employee turnover is not caused by just one thing; similarly, a wellness program is made up of many components,” said Ron Bryan, Brightview’s vice president of human resources. Brightview has a full-time wellness coordinator, care coordination and a new employee assistance plan provider addressing mental health challenges through programs, webinars and direct counseling. With COVID-19 exacerbating the industry’s high turnover rate, Brightview’s recruitment and retention investments include wage analyses, some salary increases, enhanced referral bonuses and more. “We hired six regional talent coordinators … to assist with hiring,” BryanEvensaid.with added benefits for mental health and fertility treatments, Brightview’s self-insured health insurance expenses have remained nearly flat year over year. “A couple of years ago, we reduced associ ates’ premiums by 6.5%,” Bryan said. n ‘We’re all in it together … everyone shares in the cost savings of our self-funded medical plan.’
physically, and
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Helping workers keep tabs on their health
LYNN GILLIS, Gilbane Inc.. senior benefits manager
Financial benefits for workplace wellness
A HEALTHY THOUGHT
www.pbn.com | HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 2022 | 7 of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS | 1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES HEAL 2
PROVIDENCE-BASED family-owned construction and real estate de velopment firm Gilbane Inc. has focused on making sure employees get their yearly physicals. How? By giving employees a 40% discount on their health insurance. As Senior Benefits Manager Lynn Gillis put it, “We’re encouraging proactive and preventative care; 50% of employees hadn’t even been going for checkups.”
By working with the assistant program Health Advocate and part nering with its safety team, Gilbane has made sure that employees have an easier time making and keeping doctors appointments. The company is stressing a better experience around wellness, including mental and behavioral health. Gilbane has also made sure to institute a healthy work-life balance for employees. “You start small and have to build a culture; you can’t do this with out giving people the resources they need,” Gillis said. n ‘You can’t take people from zero to 100. You start with the simple things and work your way up.’
Additionally, Point32Health’s Canton, Mass., campus actively pro motes physical health and well-being as being a central aspect of the health insurance parent company’s mission. Employers have access to amenities such as an outdoor track, athletic fields and a gym.
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PETER CHURCH, Point32Health Services Inc. chief people officer A HEALTHY THOUGHT CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Cain A. Hayes CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 4,200 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Marc Perlman, Alan Perlman, Steve Aronow Principal owners NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 2,580 Island Medical Imaging proud to PBN Employers Award winner be part of company at PBN.com/email Advertising@PBN.com l 401.680.4800
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For example, questions related to health and wellness are heavily incorporated into Job Lot’s quarterly employee engagement surveys, and the company makes changes based on the feedback. Recently, for instance, store managers’ typical workweeks were reduced by five hours to promote work-life balance. Some of the company’s many other initiatives include offering men tal health first aid training to leaders and providing an on-site health clinic for workers at its North Kingstown distribution center and cor porate headquarters. n
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS to figure out what employees want and need is simple: talk to them. That’s why communication around health and wellness is an important part of North Kingstown-based discount retailer Ocean State Job Lot’s strategy to support its team members’ overall well-being. “It’s a two-way conversation,” said Beth Mainville, Ocean State Job Lot well-being adviser. “We listen and communicate back with new strategies and offerings in response to feedback.”
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BY JENNA PELLETIER
BETH MAINVILLE, Ocean State Job Lot well-being adviser A HEALTHY THOUGHT Having a dynamic work environment
BY ISABELLA DELEO | Contributing Writer
POINT32HEALTH SERVICES INC., which was formed when Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan merged in January 2021, makes efforts to prioritize mental health, offering meditation, yoga and mindfulness classes. Tufts has an office in Providence.
‘During the pandemic and beyond, our owners’ and leaders’ primary focus remains on the safety and well-being of our associates, and that comes before profit.’
Healthiest
ImportanceEMPLOYEESof
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be a
Peter Church, Point32Health’s chief people officer, says that 95% of employees have engaged with at least some of the resources that the company provides, including classes and initiatives such as the Peak Mind challenge the company conducted in May. Embracing steps toward a post-COVID-19 world, the organization operates on a hybrid office model, another nod to cultivating a produc tive work-life balance. “By being hybrid, we offer a level of flexibility for people to hold on to some of the things that the pandemic has taught us about what’s important about life outside of work,” Church said. n ‘By taking care of ourselves … it drives engagement, it drives utilization and it creates an environment where people can do their best work.’
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www.pbn.com | HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 2022 | 9 HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND (based on companies with 5,000 or more employees) HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND (based on companies with 1,500-4,999 or more employees) HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND - 5,000-PLUS EMPLOYEES (based on companies wth 5,000 or more employees) 2022 rank Company | CEO/PresidentWebsite PhoneAddress Type of business No. of employeesTop health programs offered 1 CVS HealthCorp. |cvshealth.com Karen S.Lynch 1 CVS (401)765-1500Woonsocket,R.I.02895Drive Pharmacy and health solutions services company 325,000 Aetna Lifestyle and Condition Coaching, Aetna Maternity Program, MinuteClinic tobacco cessation, MinuteClinic weight management, Thrive well-being behavior change program, virtual care resources 2 U-Haul InternationalInc. |uhaul.com Edward J. "Joe"Shoen, chairman and CEO 56 Technology Way West (401)623-8509Greenwich,R.I.02817 Moving and transportation14,021 Encompassing health, fitness, nutritional and financial wellness under single umbrella 3 LifespanCorp. 1 ArthurSampson,|Lifespan.orginterimCEO and president 167 Point (401)444-4000Providence,R.I.02903St. Health care 12,935 Mental health and emotional support, student loan debt repayment and education assistance, virtual resources 1 Lifespan Corp. includes Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, Newport Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children's Hospital and The Miriam Hospital.HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND - 1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES (based on companies wth 1,500-4,999 employees) 2022 rank Company | CEO/PresidentWebsite PhoneAddress Type of business No. employeesTopof health programs offered 1 AAA Northeast | aaanortheast.com John Galvin 110 Royal Little (401)868Providence,R.I.02904Drive2010 servicerAutomobile 2,909 COVID-19 vaccine rebates for employees, ergonomic workstations, health programs, mental health rebates and services, on-site catering, work-from-home stations assessment and support 2 Gilbane BuildingCo. |gilbaneco.com Thomas F.Gilbane Jr., chairman 7 Jackson (401)456-5800Providence,R.I.02903Walkway Construction and real developmentestate 3,355 Diabetes management program, gym membership and equipment reimbursement, mental health resources, mindfulness, stress and yoga programs 3 Brightview Senior LivingLLC |brightviewseniorliving.com MarilynnDuker, CEO 57 Grande Ville Court South (401)789-8777Kingstown,R.I.02873 Senior living facility 2,737 Emotional and mental health supports; health, lifestyle and nutrition coaching; meditation classes; wellness programs 4 Ocean State JobLot MarcPerlman,AlanPerlmanandSteveAronow,|oceanstatejoblot.com principal owners 375 Commerce Park Road North (401)295-2672Kingstown,R.I.02852 Retail 2,580 Health care advocates for employees, virtual mental health training 5 Point32Health Seervices Inc 1 | point32health.org Cain A. Hayes 75 Fountain (401)272-3499Providence,R.I.02902St. Health insurer4,200 Cancer detection program, coed recreational leagues, mindfulness sessions, on-site health center, wellness coaching 1 Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care combined into a single entity on Jan. 1, 2021, and the parent company became known as Point32Health Services Inc. on June 16, 2021.
Thomas said living in Rhode Island, and especially working in the southern part of the state, provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the“Weenvirons.worked extremely hard to ensure all staff were given time away to enjoy their fami lies and for rest, relaxation and resiliency,” she said.The statistic that best captures the effec tiveness of South County Health’s wellness program is the percentage of participation. In 2021, the health system had 831 participants, or nearly 70% of all eligible staff members. Company officials point out that they are proud to offer a robust menu of programs through Well Beyond, which is designed to sup port staff and their families in achieving their goals to improve or maintain their personal well-being.“Ashealth care providers, we recognize the opportunity for impact in our community through leading by example and ensuring our personal resilience,” Thomas said. “Ensuring our physical and mental health enables us to provide the very best to our patients, families andThomascolleagues.”explained that supporting staff in their well-being during and after the COVID-19 lockdown enabled South County Health col leagues to experience the satisfaction and rewards that come from service to its patients and“Thatcommunity.satisfaction is important to staff reten tion and our long-term ability to best serve the patients and community of South County Health,” Thomas said. n
ON YOUR MARKS: South County Health employees assemble in front of South County Hospital in South Kingstown as they prepare to begin the South County Health Centennial 5K in May 2019.
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BY MARY LHOWE | Contributing Writer
New staff wellness initiatives target physical, mental health
‘We recognize the opportunity for impact in our community through leading by example and ensuring our personal resilience.’
10 | AUGUST 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS | www.pbn.com of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS
A HEALTHY THOUGHT
MAGGIE THOMAS, South County Health vice president and chief human resources officer BY ANTHONY VECCHIONE Contributing Writer 1 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Aaron Robinson, CEO and president OF EMPLOYEES: 937 500-1,499 EMPLOYEES
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“South County Health’s focus is to make high-quality health care more accessible to all by investing in critical medical services, inno vative technologies and market-leading experi ences that continue to deliver on our mission to be Rhode Island’s most-trusted health partner,” Thomas said. In addition to addressing the health and wellness of the communities it serves, the South Kingstown-based health organization puts a premium on making sure that the health and well-being of its employees is met. “SCH enhanced our wellness portal offering to Virgin Pulse as of Jan. 1, 2023,” Thomas said. “And included in the VP offering is their WHIL program that includes meditation, mindfulness and yoga webinars and videos.” As part of the new healthy initiatives cam paign, South County Health is renovating one of its rooms to turn it into a “rejuvenation room” for“Thisstaff. will be a respite area where staff can relax by themselves or meet in small groups,” Thomas said. “We will also offer wellness class es such as yoga and meditation in the room.” The health system will also provide selfservice massage chairs to staff so they can relax and rejuvenate themselves. The chairs will be placed in the rejuvenation room when it opens in the fall, and one will also be available in the staff wellness kiosk. To address the mental health crisis associat ed with COVID-19, South County Health took a multifaceted approach in addressing the mental health needs of its staff during the pandemic. For example, when in-person wellness classes were suspended during the height of the pandemic, staff were allowed to self-report any activity of their choosing to earn wellness rewards.“This was done to encourage staff to con tinue their wellness activities, when possible,” Thomas said. “Included in the self-reporting, we encouraged staff to report their walking/steps. We see the continuing benefit of this to this day, as we see many staff walking during their breaks.”Among the initiatives South County Health implemented to help improve a healthy work culture was increasing its communication efforts regarding the Coastline Employee As sistance Program options, which include many virtualSouthprograms.CountyHealth also converted confer ence rooms into respite rooms and stocked them with bottled water, snacks, scented washcloths and information on meditation and mindfulness techniques. In addition, the company prioritized the scheduling of vacation time for staff during the highly desirable summer period, despite work force challenges resulting from the pandemic.
COURTESY SOUTH COUNTY HEALTH
WHEN IT COMES to defining South County Health’s mission and goals, the answer is clear, said Maggie Thomas, vice president and chief human resources officer.
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NICOLE VOLLER,
‘Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island saw a 50% engagement rate among its 600 employees in the wellness program it revamped in 2021.’ Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island benefits manager O. Handy III
“Neighborhood’s well-being program, aside from the medical plan benefits, constantly keeps me in check and always learning,” she said. n
A HEALTHY THOUGHT Staying fit is vital to work culture CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Edward
www.pbn.com | HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 2022 | 11 of Rhode IslandHEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS® 2022 AWARDS HEAL
Chairman and CEO NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 644 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Peter Marino CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 587 3 | 500-1,499 EMPLOYEES w AAA Northeast congratulates all the winners of Providence Business Healthiest Employer Award. Healthier, together. This recognition underscores our continuous effort to support our employees through a dedication to their health and wellness journeys. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Dementia Care 57 GrandeVille Court | Wakefield, RI 02879 | www.BrightviewCommons.com team careers.brightviewseniorliving.com401.789.8777today. BE PART OF A COMMUNITY WITH A BRIGHT OUTLOOK ON Independent Living | Assisted Living | Dementia Care 57 GrandeVille Court | Wakefield, RI 02879 | www.BrightviewCommons.com Learn more or join our award-winning team careers.brightviewseniorliving.com401.789.8777today. BE PART OF A COMMUNITY Independent Living | Assisted Living | Dementia Care 57 GrandeVille Court | Wakefield, RI 02879 | www.BrightviewCommons.com Learn more or join our award-winning team careers.brightviewseniorliving.com401.789.8777today. BE PART OF A COMMUNITY Learn more or join our award-winning team forprograms,recognizedresidentsBecausecareers.brightviewseniorliving.com401.789.8777today.ourteamislivingahealthylifestyle,shinebrighter.We’reproudtobeforourwellness-focusedculture,andperksthatmakelivingwelleasyassociates,families,andresidents. BE PART OF A COMMUNITY WITH A BRIGHT OUTLOOK ON HEALTHY LIVING.
Remaining well while being remote BY SUSAN SHALHOUB | Contributing Writer COVID-19 PRESENTED OBSTACLES for The Washington Trust Co.’s 10-member wellness committee. “How could we support their health journey when they are remote?” said Danielle Elwood, human resourc es administrator.TheWesterly-based financial institution could no longer do events such as bone-density testing. Though forced online, efforts got creative and continue to flourish. Monthly themes – such as UV protection and mental health – became building blocks. The 644 employees now view webinars, access health information and participate in challenges, posting progress on the company intranet. “Team members posted photos getting their Vitamin D, walking in their favorite spot using sunscreen,” for UV protection awareness, Elwood said, fostering camaraderie during a time when teams were working from home. Each campaign resonates and covers topics such as proper hydra tion and healthy recipes. Feedback yielded about 50 employee ideas the committee is cycling through. n ‘In 2021, 85% of employees were actively engaged in the wellness program, with 23% of employees participating in health webinars.’ DIANNE M. MORRONE, The Washington Trust Co. assistant vice president, corporate training A HEALTHY THOUGHT BY SUSAN SHALHOUB | Contributing Writer NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH PLAN of Rhode Island built an important fac et of its wellness plan before the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2020, the Providence-based health insurer opened an on-site gym. Returning remote workers knew they had a place to exercise. “The wellness committee told employees to cancel their gym mem berships; we have the treadmill and weight machines right here,” complete with lockers and showers, Neighborhood Health Benefits Manager Nicole Voller said. Employees also have the walking path option, with recent mile markers and motivational signage added. Fitness points earn cash re wards through well-being platform Virgin Pulse, Voller said. Customiz able, the program has covered issues related to the return to the office. Voller is a success story. More sedentary working from home, she pledged in 2021 to lose 100 pounds by February 2022. She got a vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure, and lost 87 pounds.
BY KIMBERLEY EDGAR | Contributing Writer BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD of Rhode Island has long sponsored events recognizing mental health awareness month in May. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Providence-based health insurer has held several virtual events promoting mental well-being among its 790 employees, including a coffee chat this spring with an inhouse medical director whose behavioral health expertise eased stigma surrounding mental health and substance use issues.
BY KIMBERLEY EDGAR | Contributing Writer PEACE OF MIND is top of mind for the 630 employees at Providence Community Health Centers Inc. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Providence-based health center focused more on employees’ physical well-being – healthy nutrition, regular exercise, heart health and various medical screenings. But since 2020, mental health is in the spotlight as front-line employ ees serve 58,789 patients, 90% of them at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Also, the center has offered employees an online service that helps decrease stress and worry, with resources 24/7. “That’s why we’ve moved to online platforms,” said Melanie Gomes, PCHC’s human resources business partner. “They’re self-serve … and they let employees choose what they’re dealing with.”
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LAURA THOMAS, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island managing director, compensation, benefits and human resources information systems A HEALTHY THOUGHT
“Mental health is a huge concern nationwide,” said Laura Thomas, Blue Cross managing director, compensation, benefits and humanresources information systems. Blue Cross, which permits employees to work from home or on a hy brid schedule as responsibilities allow, also collaborated with a Paw tucket-based nonprofit inspiring mental well-being and healing through creativity. Participants use art kits mailed to them to relieve stress and share creations with colleagues in live remote workshops. n ‘Associates expect outstanding offerings, and survey results indicate that our well-being supports and activities are among the reasons employees believe [Blue Cross] is a great place to work.’
Maintaining a healthy mindset
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Finding ways to be mentally at peace
In June, the center also began addressing the growing stressor of potential workplace shootings. Employees have expressed gratitude that the center’s security officer is walking through each site with em ployees to help plan quick escape routes or secure hiding places, Gomes said. n
‘When everyone’s lives flipped upside down in March 2020, people were struggling mentally. It’s not just physical health anymore – it’s a lot of mental health as well.’
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MELANIE GOMES, Providence Community Health Centers Inc. human resources business partner A HEALTHY THOUGHT 500-1,499 EMPLOYEES CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Merrill R. Thomas CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 630 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Martha L. Wofford CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 790
WHERE EVERYONE WILL KNOW YOUR NAME Submit yours pbn.com/people-on-the-move/at An announcement in PBN PEOPLE ON THE MOVE gets your name in front of the influential business leaders who you want to do business with. Announce promotions, new hires, board appointments and award recipients to the RI business community. This PBN weekly feature is seen by over 25,000 print readers, 7,000 e-newsletter subscribers and 64,000 monthly PBN.com visitors. Announcements appear in the weekly paper, in one Daily Edition e-newsletter and on PBN.com.
Ensuring staff’s health allows them to focus on work
CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Scott Jones NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 90 ‘Our team is more engaged with both their work and each other when they are healthy.’
As an essential manufacturing business, keeping employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic was and remains a top priority. At the beginning of the pandemic, GroovPin instituted mask requirements, daily health questionnaires, remote work options, tempera ture checks, and kept close relationships with employees to ensure they were feeling healthy and safe. Eligible employees who were vacci nated received a financial incentive, and GroovPin compensated the time out of the office for employees who had vaccine appointments scheduled during the workday.
“Groov-Pin tries to be relevant to what em ployees are experiencing,” said Nancy Ziemba, a customer service representative who has been with the company for more than 30 years. “For instance, one walking challenge included a fundraiser walk for cancer when an employee was going through treatment. … The challenges are different and incorporate different concepts and the programs often have a personal slant, which gives an incentive to keep up and meet theCiubachallenges.”saidmeeting employees’ health needs allows them to show up to work “on purpose.”
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“Our team is more engaged with both their work and each other when they are healthy,” Ciuba said. “Improved physical health often also improves mental health. … We also provide financial health resources to employees because there is a link between financial health and physical health. When employees feel finan cially secure, it decreases the likelihood of stress-related illness and allows employees to be present at work.”
GROOV-PIN CORP.
... LAUREN CIUBA, Groov-Pin Corp. marketing specialist
Groov-Pin’s GP Fit wellness program encour ages employees to prioritize their physical, mental, social and financial health. “We monitor chronic conditions and work with employees through their health insurance to monitor these conditions,” Ciuba said. “Be tween HR [human resources] and the health in surance company, we work one on one to make sure that employees choose a provider that is in network, providing them with the best care. We also are always open to creating new program ming and respond to employees’ needs. Yoga and nutrition were so popular ... we decided to keep them as recurring monthly events.”
BY MARY LHOWE | Contributing Writer
Last year, Groov-Pin began offering no-cost customizable vision care for employees requir ing safety glasses, and a $5,000 company-paid insurance benefit that covers a list of critical illnesses and cancer conditions. Groov-Pin also offers a robust walking pro gram that has resulted in major health improve ments among its employees. “Walking challenges are a big part of our wellness program and have inspired many of our employees to implement changes to their lifestyles,” Ciuba said. “Our project engineer, Brian [Sylvestre], was inspired by a 30-day walking challenge we started and decided to continue walking for 30 minutes a day after the challenge ended. As a result of this commit ment, he lost 75 pounds and reduced his A1C level to normal and cut the amount of insulin he needed by half.”
“In addition to the health metrics we track, we are able to talk to employees one on one to determine initiatives that we will either change or add for the next plan year,” said marketing specialist Lauren Ciuba, who has been with the Smithfield-based threaded insert and grooved pins manufacturer for six years. “We have a small wellness team that meets and discusses new ideas for programs and a strategy for the upcoming year. We are lucky to have a lot of freedom when it comes to scheduling events and trying new things like acupuncture or selfdefenseAboutsessions.”63%ofemployees are currently enrolled in the company’s health program ming. Ciuba says in addition to regular digital communication, all employees receive a binder outlining all health care options for the year and are invited to attend enrollment/general wellness program meetings each summer.
Ciuba said all in-person wellness programs were paused as the company shifted to provid ing more digital content focused on the social and emotional aspects of health, as many em ployees struggled with mental health through out the pandemic. Today, Groov-Pin has reinstated many of its in-person programs and continues to focus on mental and social health.
LIMBERING UP: Employees at GroovPin Corp. in Smithfield stretch before an outdoor yoga session, one of several initiatives the company introduced that became popular and is now a monthly COURTESYevent.
AS A SMALLER COMPANY, Groov-Pin Corp. takes pride in its ability to develop close relationships with its employees by getting direct feedback from its nearly 100-strong team on policies and programming, including health and wellness.
A HEALTHY THOUGHT BY JOHN A. LAHTINEN | Contributing Writer 1
JULIE COLANGELI, Children’s Friend and Service benefits and wellness specialist CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Katje Afonseca NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 33
SARAH BEAULIEU, Rhode Island Medical Imaging Inc. human resources benefits and wellness specialist A HEALTHY THOUGHT
Helping employees stay fit for work BY NANCY KIRSCH | Contributing Writer CHILDREN’S FRIEND AND SERVICE’S MISSION – being an innovative leader by improving the health and well-being of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable children – extends to the organization’s nearly 350 employ ees. New wellness initiatives include private fitness challenges and rewards incentives, and discounted memberships at Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness Center in East Providence and Warwick. “Seventy percent of respondents participating in our benefits survey in 2021 indicated that our low-cost and inclusive benefits package and our wellness incentive program are reasons to stay,” said Julie Colangeli, the Providence-based nonprofit’s benefits and wellness specialist.Initsannual health survey, Children’s Friend’s year-over-year co hort shows that 12% of staff improved sleep habits and exercise, while 18% improved stress levels, she says. In 2021, employees were offered free Headspace app memberships and webinars on stress reduction, healthy sleep strategies and virtual fitness.
A HEALTHY THOUGHT
THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH focus continues to evolve at Rhode Island Medical Imaging Inc. Sarah Beaulieu, human resources benefits and wellness specialist at the Warwick-based medical imaging services provider, said clinical team members worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting the mental health of these employees was paramount, as are all employ ees, she said, and stress relief was at the forefront.
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Programs keep staff in good mindset
Mental health focus sets positive tone
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Coastal1 growing at a healthy rate
RIMI’s wellness committee, which includes C-suite members, is always brainstorming ways to improve initiatives. At the on-site gym, for example, personal training sessions were just added. “This way em ployees can utilize the full benefits, improving nutrition and workout techniques,” Beaulieu said. n
BY NOEMI ARELLANO-SUMMER | Contributing Writer
BY SUSAN SHALHOUB | Contributing Writer
A walking challenge, started in 2020 around when the worldwide health crisis began, remains popular. Beaulieu said it benefits employ ees’ mind and body alike with physical activity and fresh air. “Many developed a habit of taking regular walking breaks,” Beaulieu said.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of Rhode Island, a Providence-based men torship program that pairs boys and girls across the state with adult role models, has added to its slate of health initiatives for employees during the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
BY NANCY KIRSCH | Contributing Writer COASTAL1 CREDIT UNION, formerly known as Pawtucket Credit Union, is expanding with a new Massachusetts branch in the works and plans to offer additional health and wellness offerings for its 286 employees at 18 locations. “We’re doing a revamp of our fitness center, adding upgraded equip ment and doubling the facility’s size, with room for yoga and Pilates classes,” said Heather Thurber, Coastal1’s vice president, human resources. “We’re launching a wellness newsletter that will educate our employees.”Coastal1employees can easily access wellness programs, which went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “While virtual is the focus now, we’re slowly bringing employees together,” Thurber said, noting a cardio conditioning class as an example. Also, emergency room visits have declined, thanks to employee edu cation and incentives Coastal1 offers, Thurber said. Visits went from 176 in 2019 to 48 as of late June 2022. “I’m incredibly proud of that,” she said. n ‘Our wellness program hits so many different markers, with physical, mental and financial health programs. By offering a range of topics, it appeals to everyone at some level.’
“We were pretty well set up for mental health before the pandemic,” she said. Afonseca also said the organization set up a hybrid work schedule in the meantime. Big Brothers Big Sisters has also had a high employee retention rate of roughly 83% during the pandemic. Even though the government provided assistance during the pandemic, many employees left govern ment benefits and opted to return to work at Big Brothers Big Sisters. n
A HEALTHY THOUGHT 5
KATJE AFONSECA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island CEO
CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Brian Azar CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 286 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): Dr. John Pezzullo President NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 412 CEO (OR EQUIVALENT): David Caprio CEO and president NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 345
HEATHER THURBER, Coastal1 Credit Union vice president, human resources A HEALTHY THOUGHT
‘In May 2022, 58 walking challenge participants – 12 teams and four individual walkers – walked 13 million steps. The exact number was 13,276,133, which equates to 6,286 miles.’
Children’s Friend, “now officially a hybrid workforce,” said Col angeli, represents a flexible work-life environment. n ‘We evaluate data, consider ways to bring employees together and fold health and wellness into employees’ overall experience.’
‘We know that when people can live in a healthy and happy way outside work, they will do great work when they come to work.’
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CEO Katje Afonseca said that in addition to 100% employer-paid health premiums, a wellness committee made up of employees helps to run several programs to keep employee spirits up. Among them are ice cream socials and a walking club.
Edward O.Handy III, chairman and CEO 23 Broad (401)348-1200Westerly,R.I.02891St. institutionFinancial 644 Weekly challenges to promote exercise, healthy habits, mindfulness and stress reduction; mental health month; nutrition month Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island |bcbsri.com Martha L.Wofford 500 Exchange (401)459-1000Providence,R.I.02903St. 153 Summer (401)276-4300Providence,R.I.02903St. Nonprofit 345 Employee assistance program, mental health resources, on-site yoga flow classes, team-based physical activity challenges
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AaronRobinson 100 Kenyon Ave. South (401)788-1405Kingstown,R.I.02879 Health care937 Community 5K, deductible-free employee insurance plan, respite for weight-loss Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island |nhpri.org PeterMarino 910 Douglas (401)459-6000Smithfield,R.I.02917Pike Nonprofit health insurer 587 Flu clinics, free on-site gym, meditation and yoga programs, on-site walking paths, Weight Watchers program The Washington TrustCo. |washtrust.com
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Health insurer790 Charity walks, flexible work arrangements, health challenge programs, mental health awareness, Rhodes to Well-being program, stress management 5 Providence Community Health CentersInc. | Merrillprovidencechc.orgR.Thomas 375 Allens (401)444-0400Providence,R.I.02905Ave. Health care630 Gym discounts, health awareness programs, implementation of head space for all staff, offsite mindfulness training, weight-loss challenges HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND - 15-499 EMPLOYEES (based on companies with 15-499 employees) 2022 rank Company | CEO/PresidentWebsite PhoneAddress Type of business No. employeesTopof health programs offered 1 Groov-PinCorp. |groov-pin.com ScotJones, CEO 331 Farnum (401)232-3377Smithfield,R.I.02917Pike Manufacturer90 Acupuncture sessions, group fundraising walks, mindfulness programs, monthly on-site or virtual yoga sessions, online mental health care, self-defense sessions 2 Rhode Island Medical ImagingInc. |rimirad.com Dr. JohnPezzullo, president 125 Metro Center (401)432-2400Warwick,R.I.02886Blvd. Health care412 Mental health resources, nonprofit walk events, on-site gym, personal training sessions 3 Coastal1 Credit Union 1 |coastal1.org BrianAzar 1200 Central (401)722-2212Pawtucket,R.I.02861Ave. Credit union286 Birthday days off and special benefits, cardio conditioning class, chair massages, mental health webinars, on-site walking groups, yoga class 4 Children's Friend and Service |cfsri.org DavidCaprio
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employees) HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND
18. HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF
www.pbn.com | HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | AUGUST 2022 | 15 HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS OF RHODE ISLAND - 500-1,499 EMPLOYEES (based on companies with 500-1,499 employees) 2022 rank Company | CEO/PresidentWebsite PhoneAddress Type of business No. employeesTopof health programs offered 1 South County Health |southcountyhealth.com
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meditation,
5 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island |bigsri.org KatjeAfonseca, executive director 188 Valley St., Suite (401)921-2434Providence,R.I.02920125 organizationmentoringNonprofit 33 Coastline EAP-sponsored stress-reducing sessions, COVID-19 stress relief paid time off, healthy food and drink offerings at the office, Walking Club group Formerly Pawtucket Credit Union, which rebranded on May RHODE ISLAND companies with 15-499 or more (based on companies with 500-1,499 or more
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16 | AUGUST 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS | www.pbn.com Better health for all starts right here Point32Health is committed to serving our communities, and we firmly believe that the journey to better health starts within our walls. Everyone scores big when employers prioritize health in the workplace, and that’s why we proudly put our employees’ well-being above all. We’re honored to be recognized as one of the Healthiest Employers of Rhode Island in 2022. T:9" T:13.25" B:13.25"
