Arnold Lumber Recognized as One of Rhode Island’s Best Places to Work for Second Consecutive Year
Arnold Lumber Company is proud to announce that it has once again been named one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island by Providence Business News for 2026, marking the second consecutive year the company has earned this recognition. This continued recognition highlights Arnold Lumber’s ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture built on collaboration, respect, and shared success. Being honored in back-to-back years reflects the strength and consistency of the company’s values, as well as the
Navigant Credit Union Celebrates 29th Annual School Scholarship Program
Navigant Credit Union Awards Scholarships to 22 Outstanding StudentsAs part of its ongoing dedication to investing in the future of Rhode Island’s community through education, Navigant Credit Union is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of its annual scholarship program. Now in its 29th year, the annual Navigant Credit Union Scholarship Program recognizes local high school seniors who exhibit exemplary academic achievement, teamwork and community involvement over the course of their high school
People's Credit Union Launches Gully Youth Savings Account
Expands Long-Standing Partnership with Newport Gulls in Support of Local Families People’s Credit Union, in partnership with the Newport Gulls collegiate summer baseball team, announced the launch of its Gully Youth Savings Account to encourage children to save by teaching them good financial habits. Named after the team’s mascot, the savings account is designed for children of all ages and has a tiered interest rate which rewards account holders for steady saving. Any child who signs up for a new
Bristol County Savings Bank Promotes Timothy A. Chaves to EVP & Chief Revenue Officer
Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the promotion of Timothy Chaves to Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer. In this expanded role, Chaves will oversee and align all revenue-generating strategies across the Bank while continuing to serve as Chief Lending Officer.“Tim brings the kind of leadership this role demands — strategic, collaborative, and deeply grounded in relationships,” said John Silva, President and CEO. “As Chief
RISD Museum Announces Appointment of Clara Fecht as Senior Director of Development
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the RISD Museum are pleased to announce the appointment of Clara Fecht as senior director of development, RISD Museum, effective May 18, 2026. Fecht joins the college and museum at a pivotal moment as RISD embarks on the planning and implementation of a new strategic plan and advances its ongoing, ambitious fundraising efforts. As a key member of RISD’s Institutional Advancement senior management group, Fecht will execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy
Roger Williams University Names Dr. Vitaliano Figueroa Vice President for Student Life
Figueroa brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in higher education and student affairs Roger Williams University (RWU) has announced the appointment of Vitaliano Figueroa, EdD, as the new Vice President for Student Life, following an extensive national search. He will succeed long-time Vice President John King, who is retiring after more than 22 years of service. Figueroa will officially assume the role on July 13, 2026. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Figueroa to the RWU
RWU Appoints Dr. B. Gökhan Çelik As New Dean of School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management
Longtime faculty member and academic leader to guide SECCM’s next phase of growth and innovation Roger Williams University has appointed B. Gökhan Çelik, Ph.D., as the next Dean of the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management (SECCM), following a national search. A longtime member of the RWU community, Çelik has been serving the school as Interim Dean since July 2025. Çelik brings more than 16 years of experience at RWU, where he has held a range of leadership roles including
A Vital Safety Net: The Rhode Island Free Clinic’s Growing Impact
The Rhode Island Free Clinic was founded on a simple yet powerful belief: that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. From these humble beginnings, the Clinic has grown into a vital part of Rhode Island’s healthcare safety net, providing comprehensive services to uninsured adults across the state. The Clinic was recently featured in two articles in the The Providence Journal, highlighting its impact and the essential role it plays within the broader healthcare
RWU Launches Rhode Island’s First “Inside-Out” Class at the Rhode Island Training School
RWU’s School of Justice Studies launches Rhode Island’s first Inside-Out Exchange Program, bringing together students and sentenced youth in a shared academic experience. Roger Williams University is proud to announce the launch of Rhode Island’s first “Inside-Out” class, at the Rhode Island Training Schoolin Cranston, Rhode Island. This innovative college course brings together undergraduate students from RWU’s School of Justice Studies (“outside students”) and residents of the Rhode Island Training
Amica names Edmund (Ted) Shallcross III Chair of the Board
Amica Mutual Insurance Company’s board of directors has appointed Edmund (Ted) Shallcross III, president and chief executive officer, as chair of the board. This change underscores the company’s belief in Shallcross’ exceptional leadership and commitment to strategic growth. Since assuming the role of president and chief executive officer in October 2022, Shallcross has propelled Amica to new heights. He has established a clear executive vision for the 119-year-old mutual insurer that prioritizes
People’s Credit Union and URI Women's Athletics Team Up to Empower Local Youth
Collaborate with South County YMCA for "Be a Ram for a Day" As part of their long-standing partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI) women’s athletics, People’s Credit Union sponsored ‘Be a Ram for a Day.’ Planned by Mie Carstensen, URI women’s varsity soccer player and People’s student-athlete liaison, in collaboration with the South County YMCA, the event gave local youth the opportunity to experience how these athletes spend a typical day on campus. “Be a Ram for a Day allowed us to
OceanPoint Financial Partners, MHC Releases Summary of its 2025 Annual Meeting
BankNewport proudly announced its accomplishments for 2025 at the annual meeting of OceanPoint Financial Partners, MHC (the “Company”), the mutual holding company of BankNewport, held on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Company’s Chairman, Peter Capodilupo, presided over the meeting where he announced that the Company’s total assets reached a record $3.0 billion, fulfilling an overarching goal of the institution. BankNewport has again been honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Rhode
Bristol County Savings Bank Breaks Ground on New Seekonk Branch
Ceremony marks Bank’s 17th location and investment in the Seekonk community. Bristol County Savings Bank celebrated the future of local banking in Seekonk on Friday, April 24, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest branch, a free-standing location in the new Whole Foods Plaza at 940 Fall River Avenue. Expected to open this fall, the new branch will become the Bank’s 17th location and further expand Bristol County Savings Bank’s presence in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The branch
Stop & Shop Top Chef Inspired Competion/$95,000 Donation to Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club
Stop & Shop and The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket hosts first-ever “Top Chef” event to highlight the “Healthy Habits” cooking program. Stop & Shop also donated $95,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket to Support Healthy Eating Habits and the Club’s Afterschool Programming! Five teams of three BGCP youth – each assisted by one special guest “Sous Chef” – tested their cooking skills as they competed in a “Top Chef”-inspired competition utilizing recipes from the Stop & Shop Kids Cooking Club
Roger Williams University Announces Retirement of President Miaoulis at Close of Academic Year
Board of Trustees Expresses Gratitude for Seven Years of Service and Institutional Progress Roger Williams University announces that President Ioannis Miaoulis will retire at the conclusion of the current academic year on May 31, 2026. The preceding seven years of leadership were marked by academic innovation, community engagement, and institutional growth. “This decision comes from a deeply personal place. I believe it is best for my well-being and, just as importantly, best for the university,” said
Small Business Collective Awarded Second Place at International Business Conference
Small Business Collective (SBC), a Rhode Island–based nonprofit rethinking how we support entrepreneurs, has been awarded Second Place in a pitch competition at the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) Annual Conference in Chicago. The pitch competition marked the culmination of a two-day pre-conference intensive program for ecosystem builders, featuring four deep-dive sessions on how to better support entrepreneurs. Executive Director Mollie Williams
Beacon Bank in RI Collects More than 8,200 Children’s Books
Former BankRI partners with Books Are Wings for 16th consecutive year Beacon Bank in Rhode Island, formerly Bank Rhode Island, collected more than 8,200 new and gently used children’s books to support childhood literacy in its 16th year partnering with Books Are Wings in one of the nonprofit’s largest annual book drives. “This book drive is something our employees look forward to supporting every year and is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together to truly make a
People's Credit Union Names Kyle Jones Head of Wakefield Member Operations
Brings a Successful Track Record in Operations Management and Relationship Banking People’s Credit Union has announced the appointment of Kyle Jones as Head of Wakefield Member Operations, reporting to Shana Silveira, Head of Wakefield Branch. In this role, Mr. Jones will manage the activities and staff of the branch to ensure proper alignment with Credit Union goals and service standards, directly supervising day-to-day operational activities and driving member growth. “We’re
Robinson+Cole’s People-First Culture Recognized in Vault’s 2027 Rankings
Robinson+Cole has once again been recognized for its workplace culture, innovation, and commitment to inclusion by Vault in its 2027 Best Law Firms to Work For rankings. The firm was ranked #26 in the overall Best Large Law Firms to Work For category, reflecting continued momentum across many of the survey’s quality-of-life categories. Robinson+Cole achieved multiple top-five inclusion rankings, and fifteen total top rankings, underscoring the firm’s longstanding history of respect, belonging, and
People's Credit Union Names Justin Lombardo Head of Portsmouth Member Operations
Experienced Relationship Manager Brings Proven Track Record in Driving Sales Growth People’s Credit Union has announced the appointment of Justin Lombardo as Head of Portsmouth Member Operations, reporting to Lori Marshall, Head of Portsmouth Branch. In this role, Mr. Lombardo will manage the day-to-day operational activities and staff of the branch to ensure proper alignment with Credit Union goals and service standards, enhancing both the financial growth and experience of People’s
Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation Highlights VITA Tax Assistance in First Round of 2026 Community Grants
Funding supported free tax preparation through United Way of Rhode Island alongside investments in housing, education, and health services. The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded charitable grants to 27 nonprofit organizations delivering essential services across Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut, including affordable housing and homeownership programs, workforce development and youth education, healthcare access, food security, and financial stability initiatives. A key focus of
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
Turn Your Home into an Entrepreneurial Haven with Proven Tips and Best Practices
Transforming your home into a space that fuels entrepreneurial success is both an exciting and rewarding venture. By optimizing your environment for productivity and creativity, you can elevate your home into a hub for innovative thinking and business growth. A well-designed home office or workspace can help you maintain focus and balance while working on your entrepreneurial goals. Implementing effective strategies and best practices will ensure that your home supports your business ambitions without
