RISBJ V5 NO 7

volume five issue seven

Educate Understanding Financial Aid For College

Rhode Island A GUIDE TO LEARNING IN THE OCEAN STATE

BUILDING

A Better School Committee

LEARNING TOOLS AND HELPFUL

RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

1

“A lot of my employees have

chosen Neighborhood because it’s affordable and has what they need.”

-Natasha Harrison, Executive Director Norman Bird Sanctuary

1-855-321-9244 nhpri.org 2

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Make energy upgrades, avoid the unexpected, keep focused on your business.

To get started with a no-cost energy assessment, visit ngrid.com/smallbusiness or call 800-332-3333.

That’s business on the grid.

These programs are funded by the energy efficiency charge on all customers’ gas and electric bills, in accordance with Rhode Island law. Š2016 National Grid

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

1

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALISTS

Join us at our FREE seminar!

Kitchen & Bath Trends July 21st, 6:00PM - 8:00PM 139 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI

Learn the latest in kitchen and bath layouts, interior design styles and material options. Bring your questions and be prepared to be inspired!

LUCIER

CPA INC

We Guarantee Success Tax Services

Bookkeeping | Payroll Service Business Consulting

Pre-registration required

Register today at www.RIKB.com/events

401-463-1550 · info@RIKB.com

EMPLOYER DRIVEN EDUCATION The Center for Technology and Industry at New England Tech can assist your organization with customized technical training, making your company more efficient, productive and profitable. Graduate resumes and referrals are also available to employers by contacting our Career Services Office.

2

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

1308 Atwood Avenue, Johnston RI 02919 401 946 1900 david@luciercpa.com

To learn more visit CTI.NEIT.EDU or call 401.739.5000 x3345

One New England Tech Blvd., East Greenwich, RI 02818-1258

“If you want to grow, you need to delegate, and we learned great strategies for doing just that.”

–ANGELICA RIVERA Co-Owner, Colmex Construction

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program gives small business owners access to a practical business education, capital, and the network of support they need to grow.

Angelica, a graduate of the program, learned critical management, negotiation, and delegation skills that helped advance her business. After graduation, her company’s revenue increased over 8 times. And her success isn’t unique; 67% of our participants increased revenue only 6 months after graduating.

Learn more at 10KSBapply.com

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

3

© 2016 Goldman Sachs. All rights reserved.

from the founder Recently, we had our first off-site company retreat. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time because of the tremendous organizational value it holds. Planning a retreat may seem like an arduous task, but since when has building a company been easy? From securing a venue and food, to planning out the agenda for the day, to finding the right balance between fun and productivity, the benefits far outweigh the time and effort it takes to pull it all together.

Here are my top six reasons why hosting an off-site company retreat is an important part of growing your business: 1. Show commitment – An off-site retreat is great investment in your team. It shows your dedication to growing the company the right way, while showing a strong commitment to their development. It also creates an inclusive environment where your team understands they are part of the company’s vision.

2. Improve communication – Do you have some team members that do not get to interact regularly? An off-site retreat breaks down those barriers and creates a dynamic environment where communication among the team is key. By promoting communication, you’re able to build trust and stronger inter-work relationships.

3. Check on progress – Do you share your company goals with your team? If so, this is a great time to make sure that you’re on track. If you don’t, this might be the time to start. By sharing your company’s vision and goals and tracking where you are against those goals, it holds the company accountable. And don’t forget that accountability starts at the top!

4. Focus on process – For our retreat, we split the day in half. The first half of the day was dedicated to process, while the second half was dedicated more to team challenges. By identifying several key steps in your process, such as the client onboarding process,

4

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

project management, or reporting and analysis, you can find ways to improve what’s currently in place. You can also use this as an opportunity to gain valuable staff insight on ways to streamline the process or make it even more effective. The other advantage to a process review is that it helps to ensure that everyone is properly following the processes that are most important to the organization.

5. Build company culture – A company’s culture goes a long way in building and retaining a talented team. A culture that fosters teamwork, promotes open communication, and encourages feedback goes a long way when growing your company. An off-site retreat will help to support your culture by placing a priority on those key cultural elements.

6. Have fun – An off-site retreat is a break from the norm.

Many of us spend our days hiding behind a computer screen, focused on our clients. A retreat allows us to focus on each other and our relationships. Plan some fun activities throughout the day and allow your staff to unwind. When everyone gets to know each other better on a personal level, stronger relationships will form.

While a retreat needs to be productive, it also needs to be fun.

I’m already planning our next retreat and I encourage you to as well. Find a great venue, bring in some breakfast, lunch and plenty of coffee, and remember, if your day isn’t filled with some laughter then you’re missing out on the real focus of the day – a happy team!

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder Mike Casale Senior Designer Marketing Lauren Bansbach Angelica Cabral Julia Cianciolo Alison Dupuis Chris Fevry Samantha Gosper Keegan Hernandez Nick Lovett Meghan O’Neill Marketing Assistant Kassandra Petrocelli Interns Jennifer Gebhardt Mariana Tzitzouris Contributing Writers C. Alexander Chiulli Stacey Crooks Ted Donnelly Lynne Finnegan Larry Girouard Nellie M. Gorbea Gina M. Raimondo Karyn Rhodes Benjamin Scungio Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Kristen M. Whittle

www.facebook.com/risbj twitter.com/risbj 401 831 7779 info@risbj.com www.risbj.com

Minimize Business Interruption Trust Gentry For Your Next Commercial Move Your one stop moving and office installation specialist Gentry has the expertise to keep your business running smoothly. We guarantee that your belongings will be moved safely and efficiently with minimal business interruption.

Gentry’s commercial moving services include: • Professional packing and unpacking of office items • Safe and timely delivery of furniture and belongings • Over 40,000 square feet of warehousing and storage space • Complete office installation services for new systems or for reconfiguring existing furniture

For efficient commercial moving and office installation, call 401.233.2786 for a FREE ESTIMATE.

info@GentryMoving.com • GentryMoving.com ©MMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

5

UPCOMING EVENTS NETWORKING&WORKSHOPS

EVENT

2nd

24 th

Network at Noon at Arturo Joe’s Arturo08/2/2016 Joe’s 11:455:00 am pm - 7:30 pm 140 Point Judith Road, Narragansett Out of the Box Networking Social Harbor Lights Marina, Warwick RI

Bryant University, Smithfield RI

17th

08/17/2016 A Night at the Garden 5:00 Garden pm - 7:00 The Hilton Inn pm Business After Hours 6:00 pm Dr. Day Care, Wakefield RI 1 Thurber Street, Warwick

24th

26 th

10th

25 th

World08/10/2016 Trade Day Bryant9:00 University am - 4:00 pm 7:30 am (All Day) Teacher Summit 2016 1150 Douglas Leadership Pike, Smithfield

08/24/2016 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm August Clambake (With Real Clams)

The RI Family Owned Manufacturing Consortium 09/2/2016 Polaris MEP 8:308:00 am am - 9:00 am 315First Iron Friday Horse Way, Providence Coffee at the

st 1 2nd

33rd Annual Golf Tournament Wannamoisett Country Club, Rumford RI

JUNE SEPTEMBER Hera Gallery

First Friday Coffee at SouthRICounty Museum Hera Gallery, Wakefield South County Museum 8:00 am 11509/14/2016 Strathmore Street, Narragansett 8:00 am - 9:00 am City Lunch Connection Networking ISOCapital 9001:2015 & Learn Corner Bakery Cafe, Cranston RI Polaris MEP 11:30 am 31509/16/2016 Iron Horse Way, Providence 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Capital City Connection Networking Stairway to the Stars for Small Business Corner Bakery Cafe The Conference Center at Waltham Woods, Waltham MA 8:00 am 140 Hillside Road, Cranston 09/22/2016 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Brand Commitment Sprout RIfor $40k in Prizes at Get Started RI Pitch 8:00Providence am Biltmore Hotel, Providence RI 166 Valley Street, Providence 09/24/2016 Family Affair 10:00 am Event - 4:00 pm Newport Elks Lodge Harvest Craft Fair 10:00 am Columbus, Middletown RI 141Knights Pelhamof Street, Newport

15 th 11 th 10 th 8 th16th7 th14th3 rd 24th 22nd

Introduction to QuickBooks Course 08/1/2016 The Education Exchange 11:30 am - 8:00 pm 6:00 pm 33 North Road, Wakefield Providence Children’s Museum’s

1st

23 rd

MAY AUGUST

The Avenue Concept, Providence RI For More Events Visit Business After Hours hosted by Munroe Realtors www.risbj.com For More Event Information Visit www.risbj.com Munroe Realtors 6

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

5:00 pm 117 Main Street, Wakefield

contents

volume five issue seven

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 Upcoming Events

10

8 Small Business News 13 A Message From Governor Gina M. Raimondo 15 Educate Rhode Island 16 Rhode Island Education Survey 18 Internship Opportunity 20 Understanding Financial Aid For College 22 Every Business Is A Manufacturer 24 Building A Better School Committee 27 College Degree Pays 28 Learning Tools And Resources For Entrepreneurs 32 Professional Growth For The Entrepreneur

15 32

ON THE COVER Featured

34 Personnel Practices

Discover Rhode Island

36 The Zika Spread

Growing Our Local Food Economy

38 What’s New In Newport And Beyond

27 38 www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

7

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Small Business Develops Affordable

Professional Tools for Engineers, Makers and Students

CRANSTON, RI – Bay Computer Associates, a small contract electronics software design company has launched their firstever product line via the crowd-funding website Kickstarter.

By providing an inexpensive series of cooperative prototyping tools which enable simple and efficient creation one-of-a-kind systems, they aim to bridge the gap between engineers and professional-grade equipment.

This small Rhode Island company has no desire to limit their product to only professionals, however. At a recent Maker Faire, they received a lot of positive feedback from the Maker community and a high level of interest from eager students with an interest in electronics. One professor from the Community College of Rhode Island stated that the series of devices “would be an excellent tool for the classroom” and was looking forward to the Kickstarter campaigns launch.

Traditionally, prototyping electronic systems is complex ad expensive. BCA sought to address this issue by breaking down the prototyping process into fundamental subsystems.

From this viewpoint, they have begun to develop various,

8

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

inexpensive devices which test, actuate, and provide necessary data collection on a modular scale. Additionally, these easy-to-use devices are packaged with corresponding software and examples of use.

BCA’s hope is that by gaining enough interest and funds from the initial campaign, they can support a complete series of related products in the future, expanding the scope of available tools. Help support the engineer, maker, or student in your life, and make their projects more affordable by supporting this campaign:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ baycomputerassoc/bca-keystone-series

About BCA

Bay Computer Associates is a contract electronics and software design firm based in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Founded in 1989, BCA has provided design services for both start-up and Fortune 500 companies. Their 26 years of broadindustry experience allows them to handle complex projects in a myriad of application areas, with their permanent and dedicated staff.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.3 Percent

Rhode Island-Based Jobs Down 1,500 from March PROVIDENCE, RI – The RI Department of Labor and Training announced today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April 2016 was 5.3 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the March rate of 5.4 percent. Over the year, the unemployment rate is down one percentage point from the April 2015 rate. This is the lowest rate since August 2007.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in April 2016, unchanged from the previous month and down four-tenths of a percentage point over the year.

The number of unemployed RI residents—those residents classified as available for and actively seeking employment— was 29,600, down 300 from the March figure of 29,900. Over the year, the number of unemployed dropped by 5,200. A total of 11,974 individuals collected Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in April 2016,* down from 12,898 a year ago. This month, UI claimants accounted for 45.1 percent of the total unemployed.

The number of employed RI residents was 523,300, up 500 from the March figure of 522,800. This is the highest employment level since August 2008. Over the year, the number of employed RI residents was up 2,000 from April 2015. The RI labor force totaled 552,800 in April 2016, unchanged from March 2016 but down 3,200 from April 2015.

Jobs Based In Rhode Island Estimated nonfarm payroll in Rhode Island totaled 489,100 in April, reflecting a loss of 1,500 jobs from the revised March estimate of 490,600. Through 2016, a total of 600 jobs have been added to the local economy. The total number of jobs is up 5,100 from a year ago. The Professional & Businesses Services sector lost 1,200 jobs in April, due, in part, to less hiring within the sector which typically occurs during this time of year. Despite this steep loss, the number of jobs in Professional & Business Services is up 900 since the start of the year and is up 2,000 over the year.

Employment in the Construction sector fell by 700 in April, marking two consecutive months of job declines totaling 900 jobs. In all, there are 1,200 more jobs in the Construction sector than in April 2015.

Three employment sectors, Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Educational Services and Financial Activities, each reported a loss of 300 jobs in April. Of these three sectors, employment in both Arts, Entertainment & Recreation and Financial Activities is up 100 over the year, while employment

in Educational Services is down 1,000 from April 2015. The Other Services sector was the only remaining sector to experience a job loss in April, shedding 100 jobs.

In April, the Manufacturing employment level was 42,200, reflecting a gain of 400 jobs from March. The number of jobs within this sector is up 1,000 over the year. Employment in both the Accommodation & Food Services and Government sectors was up 300 in April. Employment in Accommodation & Food Services is up 2,000 since April 2015, while Government employment is down 300. A gain of 200 jobs was reported in both the Retail Trade and the Wholesale Trade sectors, while employment remained unchanged in the Information, Health Care & Social Assistance, Mining & Logging and Transportation & Utilities sectors.

Manufacturing

In April 2016, production workers in the Manufacturing sector earned $18.27 per hour, up twelve cents from March 2016 and up fifty-three cents from April 2015. Manufacturing employees worked an average of 38.5 hours per week in April, up three-tenths of an hour from March but down an hour and three-tenths over the year. www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

9

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

2016 Tech10 Aw

THE DEADLINE FOR ALL NOMINATIONS AND

PROVIDENCE, RI – Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s industry association for information technology and bioscience, in partnership with Rhode Island Monthly, announced today it is accepting nominations and applications for its newly expanded 2016 Tech10 Awards program. This is the program’s sixth year and the second year it will be run in partnership with Rhode Island Monthly. Established in 2010, Tech10 is an opportunity for Rhode Island’s business and technology community to nominate its exceptional champions, employees, colleagues, clients, and partners.

This year’s Tech10 will not only recognize Rhode Island’s best and brightest entrepreneurs and IT practitioners, it will also showcase the amazing individuals and organizations driving innovation, education, and growth across the state’s technology ecosystem at large. This year’s program will allow applicants to apply in multiple categories; and multiple winners per category.

10

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Tech10 Categories:

Entrepreneurship / Startups Techies to Watch CIO’s / CTO’s Corporate Giving Community Partner Industry Networking/Education Group Youth Engagement Tech Education Workforce Champion Women in Tech Individuals can apply for the awards themselves or submit nominations or applications for colleagues, employees, clients, partners, etc. at www.tech10awards.com. The

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

wards Program

D A P P L I C AT I O N S I S M O N D AY, A U G U S T 1 5 T H

deadline for all nominations and applications is Monday, August 15th. The 2016 Tech10 Award recipients will be selected by a judging committee of industry professionals.

They will be showcased in the November issue of Rhode Island Monthly magazine and honored at an awards celebration to be held on Thursday, November 10th, 2016.

“As an evolving media world embraces convergence and multi-platform providers of information, we are keenly aware of the role technology will play not only in our business but in the lives of all Rhode Islanders”, according to Rhode Island Monthly publisher John Palumbo. “As a media entity that provides an ongoing view of life in Rhode Island for the past twenty-eight years, this partnership is fitting to bring much needed exposure to the professionals who are involved in so many levels of technology development.”

“We are excited to be partnering with Rhode Island Monthly

in announcing the sixth year of the Tech 10 awards,” said Tom Falcone, Executive Director of Tech Collective. Over the past 5 years, Tech10 has served as a recognition opportunity for individuals who exhibit not just technical expertise, but who are also contributing to growing and mentoring the tech community in Rhode Island. The 2016 Tech10 Award program will expand our recognition of individuals for their leadership in driving different areas of the IT industry forward. We look forward to celebrating our 2016 Tech10 Award winners!”

Nominate, apply, and learn more at www.tech10awards.com, or by following Tech10 on twitter with hashtag #Tech10RI. To view Rhode Island Month’s coverage of last year’s Tech10 winners and event, go to www.rimonthly.com.

The 2016 Tech10 Awards are sponsored by Amica Insurance and Cox Business. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Giselle Mahoney at (401) 829-8321 /gmahoney@tech-collective.org or Kieran Keating at kkeating@rimonthly.com.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

11

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Bank of America Announces $182,500 F u n d i n g t o B o o s t L o c a l Wo r k f o r c e S k i l l s

PROVIDENCE, RI – Bank of America today announced $182,500 in grants, to be distributed to 15 nonprofits working to increase educational and workforce development opportunities in the Rhode Island community.

The nonprofits receiving support focus on connecting youth and adults, including the unemployed and underserved, to workforce opportunities and education and skillsbuilding. Funding will help individuals living in low-income neighborhoods, who are disproportionately impacted by unemployment and other barriers to workforce participation, access opportunities that will advance long-term sustainable growth in Rhode Island.

“Investing in our workforce is one of the ways we are addressing issues fundamentally connected to economic mobility,” said Bill Hatfield, Rhode Island market president, Bank of America. “These organizations are working hard to help build a thriving economy and stronger community here in Rhode Island.”

Nonprofits receiving grants include:

Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket City Year Providence College Crusade of Rhode Island College Visions Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island Incorporated Genesis Center Junior Achievement of Rhode Island

12

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

OIC of Rhode Island, Inc. Providence After School Alliance Inc. Providence Public Library Read to Succeed Inc. Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School Stadium Theatre Foundation Teach for American Inc. Year Up Inc. These grants are part of Bank of America’s commitment to responsible growth as it works to improve the financial lives of individuals and families in Rhode Island. Philanthropic and volunteer investments play a key role in this effort.

About Bank of America Environmental, Social and Governance

At Bank of America, we are focused on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors as critical to fulfilling our core purpose of making people’s financial lives better.

A commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company, from our policies and practices to our services, products, governance and employee benefits. An important part of that commitment is forming strong partnerships across sectors, including nonprofit organizations serving community needs, bringing our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. We’re proud of our employees’ volunteer efforts, support of diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social responsibility.

Gina M. Raimondo | GOVERNOR

A Message From

Gina M. Raimondo

Taking Meaningful Action to

Prevent Overdose and Save Lives

by Governor Gina M. Raimondo

June was a great month for small businesses. With the beginning of the summer season and the passing of the state budget, we made huge strides toward making it easier to do business here in Rhode Island.

The Fiscal Year 2017 budget will save businesses $30 million from unemployment insurance tax cuts, reduce the minimum corporate tax, and cut down on waste and fraud with the temporary disability insurance system.

In June, we also addressed a public health crisis that affects families – and businesses – across our state.

Rhode Island, like states across the country, faces a serious drug overdose crisis. More than 250 Rhode Islanders lost their lives due to overdose in 2015. Like many other states, Rhode Island’s overdose crisis began with prescription drugs, yet since 2009 deaths from illicit drugs have been on the rise. Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, poses an additional threat and exacerbates our overdose crisis.

This crisis isn’t unique to Rhode Island. But our collaborative approach to address it, and our focus on getting people into treatment, has been widely endorsed by the medical community and praised by national experts.

The opioid crisis affects our families, friends, colleagues, employees and neighbors. It hurts our towns and communities, preventing them from growing and prospering.

When I formed my Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force, we brought together experts from all over the state, from doctors and insurers to legislators, business partners, recovery experts and parents like Deborah, who lost her son to overdose. We created an action plan with an ambitious yet achievable target to reduce overdose deaths by one-third within three years. And through unprecedented collaboration, we’ve made additional progress – passing legislation to extend Good Samaritan laws and promote prevention, treatment and recovery, and securing funding in my budget to provide effective treatment at the Adult Correctional Institutes and expand access to additional treatment and recovery programs that work.

The opioid crisis affects our families, friends, colleagues, employees and neighbors. It hurts our towns and communities, preventing them from growing and prospering. Deborah’s son Peter worked at a local car dealership as an auto porter. He overdosed while at work. No family or business should have to suffer that kind of loss.

We have one goal: save lives. The plan we’ve created gives us the tools to do that. For example, this summer Portsmouth firefighters saved two lives using naloxone, an overdose reversal drug that we fought to put in the hands of first responders. And this month, I signed a bill into law that requires insurers to cover naloxone, including in cases where the medication is intended for patients other than the insured. In Rhode Island, all Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies sell naloxone without a doctor’s prescription. If businesses keep it on hand, it might save a life.

I always say that everyone has a role to play in Rhode Island’s comeback. Part of my role is to ensure that every person can make it here in Rhode Island, whether that is through business incentives or providing better treatment and recovery from addiction.

For more information, a detailed description of my plan, and information about where to find resources like naloxone, please visit preventoverdose.ri.gov. www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

13

This is your year.

Commercial Lending • Commercial Real Estate Lending • Equipment Financing • Commercial Lines of Credit • Preferred SBA Lender

navigantcu.org

· 401.233.4700

Healthy employees are happy employees.

No matter where your employees are in the world, you’ll find affordable and flexible plans, the largest dental network in the nation, and great customer service right in your backyard.

And that’s just good business.

To learn more, visit deltadentalri.com

14

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Educate Rhode Island | SMALL BUSINESS

EducateRhode Island

A G u i d e t o L e a r n i n g i n t h e O c e a n S ta t e

$31,560 The average debt for Rhode Island College students from 2012-2013

The Average GPA

of 2014 University of Rhode Island accepted students was

3.43

According to Pew Research

91% of millennial

generation X, and baby boomer generations combined believe that college has, or will pay off.

81% Rhode Island’s

4th Place

Where Rhode Island ranks in the United States with highest amount of student debt.

High School Graduation Rate

31.3 %

of Rhode Islanders 25+ have a bachelor’s degree or higher www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

15

and the sur

How did you finance your education? Help from parents, grandparents, loans, and myself Most difficult aspect involved in financing your education, if any: Everything Age 20, Managment Major, Franklin, MA

Most important factor when choosing to pursue higher education: Return on Investment How did you finance your education?

Working, Scholarships 16

Age 20, Economics Major, Burlington,VT RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Most important factor when choosing to pursue higher education: The curriculum of the field of study you want to major Age 21, Entrepreneurship, Providence, RI

rvey says...

Most important factor when choosing to pursue higher education: It wasn't a choice, I knew I was going to go to college. Wanted a good job.

Age 49, Bachelors Electrical Engineering, MBA Middletown, MA

Most important factor when choosing to pursue higher education: Career Growth Most difficult aspect involved in financing your education, if any: The volume of loans and consolidating them after graduation to make the payment manageable How did you finance your education?

Loans and employer contribution Age 44, MBA Business Natick, MA www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

17

SMALL BUSINESS | Internship Opportunity

Internship Opportunity select and de v el op yo ur futur e talent

by Lynne Finnegan

Lynne Finnegan from The College of Business at the University of Rhode Island gives us an in-depth scoop on internships for interns and businesses looking to receive interns. Highlighted are reasons why students should do an internship and why businesses should share their knowledge with interns.

What are the benefits of an internship? √ Educational Experience √ Future job opportunities • • • • • •

•

18

Internships provide work experience to students and recent graduates.

An internship provides the opportunity to gain hands on work experience within the student’s field of interest.

Employers see interns as prospective employees and many finish their internship and continue working with the company in a part time or full time capacity.

Internships can help you decide if this is the right career for you.

Internships are generally short-term, so you can test your future career without committing and find out if it is a career that will satisfy you.

Internship are great ways to meet people and develop your professional network. An internship allows you to meet people that might help you land a job later on and give you the contacts in the industry you’re trying to break into. Also, internships can help you develop professional reference with in your industry.

Internships are a great place to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

• Internships are a great way to build your confidence and professionalism. It is also a great way to build your resume so you are more marketable.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

What are some of the benefits for a business to hire interns?

• Internships allow the company to see if this student will be a good fit with the company.

• The company can hire a well-trained person at the end of the internship.

What can a company learn from students?

Internships provide employers fresh innovative business solutions.

Tell us about the process for assigning students to an internship. Do you follow a specific strategy?

Students search for an internship just like a full-time job search.

How do you best prepare your students for internships?

Students in the College of Business take a required one credit career class to prepare them for the internship search and job search. They develop the tools that they need for applying and the interview process. An example of this would be a resume and cover letter, the skills that they need for interviewing and searching for an internship. The also participate in various career events though out the semester.

This is all of the same tools that they will need for the full time job search after graduation.

Do you recommend specific ways for business to attract great interns?

One of the more significant advantages to providing internships is the opportunity to select and develop your future talent.

You have the opportunity to evaluate and screen potential employees prior to making a full-time position offer, which leads to financial savings.

Lynne Finnegan The College of Business at the University of Rhode Island

host the

Best Party Ever!

We Have A Loan For Almost Every Situation!

COMMERCIAL LOANS AND BUSINESS LOANS • • • • •

ALL PROPERTY TYPES WORKING CAPTAL CONSTRUCTION LOANS MIXED-USE, INDUSTRIAL AND MORE...

Contact: Malik West, MBA Small Business Finance Expert

401-427-2529

www.phoenixbusinesscapital.net

It’s always party season at Lang’s Bowlarama! We have it all - pristine bowling lanes for healthy competition, great food, full bar, and unlimited fun!

Call us today and host the Best Party Ever!

PHOENIX

BUSINESS CAPITAL, LLC

Lang’s Bowlarama

Good times since 1960

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

19

SMALL BUSINESS | Understanding Financial Aid For College

Understanding

by Stacey Crooks

Your child has made a big commitment by choosing to go to college. Likewise, you are putting a large commitment in your child by agreeing to pay for college. But many parents, like yourself, can’t help but wonder, “how the heck am I going to pay for this?”

The sticker price on a college education can no doubt lead to shock. If you see that number and wonder how to pay for college with no money, know that there are options available. Most families these days don’t pay the sticker price published on a college website. Financial aid can greatly reduce that number to something that is affordable for your family. The amount of financial aid you are eligible for is directly related to your family’s personal circumstances, including income, assets, number of children, age of parents, etc. The formula used to determine how much aid you will qualify for is called the “Federal Methodology.”

Some colleges also use an “Institutional Methodology” for awarding their own institutional funds. The federal methodology is put to work when you submit a FAFSA. There are four major types of financial aid and none

20

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

of them require up-front payment from you. These four types of aid are characterized into two categories: gift-aid and self-help aid. Gift aid is exactly that - a gift to you. It doesn’t require any investment from you and doesn’t need to be repaid. Grants and scholarships fall into this category. Self-help aid, while it doesn’t require up-front payment, does require an investment from you and/or your child. Student loans and work-study are forms of “self-help aid”.

1. GRANTS

The best type of financial aid to get, hands down. If you submit your financial aid forms (including the FAFSA, and if your school requires it the CSS Profile), by your school’s deadlines, and they determine you are eligible for a grant, they will simple add it to your financial aid package. Federal grants come in the forms of Pell Grants and FSEO Grants. States offer grants as well.

2. SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are much like grants in that they don’t need to be repaid, but they sometimes have requirements you must meet in order to renew them, or they require that you send in a separate application for the scholarship, in addition to the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Understanding Financial Aid For College | SMALL BUSINESS

Financial Aid For College If the scholarship is awarded by the school itself, you may need to get your application materials in earlier than normal to be considered.

If the scholarship is being awarded by an outside organization, you will need to spend a considerable amount of time searching for opportunities.

3. WORK-STUDY

Work-study is a federal program that sets aside dollars for a student to earn while working at an on or off campus job. The only difference between this program and a regular part-time job is where the funds come from. By providing work-study funds, the federal government simply opens up more job opportunities to students.

So, if this is included in your financial aid award, it is money that will help your child pay for everyday and living expenses, but they must do the work to get it. Just don’t expect it to reduce your tuition bill because this money is only paid as it is earned and is not awarded up front.

loans come in a variety of forms: federal, state-based and private.

Federal student loans include the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (Stafford), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal PLUS Loans (this one is for parents). State-based loans are offered through a network of nation-wide lenders, such as Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, and often offer very competitive rates and fees. Private loans vary widely from lender to lender and you must be careful to investigate the details of these loans (as with any loan!) before signing the note.

So, you don’t have money set aside for college? That’s okay - you are not alone. Just remember there are billions of dollars in financial aid available out there to help.

Stacey Crooks The College Planning Center of Rhode Island

4. LOANS

Student loans are a form of financial aid that helps you pay up front tuition costs, but needs to be paid back. Student

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

21

SMALL BUSINESS | Every Business Is A Manufacturer

EVERY BUSINESS IS

by Larry Girouard

Throughout my 50 year career I have toured thousands of manufacturing plants. From behemoth complexes like Boeing, DuPont and General Motors to small manufacturing startups, all production lines are alive with activity as they convert raw materials to finished products ready to be sold to both industrial and commercial consumers around the world.

I can remember spending significant time at the General Motors Electromotive Division back in the seventies during one of their heydays when they were producing more than 50 locomotives a month. While steeped in a very systematic culture, there was a lot of frenetic activity as parts and subassemblies came in the front door and finished locomotives rolled out on tracks through the back door. Think about the logistics regarding the tracking of all parts and activities that go into the manufacturing of a locomotive. The use of robotics

was sparse and, therefore, hand labor was the order of the day. Better said, there were people everywhere.

As I think back over my years in manufacturing, and the last 15 years as a consultant for both manufacturers and service related companies, they are all very similar. Manufacturers make “stuff” and service companies deliver “stuff”, but in the end all “stuff” is defined as the product. Products, whether produced on an assembly line or delivered as a service, all face the same challenges regarding marketing and sales. How do you differentiate your product to whet the appetite of your target audience?

If you have read any of my past editorials, you will see one common theme that threads many of these articles. The common denominator that is at the root of all businesses is PROCESS. We normally think of process as it relates to a

Any substantial improvement must come from action on the system, the responsibility of management. Wishing and pleading and begging the workers to do better was totally futile.

22

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Every Business Is A Manufacturer | SMALL BUSINESS

S A MANUFACTURER

manufacturing line, but I ask you to expand on that thinking.

View all business not as a group of employees brought together to perform a series of tasks, but just look at the tasks themselves.

The results of integrated processes is a system, and the system is created to provide customers with the expected goods and services promised. One of W. Edwards Deming quotes from his book Out of the Crisis that really resonates is:

From this process oriented vantage point, your business is nothing more than a family of tasks developed over time.

These tasks are intended to work together to produce the end result .... The Value Proposition. If the tasks work well together, the intended Value Proposition will be more effective.

“Any substantial improvement must come from action on the system, the responsibility of management. Wishing and pleading and begging the workers to do better was totally futile.”

To be clear, the Value Proposition is represented by all the touch points between the customer and the company, which goes beyond the end product or end service that your company was established to deliver. Some touch points include timely response to quotes, lead times, on time delivery, professional responses to customer questions, etc. In total, these touch points are the foundation for your company’s brand, and critical in a company’s attempt to penetrate its target market(s).

Looking at your business as a family of integrated processes and tasks, without the emotions surrounding the injection and biases of employees, is essential if you feel that change is needed to drive both your top and bottom lines.

This is not about changing people, it is all about changing the steps of each process to improve the intended results.

While this is a very true statement, what is not stated in this quote, but something that Deming often references, is that while management is responsible for change, it is the employees that must enthusiastically drive the change process. Who knows more about process than the employees that work in them every day?

We normally think of only a manufacturing production line as being all about process, but that cannot be farther from the truth. Everything we do in our businesses, and I mean everything, is a process of some manner, shape, or form.

It does not matter what type of business you are in. The role of any business is to “manufacture” the output, or value proposition. The same principles of process optimization apply regardless of whether you are a manufacturer of a product, or a “manufacturer” of a service.

The bottom line is that every business is a manufacturer. www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

23

SMALL BUSINESS | Building A Better School Committee

Building a Better S P O T T I N G

by Benjamin Scungio

Whether you work in a school department, have children or grandchildren in the public school system, or merely follow the news reports of award-winning teachers, contract negotiations and other happenings, education touches us all. And most of what happens is governed by the city or town’s local school committee.

The Rhode Island General Assembly places the care, control and management of public school interests in local school committees. The thinking is that the best educational decisions will be made by an elected body that is closest to parents, students, and taxpayers. School Committees must implement federal and state law plus regulations from the Rhode Island Department of Education. For committee members, these mandates are critical, even if individual members agree or disagree on a philosophical level.

•

Being accountability driven. Effective committees spend focus on policy geared toward student improvement and achievement. It is the superintendent’s responsibility to work on operational issues.

•

Watch the return on investment. Districts spend large sums of money on technology, and learning and assessment systems. Committees should require that administrators report back on the efficacy of these systems.

•

Focus on shared beliefs and values, and what is possible for students and their ability to learn. Committee members from the same community are often in 95% alignment. Shared beliefs often minimize disagreement.

•

Commit to a vison of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction. It is becoming increasing clear that student achievement is not determined solely by the availability of resources.

Achievement is more directly affected by the expectations and goals set by the educational leaders. Aim high!

•

Lead as a united team with the superintendent, each from their respective roles. Strive for strong collaboration and mutual trust.

•

Take part in team development and training. Build shared knowledge, values and commitments for improvement.

How does a school committee become good and effective?

Based on national studies, here are eight important characteristics to model: •

•

24

Have a collaborative relationship with the staff and the community including a strong communications structure. A committee should both inform and engage all stakeholders in setting and achieving district goals that are achievable and directly related to the needs of the district.

Being data savvy. Committee members must embrace and monitor data, even when the information is negative.

The proper use of data can be a powerful tool to drive continuous improvement.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

W A R N I N G

While most school committees are comprised of wonderful and committed individuals volunteering their time and energy to give back to their communities, conflicts and challenges

r

Building A Better School Committee | SMALL BUSINESS

School Committee S I G N S

O F

T R O U B L E

often arise. Conflict may come from disputes over priorities.

Sometimes, passion, ego and personal feelings get in the way.

Here are nine warning signs that may mean a school committee is in trouble.

1. Voting based on politics rather than the needs of students. State law actually requires that each committee decision be student-centered.

2. Not supporting a board decision, after it is made.

Committee members often forget they are not a committee of one. It is important to support a majority decision to move forward.

3. Responding to community discontent without first reviewing data. Frequently, committee members respond to complaints from constituents before they are fully informed on an issue. This can easily lead to public embarrassment.

4. Publicly chastising district employees. It is imperative to support personnel, especially a superintendent of schools. Criticize performance in private; little is gained by publically embarrassing someone.

The thinking is that the best educational decisions will be made by an elected body that is closest to parents, students, and taxpayers.

5. Relying on expert advice without consulting staff.

There may be multiple approaches to solving a problem.

Recognize that your superintendent and his/her staff are your educational experts. If you can’t rely on your internal experts, it may be time to change them – not seek advice behind their backs.

6. Ignoring the impact of change on the culture of the district. The pace of change is always set by the ability of a district to embrace it. Often, a committee and superintendent must create consensus around why change is necessary or desirable.

7. Failing to foster positive relationships. In most districts, the educational environment relies on support and consensus-building – not on conflict. Positive nurturing relationships are an essential element in driving change.

8. Hiring a superintendent on a split vote. It is critical to demonstrate united support for a new leader to provide him/her a good opportunity to be successful.

•

Failing to personally disconnect from board decisions. Once a committee makes a decision, it is important to support the majority to move forward by accepting the decision.

If these warning signs sound familiar, it may be time to seek practical, problem-solving approaches to resolve conflicts in a manner that achieves the best outcomes for the parties involved … all while focusing on the care, control and management of our public schools.

Benjamin Scungio, Esq. is the managing partner of law firm of Brennan, Recupero, Scungio, Cascione & McAllister. www.BRCSM.com. He focuses his practice on the representation of school committees, educational collaboratives and educational professionals. Ben can be reached at bscungio@brcsm.com.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

25

WE’RE LIKE A GPS FOR GETTING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE RIGHT PLACE. Just Right Commercial Loans from BayCoast Bank.

Joe Sheehan 401-274-2106

Whatever your reasons for needing a commercial loan, our Providence team of lenders can help you. With financial advice, and smart business insights, we’re always accessible and ready to listen. Our loan decisions are made locally, so you don’t have to wait long to find out if you’ve been approved.

Call Joe Sheehan or Mike Paiva today or call 401-273-0475. The Providence Commercial Loan Office is located at 10 Dorrance Street, Suite 101B. BayCoastBank.com

Mike Paiva 401-273-2539

26

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Member FDIC Member DIF

®

College Degree Pays. Paying For It Is Challenging | SMALL BUSINESS

pay i ng

f or

i t

i s

by Ted Donnelly

As parents, we understand the value of obtaining a college education in today’s competitive workforce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a typical college graduate earned $11,749 in the last three months of 2011, nearly three times more than a high school dropout’s salary of $4,026. And for most with graduate degrees, the median earnings were $15,733 for the same period.

But, even though a college diploma can pave the way to greater advancement and earnings potential, paying for it still remains a challenge for most American families. A recent Christian Science Monitor article reports the average tuition for a public, four-year state school rose 5% in 2012 to $8,655 per year. And, at private institutions, students need to shell out a staggering $39,518 per year for tuition, fees, and room and board. All told, in the past five years, tuition costs for private schools have increased 13% beyond overall inflation.

c h a l l e n g i ng grandparents and other relatives about contributing money to your college fund.

•

Encourage your children to save. Teach your kids to start saving for college early by putting aside a portion of their monetary gifts.

College is a major investment in your child’s future. And, like any investment, it is wise to do as much early preparation and research as possible. It may also be beneficial to consult an experienced financial professional who can advise you based on the specifics of your situation.

This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Ted Donnelly, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Ted Donnelly at 401-276-8728 or efdonnelly@ft.newyorklife.com.

Ted Donnelly, Agent New York Life Insurance

Even as college tuition and other costs reach unprecedented levels, there are still plenty of options available to help ease the financial burden. Look into available state and university scholarships, financial aid packages, special college savings plans, and low-cost loans.

Here are some steps you can take to make the whole process as easy and as painless as possible.

•

Improve your credit score. Establishing good credit can help you secure the low-cost loans you may need—and save thousands of dollars.

•

Plan for the unexpected. Estate planning and the right kinds of insurance will help protect against the derailment of your child’s college plans.

•

Save smart and early. Gain a significant advantage and maximize your resources by choosing the college-savings plan that’s right for you.

•

Ask relatives to share the responsibility. Talk to

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

27

First Stop Business Information Center

Center for Women & Enterprise

A great resource for starting or growing a business in Rhode Island. Business workshops, customized business packages, aid with financing and information. Visit http://sos.ri.gov/ business/businessinfo for more information.

The WBC provides counseling and training in a full range of business issues to new and existing women business owners. The Center offers training, mentoring, and one-onone counseling to help women build their business skills and create a lifetime network of key resources and contacts.

Small Business Administration Some of the many assistance programs, outreach initiatives and small business information. Services and information available through the Rhode Island District Office.

• Financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders.

• Free counseling, advice and information on starting, better operating or expanding a small business through (SCORE) Counselors to America’s Small Business.

• Assistance to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals through the Minority Enterprise Development Program.

• Women’s Business Ownership Representatives are available to advise women business owners.

• Special loan programs are available for businesses involved in international trade.

• If you’re a veteran, you can get business counseling and information about SBA guaranteed loans.

28

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Rhode Island Small Business Development Center

Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) is a part of a national partnership between the state and federal governments, the private sector, colleges and universities. The program is designed to provide the highest quality of business assistance services to established enterprises and promising new startups. Visit www.risbdc.org for more information.

SCORE SCORE is a national network of more than 12,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives who volunteer as mentors to America’s small businesses. SCORE provides mentorships on the following categories: • Matching your specific needs with a business mentor • Traveling to your place of business for an on-site evaluation

• Teaming with several SCORE mentors to provide you with tailored assistance in a number of business areas For more information visit www.score.org.

Staying Social Google Analytics – A free service guide to understanding your company’s analytics HootSuite – Manage your social media networks Google Keyword Planner – A tool that provides keyword ideas and traffic to help you build a Search Network Campaign

Create Mail Chimp – Free and easy to use format for sending out emails while you build your customer base WordPress - Another great site builder with themes and ability to customize your site more in-depth

use interaction for payments, easy to use interface 99 Designs - Marketplace that uses crowdsourcing for graphic design, logo design and more Fiverr – A creative space where you can have other people do tasks for you for $5 (or slightly more)

Fund Your Dreams Indiegogo - Crowd sourcing platform that focuses on arts and creative projects Kickstarter - Crowd sourcing platform to raise money with an award system for your latest project The Funded - Reviews and testimonials of investors, strategy discussion and information on how to start a small business

Good Reads and Magazines Inc. Magazine - A monthly publication focused on the growth of companies and entrepreneurs

500px - Good stock photography

Success Magazine – A monthly business publication designed to serve the growing entrepreneur

Squarespace – Site builder with pre-set themes and easy to

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

29

SomerSet Bookkeeping, inc.

S erving Se m aSS

and

r hode i Sland S ince 2003

OnSite/Offsite Services Hourly/Monthly Rates Over 35 Years Accounting Experience Kathy Kissling, President

Jorge Vicencio, Accountant

checkingfigures@yahoo.com

jorgevic@comcast.net

508-728-0991

508-717-7296

Promises Made. Promises Kept.

Call Us Today At

401.270.1740 1417 Douglas Avenue, 2nd Floor, North Providence, RI 02904

30

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Sierra Pacific Mortgage We’re here when you need us.

Our connection to local professionals provides customers to access to the best realtors, home inspectors, and underwriters in the business!

Rhode Island Licensed Lender 20072187LLB02 Branch NMLS ID: 289053

TRUST MATTERS. estate planning

tax law

medicaid planning

trust litigation

probate administration

For decades, individuals, families and businesses have relied upon Attorneys Bernard A. Jackvony and Gene M. Carlino for their trusted representation and advocacy in all areas of estate planning and administration, taxation and litigation. When you need sophisticated understanding of all the legal and financial aspects of these areas of the law, you can count on our firm’s team of experienced attorneys and resources to give you the peace of mind and confidence you deserve.

PANNONE LOPES DEVEREAUX & PANNONE WEST LLC LOPES DEVEREAUX & WEST

gene m. carlino

PLDW counselors at law

LLC

bernard A. jackvony

Supporting clients who travel between Rhode Island and Florida, call 401-824-5100. Our offices are located where you are: PLDW has offices in New England, New York and Florida. Our primary practice areas include corporate and business law, nonprofit law, health care law, municipal infrastructure, government relations and legislative strategies, employment law, special masterships, criminal defense, civil litigation, estate planning, probate and trust litigation, and real estate development and commercial lending. For more information, visit www.pldw.com.

317 Iron Horse Way, Suite 301 Providence, RI 02908 Wells Fargo Plaza 925 South Federal Highway, Suite 715 Boca Raton, FL 33432

$10 Gift CertifiCate For Havana Cigar Club

(Limit One Per Customer. Must Present Ad For Discount)

From Your Friends at RISBJ

1111 Lincoln Road, 4th Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Full Bar for Both The Public & Members • Largest Walk-in Humidor in the State • Fresh Air Cycles 14x Per Hour • Function Room • Card Tournaments, Cigar Nights, Scotch Tastings and Much More

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

31

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH | Professional Growth For The Entrepreneur

Professional Growth F B U S I N E S S

S U C C E S S :

by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD

As part of a series focusing on Rhode Island small businesses whose mission includes helping organizations, their owners and employees grow throughout 2016, we turn to Brian Trahan.

Brian works with businesses and individuals to help them to achieve the goals they set for themselves. Usually, this support includes helping people to: • Communicate the message they want to communicate more effectively.

• Analyze their assumptions and how they may get in the way of their reaching their goals.

• See how others perceive them.

• Understand how they fit into the bigger organizational picture.

When speaking always verify what the person they are speaking with heard.

Was the message they delivered understood as the speaker wanted it to be interpreted?

32

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

•

I T

I S

Optimize their time and organizational strength by thinking strategically, not tactically.

Brian recommends that business professionals: •

•

Improve communication. When speaking always verify what the person they are speaking with heard. Was the message they delivered understood as the speaker wanted it to be interpreted? When listening verify that they heard what the speaker intended to say. Remember, communication isn’t just about talking; it is about really listening, too!

Think critically. Always try to set aside personal assumptions when engaging in conversation and thinking.

A

Professional Growth For The Entrepreneur | PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

For The Entrepreneur

A L L

•

•

A B O U T

C O M M U N I C A T I O N

Otherwise one risks hearing what they previously assumed rather than what was said. If one relies on assumptions which are wrong, the outcome will be wrong, too! A successful professional will be able to explain what they do and why they do it, so that someone totally unfamiliar with their profession and organization would understand.

Be aware of themselves. Know how their customers, clients, employees, supervisors, friends and family members perceive them. Show people how they think and what they are like without boring them with excessive personal details.

Understand their role. Know how they fit into the organization. Understand why what they do is important, who is dependent upon them, how they can be supportive of others, how they can let others down, how they can improve the process, and how their errors or inefficiencies can affect others.

•

•

•

Work strategically, not tactically. Know where the business is headed and know where they want it to be headed. Be sure that what they are doing on a day to day basis is supporting what is most important to them rather than merely keeping busy.

Manage their time. Everyone needs to improve their time management. Consider keeping a minute-byminute log of everything done for a day or a week. Also record those things which were not done. Then go over the log and the not done list. Assign an importance to each of the items. Were there items on the not done list which were more important than the items done?

Was the appropriate amount of time spent on each item considering its importance?

Develop a great story. Success is built upon living experiences, learning, applying, and telling stories which illustrate experiences that people can relate to.

Brian, owner of the Center of Phenomenological Leadership, would be delighted to consult with you or your business to help you more effectively reach your goals. You are invited to email (Brian@PhenomLeader.Com) or call his cell phone (401.269.9221).

I would like to thank Industrial Consultant Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

33

LEGAL | Personnel Practices: Employment Best Practices For Educational Institutions

Personnel Practices

EMPLOYMENT BEST PRACTICES F O R

E D U C AT I O N A L

by C. Alexander Chiulli, Esq. and Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

Employers in the educational arena face a unique set of challenges in complying with both generally applicable employment laws and regulations, plus numerous laws and regulations governing education. The following are some best practice tips for educational-related employers to consider:

Ensure Compliance with the FMLA. Unlike the Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to primary and secondary educational institutions regardless of the number of employees. The FMLA also includes special rules for educational institutions. For instance, instructional employees who take FMLA leave in the final weeks of an academic term may be required to extend their leave through the end of the school year in order to minimize any disruption to the classroom. Significantly, school vacations—where employees are not required to report to work—do not count toward eligible employees’ FMLA leaves. In other words, eligible employees who begin a period of leave just prior to a school vacation may be entitled to resume the remainder of their leave once school begins again.

Consider Employees’ Pay Schedule.

Under section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, educational employers may provide deferred compensation structures such that employees may be paid over a 12-month period instead of during the 10-month school year when the employees are actually working. Some employees prefer the 12-month pay structure, which provides continued income

34

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

I N S T I T U T I O N S

during the summer months. Educational employers are not required to give employees the option to elect how they are paid; however, if an employer provides its employees the option to elect either a 10-month or 12-month payment schedule, the election should be made in writing before the start of the school year and cannot be changed until the following academic year.

Implement a Title IX policy.

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice explains Title IX as “a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.” Though often associated with athletics, Title IX broadly applies to all aspects of educational institutions receiving federal funds. Significantly, Title IX applies to all members of the school community—not just employees—and requires that educational institutions take specific steps to address allegations of sex discrimination by employees or others. To ensure compliance with Title IX, schools should appoint a qualified Title IX coordinator and adopt, and stringently follow, a Title IX policy. Without a Title IX coordinator and policy, schools potentially risk losing federal funding.

Personnel Practices: Employment Best Practices For Educational Institutions | LEGAL

Eligible employees who begin a period of leave just prior to a school vacation may be entitled to resume the remainder of their leave once school begins again Know the Governing Laws and Regulations.

In addition to Title IX, the education field is subject to numerous and varied other federal and state laws and regulations. For example, Rhode Island’s teacher tenure statute applies to many different employees (not just those with the title, “teacher”) and significantly affects the employment relationship such that employees who have earned tenure may generally only be terminated for good and just cause. Employees subject to the teacher tenure statute, including instructional employees and administrators, are also typically entitled to employment contracts.

Labor Union Considerations.

Many educational employees have formed or joined labor unions, in which case the employment relationship is generally governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Like in other unionized workplaces, such employers should refer to the CBA frequently and be wary that breaches of the CBA could lead to costly arbitration and potentially litigation.

Before making a significant employment-related decision, educational employers should ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

When in doubt, employers should consider consulting a seasoned professional well-versed in both the education and employment fields.

C. Alexander Chiulli, Esq. Associate, Barton Gilman LLP Kristen M. Whittle, Esq. Associate, Barton Gilman LLP

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

35

SMALL BUSINESS | The Zika Spread

he Z T S T A R T

36

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

The Zika Spread | SMALL BUSINESS

Zika Spread B

E

F O

R

E

I

T

by Karyn Rhodes

While Ebola and pandemic flu outbreaks have raised health concerns among workers over exposure in previous years, the Zika virus is now the latest health crisis that can put employees at risk. And, unfortunately, many businesses aren’t adequately prepared to respond to the growing threat to their staff.

A Growing Threat

Zika is spread primarily through infected Aedes mosquitos, but can be sexually transmitted as well. While pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnant are most at risk of complications – specifically birth defects – from the Zika virus, others infected may experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash, joint and muscle pain and pink eyes.

Historically, Zika was found in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. However, last year, Zika emerged in new areas, including Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. And more cases outside of these areas have been reported, including the first confirmed case of Zika in Rhode Island in April. Since there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus, workers should be instructed to take precautions, especially those who travel to impacted countries.

Tips to Contain

To lessen the chance of infection among workers, and an impact on the business, a company can take several steps to help prevent the virus:

• Train employees companywide on strategies to protect

against transmission, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using an EPA-registered bug spray with at least 20% DEET, sleeping under a mosquito net if they are outside, treating clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items, and staying inside buildings that have window and door screens.

• Instruct employees about the risk of sexual transmission and that men who travel to an impacted area and have a pregnant partner

S

P

R

E

A

D S

or one who is planning to become pregnant should use a condom during sex or abstain.

• Inform employees who work in healthcare settings and laboratories to follow good infection control and biosafety

practices to prevent or minimize the risk of transmission – and to always follow universal precautions for potential bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Even with these precautions, employees can still contract the virus. And, according to the CDC, during the first week of infection, Zika can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people so it’s important to protect against bites. In fact, the CDC cautions travelers returning to the United States from an area with Zika to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they don’t spread Zika to mosquitoes that could spread the virus to other people.

Company Policies for Affected Workers

If an employee is exposed to Zika, be sure he or she seeks appropriate medical treatment and consider granting sick leave during the infectious period. If the exposure falls under the bloodborne pathogens standard, the employer must comply with the requirements.

Due to the growing threat of transmission, employees – especially pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant and their partners – may want to avoid business travel to at-risk regions. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employees can refuse to perform their jobs or travel if there is a “reasonable belief that there is imminent death or serious injury.” While it’s unclear whether Zika would meet this standard, to alleviate employees’ concerns, companies should be flexible in their travel policies or consider delaying travel to impacted areas.

And remember that OSHA prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for raising concerns about health and safety conditions.

Plan Ahead

As Zika continues to spread and more is revealed about infection and transmission, be sure to closely monitor state health department notices, public health agency guidelines and fact sheets from OSHA to update your company’s plans and procedures for managing personnel before, during and after infection.

Karyn Rhodes

Director of Human Resource Consulting, The Hib Group www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

37

SMALL BUSINESS | What’s New In Newport And Beyond

What’s Ne

in Newport and Bey

38

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

ew

yond

What’s New In Newport And Beyond | SMALL BUSINESS

Newport and Bristol County welcomes visitors and local residents alike to experience new places to stay, play, see and savor.

As we approach the middle of this summer, Discover Newport is proud to showcase some new businesses throughout our destination.

Please note this is just a sampling as our website, DiscoverNewport.org, is the most up-to-date resource for visitor information.

NEW LODGING PROPERTIES

The Atlantic Resort Newport at Cambria Suites: Located just over the Newport/Middletown border, this hotel and conference center has a projected September 2016 soft opening for events and an October opening for guest rooms.

The property overlooks picturesque Easton’s Pond and the Atlantic Ocean and will include 143 guest suites and three banquet rooms for weddings, conferences and corporate events.

Plans include an indoor/outdoor pool, expansive terrace, full-service restaurant, lounge and bar. atlanticresortnewport.com

The East Island Reserve: Located in Middletown, this luxury camp-style vacation compound will feature 24 cabins along with a small hotel component of 10 studio units and an outdoor lagoon-style pool. The two-story cabins will include a kitchen, master bedroom, living area, bathroom and porch, plus gas fireplaces and central air conditioning. The year-round property is located within minutes of area beaches, nature trails, entertainment venues, shopping and historic Newport.

EVENT VENUES

The Bohlin: Set in the heart of downtown at the

evening concert series to benefit Singing Out Against Hunger, a charity that provides food to East Bay residents in need. evelynsdrivein.com

PowerShares Series Tennis: Co-founded by Jim Courier, this competitive tour featuring some of the game’s icons will make its stop here during the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships (July 11-17) on Sunday, July 17. Confirmed Newport competitors include Andy Roddick, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis and Marat Safin. halloffametennischampionships.com Newport Wooden Boat Show: Concurrent with the Newport International Boat Show and Newport Brokerage Show, this show at Bowen’s Ferry Landing Marina shines the spotlight on the enduring strength and intrigue of wooden craftsmanship with more than 30 participating boats. In-water and land displays will feature Hinckley, Hunt and other Down East-style boats. bowenswharf.com/events

DINING

The Boat Yard Bar & Grill: In the heart of Newport’s downtown Brick Market Place, this restaurant serves modern American cuisine in a nautical setting. 151 Swinburne Row, Newport. boatyardnpt.com Fatulli’s Bakery: This longtime favorite is moving

its bakery and café from Middletown to downtown Newport this summer. 476 Thames Street, Newport.

Newport Yachting Center, this venue takes a cue from classic New England architectural styles and design sensibilities. Anchored by a signature Sperry Tent, the nautical space offers a private waterfront open-air patio with lounge-style teak furniture. bohlinnewport.com

Gulf Stream Bar & Grille: Located next to Portsmouth’s New England Boatworks, this new hotspot features coastal cooking with a New England twist with harbor views. 1 Lagoon Road, Portsmouth. gulfstreambar.com

Newport Beach House: Longwood Events

and growers in the Ocean State, the newly launched RI Oyster Trail connects shellfish lovers year-round to RI grown oysters as well as the farmers and the restaurants that serve them. rioystertrail.com

brings laid back luxury to Newport with this chic venue perched on Easton’s Beach (which includes private events and ceremonies on the beach). Multiple spaces include: The Terrace (offers capacity from 30-150), The Lounge (offers capacity of 170-500) and The Salon & Sundeck (accommodates 300-600 guests). longwoodevents.com/venues

EVENTS

Evelyn’s Drive-In Summer Concert Series:

Tiverton’s iconic clam shack is debuting a Friday

Rhode Island Oyster Trail: Celebrating seafood

Vineyard Café: The new café at Newport Vineyards boasts a locally-sourced menu featuring farm-focused dishes including ingredients from Aquidneck Farms and Simmons Farm and more, plus a wine and a craft beer bar. 909 E. Main Road, Middletown. newportvineyards.com/vineyardcafe

Information Provided By DiscoverNewport.org www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

39

40

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

our mark of distinction…

great legal teams working for you

PANNONE LOPES DEVEREAUX & PANNONE WEST LLC LOPES DEVEREAUX & WEST

PLDW

LLC

counselors at law 4 0 1

8 2 4

5 1 0 0

p l d w . c o m

www.risbj.com | volume five issue seven

41

Cloud-connected security and storage solutions that simplify IT. Visit tbngconsulting.com to try any of our Barracuda appliances, virtual appliances or cloud services free for 30 days.

IT Solutions When IT Matters

Rhode Island Office 935 Jefferson Blvd, Ste 1004, Warwick, RI 02888 Telephone: +1 (401) 709-5216

42

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Web: www.tbngconsulting.com

Connecticut Office 50 Industry Drive, West Haven, CT 06516 Telephone: +1 (203) 933-8264 E-mail: info@tbngconsulting.com