SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION free volume two issue four
2013 Salute to Small Business
Featured Chamber North Central Chamber of Commerce
Featured NonProfit Adoption Rhode Island
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Welcome to the first special edition of RISBJ, featuring the SBA 2013 Rhode
from the founder
Island Salute to Small Business award winners. The Salute to Small Business is a weeklong celebration that highlights the success of many small businesses here in Rhode Island along with a series of free workshops to help business owners on a variety of topics such as time management, understanding financials, creating brand loyalty and hiring strategies. This year’s workshop series is presented by Rhode Island SCORE, RISBDC, CWE and the SBA. The small business week activities will be highlighted by the annual awards luncheon at the Alpine Country Club on Wednesday June 12th. This event will acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of nine Rhode Island small business owners. Four of this year’s award recipients will be honored as New England winners, an accomplishment that clearly shows Rhode Island business owners can be equally or more successful than those in states that are labeled as more “Business Friendly”. Working with the SBA on this special edition was a perfect fit for RISBJ because it speaks to the success of many businesses and entrepreneurs in our state. That has been the focus of RISBJ since our inception in February, 2012. The Salute to Small Business truly shows recognition and appreciation for those business owners that are leading the charge for a better Rhode Island. Their success helps to motivate those of us who work night and day to build thriving companies in our home state. I would like to personally congratulate this year’s winners for their accomplishments and inspiration. ·
Brenda Brock, Founder/CEO of Farmaesthetics
·
David MacDonald, Founder/CEO of The Children’s Workshop
·
Gerald Barry, Chairman of the Board for MEDfx
·
Robert Mancini, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Society of Certified
·
Public Accountants
·
Dr. Drew Carey, Principal of CoastalVision, LLC
·
Antonio Fonseca & Vincent Fonseca, Owners of Packaging & More, Inc.
·
Elizabeth Yuill, Owner/President of Brown & Hopkins Country Store
·
Jeshua Zapata, President of Xzito Creative Solutions
·
Jeanne Salisbury, Owner of Minuteman Press
·
Gary Ezovski, Owner of Lincoln Environmental Properties
·
Ronald Caniglia, Owner of STAND Corporation We hope you enjoy reading each of their stories on how they achieved their level
of success. Just make sure you set aside plenty of time because with 96 pages, this is the biggest issue of RISBJ yet!
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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Courses, Certificates, Degrees Downtown Providence and Online
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Gil Lantini President, Founder Ralph Coppolino Vice President, Operations & Business Development Danny Angeli Account Executive Stacy Ambroziak Account Manager James Pardee Jr Creative Director and Design Editor Mike Casale Graphic Designer Aaron Cadieux Video Production Manager Contributing Writers Richard Austin Peter D. Conopask Greg Enos Peter George Jessica Granatiero Adam Harvey Steven J. King, PE Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Ivan Misner Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis Bob Salvas Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Chris Sheehy Lisa Shorr Mari Anne Snow Sabrina Solares-Hand Tim Sullivan Mayor Angel Taveras Robert L. (Mr. X) Xifaras JD
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table of contents 2013 Salute to Small Business 08 09 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 23 24 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 37
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Message from Mark S. Hayward Message from William Welsh Small Business Person of the Year Joseph G.E. Knight Award Rhode Island SBA District Director Award Entrepreneurial Success Award Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Microenterprise of the Year Award CWE Provides Visioning to Owner of Martial Arts Studio SBA Microloan Helps North Scituate Plumbing Business Expand Family-Owned Colombian Restaurant Grows with Help from the RISBDC Woonsocket Salvage Yard Uses RISBDC Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year SBA Rhode Island Participating Lenders Financial Services Champion of the Year Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Is Government Contracting Right for Your Business? Small Business Government Contracts
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
SBAC Works to Improve Government Relations Networking and Workshops Turning Your IT Philosophy from “Reactive” to “Proactive” Disorganized Offices Promoting More Transportation Options at Quonset Protect Your Business From A Cyber Attack Export Rhode Island Secrets to Successful Corporate Events Why Did You Ask That Question? Skin To Win Two Most Important Networking Skills Real Estate Best Time To Invest Top 6 Tips for Blog Commenting Multitasking As a Part of Life Referral Marketing In Tribute to our Military and Veterans Social Media Is Two-Way Communication Can Businesses Get Any Yield on Their Cash? Penny On The Ground GoLocal The Rhode Island Commercial & Appraisal Board Of Realtors ® Community Corner
38 39 40 42 44 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 63 66 68 70 72 74 76 80 82 87
Featured Chamber North Central Chamber of Commerce
64
Featured Nonprofit Adoption Rhode Island
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7
2013 SBA WINNERS
Message from Mark S. Hayward District Director U.S. Small Business Administration
to Small Business Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, June 12th, at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston. This gathering of small business owners, entrepreneurs and their advocates represents the shared success and accomplishments achieved over the past year. This year we will honor nine entrepreneurs and champions. Their accomplishments and dedication to small business are exceptional. Among them are two regional winners. I extend my congratulations to Brenda Brock, owner of Farmaesthetics, the 2013 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year. Once again, Rhode Island is pleased to honor four regional award winners: David
The stories about these outstanding honorees are truly inspiring. Please take the time to read them in this special supplement
MacDonald, founder and CEO of The Small businesses make up 96 percent of
Children’s Workshop, the Entrepreneurial
the Rhode Island’s private sector employers.
Success Award winner; Gerald Barry,
Their continued growth and success
chairman of MEDfx Corporation, the
remain a key component to our state’s
Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year;
economic recovery.
Dr. Drew Carey, principal of CoastalVision, the Microenterprise of the Year, and Robert
The Rhode Island Salute to Small Business
Mancini, executive director of the
celebration held this year from June 10th
Rhode island Society of Certified Public
through June 14st, provides the opportunity
Accountants as the Financial Services
to recognize the contributions of our small
Champion of the Year.
business entrepreneurs and appropriately recognizes those small businesses and
The stories about these outstanding honorees
champions who have distinguished
are truly inspiring. Please take the time to
themselves as what I believe are the
read them in this special supplement.
“best of the best.” I also want to acknowledge those businesses I especially want to thank Bill Welsh, chair of
and organizations that have supported the
the Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter for
co-sponsorship of this year’s event. Without
making this important celebration possible
their help and dedication, this annual tribute
by co-sponsoring the Rhode Island Salute
to the small business community would not
to Small Business. Bill and his team of
be possible.
small business mentors counsel hundreds of small business owners and would-
Whether you have an existing business or
be entrepreneurs each year. Their vast
are a would-be entrepreneur, the SBA and
experience and professionalism has resulted
our resource partners: SCORE, the Rhode
in the creation of countless small businesses.
Island Small Business Development Center
SCORE certainly recognizes the importance
at Johnson & Wales University and the Center
of our annual salute to the state’s small
for Women & Enterprise are ready to assist
business community.
you in developing or updating a business
These small business owners and champions
obtaining access to capital. I urge you to take
will be honored at the Rhode Island Salute
advantage of these services.
plan, creating financial projections, or
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
2013 SBA WINNERS
Message From The Rhode Island Salute to Small Business Co-Sponsor
William Welsh, Chair Joseph G.E. Knight, Score Chapter 13 The Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter 13
our outstanding business owners, but also to
It is their continued commitment that allows
is honored to co-sponsor the 2013 Rhode
reach out to the small business community in
us to recognize the accomplishments of the
Island Salute to Small Business celebration
the state via a series of free workshops that
Rhode Island small business community.
with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
will be offered throughout Small Business Week (June 10-14).
On behalf of the over 40 SCORE volunteers throughout Rhode Island, I would like to join
SCORE is a national volunteer association that has been a partner of SBA for 49 years.
If you have ever contemplated
the small business community in extending
The Rhode Island chapter was founded in
starting your own small business, or thought
my congratulations to our Small Business
1964 and was one of the first in the nation.
about getting some advice from experts in
Person of the Year, Brenda Brook, owner of
SCORE volunteers have counseled countless
the business community, I strongly urge you
Farmaesthetics in Newport. I would also
clients over the years that have dreams
to attend one or more of these workshops.
like to congratulate our four New England
and aspirations of owning their own small
Our counselors have years of experience
regional winners. They are outstanding contributors to the Rhode Island small
business, as well as to existing
in the business world as executives and
entrepreneurs seeking to expand or
entrepreneurs. They are all successful
business community, and are all extremely
revitalize their business model.
business people who are ready and willing
deserving recipients.
to share their knowledge with you. All I particularly want to congratulate Jeanne
counseling sessions are offered at no cost,
Salisbury, owner of Minuteman Press in
and are completely confidential. To schedule
Pawtucket, as this year’s recipient of the
your session with a SCORE counselor, call
Joseph G.E. Knight Award for
(401) 528-4561 or visit our website at
Entrepreneurial Excellence.
www.ri.score.org.
The 2013 Rhode Island small business
Last fiscal year, our counselors trained and
honorees are outstanding examples of the
mentored over 2,500 clients in one-on-one
entrepreneurial spirit thriving. Their hard
settings and our no or low-cost business
work and perseverance in business are an
workshops are excellent avenues for small
inspiration to us all. Each winner has their
business owners and those looking to start
own great story of how they rose to success,
a small business to receive invaluable
and I extend my sincere congratulations
guidance from experienced professionals.
and offer my deepest admiration to the champions who advocate on behalf of the
I would also like to extend my deepest
small business community.
appreciation and thanks to our corporate partners. Without their support and
The Rhode Island Salute to Small Business
contributions this great annual event
gives us the opportunity to not only honor
would not be possible. www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
9
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 RI Small Business Person of the Year
Brenda Brock turned her passion for farming into a successful small business Brenda Brock (right) on the Martha Stuart show
ABC-TV daytime drama One Life to Live. She
Farmaesthetics products were a big hit
CEO of Farmaesthetics, is the daughter of
was nominated twice for a Daytime Award as
with her customers. Brenda realized there
a seventh generation farming family from
Best Actress.
Brenda Brock, founder, formulator and
Brenda capitalized on her experience and
was a year-round demand. So she took her “recipes” to dermatological laboratories and
Texas with roots steeped in herbal traditions. Despite her acting success, Brenda longed
successfully re-formulated her products for
training to launch her company, which
for her rural roots. She gave up acting,
large batch production while retaining their
creates, designs, produces and
moved to Rhode Island, restored an old
100 percent natural status and achieving a
wholesales 100 percent natural, fine
Victorian farmhouse, and began growing
certified two-year shelf life.
herbal skincare products.
herbs and flowers and making skincare preparations. She put into practice a life-
Brock clearly recognized that she had a
Brock’s technical background in chemistry
long passion of using the rural traditions
business opportunity. She originally raised
stems from her pre-nursing studies and her
of American “kitchen chemistry,” to create
seed capital from friends and family but soon
employment while in school at the University
a full line of proprietary formulations that
realized she needed professional guidance to
of Texas at Austin. Her love of folklore,
also include the sophisticated science of
take her passion for natural, herbal skincare
storytelling and writing led to a change of
cosmetic manufacturing.
products to a successful business operation.
majors and a move to New York City, where she studied and enjoyed a 10-year career as
Brenda sold her first herbal products
Brenda admits she didn’t know what she was
a produced playwright and actress.
during the summer of 1999 at her friend’s
getting into and needed help figuring out her
organic farm stand in rural Rhode Island.
costs and where to store her products. She
If her name is familiar to some, it may be
She created a seasonal line using pristine
turned to the Rhode Island Small Business
because she enjoyed a four-year role on the
organic harvests from ocean-side farms.
Development Center for assistance. An
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence
RISBDC consultant met with Brenda and her husband Bill to develop Farmaesthetics’ first business plan. She learned about cost of goods sold and financial projections. With a solid business plan in hand Brenda confidently met with potential investors and eventually received a loan from Citizens Bank that was guaranteed by the SBA. Brock admits that the assistance she received from the RISBDC helped her move the business from her kitchen to 250 square feet of space in an old trolley barn in Newport. Farmaesthetics has since received additional funding backed by SBA to help Brenda grow her business. Today, the business is located in 2,500 square feet in the same old trolley barn in Newport and is the company’s “World Headquarters.” Brenda’s achievements include being named
SCORE Guidance Helps Pawtucket Printing Company Grow Jeanne Salisbury grew up in a family that
document reproduction, and graphic
had a strong work ethic. She was taught
design services.
at an early age that you had to work
Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People
hard to get what you want. Don’t wait
The first few years were challenging.
and Ideas Behind Green Design in Beauty,”
for a handout. Words that, decades later,
The economy began its nosedive and
and one of the “Five Entrepreneurs at the
Jeanne continues to live by.
with it went her sales. Jeanne hired salespersons, but they didn’t work out.
Forefront of the Natural Beauty Revolution” by Luxury Spafinder. Farmaesthetics products
While her five children were in school,
made the cover of Cosmetic/Personal Care
Jeanne worked part time at her sister-
Packaging Magazine for their leadership
in-law’s printing company in North
position in “green” packaging design.
Financially her business hit rock bottom
Providence. Over the 14 years that she worked there, Salisbury learned a lot
Farmaesthetics has also been named to
about the printing business. In 2006, after
Women’s Wear Daily’s “It List” of “The Green
battling health issues, she bought into a
Brands Defining Organic Skincare.” Brenda
Minuteman Press printing franchise and
is a repeat guest on “The Martha Stewart
opened her business on Central Avenue
Show,” including “The Entrepreneur Show,”
in Pawtucket.
and has been named one of Martha’s “Natural Beauty Gurus.”
Minuteman Press is a full-service printing company that not only specializes in
Farmaesthetics products are sold in the
printing services, but also copying,
finest spas and independent retail stores in the USA. The company is now poised to expand their distribution and bring the Farmaesthetics brand to the global market. For her demonstrated success and growth potential, the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Brenda Brock, CEO of Farmaesthetics, as the 2013 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year. www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
11
2013 SBA WINNERS
Gary Ezovski Ronald Caniglia Rhode Island SBA District Director Award Each year the Rhode Island SBA District
the group to make a difference, after almost
Director recognizes an individual or
two years of trying to drive that issue forward
new committee discussions and actions.
individuals who have made a positive
frustration over the lack of action
To increase the strength of the effort the
contribution to the state’s small business
resulted in belief that futility was the only
committee reached out to people with broad
community. Gary Ezovski and Ronald
probable outcome.
past and present experience in all of those
Caniglia have done exactly that as advocates for regulatory reform.
approvals became the central focus of
processes. Ronald Caniglia, owner of In late 2009 however, Gary’s experience
STAND Corporation in Warwick, volunteered.
pursuing a building permit for a minor
His enthusiasm and commitment to
In 2007 Ezovski, owner of Lincoln
renovation of a commercial property gave
the project led him to being named the
Environmental Properties in North Smithfield,
rise to a new focus for the Regulations
committee’s vice chair.
was named chair of the Regulations
Subcommittee. The building permit process
Subcommittee of the Rhode Island Small
in Rhode Island was identified as an
Caniglia’s life long experience in building residential and commercial structures
Business Economic Summit. Twenty years of
impediment to economic development and
experience guiding businesses, homeowners,
an area of regulation that required discussion
became extremely valuable to the
and government agencies through
and change.
committee’s work. Since that time legislative
environmental challenges made him a good fit for the committee leadership.
and/or regulatory actions have been taken The process related to building permits,
to reduce the time allowed for processing of
fire department permits and DOT curb cut
building, fire and DOT permits. While that in
The focal point of discussion was making
itself was encouraging to say the least, the
an effort to move the Regulatory Flexibility
pursuit of those issues has stimulated actions
Act from paper concept to regulatory reality.
by legislators to support initiatives such as
Though there was steely determination within
moving Rhode Island to a computerized statewide permitting system and a complete review of every regulation in the state. As those matters developed, Gary and Ron emphasized that the committee’s target of getting Rhode Island government to move at the speed of business wasn’t to be achieved through a decline in public safety or reduced environmental protection. Every expectation was that a better system would allow better code compliance through reduced waste and friction in the many systems that guide the development
Ron Caniglia (left) and Gary Ezovski (right)
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
process. The goal has
constantly been to get Rhode Islanders
in late 2009 and 2010. Jeanne couldn’t
and several on-call part timers, including a salesperson.
to work on good projects in the hands of
pay her bills and it looked more and more
responsible developers. The target continues
like bankruptcy was a real possibility. She
to be toward achieving a system where
wasn’t going to go down without a fight.
Jeanne Salisbury’s business is curtained
She had invested too much time and
primed for future growth. This August
projects in the ground and good people to
money into establishing her own small
will mark her seventh anniversary as a
work. However, they realize there are no silver
business. She needed some guidance
business owner. She recognizes the
bullets to solve these economic challenges.
and turned to the U.S. Small Business
significance of moving beyond the
“knowing a guy” isn’t necessary to get good
Administration for help. expanded beyond the permit process into
“start-up” phase of her business and is confident that she will celebrate many
The scope of the committee’s work has SBA Rhode Island District Office referred
topics that have been recognized as those
her to the local SCORE chapter for
that stigmatize Rhode Island as a difficult
counseling and assistance. SCORE
place to do business. Gary and Ron have
is a non-profit, volunteer organization
consistently encouraged change in labor
dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs
management issues like the “only in Rhode
seeking guidance in starting and growing
Island” requirement to mandate payment of
their businesses. The counselors are
wages on a weekly basis for a broad array of
experienced, successful business
employees or the only state in the country to
owners and managers who want to give
mandate celebration of Victory Day.
back to the community.
Gary and Ron have consistently encouraged change in labor management issues
Steve Gareau, a counselor at the Providence SBA office, was assigned to meet with Jeanne. Their first meeting
more business anniversaries in the future.
Within two months her sales had doubled and have grown over 600 percent since that first meeting with Steve Gareau
lasted three hours. He shared some creative ideas that Jeanne used to improve her business operations.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to join with the Rhode Island SCORE chapter to honor Jeanne F.
Gareau said he helps entrepreneurs
Salisbury, president of minuteman
figure out what they want to do. Focus,
Press of Pawtucket, with the 2013
stick to the plan, and be diligent he
Joseph G.E. Knight Award for
tells them. Gareau calls it the “funneling
Entrepreneurial Excellence.
effect.” Ideas are dumped into an imaginary funnel and what comes out is
The Joseph G.E. Knight Award for
a more focused view of the direction that
Entrepreneurial Excellence was created to
should be taken.
honor the memory of Joseph G.E. Knight, who
In July 2012, Ezovski was appointed to
passed away in October 2005 at the age of
the SBA’s Region I Regulatory Fairness
He believes what the entrepreneur feels
96. Mr. Knight was one of the founders of
Board by Administrator Karen Mills. In that
in their heart and mind is the strength of
SCORE in 1964. He served as the association’s
capacity, he serves as a local resource
their direction.
for small businesses, trade groups and
national chair in 1977 and 1978. The Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter 13 in Providence
other entities to address regional concerns
Jeanne said Gareau’s “pep talk” lit a fire
is the only SCORE chapter in the nation named
regarding federal regulatory enforcement and
under her. She adopted his suggestions
in honor of an individual.
compliance issues. For their demonstrated commitment to
that she hire a salesperson, improve the storefront’s signage, ramp up marketing
Mr. Knight dedicated more than 35 years to
and extend her hours of operation.
helping countless entrepreneurs realize their
regulatory reform for the Rhode Island small
dream of business ownership through his sage
business community, the U.S. Small Business
Within two months her sales had doubled
mentoring and expert advice. This award is
Administration is pleased to present Gary
and have grown over 600 percent since
presented annually to an entrepreneur
Ezovski and Ronald Caniglia with the 2013
that first meeting with Steve Gareau.
who has exemplified the highest ideals of
Rhode Island SBA District Director Award.
Jeanne now has three fulltime employees
business achievement.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
13
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Rhode Island and New England Entrepreneurial Success Award
the Children’s Workshop Provides Early Childhood Education and Daycare at 19 Locations David MacDonald embodies the term entrepreneur. In fact, he
building in an East Providence industrial park, an ideal location for a
is a classic “serial entrepreneur,” always on the lookout ¬for new
child care center.
opportunities and needs in the marketplace. As the first center in Lincoln flourished, MacDonald soon realized that A Boston native, Dave founded and successfully operated and
the demand was greater than he had anticipated. In 1994, a second
managed several mortgage banking and brokerage firms for
center was opened in Smithfield and shortly afterwards a third center
nearly 30 years. During that time he noticed that his employees
was opened in East Greenwich.
would leave the company to start a family. Many wanted to return to their jobs but found it difficult to find reliable, quality child care.
Growth continued in Rhode Island though the 90s and into the early
MacDonald recognized another opportunity to serve an important
2000s. However it was becoming apparent that the company had
need in the community. In 1990 he partnered with two women, Karen
to expand beyond Rhode Island. Dave looked to Massachusetts
Annotti and Dr. Maryann Shallcross-Smith, who were both very
for expansion. Between 2004 and 2012, the company acquired or
experienced in early childhood education and founded a company
opened seven locations in the Bay State.
that in the early days was called Child Care Connection. It started with one location in Lincoln, RI.
In 2002, an experienced manager was hired to oversee the day-today operations while Dave focused on his other business ventures
The company grew steadily over the next two decades. Today, the
while remaining chairman of the company. Like most businesses, the
company has 19 locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In
recent economic downturn had an impact on their bottom line.
2010 the company changed its name to The Children’s Workshop and now serves over 1,500 children in 19 communities, supporting hundreds of working families.
In 2010 MacDonald resumed the role of president and CEO. He helped initiate a campaign to reinvest heavily into the facilities, curriculum, and programs offered. As a result, of these changes, The
The firm’s first facility in Lincoln was financed in part by an SBA 504
Children’s Workshop is stronger than ever.
loan through the Ocean State Business Development Authority. A second 504 loan through OSBDA was made in 2002 to purchase a
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Child care is certainly not a new concept; it is a necessity for busy,
In 2010 the company changed its name to The Children’s Workshop and now serves over 1,500 children in 19 communities, supporting hundreds of
Freedom National Bank congratulates the 2013 Rhode Island Award Winners and in particular our affiliated relationships with the following three recipients.
working families Financial Services Champion of the Year Rhode Island and New England Robert Mancini, Executive Director R.I. Society of Certified Public Accountants dual income, working families. What makes The Children’s Workshop unique is the company’s commitment to families and serving their needs. TCW offers flexibility so a parent can choose a schedule that best meets their needs. They offer convenient hours and also provide transportation to and from local schools for their school age program. Communication between home and school is open and easy so families can be as involved as possible in the education and care of their child. The centers offer hot, nutritious meals through a wholly owned catering company that operates out of their Central falls facility. MacDonald
Rhode Island District Director Award Gary Ezovski, Owner Lincoln Environmental Properties, LLC North Smithfield Women-Owned Small Business of the Year Elizabeth Yuill, Owner/President Brown & Hopkins Country Store Chepachet
understands that busy families don’t always have the time to prepare nutritious lunches before school every day. In some low income communities, some children were not receiving any nutritious food at all. As a result, Dave prioritized meals and explored many options but decided having his own catering company was the best solution. The company now has a fleet of vehicles that delivers hot meals to their centers every morning so no child goes hungry and the parents have one less chore to worry about during the hectic morning routine. For his demonstrated success and potential for continued growth,
BE A
BIG FISH IN A LITTLE BANK ...that’s helped build some of Rhode Island’s most successful businesses.
the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor David B. MacDonald, founder and CEO of The Children’s Workshop, with the 2013 Rhode Island and New England SBA Entrepreneurial Success Award.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
15
2013 SBA WINNERS Gerald Barry is a well-regarded entrepreneur who has successfully founded, financed, operated, and expanded companies for nearly 30 years. He has nearly 36 years of experience in various capacities in the healthcare industry and the delivery of healthcare services. He is a Pawtucket native who graduated from Tolman High School and is a U.S. Army veteran. Barry founded what is now MEDfx Corporation in 1985. The Warwick-based company, which has 49 full-time employees, provides the highest quality health information systems. Aside from his interest in health care technology, Gerald has maintained a longstanding vocation in journalism, serving as an occasional sports reporter for several newspapers. He actively maintains his interest in social welfare and has been working on a volunteer basis with several agencies that serve urban youth. MEDfx was originally founded to assist grant funded Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to automate their organizations and to build electronic data interchange connections. Within five years the company became nationally recognized as a leader in providing health information technology resources to FQHCs, and then built upon that platform to collaborate with several national companies developing software for the healthcare industry. Barry maintains the company in sound financial condition, and cash generated from operations has fueled its significant growth. As a contingency, the company maintains a revolving line of credit from BankRI and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
2013 Rhode Island and New England Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
Warwick Veteran Owned Business is a Nationally Recognized Health Information Technology Provider 16
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
By 1995, MEDfx became established as one of the largest value added resellers for physician practice management, ultimately serving thousands of physician practices nationwide and receiving awards for its nationwide and customer support services. Seven years later, realizing that the Internet could revolutionize technology for the healthcare industry, MEDfx adapted its products to an Internet based platform that would support the vision of a national healthcare data exchange. Given its expertise, MEDfx, under Barry’s leadership, provided engineering and architectural consulting services to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology as it developed standards for a national health information network.
Focused on Helping Rhode Island Businesses Grow and Succeed
In 2010, MEDfx and its premier health information exchange customer, MED Virginia, jointly announced the first community health information exchange with the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Health Record. This collaboration
How We Can Help?
between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and civilian health systems connected the health records of active duty military personnel and veterans.
● Financing and Business Incentives
MEDfx continues to build health information exchanges
● Regulatory and Permitting Assistance
and is developing Population Health Management products to continue its role as an innovator in healthcare information technology. Today, health information exchanges and physicians using MEDfx services impact over three million patients. Access to healthcare has been accelerated and the outcome of medical care delivered has been improved because of the products at Barry’s company deliver real time information that has helped doctors make better informed decisions about their
● Site Selection ● Export Assistance ● Government Contracting ● Business Development Resources ● Workforce Development
patients’ treatment. The philosophy of the company has not changed in its 28 years. It has continued to support improvements in healthcare by providing information technology and systems that enhance the delivery of medical care. Under Barry’s leadership, MEDfx empowers doctors and their patients, entire medical communities, health information exchanges, and federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, the DOD, and Veterans Affairs to securely communicate and share patient data to improve healthcare cradle to grave.
To learn more about our programs and services:
www.riedc.com or 401-278-9100
The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Gerald T. Barry, and MEDfx, as the 2013 Rhode Island and New England Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year. www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
17
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Rhode Island and New England Microenterprise of the Year Award
Coastalvision Provides Marine Scientific Consulting Services to Commercial Firms, Federal and State Agencies
Dr. Drew Carey is a marine scientist with over
issues. Prior to forming CoastalVision, Dr.
firms, and public interest groups. Initially
thirty years’ experience in marine science,
Carey was a senior scientist at Science
the company provided this support through
environmental monitoring, and marine policy.
Applications International Corporation in
subcontracts to large businesses with prime
He is a recognized expert on assessment of
Newport. Prior to that he taught at Wesleyan
contracts with federal and state agencies. This
environmental impacts on marine ecosystems
University where he conducted scientific
model provided financial success but soon
and a highly experienced facilitator. In addition to his technical work, he
research on marine ecology and developed
proved to be highly dependent on the success
a curriculum in Ocean policy, Law of the Sea,
and generosity of the large businesses.
and Ocean Resources. Armed with advice from the Rhode Island
began designing and leading stakeholder meetings and working groups to address
In 1999, Dr. Carey formed CoastalVision,
Small Business Development Center, SCORE
environmental management issues for a wide
LLC in Newport, and applied his technical
mentors, the Rhode Island Procurement
variety of ocean and policy issues. He has
expertise to regional issues. The company
Technical Assistance Center and colleagues,
led national meetings and broad stakeholder
provides marine environmental technical
Dr. Carey decided to compete directly for
meetings with challenging and complex
support to government agencies, commercial
prime government contracts.
18
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
In order to compete, a small business must
contracting and diversification has led to
successfully procure federal small business
show that it can perform 51 percent of the
doubling of the company’s average
set-aside contracts.
labor required on the contract. For a new
annual sales and support of a diverse
microenterprise, this prospect was daunting;
part-time labor force which averages four
how to scale up quickly to demonstrate this
full-time equivalents.
The informal network shares work and professional capabilities between over fifteen small businesses, HUBZone and women-
capacity without work in hand? Dr. Carey had the experience and technical knowledge to
CoastalVision has established projects
owned businesses throughout the country.
compete, but he did not have the workforce
compiling data and performing assessments
Each business is independent and solicits
for coastal management of dredged material
work either individually or as part of the ad
or resources to build capacity. In 2004, the RISBDC and RIPTAC helped
disposal, offshore energy development,
hoc teams designed for the specific project.
pipeline placement, port development,
As work needs arise, the network is used to
guide him to form a joint venture of small
hydrodynamic modeling, fisheries
level workloads and expertise between each
businesses capable of competing for prime
management and water quality improvement.
small business.
CoastalVision has mentored small
CoastalVision has grown to support 1099
prime contract with the U.S. Army Corps of
businesses in New England and developed
contractors with its small staff of 4 full-time
Engineers. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina
a collaborative business model that relies on
equivalent employees.
and the Iraq War forced the drawdown of
small businesses to share resources
Army Corps of Engineers resources and the
and workload. This business model
For their demonstrated success and potential
contract was underfunded.
has taken two distinct forms: the first
for continued growth with limited resources,
utilizes a pool of small businesses to provide
the U.S. Small Business Administration
Dr. Carey met with the RISBDC and
professional collaboration in an informal
is pleased to present the 2013 Rhode
small business contracts; in 2005, the joint venture was awarded the first $1 million
developed a business plan to diversify in
network sharing staff and resources; the
Island and New England Microenterprise
emerging areas of offshore energy and
second has led to the formation of two
of the Year Award to Dr. Drew A. Carey and
marine policy. The combination BusinessLoanAd 5/23/13 of prime 11:30 AM
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pcu.org www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
19
2013 SBA WINNERS
CWE Provides Visioning to Owner of Martial Arts Studio
Candace Rushton had always dreamed of opening her own Jiu Jitsu school where she could combine her Jiu Jitsu knowledge and skills with her background in Human Services working with children and families. Candace knew that those experiences would be a valuable part of her foundation, but she delayed pursuing her dreams because she felt she lacked strong business knowledge and was unsure how her business would fair having no previous business experience or education. In the fall of 2007 Candace was approached by a friend who offered her space to open and run her own school. After much contemplation, Candace finally made the commitment and opened a small Jiu Jitsu school. In February of 2008, InnerStrengths was opened and Candace went in search of small business education and support. Candace had started InnerStrengths as a private club, but was not sure of what direction she wanted to take her business in. She knew that she wanted to share her passion for Jiu Jitsu and most importantly provide a warm, friendly and safe training atmosphere for students. She believed that the students would benefit most from fostering their skills thus empowering them and building character and self-esteem. Initially her main focus was to work with children and women but, after several requests, she opened her classroom up to include men. Candace struggled with how to move forward from a private club to opening as an official business, until she came across the CWE website and reviewed some of the free introduction classes that were being offered. She called the Providence office and was directed to the right classes. Candace registered for a “Visioning” workshop than later registered into the 14 week Business Planning course, “Business Planning Getting Started.” The course helped Candace to get her vision for her business onto the right track and gave her the structure to look at her business from all angles and evaluate what it needed to succeed. Initially she was reluctant because she was not quite sure how she would balance her already busy schedule with evening courses, but the support Carmen Diaz and Sandra McNamara gave her while taking the business course, along with their help and guidance in writing her business plan was instrumental in turning her school, InnerStrengths, into an official business. Everything Candace had invested into InnerStrengths has come directly from her own financing. In April of 2010 Candace opened her business. Candace openly expresses how grateful she is that CWE was here to assist her through the process. She feels CWE played a major role in how InnerStrengths continues to be in existence today. Candace still uses CWE as a valued resource; coming into the two hour “Building Your Business” classes on a variety of different topics; marketing and social media, and the Center continues to support her in her endeavors.
20
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
2013 SBA WINNERS
SBA Microloan Helps North Scituate Plumbing Business Expand Mary Beth and David Barlow started Barlow’s Plumbing and Well
Community College of Rhode Island Campuses, the Rhode Island
Systems, Inc. in North Scituate, R.I. in 1992 and their business has
State Police, the Attorney General, the Rhode Island Department
been thriving ever since.
of Mental Health and Community Living and Support group homes,
The Barlows came to the South Eastern Economic Development
Administration, Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island
(SEED) Corporation, the SBA Microloan Intermediary for Rhode Island,
Veterans Cemetery, and Zambarano Hospital.
Rhode Island Services for the Blind, Rhode Island Department of
in 2012. They wanted financing to expand their business by adding rooter services to complement their existing plumbing services.
David holds a Master Plumber’s License and New England Water Works and Backflow Prevention License. Mary Beth manages the
They received a $20,000 SBA Micro Loan through SEED for working
bookkeeping as well as assisting her husband on job sites. Currently,
capital and to assist with the purchase of equipment and a used van
she is working on her Journeyman Plumber’s License and backflow
for their plumbing and well maintenance company.
prevention license.
As a full service plumbing company, the Barlows specialize in well
David Barlow graduated from East Providence High School in 1974.
repair and maintenance, water treatment and filtration systems. In
Following graduation he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
addition, the company provides backflow prevention services, a
He ventured into the plumbing industry in 1986 when he began
component that most plumbing companies do not offer.
working as an apprentice. Mary Beth, David’s wife and business partner, graduated from Tolman High School in 1976. She attended
Barlow’s clients include a variety of commercial and residential
the Community College of Rhode Island, completing numerous
customers as well as the State of Rhode Island. Barlow’s maintains
accounting courses. Mary Beth worked in the accounting department
contracts with all the University of Rhode Island campuses, the
at Ocean State Steel in 1986.
the company provides backflow prevention services, a component that most plumbing companies do not offer www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
23
2013 SBA WINNERS
Family-Owned Colombian Restaurant Grows with Help from the RISBDC The Tabares family relocated to Central Falls,
wanted guests to walk in the door and
work with La Casona. Most recently the
R.I. from Colombia ten years ago. Pedro
immediately be transported to Colombia
consultants helped La Casona establish
and Gloria Tabares moved here with their
through the aesthetics and décor. While
an online presence with the design of a
three sons Christian, Adrian and Geovanny.
RISBDC consultants worked on that project,
web site featuring their menu, hours and
In 2006, Gloria’s experience as a chef in
the opportunity developed to purchase their
an interactive page where visitors can add
Colombia led them to open La Casona, a
own building two doors down from their
comments about the menu and service.
restaurant specializing in Colombian food
present location.
and classic Colombian desserts in a small leased space on Broad Street in Central Falls.
The new location would enable La Casona to seat 90 guests, doubling the size of their
Gloria’s excellent home-style cooking from
existing location.
the native land at bargain prices was a success from day one. The restaurant
The family purchased the building and
served breakfast, lunch and dinner seven
immediately began working on creating that
days a week. La Casona opened with four
ambiance that they asked the RISBDC to
employees, all family members.
create. The Tabares brothers refurbished the
In 2009, The family turned to the Rhode
new La Casona held its grand opening.
interior themselves. In December 2012, the Island Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University to help
Owning their building rather than renting
Gloria’s excellent home-style cooking from the native land at bargain prices was a success from
them with a branding overhaul. RISBDC
made good business sense. Once La Casona
consultants and students took on the project
started being profitable, the brothers quit
and designed a new logo, menu, and created
their other jobs and worked exclusively at the
stationary and business card designs.
restaurant. They also added six employees.
Two years later, the Tabares brothers
La Casona is now a multi-dimensional
Pedro Tabares is the “delivery man.” Delivery
approached the RISBDC again. This time
business. In addition to the restaurant, La
service accounts for 25 percent of La
they needed an updated business plan
Casona features a bakery with classic
Casona’s business.
including financial projections that would
Colombian desserts. The building also has
be appropriate for approaching a lender
space for the addition of a small market that
The Tabares family is proud of their business
with the goal of purchasing a building to
will sell Colombian food and wares.
and look forward to continued growth with
develop a plan for an interior design that
Since 2009, the RISBDC has assigned
Central Falls area, each operated by one of
would create a particular ambiance. They
seven consultants and two students to
the Tabares brothers.
day one La Casona also has delivery service. Owner
the dream of having three restaurants in the
house La Casona. They also wanted to
24
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
T E K C O S WOON S E S U D R A SALVAGE Y O T C D B S I R ORGANIZE FINANCES, DEVELOP MARKETING STRATEGY
2013 SBA WINNERS help customers locate hard-to-find parts nationwide.” Although the Privilege Auto Parts is a well-organized salvage yard, it still must buy inventory to keep its client base growing. In 2010, the economic downturn and subsequent loss of financing led to a decrease in sales for the business until BankRhode Island approved refinancing. “Thanks to financing we were able to buy inventory and keep our business going strong,” says Doug Fleurant. Doug Jobling, Northern Rhode Island Regional Director for the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, contacted the company as part of an overall outreach campaign in Woonsocket. He was particularly interested in supporting Privilege and similar companies that have been part of the economic backbone of the city for so
Privilege Auto Parts is growing into one of
When the three men first purchased the
long. After meeting with the owners he
Rhode Island’s top salvage yards.
company, they quickly realized the previous
worked with them to develop a plan of action
However, it has taken a lot of reorganization,
owner had never used a computer for
that included overall assessment of the
financial support and hard work to keep it
accounting, customer management or
company’s financial position.
going strong.
– the obvious – keeping track of inventory. “That was the biggest challenge along with
In 2000, brothers-in-law Doug Fleurant and
learning a whole new industry,” says Doug
Once financing was in place, RISBDC consultant Peter Girouard recommended
Dwayne Disautell were on the hunt to find a
Fleurant, who had never worked in the auto
that they expand their marketing budget to
business opportunity with promise. At the
business. “Our computer system helped. It
reach a variety of new customers through
time, Doug’s brother, Denis Fleurant, was
not only tracks our inventory,
different media. A restructuring and ability to
also considering entrepreneurship. Dwayne
but we can sell parts all over the country.
cross-promote their parts with other dealers
worked at a body shop and noticed an
I just made a sale to Nebraska. We can also
nationwide has enabled the Privilege Auto
increased demand for used car parts
Parts business to prosper.
resulting in a strong profit margin. When a salvage yard in Woonsocket was put up for sale, the three men jumped at the chance to take it on. Despite the challenges of securing financing and dealing with an antiquated inventory tracking system, the salvage business started to grow. Today, Privilege Auto Parts, located in Woonsocket, boasts a large inventory of used cars and parts. The company has implemented a national locating computer software service for car parts enabling stock inventory to be sold nationwide. It is considered a Woonsocket landmark with a great reputation.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
25
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Rhode Island Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year
Fonseca Brothers Guide Central Falls Business to Continued Growth Antonio S. Fonseca founded Packaging
variety of muffin and cookie packaging, and
& More, Inc. in Central Falls 20 years
numerous other items.
company full time in 2003. He primarily handles purchasing and is the main contact to Packaging & More’s vendors and
ago. Packaging & More is a food service
manufacturers. His strength lies in attention
packaging distributor, paired with forty
In the past few years, Packaging & More
manufacturers and serving about 50
has expanded beyond its core business of
to detail and an overall understanding of the
customers. Those customers are located
local grocery stores by adding independent
packaging industry. Vincent’s knowledge
throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts
coffee shops, locally-owned hotels, and
of products, manufacturers, and the market
and Connecticut. He started the company
well-known Rhode Island institutions like
costs for materials are unparalleled.
by scraping together his savings, while also
Wright’s Farm and Veda Ravioli to their
receiving three small loans from immediate
customer list.
Tony Fonseca joined the company full time
Packaging & More has 14 employees that
personally handling many of the outstanding
About 70 percent of the company’s
include office workers, warehouse personnel,
relationships the company has with its
customers are local independent grocery
and sales staff.
customers. Tony’s photographic recollection
in 2005. He principally oversees sales,
family members.
of pricing, product lines, and instant recall
stores such as Dave’s Marketplace, Eastside Marketplace, Clements’ Marketplace
By 2005, founder Antonio Fonseca began
of conversations endears him to the
and others. Those independent grocers
turning over operation of the business to
company’s clientele.
represent the very foundation Packaging &
the family’s second generation, his two sons
More was built upon.
Tony and Vincent. Antonio began to scale
Tony believes building a growing company
back his day-to-day involvement in the
requires supportive employees. As the
Examples of the products Packaging & More
company and today serves as an advisor to
company grew he didn’t hire additional staff.
provides to their customers include roll bags,
his sons.
That doesn’t necessarily result in making distribution and customer service more
trash liners, foam trays, catering bowls for cut fruit, wicker baskets for displays and
Vincent Fonseca oversees the company’s
efficient. Greater efficiency came from asking
retail, cake containers, pie boxes, and a
day-to-day operation. He joined the
employees to do more and do it efficiently.
26
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
For example Tony said he asked the office staff to work smarter and solve issues faster. He believes that taking five seconds off every task saved minutes per day and eventually hours every month. Embracing the concept of anticipating problems that may occur tomorrow, but may have a solution today, would permit the company to think like a large business, while reacting like a small business. Tony has made it his
PERFECT HARMONY
responsibility to hire the right person for every job in the company.
about 70 percent of the company’s customers
BroadSign added this FREE GOGOMOBILE DEAL OR AD from
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are local independent grocery stores Incremental growth is a fundamental philosophy to the company’s success. The first few weeks of customer setup, streamlining the order entry process, learning someone’s delivery procedures, all while developing synergy, takes time. At one point these procedures involve nearly every company employee. Addressing the smallest details in the beginning allows the company to keep a customer happy for the long term. Everyone at Packaging & More constantly works on keeping their product knowledge current. Warehouse workers have to know the inside of the box as well as they know the outside. Customer service representatives have to know the part numbers. Tony’s philosophy is that the company’s service, knowledge, communication, and delivery
INTRODUCING AMERICA’S #1 ADVERTISING DUO, ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!! in GoGo Cast’s New Rewardingly Addictive App, GoGoDeals Well, for the next 90 days you can get a deal or an ad placed Advertise on or own a BroadSign and/or a GoGo-Screen?
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Any of their 30,000 screen
FREE GOGOMOBILE DEAL OR AD
The Rhode Island Business Journal is excited to introduce our newest media partner, GoGo Cast. This Rhode Island based organiation is a leading on-demand, location based digital media company providing real-time HD digital news, information and advertising displays in hundreds of high traffic retail locations across the state. (GoGo Screens) In addition, RISBJ and GoGo Cast are proud to present GoGo Cast’s newest rewardingly addictive mobile platform, GoGo Mobile. GoGo Mobile provides business with a unique promotionl solution that delivers real-time highly relevant information directly to ther consumer when they want through a mobile BroadSign added this
application. GoGo Mobile complements GoGo Screens marketing solution by providing them with the ability to extend their reach from within the store, directly to the consumer. Businesses can easily create ads and deals on both the app and the screens, easily supply them to a market audience and/or target locations, and redeem all the benefits from advertising on these two advertising powerhouses. This partnership will provide RISBJ with additional reach in the digial media market statewide.
have to be special. For their commitment and demonstrated
POWERED BY
success as a family-owned small business, the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to present the 2013 Rhode Island Jeffrey Butland Family-owned Small Business Award to the Fonseca family owners of
SEE YOUR PRODUCTS IN:
Packaging & More in Central Falls. www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
27
2013 SBA WINNERS
SBA Rhode Island Participating Lenders Admirals Bank
Business Development Company
First Niagara Bank PLP/EXP/PX/EWCP
Navigant Credit Union EXP/PX/EWCP
815 Reservoir Avenue
of Rhode Island EXP
225 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor
1005 Douglas Pike
Cranston, Rhode Island 02910
40 Westminster Street, Suite 702
West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917
James Beckwith, Vice President
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Gary M. Besser, Vice President
Jeffrey P. Cascione, Vice President
(800) 556-6600 ext. 433
Peter C. Dorsey, Jr., President
(413) 747-1395
(401) 233-4716
jbeckwith@admiralsbank.com
(401) 351-3036
gary.besser@fnfg.com
jcascione@navigantcu.org
pdorsey@bdcri.com First Trade Union Bank
New England Certified 504
1 Harbor Street, Suite 201
500 Edgewater Drive, Suite 555
1218 Main Street
Boston, MA 02210
Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880
West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893
Anina Butler,
Nancy Gibeau, Loan and Investment
(401) 845-8731
Lisa Reid, Senior Vice President, Lending
Vice President, SBA Lending
Officer
dhanson@banknewport.com
(401) 821-9100 Ext. 244
(617) 728-7320
(508) 254-7891 cell or (401) 450-0047
lreid@centrevillebank.com
abutler@ftub.com
ngibeau@bdcnewengland.com
111 Westminster Street
Citizens Bank PLP/EXP/PX
Freedom National Bank PLP/EXP/PX
NewportFed
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
One Citizens Plaza
584 Putnam Pike
100 Bellevue Avenue, P.O. 210
Kevin P. Tracy, Senior Vice President
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Greenville, Rhode Island 02828
Newport, Rhode Island 02840 Gregory C. Skoutas, Commercial/
BankNewport EXP 500 West Main Road
Centreville Savings Bank
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 Douglas Hanson, Vice President
Bank of America PLP/EXP/PX
(401) 278-5520
Diane Bolusky, Director, SBA Programs
Bill Beauchene, Senior Vice President
kevin.p.tracy@baml.com
(401) 282-2027
(401) 949-1600 Ext. 101
Consumer Loan Manager
diane.bolusky@RBSCitizens.com
bbeauchene@freedomnationalbank.
(401) 847-5500
com
skoutasg@newportfederal.com
Bank Rhode Island PLP/EXP/PX/EWCP One Turks Head Place
Coastway Community Bank
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
PLP/EXP/PX/EWCP
Greenwood Credit Union EXP
Ocean State Business
Manny Barrows, Senior Vice President
One Coastway Plaza
2669 Post Road
Development Authority 504
(401) 574-1604
Cranston, Rhode Island 02910
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
155 South Main Street, Suite 403
mbarrows@bankri.com
Russell Gaston,
Holly Pettis, Vice President,
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Scott Lajoie, Vice President
Commercial Lending Manager
Commercial Lending
Henry Violet, President
(401) 574-1657
(401) 330-1600
(401) 562-2784
(401) 454-4630
slajoie@bankjri.com
rgaston@coastway.com
hpettis@greenwoodcu.org
budv@osbda.com Antonio A. F. Moura, Vice President
Bay Colony Development
Columbus Credit Union
Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB
(401) 454-4560 aafmoura@osbda.com
Corporation 504
560 Main Street
PLP/EXP
1601 Trapelo Road
Warren, Rhode Island 02885
1 Home Loan Plaza, Suite 3
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
Doris Doyle
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
Pawtucket Credit Union EXP 1200 Central Avenue
David King, Managing Trustee
(401) 245-3800
Don Armstrong, Senior Vice President
(781) 891-3594
ddoyle@columbuscu.org
(877) 337-3757
Pawtucket, RI 02861
dking@baycolony.org
Linda Prevost
darmstrong@homeloanbank.com
Joseph Silva, Vice President
msprevost@columbuscu.org
Daniel Murphy, Vice President
(401) 729-4092
(800) 223-1700 Ext. 435
joseph.silva@pcu.org
215 Armistice Boulevard
Coventry Credit Union EXP/PX
dmurphy@homeloanbank.com
Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
2006 Nooseneck Hill Road
Bristol County Savings Bank
People’s Credit Union EXP
Timothy Chaves
P.O. Box 4004
Independence Bank PLP/EXP/EWCP
858 West Main Road
(774) 226-1921
Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
1370 South County Trail
Middletown, RI 02842
timothy.chaves@bcsbmail.com
Maureen Jendzejec,
East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818
Peter Murray,
Patrick Carey, Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Robert A. Catanzaro, President
Business Relationship Manager
(401) 722-8845
(401) 397-1900 ext. 2314
(401) 886-4600
(401) 846-8930 Ext. 1273
Patrick.carey@BCSBmail.com
mjendzejec@coventrycu.org
rac@independence-bank.com
pmurray@peoplescu.org
28
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
SBA Rhode Island Participating Lenders | Small Business
Rhode Island Community
Sovereign Bank New England
Wave Federal Credit Union
Investment Corporation 504
PLP/EXP/PX/EWCP
480 Greenwich Avenue
2843 South County Trail
One Financial Plaza
Warwick, RI 02886
Suite C-9
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
David Duprere,
East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818
Stephen J. White,
Executive Vice President
Jim Roche,
SBA Project Manager
(401) 781-1020
Rhode Island Manager
(617) 953-9135
david@wavefcu.org
(401) 398-0167
swhite@sovereignbank.com
jroche@cradvisors.us
504:
SBA 504 Certified Development Company – Fixed rate loans for real estate and/or M&E purchase or improvement EXP:
SBAExpress Lender –
Webster Bank PLP/EXP/PX
Expedited loans up to
TD Bank PLP/EXP/PX/EWCP
100 Westminster Bldg.,
Rockland Trust PLP/EXP/PX
180 Westminster Street
50 Kennedy Plaza, Suite 1110
288 Union Street
Providence, RI 02903
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Rockland, Massachusetts 02370
Dave Ferreira, Vice President
Anthony Capuano,
Michael Savage,
Small Business Relationship Manager
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
(401) 489-5620
(401) 228-2042
(781) 982-6546
david.m.ferreira@@tdbanknorth.com
acapuano@websterbank.com
$350,000
Direct loans from $2,000 to $35,000
Bob Polito, Jr., Senior Vice President,
michael.savage@rocklandtrust.com UPS Capital Business Credit
Government Guaranteed Lending
PLP/EXP/EWCP
(860) 612-5433
Development Corporation 504/
35 Glenlake Parkway, NE
rpolito@websterbank.com
Microloans
Atlanta, GA 30328
80 Dean Street
Jack Mello, Senior Policy Credit Officer
Westerly Community Credit Union
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
(877) 263-8772
EXP/PX
Maria Gooch-Smith,
jmello@ups.com
122 Granite Street
South Eastern Economic
mgoochsmith@seedcorp.com
The Washington Trust Company
Michael Lynch,
Laurie Driscoll,
PLP/EXP/PX/EWCP
Vice President, Lending
Commercial Loan Officer
23 Broad Street
(401) 596-7000 Ext. 2116
ldriscoll@seedcorp.com
Westerly, Rhode Island 02891
mlynch@westerlyccu.com
(508) 822-1020
Carl Amaral, Senior Vice President
Brita Gobitas, AVP Lending
Tamarah Bacon,
Retail Lending
and Business Development
SBA MicroLoans
(401) 348-1301
(401) 596-7000 Ext. 2107
tbacon@seedcorp.com
cmamaral@washtrust.com
bgobitas@westerlyccu.org
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www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
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401 351 3036
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
atmosphere and energy for the RISCPA members, resulting in a 32 percent expansion of the society’s membership
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Rhode Island and New England Financial Services Champion of the Year
Robert Mancini is a Champion for the Small Business Community Robert Mancini has served as the executive
Mancini has been successful in reigniting
director of the Rhode Island Society of
the society’s brand, creating and sustaining
Certified Public Accountants since 2006. The
a vibrant atmosphere and energy for the
RISCPA is a non-profit organization of 1,900
RISCPA members, resulting in a 32 percent
CPAs, many being small businesses who
expansion of the society’s membership.
work directly with small businesses. Robert maintains a strong commitment In his role as executive director, Mancini
to the community. He has served as
regularly uses advocates for the small
a volunteer to a number of charitable
business community. Through his leadership,
organizations throughout his career. He
the RISCPA has supported legislation that
currently serves as secretary of the
would improve the state’s economic climate
Gateway Real Estate Board, is
for the small businesses. Examples include
co-chair of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital
improving the state’s overall tax structure,
corporate executive committee, and is a
helping to eliminate binding arbitration and
member of the Freedom National Bank’s
advocating for meaningful pension reform.
business advisory board. Mancini has
Mancini believes CPAs remain critical in
also been recognized by Johnson & Wales
providing financing and taxation guidance
University for his contribution and support
and to small business owners.
of the University’s College of Business.
Robert certainly has demonstrated a passion
In 1996, he was appointed by
for promoting a good business environment
Governor Almond to the Rhode Island
and is well respected throughout the
Lottery Commission. He served on that
community for his fine efforts.
board until 2005.
As an added means of promoting an overall
Mancini holds a Bachelor of Science degree
theme of business development, RISCPA
in Business Administration from Providence
hosts two large networking events each year.
College and has earned a certificate from
They draw more than 500 attendees. These
the New England School of banking at
robust forums provide professionals from
Williams College.
accounting, legal and financial communities the opportunity to mingle with the goal of
For his efforts in championing financial
creating new business opportunities. Strong
services for the small business
relationships with the lending community
community, the U.S. Small Business
result from Mancini’s professional history
Administration is pleased to present the
as a banker with the former Fleet Bank and
2013 Rhode Island and New England
Citizens Bank.
Financial Services Champion Award to Robert Mancini, Executive Director of
Through his numerous relationships in the
the Rhode Island Society of Certified
banking and financial services communities,
Public Accountants
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
31
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Young Entrepreneur Helped to Create Cutting-Edge Digital Capabilities for Hundreds of Clients In 2004, Jeshua Zapata and his brothers
Juan and Jairo Gomez, founded Xzito
Creative Solutions. They began with a vision
of creating a cutting-edge creative agency focused on progressive digital capabilities. Xzito is a clever respelling of the Spanish word Exito, which translates to the English word success. The name was selected based on the firm’s commitment to its clients’ brand success, visibility and profitability online and offline. An entrepreneur from the outset, Jeshua is every bit the classic executive. Sharp and driven, creative and tech-savvy, he drives the workflow at Xzito, constantly pushing the team to exceed expectations for the company’s growing list of clients. His career began with MetLife Auto and Home Insurance. There he established the project management, process review and information technology skills that laid the foundation for his role as president of Xzito. Xzito has won numerous awards, including a Gold Award for Excellence in Web Design from the American Association of Web Masters and the Hispanic Business of the Year from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The company has worked with over 300 organizations from non-profits and startups to Fortune 500 companies to produce engaging, unique and intelligent online and offline marketing strategies. Xzito employees include artists, web designers, entrepreneurs, soccer enthusiasts and motorcyclists. They are intelligent, fun-
32
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
loving and energetic. But most important,
management. The prototype was accepted
Journal of World Affairs. Xzito designed and
they are dedicated to creating successful
and resulted in a solution to selling auto
developed a new web site with advance
online and offline engagements.
insurance online.
Some examples of successful client projects include a manufacturer of religious gifts wanted a partner that could help improve their brand’s unique positioning statement, value proposition, web site and online marketing. Xzito worked with the customer on a combination of brand builders and marketing drivers that would deliver immediate results. Within three months of the program’s launch, the client achieved 10,570 new web site visitors, 116 leads from online sources, and 53 new clients. A major property and casualty life insurance company needed to compete with other insurance providers who gave customers
he drives the workflow at Xzito, constantly pushing the team to exceed
functionality, including self-management capabilities, advance search, and multimedia. Jeshua formerly served on the board of directors of Junior Achievement, the American Marketing Association, and English for Action. In his spare time, Jeshua enjoys playing soccer with friends or reading motivational books. He is a graduate of Bryant University with a degree in Business
expectations for the
Administration with a focus on Computer
company’s growing
Communications.
list of clients
Information Systems and a minor in
For his demonstrated success and potential for continued growth, the U.S. Small Business Administration pleased to honor Jeshua Zapata, president of
the ability to obtain vehicle insurance quotes
Xzito Creative Solutions as the 2013
online. Xzito worked with the company’s
Brown University wanted to enhance its
e-business team to develop a working
website design, usability and functionality
Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur
mock-up to gain the approval of upper
for its semi-annual publication The Brown
of the Year.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
33
2013 SBA WINNERS
2013 Rhode Island Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Elizabeth Yuill Owns Rhode Island’s Oldest Continuously Operating General Store Elizabeth Yuill’s retail career began at age seven when she began peddling her handmade jewelry, painted rocks and seashell mirrors to neighbors in her hometown of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Liz also enjoyed operating the calculator and writing pretend invoices in her uncle’s television repairs hop. Without a doubt, Liz was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug early in life. Fast forward to 1988. Liz and her mom opened a small gift store, Goose Crossing Country Store, in North Scituate. They sold that business in 1994. Two years later, Liz teamed with the new owner of Goose Crossing to open G. Willakers Country Store in Wickford. She sold her interest in that business in 2003. One year later, Yuill purchased the Brown & Hopkins Country Store in the village of Chepachet, R.I. It has been continually operating as such since 1809 and is officially the oldest store of its type in the state and one of the oldest in the nation. She is the seventeenth operator/ owner in approximately 200 years. Liz purchased the real estate with a SBA-backed loan through Freedom National Bank. She also received consulting assistance from SBA’s Women’s Business Center in Rhode Island, the Center for Women & Enterprise. The product mix under Yuill’s management consists of various gift items such as candles and accessories, local honey and maple syrup, New Hampshire-made fudge and other gourmet specialties, ladies clothing, seasonal décor, high quality faux florals and more. The store also features an impressive selection of home décor such as framed prints, quilts, curtains, furniture, braided rugs, and local crafts.
34
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
The store employs six part time employees. The staff is responsible for creating visually pleasing displays using the merchandise available. Duties consist of everything from pricing merchandise to selling it; and from maintaining the cleanliness of the store to emptying the trash. There is always something to do. Customers are the number one priority. Brown & Hopkins offers complimentary gift wrapping, special order service and will keep customers on their “wish list” if the store is out of stock on an item, calling the customer when it arrives. The store’s customer base is mostly from Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. There is also an influx of tourists during the summer and autumn. Brown & Hopkins also supports the community with its “Coffee Charity Club,” where 100 percent of the donations from the purchase of
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as such since 1809 and is officially the oldest store of its type in the state and one of the oldest in the nation Each November the store hosts a “Thankful Gathering” where food items are collected for the local food pantry. Brown & Hopkins matches one dollar per item donated to the cause. Brown & Hopkins Country Store was named the “Best Gift Store in the Blackstone Valley in 2011” by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine. It received the “Footsteps in History” award from the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in 2009. Liz is also very involved in her community. She serves as secretary of the Glocester Business Association and also serves on its board of directors. She has been a member of the Chepachet Candlelight Shopping Committee, and received the Joan M. Scorpio Award for Outstanding Community Service in 2010. Visit us online at www.RCC-pcSupport.com
The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Elizabeth L. Yuill, owner of Brown & Hopkins Country Store in Chepachet with the 2013 Rhode Island Woman-owned Small Business of the Year Award.
40 Nashua Street, Providence, RI 02904 401 272 9262 p 401 351 4002 f
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
35
2013 SBA WINNERS
Is Government Contracting Right for Your Business? FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING MYTHS & REALITIES MYTH: Doing business with the federal government is too complicated, involves too much red tape and it takes forever to get paid. REALITY: The government uses many commercial and business-friendly practices, such as buying off-the-shelf items and paying by credit card. Payments are generally made within 15 days after submitting an invoice. MYTH: There’s no one I can turn to in trying to obtain government contracts. REALITY: The SBA and its network of resource partners have programs and “hands-on” assistance for small businesses contemplating selling to the federal marketplace. MYTH: I must compete head-to-head against large businesses and multinational corporations to win contracts. REALITY: The government has many categories of contract opportunities set aside exclusively for small businesses to level the playing field. MYTH: All I need to do is register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and the contracts will come rolling in. REALITY: Although SAM is a primary way federal agencies learn about prospective vendors, it’s up to you to aggressively market your products and services. Remember, agencies don’t buy, people do.
Government contracting can be a critical tool for growing your business and increasing your bottom line. While not all small businesses are suitable for government contracting, the following steps will help you determine whether government contracting is a good fit for your small business. Evaluate Your Business for Government Contracting Define goals for your business and determine your firm’s strengths and weaknesses. Analyze the market—where are the goods and services you are offering needed in the federal government? Decide what you have to offer and target your efforts at the federal agencies that need it the most. Finally, your business plan must be sustainable—take into consideration current economic conditions and how they may impact your business. Don’t overlook potential opportunities with state and local government agencies as well. Research Agencies’ Procurement Forecasts Every year, each federal agency assembles an Annual Procurement Forecast, designed to assist businesses in identifying procurement opportunities. The Procurement Forecast is meant for informational and planning purposes only, but it can help you get an idea of where to target your business to win government contracts. Access agencies’ procurement forecasts at www.acquisition.gov/comp/procurement_ forecasts/index.html. Additionally, contact each agency’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at www.osdbu.gov to see what goods and services they expect to buy. Visit a Procurement Technical Assistance Center Congress created the procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) to help businesses seeking to compete successfully in federal government contracting. These centers provide a range of expert services at little or no charge, including assistance to businesses that want to sell products and services to the federal government. Contact the Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center at (401) 2789100 Ext. 175 or visit their web site at www.riptac.com. Get to Know the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) When contracting with the federal government, you will be held to specific rules and regulations. The FAR establishes uniform policies and regulations for the purchase of supplies and services by all executive agencies. Specifically, Part 19 refers to the acquisition process for small business programs. You can access the FAR at www.acquisition.gov/FAR.
36
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Sm Does Your Bu a Go si ll Business C ver nes on nm s Qualify for trac en
2013 SBA WINNERS
Point of Sale Solutions
ts? t
Three Questions to Ask Yourself
3. Do you fall under a specific certification? The SBA has outlined several specific certifications that provide businesses that
1. Are you a small business?
qualify with benefits within the procurement
Is your business:
process. These certifications are divided
•
Organized for profit
into two categories: SBA-Certified and Self-
•
Located in the U.S.
Certified. The SBA-Certified Programs were
•
Operated primarily within the
created to assist specific groups in securing
United States or making a significant
federal contracts and can only be granted
contribution to the U.S. economy
by the SBA.
We Install and Service Point of Sale Systems for any Restaurant or Retail Business. Credit Card Services Available
through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor
You can determine if your business meets the
•
Independently owned and operated
requirements of the Self-Certified programs
•
Not dominant in the field
by referring to the Federal Acquisition
of operation in which it is bidding for
Regulation (FAR). To self-certify as a small
government contracts
business, register in the System for Award
•
A sole proprietorship, partnership,
Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. When
corporation or other legal form?
completing the General Information section about your business in SAM, self-certify that
2. What is the size standard
you meet the federal government’s definition
for your business?
of a small business. For more information,
Size standards are used to determine
visit http://www.sba.gov/content/small-
whether a business is small. Size standards
business-certification-0.
vary depending upon the industry. To determine the size standards that might
Apply for the certification programs for which
apply to your business, go to http://www.
you qualify to take full advantage of federal
sba.gov/content/table-small-business-size-
contracting opportunities. Federal agencies
standards. If your business does not exceed
have a strong incentive to fulfill specific
the size standard then you are an eligible
contracting goals for the socio-economic
small business. To find out more about
categories in addition to the overall goal
these requirements and other size standard
awarding 23 percent of all contracting dollars
information, go to www.sba.gov/size.
to small businesses.
Call 401-255-6522 for more information or visit www.POSinetPOS.com
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
37
Small Business | Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis
SBAC Works to Improve Government Relations with Small Businesses by Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis
Just hours after House Speaker Gordon Fox rolled out his chamber’s economic development plan last month, the business leaders and government officials serving on the state’s Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) had copies in their in-box. Gary Ezovski, who cochairs SBAC’s legislative committee with Ron Caniglia, made sure his colleagues had access to the information right away. That’s exactly what Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts had in mind when she ramped up SBAC’s horsepower last year by inviting Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and the R.I Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to take on leadership roles as co-chairs. “The three agency leadership model provides a single point of contact in government, where all three offices are present to receive input from small business owners and to develop specific recommendations for solutions to their problems,” said Roberts, who chairs the council. SBAC works to improve government relations with small businesses, provide easily accessible information for business owners, monitor and advocate on public policy initiatives affecting small businesses
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a host of services to small business including helping start-ups with
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38
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
gives us a forum for teasing out ideas big and small that might not be aired any other way,” says Mollis, whose office already provides permitting and applications.
Sitting around SBAC’s table are small business owners like Ezovski and Caniglia, Chamber of Commerce executives like Steve Boyle of Cranston and John Gregory of Northern R.I. and government officials like Leslie Taito, who heads up the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform, and the SBA’s Mark Hayward. It’s where EDC Chief of Staff J.R. Pagliarini can preview proposed changes at the agency such as creating a customer service team to reach out to small businesses or upgrading business-related legislative tracking on riedc.com. May’s meeting featured briefings by the state’s new Director of Digital Excellence Thom Guertin as well as Statewide Planning’s Kevin Flynn. Guertin outlined plans to create e-commerce tools that, for example, will streamline the permitting process. Flynn looked at land use trends and demographic projections that could have a dramatic effort on the way many local industries do business in the coming decades. But, these presentations are a two-way street. Business people get a sneak peak at data and strategy while government officials get firsthand feedback on their plans. “SBAC is a place for small business owners and advocates to tell those of us in government what they need in order to succeed. We’ve opened our doors,” explains Mollis. “It’s easy to plug into SBAC’s work. You can find meeting notices and
10
SCORE Workshop: Managing Yourself, Your Time Daily Planning and Getting Organized
agendas on our website at sos.ri.gov. You can even sign up for e-mail
Centerville Seminar Center
reminders that will arrive
875 Centerville Road
automatically before every
Building 2, Suite 5
meeting,” says Mollis.
Warwick, Rhode Island 10:00-12:00 PM
“We hope you’ll make your voice heard.”
Monday, June 10th
10
Tuesday, June 11th SCORE Workshop: Achieving Loyalty in a Price Conscious World Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce 6 Blackstone Valley Place Building 4, Suite 402 Lincoln, Rhode Island 9:00-11:00 AM
11
Tuesday, June 11th Newport Chamber’s Economic Update Breakfast: Health Insurance Exchange Panel Ramada Inn 425 East Main Road, Middletown 10:00-12:00 PM
11
Tuesday, June 11th North Central Chamber: Lipstick Luncheon “Stretch, Relax and Renew...15 Minutes to a New You!” The Heart Spot 700 Greenville Ave, Johnston, RI 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
39
Small Business | Breaking Old Habits
Breaking Old Habits Turning Your IT Philosophy from “Reactive” to “Proactive”
by Lisa Shorr
1. Network Monitoring = Peace-of-mind: Unless you have an IT person on staff, you do not have the time to worry about updating software and monitoring how much hard disk space you have left
What is Mother Nature up to now? That was the looming thought on
on your server and workstations. Gee – we barely have enough time
all of our minds as we anxiously tuned in to the frequent updates
in the day to fit in a short break let alone spending hours updating
on Hurricane Sandy. Quick run to the market to get milk and bread.
your network. Why add more stress to your day? Let a MSP add back
Quick run to the basement and elevate anything off the floor that can
several hours of productivity to your week by taking care of your
get water-logged. Quick prepare your office by shutting down your
network for you!
network and alerting your clients of a potential power outage. Wait – hold on – while I am confident you ran to the market and prepared
2. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Do you remember
your home, how about your office? Did you take care of that too?
when Y2K loomed over our heads? There was quite a bit of hustle
So many of our clients are under the false impression that “it won’t
January 1st! For many SMB’s that is the last time they planned for
happen to me.” Yes it can and will if you don’t take action! Too many
potential disaster! From Hurricane Irene and Sandy to the Blizzard
business owners are comfortable with the way they’ve always run their
of 2012 – Nemo, our state has pulled through the devastation but
and bustle around making sure our businesses would not close on
office including their IT. It is hard to break the “reactive model” of IT,
many small businesses did not. An MSP helps you coordinate an
calling your IT provider only when something breaks. This can lead
“action list” of items to ensure your business, employees and clients
to costly downtime. I encourage you to consider breaking that habit
are safe. Items include properly storing your data and shutting down
and adopting a more “proactive” approach to your IT, allowing an IT
your network, how your employees can stay productive even when
provider to monitor and maintain your network to stave off a potential
an office is unreachable, who the key contact personnel are should
network headache. Hopefully after you’ve read this article you will
disaster occur, and so much more…
have a change of heart. A disaster recovery plan is an extension of your Business Continuity Let’s talk about Managed Services. Managed Services means the IT
plan but includes data retrieval. Most businesses can work from
service provider proactively monitors and maintains your server(s),
anywhere just as long as their data is attainable.
workstations and network 24 x 7 x 365. Think of Managed Services like an Alarm system, it is always on the alert watching and guarding
3. Put up your shield against hackers! Implement Email and
your network against predators! Typically the client and managed
Network Security: Time and again we are hearing about data
service provider (MSP) enter into a predictable monthly contract for a
breaches thanks to hackers or even human error. Having spam
flat fee with a detailed list outlining parameters of the program.
filtering installed on your network is more crucial now thanks to the
So why should you change your mind-set? Here are 3 key factors:
sophistication of hackers. Where networking monitoring is like an
40
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Networking and Workshops | Events
12
Wednesday, June 12th East Greenwich Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament at Richmond Country Club 74 Sandy Pond Rd, Richmond, RI
13
Thursday, June 13th SCORE Workshop: How to Put the ‘Cash’ Back Into Your Cash Flow West Warwick Public Library 1043 Main Street, West Warwick, Rhode Island 9:30-11:30 AM
13
Thursday June 13th East Greenwich Chamber’s Main Street Stroll: Flags, Dads & Jazz 5:00-8:00 PM
14
Friday, June 14Th Ri Small Business Recovery Program: Nurture Marketing …How To Create A Steady Stream Of New Customers Centerville Seminar Center 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 Warwick 9:00-11:00 AM
Alarm System, Spam filtering is like a gatekeeper scanning every email for viruses before they enter your network.
14
Friday, June 14th SCORE Workshop: How To Hire Your First Employee Center for Women & Enterprise
Every day, new viruses are introduced to by savvy hackers seeking
132 George M. Cohan Boulevard
ways to monitor your actions or steal your data. Spam filtering protects
Providence, Rhode Island
against those viruses that are already “known.” It does happen that
9:00-11:00 AM
new viruses sneak through the security gates unwittingly. This is why it is important to have an MSP monitor any updates or license renewals for your spam-filtering and other security programs to ensure that they
18
Tuesday, June 18th North Central Chamber: Meet Your Chamber Neighbor – Pollard Law
are monitoring against the latest threats.
Pollard Law Inc. 118 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI
Another great component to spam filtering is its important role in your disaster recovery plan. Should your organization experience a poweroutage or server crash, for example, spam filtering programs offer an alternative “emergency website” to access to view/send/receive email.
8:30-9:30 AM
20
7:50-9:15 AM
and mitigate any lost revenues to due to downtime.
20
and the key role technology plays in ensuring this flow is seamless, I
Thursday, June 20th Newport Chamber’s Brown Bag Networking Lunch 12:00-1:30 PM
your thought-process is hard, especially when dealing with how you run your business. Thanks to the demands for sharing information
Northern RI Chamber’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast Kirkbrae Country Club, Lincoln
The ability to stay connected is crucial to ensure business continuity
I know from experience running a small business myself, changing
Thursday, June 20th
26
Wednesday, June 26th Northern RI Chamber’s Networking at Night
urge you to take some time to consult with your IT consultant about
Providence Biltmore Hotel
the many benefits of managed services and how it will improve your
5:00-7:00 PM
business. Get rid of the notion “It is how we’ve always done it!” There is no room for “reactive” thinking. Your business cannot afford it…
26
Wednesday, June 26th RI Small Business Recovery Program: How To Fine Tune Your Business…A Step-By-Step Tune-Up For Your Existing Business
Lisa Shorr PC Troubleshooters www.pctrouble.com
Centerville Seminar Center 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 Warwick 6:30-8:30 PM www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
41
Small Business | Disorganized Offices
disorganized offices
what’s in yours? by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae
When I see a disorganized desk, I don’t think to myself, “Wow, this is a disaster! “ I think, how I can make this person more efficient and productive and set up working organized systems that will keep them organized.
Is your workspace disorganized? People will often say that they have
I run into people all the time that say they need to get organized but
piles on their desk, but they know exactly what is in the pile. Really?
are embarrassed for me to see their space. If you are embarrassed to
How long does it take you to find that document? 5-20 minutes? You
have me come in, I wonder how you feel when potential clients,
just wasted precious time searching for a document. When we go
co-workers, or managers see your office.
through most offices, the piles end up getting thrown out because the information is no longer needed. You probably have piles sitting on
Every disorganized office that I go into, I find the same patterns.
your desk starting at you and you don’t even need the information that
Read on to see if you can relate. As you go through, highlight the
is in the piles!
ones that apply to you.
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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Networking and Workshops | Events
27 No organized systems in place.
•
Attempts at organization that have failed.
•
Piles of paper that usually get thrown
449 Thames St, Ste. 100, Newport 5:00-7:00 PM
10
875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 Warwick
Files in drawers that aren’t hanging, they are just thrown in the drawer.
•
Expired medication.
•
Expired food.
•
Money. Checks and cash.
•
Abundance of writing utensils. Most of them don’t work.
RI Small Business Recovery Program Centerville Seminar Center
Organizing supplies i.e., filing trays, vertical trays not being utilized in an efficient manner.
•
Wednesday, July 10th Who’s in Charge? Quieting Your Fear of Speaking
out after we go through them. •
Newport Chamber’s Business After Hours Drupal Connect
This is what I find in disorganized offices. •
Thursday, June 27th
4:30-5:30 PM
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Monday, July 15th North Central Chamber: 20th Annual Golf Tournament at Kirkbrae Country Club 1:00 PM shotgun start
18
Thursday, July 18th
•
Empty file drawers.
•
Cluttered file drawers.
•
No drawer organizers being utilized.
•
Office supplies stored in all different areas.
•
Duplicate files stored in all different areas in the office.
Warwick, RI
•
Files and binders that have not been gone through
8:30-11:00 am
•
Too much work material on the desk.
•
Too many chatzkies on the desk.
•
Bulletin boards full of cluttered memos.
in years. Most get thrown out.
•
Papers taped to the wall.
•
Bookshelves full of books or binders that are no longer being utilized.
•
Credit card receipts and bank receipts
•
Take out menus in all different drawers.
•
Binders not labeled.
in all different places in the office.
•
Space not being maximized.
•
Time management skills need some tweaking.
•
Dirty, dusty desks.
•
No system for business cards.
When we are going through an office, I constantly hear “I was looking for that” or “I forgot I had that.” Can you relate? If so, you are in need of organization. You will be more efficient, more productive, less stressed, have more energy and people will have more confidence in you. Once
RI Small Business Recovery Program Speed Mentoring Centerville Seminar Center 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5
18
Thursday July 18th Main Street Stroll: Dogs on Main Parade 5:00-8:00 PM
26
Friday, July 26th “EG Chamber PawSox Family Night” PawSox vs. Lehigh at McCoy Stadium
13
Tuesday August 13th Business After Hours at Blu 5:30-7:30 PM
22
Thursday August 22nd Main Street Stroll: A Taste of East Greenwich 5:00-8:00 PM
16
Monday, September 16th Northern RI Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament at Kirkbrae Country Club 11:30 AM registration, 1:00 PM shot gun start Dinner and awards immediately following the round
you get organized your time management skills will improve because you are able to see clearer once the clutter has been removed. When you are finished organizing your office, you will be motivated, energized, and ready to tackle another project. It will feel like you have been cleansed and have a brand new office. You will be excited to go into work the next day. Yes, really! Organize! Energize! Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing In RI, LLC
be sure to visit isupportsmallbusiness.com to view all updated and current events and workshops for this month
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
43
Small Business | Promoting More Transportation Options at Quonset
promoting m re transp rtation options at qu nset by Steven J. King, PE
for example, stops at the Gateway -- the retail section of the park, adjacent to Post Road – 33 times each day. The roundabout we constructed in the park provides a convenient turnaround for buses.
As Quonset Business Park continues to establish itself as one of
Gate Road was constructed with a bus pull-off area, which also
the Ocean State’s most successful centers of job creation, we need
includes a bus shelter.
to consider how to get 9,100 people to work every day in the most efficient way possible. And while we continue to invest in programs to
On top of the RIPTA routes, TownePlace Suites by Marriott has a
preserve open space, to enhance our bicycle path, and to make miles
shuttle service, and Electric Boat has vanpools - two initiatives that
of shoreline more accessible to the public, we also realize that public
take additional cars off the road. The Quonset Bike Path is primarily
transportation initiatives will play an increasingly important
a recreational facility but was also designed to be an option for our
role in moving people in and out of the park as employment
neighbors commuting from Quidnesett or Potowomut. Lastly, QDC
continues to grow here.
has proposed that the State Rail Plan place a commuter rail station at West Davisville, and perhaps even within the Business Park itself.
For us, increased transportation alternatives are an important benefit to our existing businesses, prospective tenants, and are environmentally sound. We recognize that the majority of the 9,100 full-time and part-time employees who work at Quonset Business Park commute each day in their own vehicles. And as time goes on, we recognize that improved public transportation will be an asset in recruiting new businesses here and to assist existing businesses to expand.
improved public transportation will be an asset in recruiting new businesses here and to assist existing businesses to expand
We have consistently worked to build and maintain a modern infrastructure, including: a multi-modal transportation system that
In addition to a commuter rail station on the Amtrak line in West
features an airport, as well as highway, seaport, and railway access.
Davisville, we also support construction of Route 95 South ramps
We also offer full service utilities, including high-speed broadband,
from Route 4, which will alleviate congestion on Division Road/Route
a water supply and wastewater treatment facility, and two on-site
2 in East Greenwich. We also believe the establishment of the Marine
substations that provide electrical power. The amenities within the
Highway system, which puts containers and other cargo on barges
park include a hotel, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, on-site retail,
arriving or departing at the Port of Davisville, will reduce truck traffic
including Dave’s Marketplace, high-speed ferry access to Martha’s
on our highways.
Vineyard, a daycare facility, a public golf course and banquet facility, a 2.3 mile-long bike path along the waterfront, beaches, marinas, and
We are committed to improving and enhancing public transportation
the nationally acclaimed Seabee Museum.
options at Quonset Business Park. We support these initiatives because we know it is good for those who work here, for our state,
It only makes sense that we make it as convenient as possible
and for the environment.
for people to get here. And so we support efforts to take what we consider to be one of our existing strengths -- public transportation – and make it even stronger. For example, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) continues to fine tune its routes. Bus #14,
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Steven J. King, PE Managing Director Quonset Development Corp
We believe we are living at an extraordinary moment. Building on amazing technologies that took decades to develop, LLS is helping to make and further discoveries that provide every blood cancer patient with safe and effective therapy. The years people have invested in us and the funds they continue to raise are bringing healing therapies once thought impossible. Simply put, we are closer than ever to the cures for many kinds of blood cancers. We are on the brink of historic breakthroughs that will literally change people’s lives. The urgency is critical. We cannot stop now. That’s why we are committed to telling our story in the most informative and substantive ways possible. We strive to confront people with the breathtaking reality of how we are changing the landscape of blood cancer. We call this approach Reasons to Believe. And the facts tell an overwhelming story of progress that is both inspiring and motivating to doctors, researchers, employees, donors and survivors – every individual who impacts our success. Because of our work, blood cancer will never be the same. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
45
The Leukemia & Lymphoma SocieTy The Leukemia & Lymphoma SocieTy
C ngratulates C ngratulates R H O D EI S L A N D M A N& W O M A N O F T H EYE A R . R H O D E I S L A N D M A N& W O M A NO FT H EYE A R .
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Fifteen Local Men and Woman Raise Over $104,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Rhode Island Chapter Man and Woman of the Year Campaign.
Winners of the 2013 Campaign Announced May 4, 2013, Newport - The Rhode Island Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) wrapped up its 2013 Man & Woman of the Year competition on May 4, with a Grand Finale in Newport with Lora Lopiccolo of Foster and Brian Trahan of Providence, coming out victorious in this 10-week fundraising competition. Both the Man and Woman of the Year, Brian, the Managing Director of the Center for Phenomenological Leadership and Lora, owner of Yoga by Lora, both individually raised over $15,000 in is 10-week campaign. Community leaders competed for the national title of Man & Woman of the Year, an honor surrounded with a great deal of fanfare, including a full-page ad in USA Today, but the most important reason candidates participated was for families like this year’s Boy and Girl of the Year, Lamar from Woonsocket, and Hannah from Portsmouth, both 10 years of age. Lamar and Hannah are local children who are survivors of blood cancers and who are sources of inspiration. Every dollar raised counted as one “vote.” The male and female candidates with the most “votes” were awarded the title of 2013 Man & Woman of the Year. The money raised by candidates over the ten week period is used by LLS to fund research seeking cures and better therapies, and to provide information and support so that patients have the best possible outcomes throughout their cancer experience. “We are thrilled to announce our 2013 Winners. Congratulations to Brian and Lora as well as our Runners-Up Steve Pitassi, of Janney Montgomery Scott and Jennifer Cervenka of Partridge Snow and Hahn. Even though there are winners, it is the collective total of the entire 15 candidates that is truly amazing. Over $104,000 raised in RI for blood cancer research and patient services program is amazing. What a wonderful group of candidates!” said Bill Koconis, the Rhode Island Chapter’s Executive Director. “We cannot express enough how lucky we are to have such amazing volunteers associated with the LLS. We could not do any of this without them.” The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. LLS has a local Patient Services Manager in 68 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. For additional information, please contact LLS at (800) 955-4572 or visit www.LLS.org.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
47
MEET THE CANDIDATES who are helping beat blood cancer!
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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Boy of the Year | Lamar 10 years old, Woonsocket, RI ALL/Diagnosed: January 13, 2010
We can see a future that is cancer free Careful planning is important to ensure that your loved ones are well cared for and your estate is not subjected to unnecessary taxes. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is at the threshold of cures for blood cancer patients. A gift in your estate plan or as a beneficiary of a retirement or insurance account is a good investment in the future and a meaningful way to create your legacy. LLS brings therapies to the patients who need them—a persuasive reason to believe that someday is today.
Lamar and his family found out about his ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) in 2012. He had been experiencing stomach pain, bone pain, extreme fatigue and a yellow color to his skin. Their family doctor did a blood test thinking he was anemic, but instead it showed Leukemia blasts. Lamar’s mom was in shock, experiencing fear, anger and devastation. She feared her son would die. Her one question was, What can we do to make him better? So after 2 years and 2 months of chemotherapy, and numerous hospital stays, his prognosis was for a full recovery. Throughout his treatment, Lamar was very scared, wondering why his mom and dad were crying. Through his ordeal, he came to realize, as his family stayed with him whenever he was in the hospital, that he had everyone’s full support, which helped him get through. Today he gets to play basketball, baseball and football and enjoy his favorite movies and music.
Girl of the Year | Hannah 9 years old, Portsmouth, RI ALL/Diagnosed: January 5, 2006
Hannah’s illness came on rather suddenly as she just fell off her stool and then couldn’t walk! Of course she went to the hospital and was eventually diagnosed with ALL. She has had an extremely difficult road with many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She developed seizures and many side effects from her treatment. Unfortunately on February 3, 2009, Hannah relapsed, and then in June of that year had a bone marrow transplant. During her treatments, although she was sad, she was so grateful for her loving family. To date Hannah seems to be doing well, so we are all cheering her on! Hannah is a huge fan of Selena Gomez . Even her dog Alex is named after a Selena Gomez character. Some other favorites of Hannah’s include the Boston Red Sox, dolphins and monkeys, and girls lacrosse. Thank you to our 2013 Thank you to our 2013 Nominating Committee Members:
Nominating Committee Members:
Ralph Lawrence, Gus Manocchia, Carolyn Goldstein, Kimberly Moore Kevin Casey, Amber Loxley-Kelly, Joe Gildea, Ralph Lawrence, Gus Manocchia, Carolyn Tom Lynch, Carla Izzard, Cathy Edington, Karen Dalton, Goldstein, Kimberly Moore Casey, Christine Andrews, Tom Enright, StephenKevin Lombardi, Tim Robey, EricaLoxley-Kelly, Caliguiri, Julie Loffredi, Rick Lataille, Shelly Amber Joe Gildea, Tom Lynch, Peckham Carla Bernardelli Izzard, Cathy Edington, Karen Dalton,
Christine Andrews, Tom Enright, Stephen Lombardi, Tim Robey, Erica Peckham Bernardelli
Looking to get involved in the Leukemia & Lymphoma SociCaliguiri, Julie Loffredi, Rick Lataille, Shelly ety? Do you think you know the next Man or Woman of the Year? Join our Nominating Committee!
Looking to get involved in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? or Woman of the Year? Join our Nominating Committee!
Contact Elizabeth at liz.perry@lls.org or 401.943.8888 Do you think you know the next Man for more information.
Contact Ed Rodbro at legacy@lls.org or 888-773-9958 for more information.
Contact Elizabeth at liz.perry@lls.org or 401.943.8888 for more information.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four 4/21/13 10:30 AM
49
Small Business | Yes it CAN Happen to You
YES IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU! protect your business from a cyber attack! by Adam Harvey
Once the payment info is on your servers,
We hear about it on the news occasionally.
fancy car and eating at restaurant you
A major company’s database has been
couldn’t afford in your wildest dreams,
most current operating systems have full
hacked and sensitive information belonging
bought with the customer information you
disk encryption tools already. It only takes a
to hundreds of thousands of customers
stored in your database. These guys are
few minutes to activate the feature and it will encrypt every file and program on your drive.
has been compromised. It’s a horrible
clever and ruthless and you’ve got to protect
thing, but we really only hear about it when
yourself, your livelihood, and your customers
Local file encryption only works when you’re
it happens to a large company, leading
from these predators. Here’s how.
logged out of your computer (otherwise you couldn’t read the files yourself) so make sure
smaller businesses to believe that they’re not big enough to make it worth the effort for
Data Encryption
you log out when you’re not using it. That
a hacker to attack. But that’s not true at all.
Any important data you may be storing like
also means that viruses and malware, which
According to research done by Symantec
bank routing numbers, credit card accounts
operate with your credentials, can also read encrypted info, so encryption really
and the National Cyber Security Alliance,
or social security numbers is very enticing
cyber attacks cost small businesses an
to criminals. That’s why it’s critical to make
only covers you from “outside” attacks or
average of $188,242 a year. Even more
sure that data is encrypted while it is en
data interception.
shocking is that nearly two-thirds of the
route or in your possession. Data encryption
businesses that had been attacked went out
prevents intruders from reading private
I would even recommend that it’s best to use
of business within six months!
information. If someone does manage to
a third party processor to manage sensitive
capture a message or bit of information, they
financial data. PCI compliance is difficult to
only see scrambled, unreadable gibberish.
maintain and it requires daily server scans
Your ecommerce website that takes payment
among other things. It’s just not cost effective
Meanwhile, as you’ve lost everything you’ve
info needs to do so in an encrypted channel
for a small business to try to manage these
ever worked for, the bad guy is driving a
using a certificate.
things alone.
That’s pretty scary.
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Yes it CAN Happen to You | Small Business
it’s critical to make sure that data is encrypted while it is en route or in your possession
Lock down your network
Choose a nonsense word with punctuation,
Older, unpatched and unupdated
If you have a Wi-Fi network, you could
capitals and numbers in it and change it
equipment is a playground for bad guys, so
become a victim of what’s called
every few months.
be sure you’re up to date.
scanning for unlocked networks. Once they
Have anti-malware and anti-virus protection
If you’re not sure you can handle things on
find a vulnerable Wi-Fi hot spot, they can
Spam emails and harmful websites abound.
your own, don’t hesitate to hire an outside
scour your machines for passwords and
Malware is responsible for nearly half of
expert to help you. There are many reputable
financial data.
all data breaches. It installs code on your
Internet-based data-security vendors who
machine that runs in the background,
can take the burden off of you as a business
recording your keystrokes and feeding
owner and make sure you’re protected.
“wardriving.” Criminals outfit their cars with very large antennas and drive around
Of course not having Wi-Fi service at all is
Hire Security for help
the only foolproof way to protect yourself,
passwords and login information to hackers.
but if you decide you really want to have a
You get it by downloading something
This is by all means far from an exhaustive
wireless network, make sure you immediately
from a sketchy website or opening an
list of everything that you can do to stay safe,
disable the service set identifier or SSID.
email attachment from an unknown or
but it’s a starting point. If you feel like this is
It’ll create a cloaked network that is only
compromised source. Make sure you keep
beyond what you have the time or inclination
accessible to people who are authorized to
your programs and operating system up to
to handle, hire someone to help you. Don’t
use it—people who already know the SSID.
date at all times. Make sure you
let the bad guys win!
Also, keep your Wi-Fi updated to the latest
perform updates as they’re released since
encryption standards (to prevent interception
they’re designed to keep up with all the new
of data) and have a very complicated
ways hackers are getting in to do their
password (to prevent account compromise).
evil deeds.
Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
51
| Export Rhode Island
One of the major focal points for
If you have not considered, or have and
defining your global business strategy as
strengthening the Rhode Island economy
decided not to explore exporting, then you
part of the overall corporate business plan. Acknowledge international as a corporate
must be exporting our products and
need to look around at your competitors
services. Expanding overseas is your
and business partners and realize what has
responsibility with risks and responsibility
express lane to new markets, new ideas,
been happening in the Ocean State. Rhode
and allocate the appropriate resources of
a world of adventure and best of all, new
Island was one of 29 states recognized
money, manpower and production.
business opportunities!
by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration as having
Once you have the management
Consider the following:
achieved record growth in 2012, recording a
commitment, develop a strategic
•
95% of all customers and 70%
4.1 percent growth from 2011, totaling $2.4
plan that will integrate all
of the world’s purchasing power are
billion in total export value. As a driver of job
departments into the plan, initiate
outside the U.S.
growth, it is estimated that one job is created
market research, provide training
•
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. exporters
for every $200,000 in exports.
and know your responsibilities.
•
U.S. companies that export not only
Recent Rhode Island trade missions in
take upwards of 18 months to
grow faster, but are less likely
the last few years to Japan, Canada, the
plan, develop, execute, develop
to go out of business
Dominican Republic, Israel, Panama and
relationships abroad and record
than non-exporting companies.
most recently to China and Hong Kong
your first export sale.
87 % of world economic growth over
have estimates of $11 million in projected
the next five years will take place
new sales and 125 business leads resulting
The good news is that you are
outside of the U.S. (U.S.
from these missions. An additional $5 million
not alone in this journey. Besides
World Monetary Fund)
is projected in new sales from assisting
your business associates that may
companies with international trade shows.
already be exporting, the following
on average 31% to all GDP
The question facing businesses
assist you at little or no cost. Take
growth in the U.S. (Bureau
pondering globalization should not be “Why?”
advantage of these professionals
of Economic Analysis)
but rather “Why not?”
and call today!
Time is of the essence as it can
have fewer than 20 employees.
•
•
Over the past 22 years,
resources are available locally to
exports have contributed
Global business planning starts with management commitment,
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
ant e at Bry ity Univers Cente Chaffee t.edu r.bryan feecente a h .c oration w rp ww ent Co m p lo e v De dc.com conomic www.rie Island E rce Rhode Comme ment of rt a p e D de.gov U.S. www.tra istration s Admin s e in s u i Small B a.gov/r www.sb r te n e ent C evelopm D s s e rg in us bdc.o Small B www.ris global! o g and g in o g t ask . Conop rted, ge Peter D ontact for Get sta c se u nal Trad
rnatio r for Inte
Internatio
n
in ho enter ment C irector & gional D siness Develop etro Re u M B e ll c a n m e Provid Island S Rhode al Trade
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
53
Small Business | Secrets to Successful Corporate Events
Contact local chambers of commerce and similar outlets that operate/promote events that could interfere with yours. Keep note of contacts of other corporate planners/ people in nearby companies who might also be working on similar projects and reach out to see when their events are happening. Planners have cultivated a network which can be tapped to discover this type of information. Show you are first. Pay attention to holidays and competing events. The event may not be in direct competition to you. However, if it attracts people with the same mindset, there is always a chance that some will opt to attend one event over another. Be mindful about the proximity to a similar event. You would not want to premier a new car model or fashion line the same day as or identity, logo and name. In this case, it is
even the day after one of your competitors.
acceptable to build in logos of the event
Your event should not have to compete for
sponsors and host. Simple ideas include
attention. Instead, it should be the center of
Chances are you’ve attended at least one
asking the restaurant or function space to
attention and to show you were “first.”
by Jessica Granatiero and Sabrina Solares-Hand
truly amazing corporate function. The event
display your logo or messaging on a flat
flowed smoothly and attendees seemed
screen television or with a wall projection
While you may see it as an opportunity to
utterly pleased. The location was ideal and
unit if available. Yet, be conservative with
draw attention away from your competitors
the décor properly supported
logo displays.
think of it this way. Reporters writing stories
Bring in an experienced planner who
outlets may already be busy because of
can save you time and money based on
the competing event and not cover yours. Your opportunities for coverage may be less
for magazines, papers and other news
the theme. Food and drink were abundant and delightful. Be it the release of a new product line, a
extensive experience, industry connections,
customer appreciation event or fundraiser,
and innovative ideas. A planner will help with
because they have already filled the need for
there are many secrets to throwing a
such things as lighting to accent your event
that “type” of story.
successful event. Behind every stunning
and project your logo onto the walls - or use
event are the people who know those
colors to tie the event into your corporate
secrets. Here are a few suggestions from
brand. Think about how the overall
As you plan your “day of” schedule, there
the experts.
design of the event can subtly play on your
are many considerations.
logo elements.
•
“Day of” considerations
Make sure that the keynote speaker is scheduled to speak when guests
Aim for tasteful branding. Every corporate event should be branded,
Timing is critical.
have already enjoyed dinner or before
yet not overly branded. The trick is to not
While “location is everything,” timing is
they are served so that distractions are kept to a minimum. Promote
overdo it. Avoid branding every tablecloth
critical. In choosing a date, it’s important to
and every napkin, while featuring custom
investigate what other events are happening
interactive speeches/panel discussions/
wine labels at the bar and posted signs
on the date of your function. Take into
presentations so that guests are more
everywhere. You want build awareness
account the demographic of your event and
likely to pay attention. A popular new
in a tasteful way.
what other things are occurring around the
technique is conducting a live poll of
same time that could affect your attendance.
the audience using wireless remotes
Often fundraisers, especially annual
Conducting an internet search for events
where guests can select options
events, have developed their own
posted online is not enough.
periodically throughout the presentation.
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Secrets to Successful Corporate Events | Small Business
•
•
Any dismantling of equipment that can
Devil in the details
It may seem basic, but we can’t stress
be heard in the function space
The devil is indeed in the details. Those
enough the importance of having a “tool kit”
should not happen while guests
with experience, if even just for the “day
so you’re not scrambling for a way to fix an
are being entertained.
of,” is a big help for handling both major
item: tape, scissors, twine, a glue gun, safety
Coordinate and stagger arrival of all
and minor components. For example, did
pins, etc. These items are a must because of
vendors. For example, tables need to
you remember to determine if guests have
the random things that can go wrong.
arrive before linen, linen needs to be
food allergies, such as those with celiac
placed before centerpieces.
disease? Having someone experienced
In choosing a date, it’s important to investigate what other events are happening on the date of your function
Start now Finally, it’s never too soon to begin planning. After all, you have a lot to do between location procurement, selecting the ideal beverage and catering services, floral design and venue décor. There is guest list management, invitations, entertainment, party favors, photography, and garnering publicity if warranted. Before you find
Scheduling the day of an event is a perfectly
on the ground the day of is the most
yourself helplessly immersed in the process,
orchestrated series of happenings. Many times
important, so you are not running around
decide if you need outside support to ensure
the sequence of an event is planned with
attending to everything. Let them do that.
your event is truly amazing.
troubleshooting kept in mind. If it rains and a tent is needed, it may take the rental company at least one hour to arrive and set-up the tentwhich hopefully you have placed on hold. This means all set-up is pushed up one hour or
Jessica Granatiero Proprietor jessica@thesavoryaffair.com
Sabrina Solares-Hand Event Director sabrina@thesavoryaffair.com
earlier to avoid manic rushing for “Plan B.”
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Let’s set a seady course together! www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
55
Small Business | Why Did You Ask That Question?
Earlier this week I was paying for my merchandise at a store in Rhode Island. While checking out the cashier asked me a rather familiar question: Did you find
store
initially
feeling
somewhat
confused about why she asked the question. Then I concluded that the question must have originated from some sort of corporate directive (since I have been asked the same question by other employees at
everything you were looking for?
that store at other stores in their chain, and at other chain stores). I answered no. The cashier seemed to ignore my answer and changed the subject. Thinking that she did not hear me, I proceeded to tell her what I was looking for. Her response
While I can understand asking the question, asking it and ignoring the answer, or not specifically offering to do something with the information provided is obviously damaging to customer
was everything that we have is out on the shelves.
relationships. In this particular case, I can tell you that She made no attempt to do anything with the information
nothing has been lost by the chain (except that I will
I offered her such as: write down what I was looking for,
remember that specific cashier does not pay attention to the customer). I gained an anecdote for this article.
offer to order the item or offer me a rain check. I left the
Why Did You Ask That Question?
On the other hand, if I were considering working with a service oriented business doing something important for my family, my work, my home or my car I certainly would think twice about having a further relationship with them. I’d ask that you, a small business person, think through whatever you are asking your employees to do and whatever customer service training you are providing to your employees. Are you providing directives without appropriate and complete training? For example, you might be instructing people to ask questions without thoroughly understanding why they are asking the questions, without training them to how to respond to the customers answers, and without showing them the consequence of
improperly responding to the questions.
by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro
While it is difficult to answer the questions is some direction better than no direction and is poor training better than no training, there certainly are consequences of poor training or issuing
it is important
directives without training. I’d ask you to reevaluate whatever directives you are issuing and whatever training you are
that employees understand “why” they are instructed to ask certain questions or follow particular guidelines 56
doing, being sure that you are teaching the employees to think, and not to perform robotically. I’d also encourage you to practice whatever procedures you are training your employees to do personally and with your employees, so that they are equipped to handle expected as well as unexpected responses to whatever they may be doing. As business consultant Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto concludes, it is important that employees understand “why” they are instructed to ask certain questions or follow particular guidelines. By providing employees with additional background, they can better understand the big picture and be better equipped to represent the business. This will hopefully empower employees to share the corporate vision as well.
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Independent Consultant in Human Factors Learning & Human Resources
Thanks to Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments and suggestions.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
57
Small Business | Skin to Win
SKIN TO WIN Increased Co-Insurance and Deductibles Lowers Premiums by Tim Sullivan
insurance coverage to 5,809 people with either no cost sharing, 25%, 50% or 95% coinsurance rates in order to gauge the health effects and usage of service effects over a long period of time.
Businesses need to make important decisions regarding health insurance, now more than ever. The implementation of the “Employer
One of the astounding conclusions that the numbers came up with
Mandate” in January 2014 is fast approaching. Not only are
was that the relative health of the participants did not vary widely
employers faced with a “provide or penalty tax” decision, they are
based on the out of pocket expense. The usage of medical services
faced with decisions regarding health insurance plan design as part
by participants rose as their out of pocket contribution to office visits
of their financial decision.
dropped, but the result of extra office visits did not yield better overall health for those participants!
Decision makers will be struggling with a situation that appears to pit “morals vs. money”, they can choose to offer health insurance to
As the cost of health care rose (in terms of out of pocket expenses),
their employees or not. Each decision carries a moral and financial
usage of medical services dropped.
price. Choosing the level of coverage can also cause a dilemma between offering the most coverage vs. the amount of coverage a
A current example that illustrates the relative costs/benefits of higher
business can afford.
vs. lower deductible/co-insurance rate health insurance programs comes from an analysis of two large insurance programs in the state
Fortunately, studies and real life examples make this decision easier.
of Nebraska.
The best example of this is the analysis of a study performed by the
On the one hand, the State of Nebraska employee health insurance
Rand Corporation called the “Health Insurance Experiment” (HIE),
program pays one of the highest average premium rates in the
which ran from 1971 to 1986. The HIE explored the ramifications
country. It is a self-funded program with an award winning model
and effects of differently designed health insurance programs on
wellness program in place, yet their health insurance premium rates
overall health of the participants. The study randomly assigned health
continue to climb. Self-funded health insurance programs reflect the
58
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
actual health costs incurred by a group as they are derived from actual past expenses plus the administrative fees from the insurance carrier.
infant • toddler • preschool ages 6 weeks to 5 years old
On the other hand, the University of Nebraska has an employee health insurance program whose annual family premium rates are $11,000 lower than the State employees plan! An analysis of the comparative plans shows remarkable similarities of the populations in terms of both having self-funded insurance administered by the same company, average age, geographical location, number of covered employees and dependents. By most actuarial standards the health insurance premiums should be similar. In fact, given the award winning wellness program in place for the State employees, and no wellness plan for the University, one would think that the State program should cost less than the University.
Decision makers will be struggling with a situation that appears to pit “morals vs. money”, they can choose to offer health insurance to their employees or not
learning center YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE IN CHILDCARE
401 764 0468 www.lollipoplearningcenterllc.com
There is one BIG difference between their health insurance plans. The University of Nebraska has higher deductibles, and maximums placed on certain wellness doctor visits, and pays a percentage of a variety of emergency and hospital visits as opposed to flat copays. Over time, given the results from HIE, state employees use more health services than their University counterparts. Data is not available to compare health statistics of the different groups, but it stands to reason that the group with the highest amount of money spent on health services should be the less healthy of the two groups, all other things being equal. Decision makers need to weigh these factors carefully, and make the decision that is best for their organizations. My suggestion is to share stories like this with employees to help them understand that a decision to involve higher deductibles and co-pays is probably better
QUALIFIED TEACHERS NURSE ON SITE DAILY DCYF CERTIFIED DHS ACCEPTED A CLEAN & SAFE ENVIRONMENT
for all parties concerned in the long run. What remains true in both of these examples is that as the price of “out of pocket” health care service expenses rise, utilization of excess medical services drops without significant decreases in overall health. Tim Sullivan Life-Panel www.well-track.com
NOW ENROLLING CALL TODAY! www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
59
TWO Small Business | Two Most Important Networking Skills
most important networking skills by Richard Austin
4.
Create word of mouth and visibility for
responsive, riveted listening. You get good at
you and your business
this, you’ll be a killer networker.
5.
Develop a volunteer “sales force”
6.
Have FUN and grow as an individual
develop long-term relationships with others
Sounds good. But how to go about it, how
for mutual benefit.”
to do it right, and how to get results; those
You may ask, “Why should I network? I work
When they stop talking, your listening is not over. Now, you get to ask questions and then,
“Networking is a process where you
again, listen to the answers.
are the important questions; and as for most
Examples:
questions, there are answers.
1.
What do you like best about what you do?
hard all day – I just want to kick back at night and relax. “ If someone tells you there
Before you hit your first networking event,
2.
What got you started in your business?
are networking opportunities during the day,
you should set some goals and expectations.
3.
What do you like most
you might say “I’m too busy during the day.”
•
Increase your brand awareness
come up for not networking. Usually, the real
•
Educate others about your business
excuse is somewhere between “I don’t want
•
Educate yourself
to”, and “I don’t know how”. The first excuse
•
Develop trust and relationships
is hard to deal with. The second one, well,
•
Give referrals to others
1. 2. 3.
60
4.
What are some of your biggest challenges?
5.
How can I help you?
When it’s finally your turn, what do you tell them? What do you want them to take away
let’s talk about that. Why network?
about what you do?
Networking, when done right, should
These are just two of the myriad excuses we
YOUR MOST IMPORTANT NETWORKING SKILL
from your conversation? There’s lots’ of different ways to approach this. Whatever way you go, you want it to be:
Maintain relationships with existing clients
What should be your most important
•
Brief
Meet new clients
networking skill? LISTENING
•
Clever (don’t shoot for “funny”)
Give and get referrals
Yes, listening. Not passive listening,
•
Memorable
(notice “give” was listed first)
waiting for your chance to talk, but active,
•
Relevant
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Two Most Important Networking Skills | Business PROFILE
For my business (communication skills and
need to hear. It’s an important distinction.
public speaking), I sometimes open with
With good listening skills, you may be able
a quote from George Bernard Shaw; “The
to pick up on this.
•
long-shot deals and obvious dead-ends) •
Harvesting ($$$)
•
Preservation (take care of the clients
Not passive listening, waiting for your chance to talk, but active, responsive, riveted listening. You get good at this, you’ll be a killer networker
.
you have) Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? FINAL THOUGHTS •
is the illusion it has occurred.” It’s brief,
YOUR SECOND MOST IMPORTANT NETWORKING SKILL
•
Be a FARMER, not a hunter. A hunter goes in for the quick kill. A tasty, one-time meal.
helped a client solve a problem is always
The farmer is looking forward to the future
•
he or she needs to hear. I emphasized this because it’s important. Don’t tell them what you want to tell them. Tell them what they
Ask if you can add them to your mailing list
Finds the right field
further discuss any of this, give me a call.
(networking, research)
You know I like to talk!
Plants the seeds (listens, asks questions, learns what people need)
•
•
So, I hope this is helpful. If you want to
harvest. The farmer: •
services. If you have listened well in the beginning, you may very well know what
Offer a referral – it will come back to you seven-fold
Telling a quick story that shows how you a good choice. What you don’t want to
Set up appointments at the networking events
relevant and thought provoking.
do is verbally vomit all your products and
Follow up (email, telephone call) within a day or two
• single biggest problem with communication
Pruning (cut out the time you spend on
Puts down the fertilizer (gives referrals,
Richard Austin President The Learning Curve LLC
advice, and follows up)
Quality Promotional Products For Every Budget Promotional Products • Embroidery Screen Printing • Premium Gift Items
Office 401.369.3644 | Fax 401.943.6658 | amazingspecialty@aol.com
www.amazingspecialties.com www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
61
Small Business | Real Estate Best Time To Invest
Real Estate Best Time to Inv¢$t How You Can Invest in the Real Estate Market and Win by Robert L. (Mr. X) Xifaras JD
not there, but because of the unavailability
deal. There are depressed property owners
of financing or lack of reasonable financial
with unsatisfactory credit scores who have
terms, and yet, for more than any other
extremely valuable property, who are only
There are a tremendous number of financial
reason, is that the property or business
in need of short term capital to upgrade
opportunities that currently exist which,
owners are financially in trouble and as a
their property for a better financial return or
when properly handled, could create very
result of it, they have no alternative but to
improving the marketability of their property
profitable deals, depending on the amount of
dispose of their assets at bargain prices
which in turn make investments in them safe
an investment an the risk that one is willing
or work special deals with investors. That
investments for investors. Again this is why
to make.
is why hard money lenders are out there
hard money lenders are loaning money on
lending money where the banks are not
these kinds of properties and are doing so
All investments have a certain amount of
lending, and doing very well. These lower
well. I am not saying that you have to be a
risk. Some are very great as in “futures, puts
property values are temporary. There is
hard money lender.
and calls”; and some at no risk (assuming
no question that with time, property values
they are government guaranteed issues
will climb to their true values. For these
The fact is that there are many good and
which is now debatable. Yet those that are
reasons now is a great time to get into the
safe deals that are in need of lenders
guaranteed, have low rates of return and
entrepreneurial mode and invest.
investors. The situation is not that the properties are distressed properties but
may even have lower-end values because of inflation which is bound to happen.
Real estate is limited and does not grow.
that the properties are owned by distressed
And some are risky, as in cases of the
Real estate is scheduled to sky rocket in
people. Some of these people with the
devaluation in the stock market that occurs
value in the future. Why? Simple. Less land
availability of little financing would be tickled
periodically. Presently, I do not have much
and increasing population which means
pink to do a joint venture with a investor
faith in the stock market despite the fact that
more people looking for land or property.
still providing the investor with a very good
it is presently doing well which I believe is
What makes profitable deals is by seizing the
return or equity. Then there are deals whose
going to be a short run. The question is how
opportunity by buying now and selling later
values are long term. For example of land that presently has little value because of its
long will it do well especially with the fiscal
i.e. buying at a lower price and selling at a
cliff that is yet to come. With a seventeen
higher price or holding on the investment
location but over an extended period of time
trillion dollar debt deficit, you can bet on it.
bringing in a continuous net income far
will clearly be of much greater value. These
superior to bank savings. A great source
kind of deals are ideal where one wants to
As is commonly known, banks, have either
of making profitable deals is by providing
provide for their children. Simply putting
just about shut down their loan operations
secured financing to “creditworthy” property
the property in a trust to mature at an age
owners or prospective qualified buyers
when they would need it most; e.g. going to
unrealistically restrictive, thereby causing
therefore making a good return on the use of
college or buying a home. What a gift!!!
many properties to be sold at a much lower
your money and the use of their property to
price than their true values. These assets
mutual advantage. Our definition of “credit
have become much less valuable not
worthy” is not based on credit scores alone
because the true value of the property is
but on the security and the viability of the
or have set up loan standards that are
62
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Robert L. (Mr. X) Xifaras JD President Wincorp Entrepreneurial Services
Top 6 Tips for Blog Commenting | Small Business
spam! While I cannot for certain point to any
TOP 6 TIPS
of these comments as having come from low-quality blog commenting services, each of these shared common traits suggesting that they did: single commenter posting multiple nonsensical responses, often using
FOR BLOG
COMMENTING
multiple personas and email addresses, profiles are backlinking to a sales-intensive website, profiles lack detail (optimization), didn’t use an image within their profile, and their use of the English language indicates their free translation tool is miserably failing them. So is there really a marketing value in commenting on blogs? There sure is – and to that end, here are my top 6 tips for blog commenting that can spread some SEO awesomesauce for both the blog writer and commentator. 1.
Be sincere – if you are commenting on a blog post for the sole purpose of getting some SEO juice for your business, you’re doing it for the
by Chris Sheehy
•
wrong reason.
“Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you
2.
Make sure you have a fully optimized
will be a great author. I will make certain
profile on the blogging platform you
Commenting on blogs is a great way to
to bookmark your blog and will come
are commenting on (including your
show appreciation for someone’s work
back very soon. I want to encourage
name, business name, address, phone
and give your website an online visibility
one to continue your great writing, have
number, website URL, and a picture of yourself – no egg-head bio pictures).
a nice morning!”
boost at the same time. •
“What’s up, all is going perfectly here
3.
Make sure you are commenting on a
If you are a high-frequency commenter and
and of course every one is sharing
blog that has a higher PR value than
have ever researched into blog commenting
facts, that’s really fine, keep up writing.”
your website or the blog listed in your
as a marketing strategy, you have likely
•
really a good for me to go to see this
commenting as a service.
web page, it consists of priceless •
“Blog Commenting Services” yielded a little over 77-million results.
“Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue concerning
is catching on doesn’t it?
Make sure your Author Rank code is verified.
•
5.
If you intend to drop a link into your
this post here at this website, I
reply – be certain it is of substantial
have read all that, so now me also
value and not just a cheap plug.
commenting at this place.” It sounds like everyone
benefit of a SEO boost. 4.
Information.”
This is quickly becoming big business – so big in fact, that a recent Google search for
profile if you are looking for the mutual
“What’s up to every single one, it’s
come across businesses offering blog
6.
Be sincere (did I mention that already?)
“Howdy! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the nice data
Practicing safe blog commenting is sure
I suppose the true litmus test would be
you might have here on this post.
to be mutually beneficial for blogger and
to read some of the comments that these
I might be coming back to your blog for
commentator alike.
services offer. For me, that’s a straight line
extra soon.”
to my blog to read the comments pending approval – here are some of the best ones
Not what you were expecting was it?
that came in last month.
As it turns out – blog commenting is rife with
Chris Sheehy Sidewalk Branding Co. www.sidewalkbranding.co
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
63
Featured Chamber | North Central Chamber of Commerce
F E AT U R E D
Deborah Ramos President 255 Greenville Avenue Johnston, RI 401 349 4674 www.ncrichamber.com
The North Central Chamber of Commerce is
Our Mission is to develop business
We are committed to providing education
proud to say that we have been
partnerships to enhance the climate of our
to our members and the entire small
representing the small business community
region for business growth and quality of
business community through our new
for over 30 years! We feel strongly about
life, and to deliver the key ingredients for a
“Business Boosters” Series. The Chamber
business to succeed: Growth, Education
recently hosted a “Branding Your Business”
supporting Businesses”; after all, isn’t that
and Networking, and additionally –
Workshop to show members the importance
what it’s all about!
Chamber Advocacy.
of branding and making them understand
The North Central Chamber of Commerce
The North Central Chamber of Commerce
Media” Workshop will offer our members
proudly serves the small business
offers many growth opportunities to our
and such the opportunity to be educated on
community in the towns of Johnston, North
small business community – from monthly
the importance of social media in today’s
Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and
networking events, complimentary “Friday
business world.
Glocester. The Chamber currently
Frenzy” promotional opportunities and newly
has a membership of approximately 225
added – complimentary “Business Spotlights”
As many business owners and business
small businesses.
on our website for our members.
professionals know – networking
“Businesses supporting Community
branding in general. Our upcoming “Social
is essential. Our various networking events offer wonderful opportunities to build relationships. We not only create
Newest Members:
opportunities for networking, but we also act as liaisons assisting our members build relationships day-to-day. The North
Verizon Wireless
Sovereign Bank – Greenville
Johnston, RI
Greenville, RI
Chamber Neighbor” Networking events –
www.verizonwireless.com
www.sovereignbank.com
zoning in to particular “neighborhoods” with
Reflexology & Holistic Wellness Studio LLC
Sovereign Bank – Johnston
Johnston, RI
Johnston, RI
that intimidation factor; we are often told our
www.reflexologystudio.webs.com
www.sovereignbank.com
networking events are very casual
Chelsea Ann Photography
Gentiva Hospice
Central Chamber is now offering “Meet Your
the hopes of building relationships within those neighborhoods. We strive to remove
and comfortable. Providence, RI
Warwick, RI
The North Central Chamber of Commerce
www.chelseaannphotography.com
www.gentiva.com
is a proud member of the Rhode Island
64
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
What’s New | Chamber Chat
Central Chamber
Chamber of Commerce Coalition, which
Business Booster – David Lucier
represents the voices of over 12,000
Six Steps to Small Business Success
Lauren E.I. Slocum, President/CEO
businesses in the State of Rhode Island.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI
Through the Coalition, the North Central
11:30 – 1:30 pm
401 732 1100 | www.centralrichamber.com
Chamber has and will continue to provide
North Central Chamber of Commerce
advocacy for our small business community.
255 Greenville Avenue, Johnston, RI
Our current Legislative Agenda includes supporting the following:
June Shredding Event Saturday, June 8, 2013
We are thrilled to work collaboratively with the Rhode Island Chambers of Commerce on the Chamber Block Party to be held in August. www.ChamberBlockParty.com The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
•
Responsible budget and taxation policy;
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
•
Responsible changes to state and local
Johnston Senior High School
and business-to-consumer operations of
employees retirement and benefits
345 Cherry Hill Road, Johnston, RI
our members. The Central RI Chamber
system laws; • •
•
strives to foster the business-to-business
advocates for the interests of our members both economically and legislatively through
Advocate for equitable, consistent and
Lipstick Luncheon “Stretch, Relax and
reasonable government regulation;
Renew...15 Minutes to a New You”
the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for legislative and regulatory
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Coalition. To continue to bring our members
reforms ensuring RI businesses and
11:30am – 1:00 pm
employees to have access to affordable,
The Heart Spot
quality health care; and
700 Greenville Ave, Johnston, RI
Responsible measures to protect the environment of the State of Rhode Island.
Meet Your Chamber Neighbor
top-tier service, we are spearheading innovative changes to our website and socialmedia outlets. By working closely with our members, the Chamber can continue to be a positive influence on the Rhode Island economy.
Pollard Law We welcome small business owners within
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
New Members
our communities to learn more about the
8:30am – 9:30 am
Ace Medical Billers LLC
North Central Chamber of Commerce and
Pollard Law Inc.
AT&T Company Store
its value. We also offer, including but not
118 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI
Dr. Day Care Learning Center
limited to, advertising, bulk mailing, energy
A light continental breakfast will be
Ethan Allen
and payroll discounts. We like to think we
provided. This is a FREE Event!
are more than just your typical Chamber
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott - Coventry Filta Environmental Kitchens Solutions Home Depot Warwick
of Commerce; we are hands-on, working
20th Annual Golf Tournament
every step of the way with you…..to help
Monday, July 15, 2013
you grow your business! We believe our
1:00 pm Shotgun start
Cuddy
Chamber membership is a group of
Kirkbrae Country Club
Original Bradford Soap Works, Inc
honest, hardworking, hands on, “real”
197 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI
Pamfilio’s Italian Deli & Catering
we want to help YOU. Remember, small
Enjoy a spectacular day at Kirkbrae Country
Rhode Island Catholic
business stimulates the economy; the North
Club! Tournament will include lunch, goody
Home Loan And Investment Bank Merrill Lynch Wealth Management - Peter
Preferred Sportswear Inc
people struggling to make ends meet;
Central Chamber of Commerce is committed
bags, complimentary GIFT per player, dinner,
to working diligently to assist our members in
awards and raffles! It’s a great day! And if
stimulating the economy, so that it may come
you don’t golf, plan to join us for dinner!
back to them tenfold.
Rhode Island Telephone Travel Plus Williams & Stuart Real Estate
Cranston Chamber
Registration begins at 11:30am The
Stephen C. Boyle, President
On behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors
Tournament will begin at 1:00pm with a
150 Midway Road, #178, Cranston, RI
of the North Central Chamber of Commerce,
shotgun start-”scramble” format. Registration
401 785 3780I | www.cranstonchamber.com
we would like to encourage everyone to
is due by July 8 and the cost per player is
support the small businesses within our
just $150; $600 for a foursome
communities; buy small, buy local! Support
On Tuesday, May 28th the Cranston Chamber of Commerce launched its first of two Cranston 500 membership race drives at
small business, support each other! Again,
Check out our website at www.
at the North Central Chamber of Commerce,
ncrichamber.com or call (401) 349-4674 for
it’s all about “Businesses supporting
more information and to register for any of
is the first of two races designed to bring the
Community supporting Businesses!”
these events!
membership to 1000 members. The drive is
Bonefish Grill with over 120 people attending. Stephen C. Boyle, President stated that this
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
65
Small Business | Multitasking As a Part of Life
by Greg Enos
Can we really increase our productivity by
Leadership firm. “I question the validity of
trained to focus on one customer situation
juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.”
at a time, using multiple computer screens
So why is the multitasking term used
to display relevant data simultaneously.
so frequently ?
With three or more screens, for example, employees can see critical customer
multitasking ? “I think people are trying to increase their It is an interesting concept that sparks
self-worth,” says Jacob Belt, president of
passionate debate and raises questions
Sandler Training/Sales PHD, who has seen
about what our brains really can do.
an increase in the use of the term during the
data, real time photos of equipment, and related email. The process works. Vibco has become an
14 years that he has trained thousands of
industry leader in shipping commercial
Multitasking involves one person doing two
Rhode Island professionals. When people
vibration equipment on the day an order is
or more tasks simultaneously that requires
try to multitask, “they increase mistakes and
placed, focusing on one thing at a time.
higher-level brain activity. Eating and
become less productive.” Focusing
watching television at the same time is not
on one task at time is the best approach,
multitasking. Driving a vehicle and talking on
he suggests.
Research Results Recent research has given us valuable
a cellphone simultaneously is multitasking. Karl Wadensten, president of a New England
insight into multitasking.
While multitasking might seem glamorous
manufacturing company, agrees that
and intriguing, is it realistic ?
attempts to multitask frequently lead to
Ground breaking research by Dr. Marcel Just
high error rates, incomplete work and a loss
and his Carnegie Mellon University team
of focus.
does conclusively prove that an individual’s
“We are most effective when we focus our
driving ability is impaired when they try to
attention, even for a short period of time, on the most significant task,” claims Jamie
Based on a belief that “we can see faster
talk on a cellphone and drive simultaneously.
Millard, executive partner of the Lexington
than we think,” Wadensten’s Vibco staff are
Magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
What’s New | Chamber Chat
used to study participant brain activity to reach their conclusion.
Dr. Jim Taylor, a partner and technology
tied to the first organized paved oval track
expert with the Trium Group (www.
race in the United States which was held at
triumgroup.com) and author of multiple The Just study gives us a glimpse at how
books, explains that multitasking requires
the human brain is affected by attempts to
different types of brain processing. Reading
complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
a book while listening to music might appear to be the completion of two things at once. It
the Narragansett Speedway which is the site of the Stadium residential plat. The streets are named for the cars of that era which include Fiat, Packard, Jordon, Chandler and Cadillac. Boyle stated that we are embracing our racing heritage and spirit in this effort
As a result of the study, some pundits
is really one higher level task (reading) and
by introducing an $100 introductory
claim that a vehicle operator engaged in a
one repetitive task (listening to music).
membership offer to all businesses
cellphone conversation is more dangerous
regardless of size.
than a drunk driver. Fortunately, legislators
He also claims that multitasking is a myth
have taken action to improve highway safety
that “has been promulgated to make overly
New Members
scheduled and stressed out people feel
Trans-Link, LLC
after seeing the results.
productive and efficient.” What Is Really Happening ? Brain Rules author Dr. John J. Medina
Ronald Shapiro, PHD. Exit Realty Innercity Recycling Davis & Lentz, LLC
So what is really happening with interpreters
says: “To put it bluntly, research shows that
for the deaf, classroom teachers and
the attentional spotlight in our brains can’t
broadcast professionals ? They appear to be
multitask. We are biologically incapable
Eagle Cornice Co., Inc
doing more than one thing at a time.
of processing attention-rich inputs
Amazing Specialties
when people try to multitask, “they increase mistakes and become less productive
simultaneously.”
A.W. Bucci Associates, Inc.
ProMail, Etc. Twin Vending Service, Inc
So, if we cannot multitask, why are some people able to work so fast ? Part of the reason that interpreters, teachers and broadcasters can quickly process so much information is because we all have unused brain capacity. Most of us only use
Corvus Technology Resources, Inc. RI Telephone Atelier LKS Bucklin Human & Administrative Resources Greco Real Estate Local Loyalty Partners Astute Home Services
25-percent of our brain when listening. So
New England Promotions
unless the speaker is talking at 500 words
Bonefish Grill
per minute, we can handle it.
Meridien Benefits ADT Security Solutions
Many times people accomplish significant
The overwhelming evidence is that our
results (mothers with children, for example)
brains use higher level cognitive processing
because they have refined the way they
to focus on one task. Frequently it looks like
get things done. Smooth operations are the
a person is doing more than one thing at a
result of focused attention to detail.
time. In fact, like an accomplished juggler, they are only touching one ball at a time.
Tasca Automotive Group
Gavopoulos Group LLC Sierra Pacific Mortgage McCardle Chiropractic and Wellness Center, LLC Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Aflac-Steven Philips Ronald Kashmanian, Inc.
Discussions about multitasking will continue and extraordinary claims about
East Bay Chamber
A new word has been created to explain
multitasking prowess will continue to be
what is happening --- switch tasking.
made. While some will believe that they are
Mark G. DeVine, CPA, Chairman
great at multitasking, most of us will
16 Cutler Street, Suite 102, Warren, RI
Switch tasking occurs when we
accept the premise that we are best doing
401 245 0750 | eastbaychamberri.org
simultaneously move between two or more
one task at a time.
tasks. Often it is done so quickly, people
foundation for community growth and well-
believe that they are multitasking, according to author Dave Crenshaw. In his book, The Myth of Multitasking, he suggests that they are doing one thing at a time.
Our mission is to promote businesses as the
Greg Enos Certified Listening Professional www.gregenos.com
being by being the most reliable resource and leading advocate for businesses throughout the East Bay and surrounding areas. We are here to help you succeed!
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
67
Small Business | Referral Marketing
Referral Marketing Top Ten Ways Others Can Promote You – Part 1
by Ivan Misner & Peter George
Has anyone ever said to you, “If there’s
Systematic referral marketing helps you do
anything I can do to help you with your
that by determining, as precisely as possible,
business, let me know”? And, was your
the types of help you want and need. Some
response, “Thank you. Now that you mention
are simple, cheap, and quick; others are
it, there are a few things I need?” Or did you
complex, costly, and time-consuming. Here
say, “Well, thanks, I’ll let you know”?
are some examples of the ways others can promote you and your business.
If you’re like most of us, you aren’t prepared to accept help at the moment it’s offered.
68
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
1. Display or distribute your literature
Before you can do so, you have to make
and products. Your sources can exhibit
the connection between specific items or
your marketing materials and products in
services you need and the people who can
their offices or homes. If these items are
supply them.
displayed well, such as on a counter or a
What’s New | Chamber Chat
New Members The Mystical Grove Ledge Cottage Bed and Breakfast Rhode Island Student Loan Authority The Children’s Workshop Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
East Greenwich Stephen Lombardi, Executive Director 580 Main Street | East Greenwich, RI 401 885 0020 www.eastgreenwichchamber.com The EG Chamber Of Commerce and its Board of Directors have introduced a new promotional campaign: The EG Chamber Sent Me, which is sponsored by
bulletin board, visitors will ask questions
their event, effectively positioning you as
about them or read the information. Some
an expert in your field.
may take your promotional materials and
Independence Bank (Member FDIC.) This program is a special “thank you” for the support of our members and as a stimulus for local businesses
display them in other places, increasing
4. Endorse your products and services.
your visibility. They can include your
By telling others what they’ve gained from
The Chamber Sent Me program is an
fliers in their mailings or hand them out
using your products or services or by
extension of that program and the Chamber
at meetings they attend. A dry cleaner
endorsing you in presentations or informal
has issued $10 gift coupons (EG Chamber
attaches a coupon from the hair salon
conversations, your network sources can
Bucks) to all members. As of this writing, we
next door to each plastic bag he uses to
encourage others to use your products or
cover his customers’ clothing; a grocery
services. If they sing your praises on a CD,
store includes other businesses’ marketing
MP3, or DVD, so much the better.
literature in or on its grocery bags or on the back of the printed receipt.
have seen significant results from some of our merchant members and we expect even more. In addition, many Chamber businesses have signed up for the Gift Certificate/EG Chamber Sent Me program as a result
5. Nominate you for recognition and
of this campaign.
awards. Business professionals and community members often are recognized
New Members
attending meetings or speaking to groups,
for outstanding service to their profession
FelMax ATM
your sources can increase your visibility
or community. If you’ve donated time or
Frankie Galasso-Artist
by announcing an event you are involved
materials to a worthy cause, your referral
Angela’s Mane
in or a sale your business is conducting, or
sources can nominate you for service
by setting up exhibits of your products or
awards. You increase your visibility both
2. Make an announcement. When
services. They can also invite you to make
by serving and by receiving the award in a
an announcement yourself.
public expression of thanks. Your sources can inform others of your recognition by
Software Made Simple- Merri Kaufman Residential Properties-Sandy Catanzaro St. Luke’s Church RTUI- Kevin Fortin Sowa Chiropractic
3. Invite you to attend events. Workshops
word of mouth or in writing. They can even
and seminars are opportunities to
create an award, such as Vendor of the
Newport
increase your skills, knowledge, visibility,
Month, to honor your achievement.
Jody Sullivan, Executive Director
and contacts. Members of personal or
35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI
business groups you don’t belong to can
(See the next five ways others can
401 847 1608 | www.NewportChamber.com
invite you to their events and programs,
promote you in the next issue of RISBJ.)
which gives you an opportunity to meet prospective sources and clients. Even better, they could invite you to speak at
Ivan Misner Founder and Chairman of BNI Peter George Director for BNI Rhode Island
To continue to encourage the Newport County communities to support local businesses, the Newport County Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a formal marketing campaign www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
69
Capital City | Providence Talks
In Tribute to our Military and Veterans by Mayor Angel Taveras
continue to protect our freedoms - sometimes at the ultimate cost to themselves and their families, as they serve this great nation of
Late April, I had the honor of hosting a
ours.
statewide Roundtable discussion on Military employment, featuring our senior US
70
RISBJ | rhode | rhode island island small smallbusiness businessjournal journal
The Job Fair grew out of a unique partnership
Senator Jack Reed and US Armed Services
between my city and that of neighboring
Committee co-chair; our Adjutant General
Cranston, which we began in late winter
Kevin R. McBride, and representatives of
to address the common problem of
the federal government and academia. At
unemployment. Hosting a series of free,
the very same time, I co-hosted a statewide
monthly industry-specific job fairs, we align
Job Fair for Military/ Veterans and their
businesses that are actually hiring employees
families, with the participation of Mayor Fung
with talented and available workers. The
of Cranston (RI) and Senator Reed, and the
Military job fair was one specifically dedicated
Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve,
to women and men in uniform and our
Hero 2 Hired, the Greater Providence
veterans and their families – who statistics
Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Solutions
show bear the biggest hurdles in finding
of Providence/ Cranston, the Rhode Island
employment. It was an opportunity for
Broadcasters Association and the RI
us to serve those who serve us so bravely
Department of Labor and Training.
all year-long.
Hundreds of people and more than 100
The policy Roundtable was a natural
vendors participated in the day-long events,
outgrowth of this job fair, and gave us a
which gave witness to our collective respect
chance to bring together the best minds on
and deep gratitude to those who have and
the issue: Senator Reed, Professor Paul
What’s New | Chamber Chat
service members making this transition in
to THINK LOCAL. Thinking Local is not
Secretary Jane Oates, Adjutant General
the next five years, we must be prepared
just about shopping but rather is a mindset
Kevin R. McBride, and others from military,
to deliver timely and effective services that
academic, business and industry and labor
lead them to the job opportunities they
backgrounds. It was a lively and informed
have earned.”
Harrington of Drexel University, US Assistant
conversation about what the issues are and how we – as a community – can give back to those who give their lives for us.
The Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard said that “Never in the history of the National
to support and invest in all aspects our local communities. It is taking pride of ownership in our businesses, our homes and our region. This Think Local campaign will strive to educate the community on the real dollar value and positive economic impact of investing in local businesses. Businesses will be provided with Think Local
We have a solemn obligation to support our
Guard has so much been asked of our men
materials to proudly display in their business
veterans and service members – as a
and women in uniform. I am proud of their
establishments. Print, radio and social
community and as a nation. Part of this
sacrifice and the unwavering support
media will be used to spread the word on the
support includes helping our men and
they have received from their families
importance of investing locally.
women in uniform find employment when
and our state”
they return home from duty. To demonstrate our commitment to the Senator Reed, who helped pass the VOW to
Guard and Reserve, we all were privileged
Hire Heroes Act, which provides incentives
to sign individual Statements of Support
The campaign will also create an ADOPT YOUR SPOT program where businesses will be asked to show their pride of place by taking care of their individual storefronts and sidewalks in essence “Adopting their Spot”.
for businesses to hire veterans by offering tax
for the Guard and Reserve, affirming our
Newport County Chamber of Commerce
credits, job training workshops and education
commitment to enforce the Uniformed
staff will visit businesses over the next few
and training opportunities for unemployed
Services Employment and Reemployment
weeks with Think Local promotional materials
veterans said, “Our veterans and service
Act (USERRA.)
including brooms in preparation for the kickoff Saturday Morning Sweep. On Saturday
members have valuable leadership and technical skills that will help improve our
Creating jobs and building commerce is a
workforce and economy. We want to do
fundamental goal of my administration and
June 22nd at 9 a.m., participating businesses will be asked to step outside and all together show that pride of place by sprucing up their exteriors. We encourage members to
It was an opportunity for us to serve those who serve us so bravely all year-long.
take pictures Saturday morning and forward to jane@newportchamber.com. We will be creating an on-line social collage to share with each other and our communities. New Members Anchor Spine Annie’s Aquidneck Legal Center Artistic Wedding Films Awakenings in Newport A-Z Business Services Beach Wine & Liquors
everything we can to link them with training
helping opportunities for those jobs, building
and jobs so they can successfully transition
our workforce, tapping into the enormous
Black Goose Cafe
from military service to civilian life.”
talent and experience of our veterans and
C. Thomas Clagett Jr. Memorial Clinic &
military members will only help this nation
Regatta
Assistant Secretary Oates said “We’re
strengthen its economy and guarantee its
Caravan Connection of Newport
seeing promising signs that veterans
prowess worldwide.
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards Debeer, Lynne
especially post 9/11 veterans – are finding and keeping jobs in larger numbers as
I know I join my colleagues who participated
our overall economy continues its steady
that day and in Memorial Day ceremonies
recovery, but the fact remains that far too
across this city, state and nation in saying,
many of our returning service members
Belcourt of Newport
“Thank you,” to the members of our Armed
struggle to make the transition from the
Forces for giving us our freedoms and this
military to a civilian career. With one million
treasured Democracy of ours.
Elan Concierge Emily Perkins Esthetics Force 4 Photography Graze Delivered Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center Hands On Home Improvement Herreshoff Marine Museum www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
71
Small Business | Social Media Is Two-Way Communication
Social Media Is Two-Way Communication by Mari Anne Snow
There is a great bakery near my house that I visit almost daily. Food is yummy and the clientele represents my neighborhood. It’s a real local place. For the most part, I’m a big brand advocate. Today; however, after I finished my very early morning workout I stopped by for my much-deserved cup of tea and a treat. The place had just opened for the day and while there was plenty of help behind the counter, the customer line was backing up (sound familiar?). When I was finally served, I was running late and anxious to order and go. What I got was a surly greeting complete with eye rolls and the general impression my order was an imposition of monumental proportions. I’m normally pretty easy going, but the whole thing really irked me. And as I was waiting, quietly steaming, by the register I noticed the sign urging me to follow and “like” the business on Facebook. What ran through my head wasn’t very nice. Anything I had to post at that moment would hardly have been complimentary. People are opinionated, this isn’t news. It’s also not unusual for businesses to have a bad day. But bring these two things together at just the right time on social media and business owners can get one big headache. Businesses shouldn’t be amazed when their customers take to the internet and share their opinions about the products and services they use every day. It’s why business owners put up Facebook pages in the first place. It capitalizes on the fact that constantly posting experiences has become part of our DNA. It’s one of the strengths of social media – visible customer feedback. The only time it’s problematic is when someone says
when you reach out to customers, don’t be surprised if they reach right back! 72
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
something bad about you. And don’t think you can avoid this by staying off the web; review platforms like Yelp and Angie’s List are great forums for airing grievances and sharing horror stories that you can’t rebut if you don’t have a meaningful presence online. Don’t hide, learn the secrets and accept social media is a two-way street. Before you ask people to talk about you online, be sure your house is in order
What’s New | Chamber Chat
If you choose to use social media for your
have made on the general buying public?
Jo’s American Bistro
business; understand that “posting” content is only half of the process. Listening and
John A. Pagliarini, Jr., Esq.
When analyzing your results, be objective
monitoring are often more important than creating a “visible” presence online. The first
Whether you like the results or not,
step to better business results online is a
comments provide insight into how
Marc Creedon Multimedia New York Life-Richard Fredrickson Ocean Ki Acupuncture Pirate Pedicab Residential Mortgage Services
bit of research. When was the last time you
consumers view your offerings. Park your
“googled” your business so you can see what
ego and review them with an eye to plan
Van Anglen
people are already saying about you online?
targeted business improvements. On a
Sea Side Sweets
If you haven’t done so in the last few weeks,
basic level, the frequency and consistency
Seven Swords Media, LLC
time to do it now.
of comments helps you identify what people
South Shore Center
Listening and
like or dislike. Take multiple comments
Stearns
about a particular product or employee
Tenth Gate Center For Yoga & Meditation
seriously. Think of this like those old fashion
Thomas B. Orr
monitoring are often
paper comment cards we used to fill out in
more important than
a pretty clear sign you need to heat your
creating a “visible” presence online. The first step to better business results online is a bit of research If you search on your business using the
Residential Mortgage Services, Inc.-Steve
restaurants. If 6 customers over a two week
Trinity Church Vero Science, LLC
period complain about cold chowder, that’s chowder. And if 6 different people over the
Northern RI John C. Gregory, President/CEO
course of a month gush about your dental
6 Blackstone Valley, 301, Lincoln, RI 02865
hygienist (she’s the nicest person EVER!);
401 334 1000 | www.nrichamber.com
take note of that as well. The Northern RI Chamber of Commerce
Keep things in perspective – one ancient, dusty comment doesn’t make you a hero or a villain. But multiple comments might identify a fixable equipment problem or lead you to the type of personality you need to
will hold its 2nd Annual Beer, Wine & Silent Auction on Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Road in Lincoln. This year’s event will feature several local breweries and vineyards. There will be food, live
hire. Wherever the indicators point you, pay
entertainment and a silent auction. Join
attention and act. Most people will forgive
us for a great evening of socializing and
you for having a bad day; but repeated
networking. The event is sponsored by
bad service or consistent poor quality will
Kirkbrae Country Club and Massey and
kill you over time. Identifying customer
Associates. Tickets are $40 per person.
dissatisfaction gives you a chance to fix
Visit www.nrichamber.com to register or call 334-1000.
major search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo
things before inviting people to comment
will get you started) and nothing comes
or “like” you online. Whereas starting an
up, don’t sigh with relief. It’s not a good
aggressive social media campaign when
thing. Roughly 8% of people use yellow
the majority of existing comments are
pages to search for stuff (and most of
uncomplimentary could create a real online
those people are over age 60). That lack
disaster.
New Members Alliance Construction Co. Allmark International, Inc. Angelo’s Palace Pizza Restaurant Blackie’s Bulldog Tavern
of internet visibility means you aren’t even
Christian Jewelers
in the game unless you cater to that aging
Thank people for their feedback and let
Chubby Chico Charms LLC
8%. If your business does show up; take
them know you heard them
Health Services Administrators
note of what pops up first. Is it accurate?
Honeywell Safety Products Lincoln Johnny Lightning Race Club
Up-to-date? Finally, are people commenting
People love a thank-you acknowledgement
on your product or services? If so, what
as much as they appreciate a sincere
do they think? Compliments are great
apology (the operative word is SINCERE).
and unflattering reviews are always a bit
The first step in starting a dialogue with
depressing. But data is data. What does the
customers online is thanking commenters
available data tell you about the impression
on their feedback. Seems so old-school,
you, your employees and/or your product
but thank-you’s and apologies give you a
New York Life Insurance Company-Lisa M. Hughes NorthPoint Mortgage Paint and Vino LLC St. Germain, Roger H., CPA Whelan Legal Clinic Whichello Entertainment Woodard & Curran
[continued on page 79]
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
73
Small Business | Can Businesses Get Any Yield on Their Cash?
Can Businesses Get Any Yield on Their Cash? by Bradley P. Dorman
companies are not adding to headcount, nor are they seeing attractive potential Yields on safe, liquid investments can’t get
capital expenditures, and so are allowing
much lower without being negative, and the
cash to accumulate for possible strategic
current Federal Reserve policy keeping them
acquisitions and as a hedge against
there appears likely to continue. Of course,
uncertainty generally, rather than use it to
adjusted for inflation, yields already are
pay down debt completely or pay it out
negative. All the more reason to survey the
to shareholders. In this environment, it
money and shorter term capital markets for
becomes realistic for corporate treasurers
ways to earn interest without undue risk.
to keep cash on the balance sheet for more extended periods than before, and
Traditionally, corporate treasurers chiefly
so it can be prudent for them to use
have relied upon bank deposits and
slightly longer term investments with better
money market funds for corporate cash
yields to manage cash. The key factor
management. Yields now range between 0
in successfully managing cash using
and 0.19%. Money market funds’ principal
fund vehicles that take a bit more risk
attraction, a constant $1 per share Net Asset
than money market funds is a thorough
Value (NAV), is widely expected to change
understanding of the instruments the
soon by SEC regulation, making the NAV
funds hold, and the manager’s strategy
variable. This will force investors to look
and track record.
at a money fund’s management and total return, and not just yield, more closely. It
Studies have shown that companies want
also may prompt them to consider slightly
“safe, short-term and simple” investments.
longer maturity funds, so-called “ultra short”
Our experience is consistent with that.
bond funds, with yields now in the 0.70%
Moreover, when the corporate cash
range. Senior bank loan funds, featuring
investor is an insurance company or other
floating rate yields varying with a spread
financial institution, regulatory and rating
above LIBOR are also now getting attention.
agency guidelines must be considered in
Depending on quality, their yields are 2 to
managing cash.
5%. These have the virtue of adjusting yields upward if LIBOR rises, but may see NAVs
As zero interest rates give way to a gradual
vary more than ultra short bond funds. They
rise, market participants expect the effects
are best used during periods of the credit
to be felt sharply throughout the markets. For
cycle when default rates remain low, as is
those responsible for managing corporate
the case currently.
cash, it will be important to have a strategy
According to Fed data, corporate cash has
now, but that shields the investments from
built to a near record $1.7 trillion. Many
losses when rates begin to rise.
in place that not only produces better yields
74
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
In this environment, it becomes realistic for corporate treasurers to keep cash on the balance sheet for more extended periods than before, and so it can be prudent for them to use slightly longer term investments with better yields to manage cash. Bradley P. Dorman Managing Partner WhaleRock Point Partners, LLC
What’s New | Chamber Chat [continued from page 77]
Southern RI
chance to Connect with customer directly.
at once – it will draw suspicious assumptions
By telling people you heard them; you also
from the review services and make it
open an opportunity to publically declare
harder for your legitimate reviewers to add
230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI
your passion for your business as well as
comments over time.
401 783 2818 | www.srichamber.com
future. You don’t have to have a big social
Once you have a handle on your online
The Southern Rhode Island Chamber of
presence to respond to comments posted –
reputation, setting up a protocol for
Elizabeth Berman, Coordinator
your commitment to customer service in the
positive AND negative. Most review services provide a mechanism for businesses to
protecting it is essential. At minimum, “google” your business name and key search
reply privately (or publically) to reviews.
terms at least once a week. There is a simple,
Yelp encourages business to reach out and
free option that will automate this process for
provides practical tips for you.
you called “google alerts”. Google Alerts are
Commerce recently celebrated its 80th anniversary at its well-attended May Business after Hours, hosted by Bistro by the Sea at Theatre by the Sea. Future monthly networking events include the June 19 Business after Hours at Tower Hill Landings Apartments, 5 to 7 p.m., and the July 12 First
created to your specifications. Once set-up,
Friday Coffee hosted by The Right Click and
Use common sense – answer in a timely
they search the web continually; emailing
RI Blood Center, 8 to 9 a.m. Both events cost
fashion; make a considered decision when
you when something is posted. You can also
$5 per person.
to contact a reviewer privately or publicly.
hire professional companies like Reputation.
Keep in mind this is a VERY public forum.
com to do it for you. Whichever path you
Never, never argue online; user retribution
choose, be sure to do something to monitor
against you will be swift and vociferous.
conversations online so you can stay in the
You can’t win. And there is no better way
know when someone is commenting about
to drawn negative attention than attacking
you or your business online.
a reviewer online. Better to be humble,
Also upcoming is the Chambers’ July 18 Southern RI Chamber of Commerce and SK Lions Club “Partners in the Community Golf Tournament and Networking Extravaganza,” hosted by Rose Hill Golf Club, South Kingstown. The tournament starts at 1:30 and costs $50 per person/$200 per foursome.
gracious and diplomatic. If a reviewer gives
Create a two-way dialogue online so you
The Networking Extravaganza, from 5 to 7, is
you an impolite response; take the high road
can build your good name over time
open to all and costs $5 per person.
and remain gracious. It’s also best in these situations to switch to a private channel
Register today! Visit www.srichamber.com
For better or worse, people are using the
or discontinue contact all together rather
internet for everything these days. As
than continue to engage with an angry
business people, we are missing out if we
person. Any reasonable person reading the
don’t use it as well. But not everything is
exchange will give you points for keeping
about creating Facebook pages, gathering
your cool but over time they will lose patience with both of you.
“likes” and posting content. Sometimes the
for more information. New Members Centreville Bank A & B Family Appliances De La Salle Christian Brothers Flood Ford
best course of action is to start by making
Glacial Energy
sure you are part of the conversation
Kings’ Rose
Don’t be afraid to ask good customers to
happening “virtually”. It’s just like visiting
Roger Williams Park Zoo
add their comments as well
the tables in your restaurant or routinely
Sayer Regan & Thayer LLP
conducting customer surveys. You should
BNI – Wakefield
Testimonials are an age-old way for
continue these time-tested ways to stay in
Breachway Grill Graphic Innovations
businesses to utilize positive reviews. Review
touch, but now you get to add
services are no exception (with one caveat);
additional service touch points when
online review services are very sensitive to
you reach out online.
Home Healthsmith, LLC Law Offices of John R. Bernado, III
businesses “stuffing” their profiles. Yelp has an algorithm that monitors comments and
Mari Anne Snow CEO Sophaya
will punish businesses that suddenly receive a flurry of positive reviews after little to no activity. So be selective and realistic. There are no shortcuts to building a positive online presence. Take your time; personally ask a few of your trusted clients to contribute then
http://www.merchantcircle.com/answers/q/223605/Do-more-peoplesearch-for-business-services-online-or-in-the-yellow-pages
1
2
https://biz.yelp.com/support/responding_to_reviews
build up your catalog of comments over
3
http://www.google.com/alerts
time. We recommend you avoid contests or
4
campaigns that drive people to comment all
http://www.reputation.com/ *NOTE: this is an unsponsored recommendation, we have no relationship with reputation.com
be sure to visit risbj.com for all the latest chamber news & events happening this month www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
75
Small Business | Penny On The Ground
If You Dropped a Penny on the Ground, Would You Bend Over to Pick It Up? by Bob Salvas
you are in a reasonably stable industry and you have good customer service- you may not be Disney or Nordstrom, but you have a fair price, good product, pleasant staff, and a clean, interesting place
If you dropped a penny on the ground, you might not see picking it up
of business. Your business will still statistically lose 10% of your
as worth the effort. Some might not even pick up a quarter. Would you
customers. And the chances are, you are not doing anything about it.
make the effort if it was a dollar? Twenty dollars? A thousand dollars?
Remember the parable? She lost 10% and did all she could to ‘get it back’. Why aren’t you doing the same?
It is probably safe to say that many people would pick up the twenty and most would make an extensive effort to retrieve one thousand
Even a good business person will say “What can I do? I offer a great
dollars. Yet, those same people might not make the effort to pick up a
product and exceptional service. I am fair and easy to do business
one dollar bill one thousand times. Interesting…
with. I cannot help it if a customer decides to leave.”
I was recently reminded by a pastor at my church about the Biblical
This is incorrect thinking. You must remember that the majority of
parable of the lost coin:
people who decide to stop doing business with you do not have a really good reason for doing so. They may be bored, or more often
“Or suppose a woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and
than not, they feel you are indifferent towards them. A simple reaching out to the customer may be all it takes to win them back.
sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her because she has found her lost coin.” -Luke 15:8
“Use logic and emotion to keep your customers. Give them the best products and service and give great value for the money. However, always remember, your competitors will be doing the same thing. The difference will be determined by how you
So, in the parable, the woman makes the strong effort to find what
communicate with your customers…”
was missing. While the parable in the Bible is used to teach a spiritual
Alan Fairweather, author
lesson, I think it could also be used for a business lesson. So, how do you win customers back? Well, it all starts with finding You see, most businesses lose between 10% and 40% of their
the right customers in the first place. If you are trying to attract new
customers each year. The exact number depends on the industry
customers through low prices and discounts, you are likely to end
and how good or bad your customer service is. Let us assume that
up with customers who have values based on price. These are
76
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Penny On The Ground | Small Business
transaction buyers. The kinds of customers you want to attract are relationship buyers. Again, this runs counter to what the typical successful business person understands. They have a sale or big discount and the line is out the door. But remember, those same people in line will be down the street at the competitor’s when they offer a big discount. A much better model is to differentiate your business – you can also offer something for free (free samples are good if that applies to your business) in order to get new customers through the door. And once through the door, you need to offer a great customer experience and the more different and exceptional it is the better. The next step is to use what I call the TAP method (Track, Analyze, and Promote). How this works in win-backs is you accumulate all the data about your customer’s buying habits. You then analyze that data to see the pattern. And when the pattern is broken, you send a communication to the client who is in danger of going away for good. We frequently used this method when I worked with a loyalty marketing firm and it always yielded a positive result. Let’s use a restaurant as an example. John goes to the restaurant once a month, if they do not see him for a month - that is normal. But if Bill goes to the same restaurant once a week and they do not see him for a month,
William F. Charland, CPA Alfred T. Marciano, CPA Timothy J. Murray, CPA Christine M. McLacken, CPA Richard D. Morrocco, Jr.
18 Imperial Place Providence, RI 02903 (401) 331-9600 www.cm-cpas.com
something may be wrong. Bill has broken his pattern. All the ‘Bills’ (those who broke their pattern of attendance) should be sent a WE MISS YOU card with an offer (like free desert) to come back. Routinely, I have seen these types of campaigns get responses of over 20% (unheard of in regular direct mail). The cost of doing this is an absolute bargain when you consider that it costs at least five times as much money to get a brand new customer than what it costs to keep an existing one. So, you have customers that were ‘lost’ and now are ‘found’ and just like the parable, it is time to celebrate! The reason you celebrate is not just because you saved some customers and the revenue they give you, but you have moved them more towards the direction of becoming a relationship buyer and a loyal customer. A loyal customer is known to buy more often, buy higher priced items, are open to new products you might offer and have the capacity to give you referrals.
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It is not unusual for a saved customer to be worth twenty times what you paid to ‘save’ them. Kind of like picking up that dollar bill and discovering it is really A TWENTY! Make the effort!
www.SuccessfulTransitionPlanning.com
“An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.” - Elbert Hubbard
Bob Salvas SCORE Counselor, BNI Director and Marketing Consultant Minuteman Press
RHODE ISLAND
CAMBRIDGE, MA
Bill Entwistle Bill@entwistleplanning.com (401) 782-6166
Successful Transition Planning Institute Paul@thenexttransition.com (978) 749-9546
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
77
Featured NonProfit | Adoption Rhode Island
“ I dream of a place where everyone has a family to love them, and no
information meetings to the public. These ‘no obligation’ meetings
one has to be alone.”
provide the perfect opportunity to become further informed regarding
These are the words of a child in foster care that has been waiting
state child welfare system. Adoption Rhode Island staff is always
far too long for a family of his own to love and care for him. Making
available to help families through this process, providing on-going
that dream come true is the work of Adoption Rhode Island, located
information, advocacy and support.
the adoption process, and specifically, adopting a child through the
at 2 Bradford Street, in the city of Providence. A private non-profit agency, Adoption Rhode Island is entering its 30th year of operation,
Adoption Rhode Island recruits families for approximately 150 to 180
and serves thousands of Rhode Island children and families annually.
children annually, using a variety of methods. You may have seen
Adoption Rhode Island’s mission is the same today as when it first
some of the children featured on WJAR, Channel 10’s segments
opened, almost 30 years ago… to facilitate the permanent placement
of Tuesday’s Child, or perhaps in the beautiful Heart Gallery, a
of children waiting in state care, and to promote adoption as a positive
professional exhibit of portraits displayed across the state. Most of
way to create a family. Adoption Rhode Island has proudly helped
the children served are school age, and have had unsettled pasts,
thousands of Rhode Islanders achieve their dream of a family, and
and have experienced loss beyond their years. They long to just be
has provided ongoing support to them. Adoption Rhode Island
children, and be loved and cared for by parents. Adoption Rhode
is often the first stop along the adoption journey, offering monthly
Island provides support services to them, helping them to understand
78
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Adoption Rhode Island recruits families for approximately 150 to 180 children annually, using a variety of methods their difficult pasts and be prepared for their future. This support is combined with lots of fun, as Adoption Rhode Island strives to provide them happy childhood experiences. This might include art classes, summer camp, parties, karate, etc. They are able to do this, and more, because of the generous community support they receive. Executive Director, Darlene Allen, states that she believes everyone has something to give to a child, and that working together we can change futures. She invites you to join the hundreds of Rhode Island businesses, community groups and individuals who have found creative ways to help. From sharing your time and talents, planning a fundraiser, becoming a visiting resource, tutoring a child, hosting
Join us for
Shave Night Thursday June 20th 5:00pm - 7:00pm Join Roosters for 30 minute shave workshops and education sessions along with free hot towel shaves and products. Workshops are 30 minutes each and pre-registration is required. Please call (401) 398-7497 and ask for Steve. 1000 Division St. East Greenwich, RI
the Heart Gallery, etc., you can make a difference. Perhaps, the next best way to help would be to attend Rock Out For Kids on May 3rd at Vanity, located in Providence. To find out about this fundraiser, the adoption process, or other ways to help, contact Judith McSoley at (401) 865-6000, or visit www.adoptionri.org.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
79
GoLocalProv.com is the “go to” local Web experience that breaks the biggest local stories, sports, high school sports, weather, news, politics, arts, entertainment — and allows users to go as deep as they wish. Branded, credible, and respected contributors from RI create the stories and content. Information is delivered through multimedia, written, and video platforms. All at GoLocalProv.com.
Valois Confirmed as EDC Director Marcel A. Valois was unanimously
Valois served, most recently, as Vice
approved by the RI Senate. Governor
President of the Economic Development
Lincoln D. Chafee’s nominee to lead the
Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc. (EDFRI).
Rhode Island Economic Development
He previously served as Chief Operating
Corporation will begin immediately on the
Officer and Area Vice President of Penske
Governor’s agenda.
Automotive Group, a publicly traded company, where he was responsible for
Valois served previously as RIEDC director
overseeing total operations of the Inskip
under Governor Lincoln Almond.
dealer group with more than 500 employees and over $400 million in annual sales.
“Marcel Valois is a proven business leader,” Governor Chafee said. “He understands
In his previous tenure, he spearheaded the
economic development, he understands
development of a master plan for the 3,000-
Rhode Island, and he shares my
acre former Quonset / Davisville Navy Base
commitment to taking advantage of Rhode
and led the marketing efforts for the passage
Island’s assets to strengthen our economy. I
of a $72-million bond issue for investment in
look forward to working with Marcel to build
the facility; led the state’s negotiating team
a sustainable Rhode Island economy that
for the development of the Providence Place
benefits all the people of our state.”
Mall; and successfully recruited Fidelity Investments to Rhode Island, representing over $500 million in new investment and the creation of 3,000 jobs, an achievement that was cited by Site Selection magazine as one of the top ten development deals in the
successfully recruited Fidelity Investments to RI, representing over $500 million in new investment and the creation of 3,000 jobs 80
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
United States in 1996. Prior to that Valois served as Executive Vice President of the Blackstone Valley Development Foundation, Inc., and Director of Planning & Development, as well as City Planner & Planning Analyst, for the City of Woonsocket. Valois received his B.A., in Liberal Arts, and his M.A., in Urban & Economic Geography, from the University of Rhode Island.
Providence | golocal
Why Your Emails Are Never, EVER PRIVATE Should the Boston Marathon terrorists be
stores often make available for free - your
can read, and share, your e-mail without your
able to keep their e-mails private? No.
information can be sniffed even easier as
permission and without telling you. So can
it goes from your computer to the network.
Yahoo. Whether or not you should trust them
Should you? Yes.
Can you? No.
Using software that encrypts your e-mail,
is up to you; I’ll just point out that everyone
and only using secured wireless networks,
trusted Enron and AIG.
are ways to partially protect your e-mails but neither is foolproof.
Protect Yourself
Employers
If you have to use e-mail to send personal
about how e-mail works.
The Fourth Amendment protects you from
Security number or passwords – use
unreasonably searches of your e-mail by
encryption software and consider breaking
When you hit send, the e-mail you
only the government; it does not protect you
the information into a series of e-mails.
E-mail is the most insecure way of communicating and people with good, and bad, intentions can easily intercept it. To
information - like your date of birth, Social
understand why, you have to know a little
composed is broken down into packets of
from searches by anyone else. So if you
Neither is a perfect solution but it will
information and sent on their way through
are using a work e-mail address, or a work
make it harder for the information to be
cyberspace. The packets are passed from
computer, your employer can root around in
stolen in transit.
computer server to computer server until
your e-mail all it wants. (A group of Harvard
they all reach the recipients e-mail account
professors learned that the hard way.)
and are reassembled into a coherent e-mail message. The operator of every computer the packets pass through can open, read and store them without you ever knowing it. If you or the recipient keeps a copy of the e-mail on a computer, for instance if either of you are running Outlook, anyone who gets access to the computer’s hard drive can fish through the e-mail. Anyone with access to your e-mail account, or the recipient’s e-mail account, can also read the messages.
Crooks
your employer can root around in your e-mail all it wants
For true protection, follow this advice from the non-digital age: Never put anything in writing you would not want published on the front page of the newspaper.
E-mail Service Providers
Most crooks hack into e-mail accounts by
Using your personal computer and your
stealing passwords. (That is how George
personal e-mail address will not protect
Bush’s interest in painting was exposed –
your information either. If you are using a
someone hacked into his relatives’ accounts
free Gmail account, Google’s computers
then posted the e-mails he sent them.) But
are already reading your e-mails and
sophisticated criminal organizations can
using the information to send you targeted
attack e-mail while it is in transit. They can
advertisements. If you have sprung for
set up their own servers to ‘sniff’ the good
a paid Gmail account, Google basically
stuff in the packets that pass through them.
promises not to snoop unless, in its sole
If you are using an unsecured wireless
judgment, it decides to. They dress it up in
network for e-mailing - like those hotels and
some legalese, but the bottom line is they
From Rhode Islanders and for Rhode Islanders: See it. Read it. Share it.
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
81
THE RHODE ISLAND THE RHODETHE ISLAND RHODE ISLAND
APPRAISAL COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL COMMERCIAL & APPRAISALCOMMERCIAL BOARD OF&REALTORS BOARD OF REALTORS BOARD OF REALTORS
Enhance Your Business relationships with An Affiliate Membership with Rhode Island’s Commercial Real Estate and Valuation Professionals. Join now during our
Spring Special - $110.00 through the end of the year! Networking Opportunities Affiliate members benefit from the opportunity to forge relationships with some of the top industry professionals!
Affiliate Directory Maximize your Visibility! Your name, company name, and contact information are compiled on our website as a resource for members and the public.
Networking Opportunities
News from the Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS® The General Assembly in Rhode Island has been contemplating re-introducing the Historic Tax Credit to our state. The leadership at the RI Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS® lauds the efforts of House Speaker Gordon Fox, Senate President Theresa Paiva-Weed and Governor Chaffee to find a reasonable compromise that brings growth back to the Rhode Island economy. The measures being discussed would invigorate our economy by creating jobs, revitalizing neighborhoods and expanding the tax base in our state. Our leadership at the Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS® has urged our elected officials to consider the following: • The new Historic Tax Credit program should be tailored to be available to a wide range of projects – we support per project caps on the investment credits. • Create a level playing field. While apprentice programs that employ and train skilled crafts people are a good idea, many of the parameters have the unfortunate consequence of hindering projects of a smaller scope or failing to recognize newer apprenticeship programs. • To be competitive both regionally and nationally, Rhode Island must implement an historic tax credit program. Over 30 states across the country host historic tax credits, Rhode Island needs to offer an attractive investment platform to entice investment dollars that are now going elsewhere.
The Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS® hosts a range of education and informational services for our members! Join us as an industry expert!
As House Bill 6060 and Senate Bill 733 move through the political process, we encourage our elected leaders to consider the positive impact this legislation, or a hybrid compromise, will have on Rhode Island’s future. Increased employment, a stronger tax base, revitalized communities and a competitive playing field will help build sustainable economic growth for our future.
Contact the Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS® at (401) 274-8386 or visit us at www.ricabor.org.
Respectfully submitted, Arthur Yatsko
For more information visit us at www.ricabor.org 82
®
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
THE RHODE ISLAND
COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS®
Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc.
Inside Cover C May 10 - 16, 2013
Rhode Island
New England Real Estate Journal
Visit the paper online nerej.com
PeterBrokerage/Appraisal/Management M. Scotti & Associates, Inc. BArokerage /appraisal /ManageMent Full Service Real Estate Company A full Service Real Estate Company
RETAIL CENTER FOR SALE 440 STAFFORD RD., FALL RIVER, MA
63,000 SF GROCERY ANCHORED RETAIL SHOPPING CENTER. 95% OCCUPANCY WITH GREAT HISTORIC CASH FLOW. 6 ACRE LAND PARCEL WITH SUBSTANTIAL ON SITE PARKING. PRICE: $6,500,000 JIM MOORE EXT. 14
wATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT SITE PARASCANDOLA wHARF, NEwPORT, RI 57,900 SF LAND SITE, 74,000 SF WATER- 1,000 FEET ON NEWPORT HARBOR WATERFRONT BUS zONE ALLOWS HOTEL, REST, MARINA, MUL FAM, MIX LAST WHARF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
AUTO DEALERSHIP FOR SALE 296 g. w. HIgHwAy, SMITHFIELD,RI
15,680 SF BUILDING WITH SHOWROOM, SERVICE, BODY SHOP, OFFICES 8.25 ACRE SITE WITH 300 CAR PAVED PARKING zONED PLANNED CORP. SELLER WILL CONSIDER OWNER FINANCING, PRICE: $1,975,000.00
INDUSTRIAL FOR SALE 20 HIgH ST., PLAINVILLE, MA 53,500 SF STEEL BUILDING ON 9.66 ACRES OF LAND 20-24 FOOT CEILING HEIGHTS, DOCK & OVERHEAD LOADING HEAVY POWER, OFFICES, PAVED PARKING 50 CARS. PRICE: $2,495,000.00
COMMERCIAL bUILDINg FOR SALE 819 wESTMINTER ST., PROVIDENCE, RI
17,100 SF TWO STORY BRICK BUILDING IN HOYLE SQUARE, ON SITE PARKING FOR 33 CARS, EXCELLENT ACCESS AND VISIBILITY, GREAT REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY. PRICE: $565,000.00
COMMERCIAL/RETAIL SITE FOR SALE 250 CRANSTON ST., PROVIDENCE, RI
18,200 SF BUILDING AREAS, 38,778 SF LAND EXPANDABLE, HIGH TRAFFIC LIGHTED INTERSECTION, CURRENT USE AUTOMOTIVE, EXCELLENT URBAN RETAIL/COMMERCIAL SITE. PRICE: $1,099,000.00
MEDICAL OFFICE SUITES FOR LEASE 49 SEEKONK ST., EAST SIDE/PROVIDENCE
2,000 - 9,400 SF SUITES WET EXAM ROOMS, LABS WAYLAND SQUARE LOCATION
AMPLE ON SITE PARKING GROUND LEVEL H/C ACCESSIBLE COMPETITIVE RENTS
Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc. • 401-421-8888
Peter246 M.Hope Scotti & Associates, Inc.Island • 401-421-8888 Street, Providence, Rhode 02906 Visit our web page at www.scotticommercial.com 246 Hope Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 Visit our web page at www.scotticommercial.com Changes
Size: full
NE NY Tel: 781-878-4540 REal EstatE JouRNal
New Proof
Proof Approved
Section: rI
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www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
83
THE RHODE ISLAND
COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS® P RO P E RT Y F O R L E A S E
Several Prime Office Locations:
Providence, Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, and Exeter. Call for details and address Several to choose from, Some For Sale or lease. Financing available. Call for details.
747 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston:
Individual office space from 200 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq.ft. Busy Pontiac Avenue location near Rolfe Square- walk to everything! Good for start up or incubator space, you can add space as you grow! RILiving.com MLS #1031022
20 Centerville Road, Warwick:
Former school; solid brick construction. Very nice 2nd floor space; owner on 1st floor. Space plan attached. Great Apponaug location! Quick highway access and walk to Apponaug Village amenities! RILiving.com MLS #988739
1755 Smith Street, North Providence:
Former Dunkin Donuts for over 30 years (they bought & moved across the street). Seats 30+. Has a drive-thru. Parking for 20+. GREAT for ANY fast food concept. 2000 sq. ft. $3,200/mo. RILiving.com MLS #1028322
635 Arnold Road, Coventry:
Great location at Exit 7 near Centre of New England. 800’ front retail/office- Rear 1700’ warehouse service area with 14’W x 10’L O.H. door. Fully air conditioned!! Recently TOTALLY RENOVATED!!! Reduced to $2290 per/mo. RILiving.com MLS #1024237
2006 Nooseneck Hill Road, Coventry:
4300 sq ft very strong retail area, next to Advance Auto, former Pet Place, great for food or retail. Below market rent $15. psf
30 Phenix Avenue, Cranston:
74 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:
Great office or salon/studio space in Knightsville. Handsome building with historical charm in excellent shape. Close to amenities and highway. 2 story salon=900sf. One level office=640sf. Two full baths with shower. Basement storage. RILiving.com MLS #1039958
4 Grafton Avenue, Coventry:
Free Standing Commercial Building-PRIME location next to The Centre of New England-Exit 7 on Rt95.The building has many offices,a kitchen/cafeteria area,reception,storage & IT room. 1st floor office is 1650 sf, 2nd fl. office 2,000 sf, the warehouse is 1600sf w/650sf mezzanine. Sale at $495,000 or lease at $10 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1031877
Realty Group
Commercial • Investment • Residential
401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
146 Granite Street, Westerly:
Class A Coventry Credit Union Corporate Office (CCU occupies entire 2nd floor). 1st floor space available from 1880-8200sq ft. Very nice common area’s include cafeteria. Plentiful parking. On Rt3, 1 mile from Rt95 & Exit 6. Office, medical, studio... $12 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1036614
Butler
84
577 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry:
1220 sq ft adjacent spaces (2240 sq ft total) on the second floor. Located in a very nice building! Big picture windows in the units with waterviews! Elevator available and nice common area. Join the newest Dragon Palace Restaurant. MLS# 1032254
Great Route 3 location just ½ mile from Rt 95 exit 6, nicely appointed office or retail suite with several offices and open area,was HQ for Bess Eaton & Tim Hortons. Fresh paint and carpets. 600-1600’, from $10 psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #990071
1 Brown Street, North Kingstown:
Wickford Village- Excellent location on corner lot. Visible from three streets. Big windows, good foot traffic. Larger unit (1,500 sq ft) beautifully finished, windows on two sides. Smaller unit (1,000 sq ft) needs finishing. Can be combined. CALL NOW! RILiving.com MLS #1030851
Many more Commercial Properties @ www.ButlerRealty.us .... or email Jeff Butler at jab@ButlerRealty.us Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977 Looking to Buy or Lease? Call the Butler!
THE RHODE ISLAND
COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS® P RO P E RT Y F O R S A L E
400 South County Trail, Exeter:
Great location!! Design Award of Excellence. Private baths. Centrally located 6 minutes South of Home Depot in North Kingstown. Easy access at the gateway to South County. Taxes are approximate. Assessment as unfinished. 900-4,000 sq.ft. available. From $124,000 RILiving.com MLS #995461
1801 Smith Street, North Providence:
Great little 2 unit commercial, completely rebuilt in 1982. Could be a live-in/ office/ retail. High $100’s RILiving.com MLS # 1032623
747 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston:
Great location near Rolfe Square. Three floors of office suites from 200 sq ft and up. Good income generator or large owner occupied office. Owner keeping several suites clear anticipating a larger user to buy/occupy and have income. $800’s
RILiving.com MLS#1020960
2614 West Shore Road, Warwick:
132 Meadow Street, Warwick:
Busy Rt 117/Wildes Corner location opposite new Burger King & TD Bank,adjacent to Bennys.New roof,siding,windows,panel box,wiring,fire alarm&heat sensors. Ready for your finish. 1st Fl 2400’,2nd Fl 1200’,basement storage/walkout. Planned for Pub/ Cafe. Lease or Sale - $400’s RILiving.com MLS #1032619
Great location off Rt.117, 1 mile East of Exit 10. Office/ Mfg Wrhse combo. Great value for user. Nice, clean, bright space! This bldg has been substantially updated & is turn key ready to go. Owner can also modify to suit! Lease option available. $500’s RILiving.com MLS #1013527
65 Montebello Road, Warwick:
39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:
Great block building with two overhead doors, heavy power, and 2nd floor office. Great access to highway, train, and airport. Low $200’s
222 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick:
Class “a” law office includes conference room, 4 private offices, lavette, reception, storage, kitchen. Reduced to High $100’s RILiving.com MLS #981620
Large multi-use building offers great flexibility, possible multiple tenants. The church would consider a lease-back of 10,00015,000sq ft. Additional 14 acres adjacent also available. Great Rt.3 location just a mile north of Rt.95, Exit 6. Huge Reduction! $1,200,000 Motivated Seller! RILiving.com MLS #1029643
400 South County Trail, Exeter:
Approved Development Zoned Business 17+acres.Current permitted plans for 7 office building for total of 86,000net sf.MANY POTENTIAL USES. Central Rt.2 location minutes from Home Depot/Walmart in N.Kingstown. Easy highway access-strong traffic count! Reduced $800’s RILiving.com MLS #1029590
N CTIO EDU R E HUG
111 Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich: ½ acre – 16 acres Very fast growing area off Exit 6A near GTech, Amgen & Centrex. Front pad is busy Dunkin Donuts, balance of site permits office, retail, warehouse & light industrial. Traffic count 15,000 and growing! Multitude of possibilities- 6 other avail. lots. From $150,000 RILiving.com MLS #855989
4 Grafton Avenue, Coventry:
Free Standing Commercial Building- PRIME location next to The Centre of New England-Exit 7 on Rt95.The building has many offices,a kitchen/cafeteria area,reception, storage & IT room. 1st floor office is 1650sf, 2nd fl. office 2,000 sf, warehouse is 1600sf w/650sf mezzanine. Sale at $495,000 or lease at $10 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1031857
Butler
Realty Group
Commercial • Investment • Residential
401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us
7265 Post Road, North Kingstown:
7.82 acres on US Rt.1. Zoning permits apartments/office/medical/retail. Many possibilities!! Will build to suit, sale or lease, or land only. Great location. Dozens of acres and walking trails behind property. Adjacent 5+- acres also available. Call For Details! RILiving.com MLS #856381
Many more Commercial Properties @ www.ButlerRealty.us .... or email Jeff Butler at jab@ButlerRealty.us Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977 Looking to Buy or Lease? Call the Butler!
www.risbj.com | volume two issue four
85
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86
RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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Near Stop & Shop, Lowe’s and Kmart. Thousands of Cars Go By Everyday.
Call 401.837.2477 For Per Month Price
YOUR EXTERIOR CLEANING SOLUTION Danny P. DeHoney
CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CRPC®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PRACTITIONER 175 HILLSIDE ROAD CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND 02920 877 277 0453 DANNY.P.DEHONEY@AMPF.COM CA INSURANCE #OE43144
Philip C. DiSano, Jr. RI License# 22598 | Fully Insured
Commercial Pressure Washing:
Removes Mold & Dirt! • Increases value of the location! Saves time and money! • Improves Business Appeal
Been In A Recent Accident? How Do You Want To Be Taken Care Of?
AutoPaint RI
ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTER Call (401) 943-6300 www.autopaintri.com Located at 47 Stamp Farm Road, Cranston RI
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
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BIG FISH IN A LITTLE BANK ...that’s helped build some of Rhode Island’s most successful businesses.
Greenville (401) 949-1600 | Cumberland (401) 333-3666 | East Providence (401) 244-6691 | www.freedomnationalbank.com
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