Leadership Rhode Island Celebrates the 2026 Chi II Class at Commencement
Leadership Rhode Island (LRI) will celebrate the commencement of its 2026 Chi II Core Program Class on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Kinney Bungalow in Narragansett, recognizing 75 Rhode Islanders who spent the year building relationships, exploring statewide issues, and putting their learning into action. Guided by this year’s theme, “HOPE: Our Response-Ability,” class members explored how their strengths and shared commitment could contribute to a stronger, more connected Rhode Island. Through
United Way to Mark 100 Years with Special WaterFire
United Way of RI to Celebrate 100 Years of Community with Full WaterFire Lighting, Invites all Rhode Islanders to AttendOctober 17 event will bring people together for an evening of music, storytelling, and engagement For 100 years, Rhode Islanders have shown what’s possible when we come together, and on Saturday, October 17, United Way of Rhode Island will celebrate that spirit with a full WaterFire lighting in downtown Providence. The culmination of its centennial year, United Way invites all Rhode
People's Credit Union Says Thank You to Newport Police Department's Community Policing Union Unit
People’s Credit Union has made a donation of $500 to the Newport Police Department to help fund programming for their K9 therapy and compassion dog, “Bo". This donation will cover his training, food, equipment, and promotional items, helping the Community Policing Unit build stronger relationships with the local public. “Bo and Officer St. Lawrence help to build connections with children, families, and community members through school visits, public events, and other outreach,” said Courtney Hunter,
Action-Packed October Lineup at Providence Children's Museum
From Baby Bunnies to Spooky Spiders: Providence Children’s Museum Presents Action-Packed October Lineup for Kids and Adults. October is packed with excitement at the Providence Children’s Museum (PCM)! From a nostalgic adult night to new hauntingly fun family traditions and community access days, the museum is opening its doors for a month filled with laughter, imagination, and endless (sometimes spooky) discovery. Play ON! (Adults 21+ Night)October 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Leave the stresses of
Centreville Bank Enhances Digital Experience with Launch of New Website
Centreville Bank debuts its new website featuring streamlined navigation, enhanced mobile functionality, and a modern customer-focused experience.New website debuts October 14 with streamlined navigation, enhanced mobile functionality, and a modern customer-focused experience Centreville Bank announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, delivering a modern digital experience built to better serve the evolving needs of customers across Rhode Island and Connecticut. Launching October 14, the new
Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Names Eastern Bank its 2026 Large Organization Honoree
As part of its National Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration, the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities has namedEastern Bank its 2026 Large Organization Honoree.“At Eastern, disability inclusion and belonging start with something simple: knowing our colleagues and understanding how they can prosper at work,” said Kathy Henry, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer of Eastern Bank. “It is part of how we attract and
Navigant Credit Union Promotes Jordan to Senior Vice President, Chief People & Philanthropy Officer
Navigant Credit Union has announced the promotion of Lori Jordan to Senior Vice President, Chief People & Philanthropy Officer. The newly created executive leadership role reflects Navigant’s continued investment in its people, culture, and philanthropic impact. Jordan will join Navigant Credit Union’s executive leadership team and will lead a dedicated strategic business unit bringing together Navigant’s people, culture, communications, and community-impact initiatives. As the largest and
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Attain Technology Added to the 2026 MSP to Watch List
Attain Technology Named to MSP Summit’s 2026 MSPs to Watch List Attain Technology, a managed IT services and AI consulting firm, has been named to MSP Summit’s 2026 MSPs to Watch list, a national recognition honoring top-performing managed service providers. MSP Summit, an Informa event and the organization behind the industry benchmark MSP 501, evaluated honorees using the same rigorous methodology as the MSP 501, looking at revenue quality, recurring revenue, efficiency, and growth. The recognition
United Way Appoints Six Local Leaders to Community Advisory Board
United Way of Rhode Island has welcomed six new members to its Community Advisory Board, a volunteer leadership group that brings together diverse perspectives and expertise from across the community. Advisory board members share their experiences and insights to help United Way drive strategic priorities and ensure its community investments reflect the needs of Rhode Islanders. The newest members of the United Way of Rhode Island Community Advisory Board are: Danielle Barron, Sr. Director of Leadership
PSH Strengthens Litigation and Transactional Practices with Three New Hires
Partridge Snow & Hahn (PSH), a full-service business law and litigation firm, announces the additions of Ashley M. Kaplan and Samantha K. Rhodes as associates in the Litigation & Disputes practice group and Sophia N. Shekarchi as a law clerk in its Real Estate practice group. Kaplan and Rhodes join PSH following Rhode Island Superior Court clerkships, bringing valuable judicial experience to the firm’s commercial litigation team. Rhodes also returns to PSH after previously serving as a Summer Associate.
Hope & Main Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for West End Kitchens in Providence
New culinary hub has already welcomed 35 food and beverage businesses and is expanding opportunity across Rhode Island's food economy Hope & Main celebrated the official ribbon cutting of West End Kitchens on Friday, October 2, marking a major expansion of its work to help food entrepreneurs launch, scale, and compete. Located at 945 Westminster Street in Providence’s West End, the new facility has already welcomed 35 food and beverage businesses since opening its doors on June 26. The celebration
Eastern Bank Recognized Among Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal
Eastern Bank has once again been recognized by the Boston Business Journal at its annual 2026 Corporate Citizenship Awards, a recognition of the region's top corporate charitable contributors. Eastern ranks in the top 10 for the 15th time among the Boston Business Journal’s Most Charitable Companies. The Boston Business Journal annually publishes this list to recognize companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. In all, 95 companies have qualified for the distinction in 2026,
Partridge Snow & Hahn’s Elizabeth O. Manchester Joins Legal Food Hub’s Attorney Council
Partridge Snow & Hahn (PSH), a full-service business law and litigation firm, announces that partner Elizabeth O. Manchester has joined Legal Food Hub’s Attorney Council, a network of attorneys from across New England who advise the Legal Food Hub and support its work providing pro bono legal assistance to food and farm businesses. As a member of the Attorney Council, Manchester will provide guidance and offer her perspective on cases and issues related to the Legal Food Hub’s work. The council helps the
Trinity Rep Announces 50th Anniversary A Christmas Carol Cast and Creative Team
Rhode Island holiday tradition runs Nov. 5 – Dec. 31, 2026 Trinity Repertory Company announces the cast and creative team featured in its 50th annual production ofA Christmas Carol. Based on the novella by Charles Dickens and featuring original music by Richard Cumming, this production runs Nov. 5 – Dec. 31, 2026 in Trinity Rep’s Dowling Theater. This year’s show, directed and choreographed by Resident Company Member Taavon Gamble, features fellow Company Member Mauro Hantman as Ebenezer Scrooge. “This
Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Raises More Than $95k at Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament
The Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation proudly announced the impact of its inaugural Driving Home Hope Charity Golf Tournament which raised more than $95,000, an exceptional achievement for the tournament’s first year. The proceeds will support the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation’s mission of investing in programs and organizations focused on social services, public health, safety and well-being, and education and financial literacy within communities across Rhode Island. “The
Amica Ranked #1 in Homeowners Insurance in JD Power 2026 Study
Amica has finished first in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Home Insurance Study for Homeowners Insurance for the second year in a row. Amica earned top honors in four of the dimensions the study evaluates: Product/Coverage Offerings, Ease of Doing Business, People and Trust. This is the second consecutive year Amica has finished in first place in the Homeowners category. Amica also placed first in the Trust dimension in this year's Renters segment. Ted Shallcross, chairman, president and CEO of Amica, stated,
People's Credit Union Names Rachel Semiao Head of Portsmouth Member Operations
People’s Credit Union has announced the promotion of Rachel Semiao to Head of Portsmouth Member Operations, reporting to Lori Marshall, Head of the Portsmouth Branch. In this role, Ms. Semiao will provide leadership and support for daily branch operations while serving as a mentor and resource for the team. Before joining People’s Credit Union as a Member Service Representative in the Middletown Branch, Ms. Semiao spent 15 years in patient-facing roles in the healthcare industry, where she developed a
People's Credit Union Holds 3rd Annual Day of Purpose
Employees donate time and talent to raise awareness of the importance of mental health To raise awareness about the importance of mental health in Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union recently partnered with over a dozen nonprofit organizations, schools, and community police officers across the state for their 3rd annual Day of Purpose. The credit union also hosted an all-branch Essentials Drive collecting more than 500 items for children and teenagers in supportive care. All People’s branches, including
PSH's Alicia J. Samolis Receives 2026 “Top Women of Law” Honor From Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Partridge Snow & Hahn (PSH), a full-service business law and litigation firm, announces that partner Alicia J. Samolis has received the 2026 “Top Women of Law” honor from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This highly coveted honor celebrates the achievements of exceptional women lawyers who are pioneers, educators, trailblazers, and role models. Samolis and fellow honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony on November 5 at the Boston Marriott Newton. To view the full list of 2026 honorees, visit
Sean A. Gray Appointed Chief Executive Officer at Beacon Bank
Beacon Financial Corporation Announces CEO Transition: Sean A. Gray Appointed Chief Executive Officer; Paul A. Perrault to Retire Beacon Financial Corporation (NYSE: BBT) (the “Company”), the holding company of Beacon Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that the joint Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank unanimously appointed Sean A. Gray as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective September 21, 2026. Mr. Gray will also serve as a member of the Boards of the Company and
People's Credit Union Brings Rachel's Challenge to North Kingstown High School
People’s Credit Union Brings Rachel's Challenge to North Kingstown High School Inspiring a Culture of Kindness and Connection People’s Credit Union brought Rachel’s Challenge to North Kingstown High School on Thursday, September 17th, giving the school’s entire student body and administration an opportunity to come together around a message of kindness, empathy, connection, and the importance of looking out for one another. The national evidence-based program, inspired by the life and legacy of Rachel
Bristol County Savings Bank Named a Top Charitable Contributor in Massachusetts by Boston Business Journal
Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, announces that it was named one of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts by Boston Business Journal for the tenth consecutive year at the publication’s 2026 Corporate Citizenship Awards held last Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Big Night Live in Boston. Designed to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities, the Bank ranked #33 on the BBJ list of 95 companies that granted at least
Johnson & Wales University Rises in “Most Innovative: Regional Universities, North” Ranking from U.S. News & World Report
Johnson & Wales University’s Providence Campus moved up to number six in the "Most Innovative: Regional Universities, North” ranking, according to the latest report from U.S. News & World Report, up one spot from last year. “We are pleased to see Johnson & Wales University recognized in this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings,” said Chancellor Mim Runey, LP.D. “This recognition reflects the university’s commitment to innovation, adapting to the needs of students and industry while preparing
Roger Williams University Earns First-Ever Top-25 Ranking from U.S. News & World Report
RWU rises 10 positions to No. 25 among Regional Universities North, debuts at No. 17 among private universities, and in value and social mobility. Roger Williams University has achieved its highest ranking ever in the U.S. News & World Report Regional Universities North category, rising 10 positions to No. 25 in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings. The milestone marks RWU’s first appearance in the top 25 since joining the Regional Universities North category in 2012 and continues a three-year upward
Navigant Credit Union Promotes Annette Niemczyk to Senior Vice President, Director of Technology
Navigant Credit Union has announced it has promoted Annette Niemczyk to Senior Vice President, Director of Technology, recognizing her leadership in modernizing the credit union’s technology infrastructure, strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities, and advancing its approach to automation and artificial intelligence. Niemczyk joined Navigant Credit Union in 2022 and has over twenty years of technical experience. Under her leadership, Navigant has modernized its IT infrastructure, revamped its
Save The Bay Statewide Beach Cleanups Begin
Save The Bay Invites Volunteers to Engage in Statewide Cleanups and #SeaTheChange at Ocean Conservancy’s 41st Annual International Coastal Cleanup Save The Bay, Rhode Island’s coordinator for Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), is calling on volunteers to #SeaTheChange and join the global effort to remove and document trash from beaches, waterways, and lakes. As part of the 41st annual ICC, cleanup events will take place across Rhode Island from September through November. Volunteers
What Goes in a Business Media Kit (And Why Rhode Island Owners Need One)
A media kit — sometimes called a press kit — is a curated package of materials that tells your business's story to journalists, advertisers, investors, and potential partners. When someone wants to write about your company, book you for a panel, or evaluate you as a collaborator, the media kit is the first thing they reach for. For businesses operating across Rhode Island's connected, relationship-driven economy, having one ready isn't a branding exercise — it's a basic credibility signal.It's Not Only
From Obscurity to Coverage: The Business Case for a Media Kit
A media kit is a curated collection of brand information, assets, and proof points that businesses use to communicate clearly with journalists, partners, and stakeholders. For companies of all sizes, it serves as a structured introduction to who they are, what they offer, and why they matter. In an era where attention is short and competition for coverage is high, a well-built media kit can make the difference between being overlooked and being featured.At a Glance A media kit presents essential brand
Building Smart Growth Foundations for Small Businesses in Greater Providence
Growth is a thrilling word for any small business owner. But expansion — done right — isn’t just about hiring more people or opening another location. It’s about building the kind of resilience and systems that make growth sustainable over the long haul in Rhode Island’s ever-changing business landscape.TL;DR To grow well, small businesses should focus on five key areas: clarity of purpose, financial discipline, operational scalability, legal structure, and community connection. Build systems before you
Streamlining Client Onboarding: Smarter Systems for Smoother Starts
Client onboarding is more than just paperwork and welcome emails — it’s the first real impression of how your service-based business operates. A clunky, confusing, or manual onboarding process can quickly undercut trust, while a smooth, structured one builds confidence, accelerates delivery, and strengthens loyalty from day one.The Quick Summary Before diving deep, here’s what you’ll take away: Streamlined onboarding is about clarity, automation, and communication, not just speed. Systems that
Redefine Success with These Powerful Digital Marketing Assets
In digital marketing, skillfully managing assets can be the key to success. Having resources like images, videos, and reports meticulously organized enables greater impact. The value lies not in simply possessing these assets, but in strategically using them to stay ahead. Mastering digital asset management streamlines workflows, boosts team productivity, and enhances security. Embracing best practices transforms disarray into efficiency and raw potential into measurable success.Building a Fortress: User
Boss Moves: How Adobe Acrobat Helps Women Entrepreneurs Get It Done
Being an entrepreneur is all about juggling, innovating, and growing—but what if you had a secret weapon to make it easier? Enter Adobe Acrobat, a powerful ally that streamlines your day-to-day, helping you work smarter while leaving more room for what truly drives your business forward. This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the ways Adobe Acrobat is empowering women entrepreneurs to elevate their hustle, simplify workflows, and realize bigger dreams. Acrobat AI Assistant: Check out
