2014 SBA Salute to Small Business - RISBJ

FREE FREE

volume three issue five volume three issue five

2014 SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS

WINNERS HONORED FOR Minority-owned Small Business Veteran-owned Small Business Woman-owned Small Business SBA Young Entrepreneur Microenterprise Financial Services Champion District Director Award Entrepreneurial Excellence

1 SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

When You’re Rhode Island’s #1 SBA Lender, You develop a Large Fan Base.

BankRI is proud to announce that we have once again been named the Small Business Administration’s top lender in Rhode Island.

This marks the 5th consecutive year that BankRI has received this prestigious recognition.

As a local Bank dedicated to helping companies expand and succeed, BankRI understands the importance of small business lending.

To learn more about BankRI and how we might be able to help your company grow, call 866.422.6574, visit BankRI.com or visit any one of our 18 local branches.

Member FDIC 2

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Equal Housing Lender

We bring the caring home.

Focusing on both short term and long term sustainable goals, Capitol Home Care incorporates our comprehensive network into planning for every client in our care.

Our Comprehensive Network Includes: • Registered Nurses • Physical Therapists • CNA’s • Occupational Therapists • Speech Therapists • Medical Social Workers • Community Outreach Liaisons • Phenix Home Care • Health Care Services • Community Care Nurses • Coventry Home Care

Medicare Certified | Medicaid Licensed CHAP Accredited

All Major Insurances Accepted

Call 401-941-0002 400 Reservoir Avenue Providence, RI 02907 www.capitol-homecare.com www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

1

C O R N E R S TO N E PAY R O L L

Payroll Simplified To simplify your administration and maximize efficiencies, Cornerstone Group offers fully integrated payroll processing.

Our convenient payroll administration features employee self-service; access by phone, fax, email or internet; tax depositing and filing; and general ledger integration.

For more information, go to www.teamcornerstone.com and click on FREE Payroll or call Marco Schiappa at 800-678-1700 Ext. 150.

2

931 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 3001 . Warwick, Rhode Island 02886 . 800.678.1700 . teamcornerstone.com RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Consider taking a personal or professional development course through the Professional Education Center at RWU’s School of Continuing Studies.

This summer, we’re pleased to offer: • Visual Social Media

• Purchasing and Contracting

• Microsoft Office: Excel Certification

• Microsoft Office: Word Certification

For more information on these or any of our offerings, visit us online at scs.rwu.edu/pec

Professional Education Center www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

3

Welcome to the second annual Rhode Island SBA Salute to Small Business special edition. Just as in the past, The Salute to Small Business is a weeklong celebration that highlights the success of many small businesses here in Rhode Island and includes a series of free workshops. These workshops are designed to help business owners on a variety of topics from accounting to power networking, LinkedIn and marketing. There will also be a speed mentoring session on June 5th with experts in the fields of marketing, business operations and management, insurance, finance and accounting, QuickBooks, human resources, business acquisitions and mergers, and business plan writing. This year’s workshop series is presented by Rhode Island SCORE, 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 4th. This event will acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of eight Rhode Island small business owners. The success of these companies is great motivation for those of us who continue to grow our companies and strive for entrepreneurial success.

I would like to personally congratulate this year’s winners for their accomplishments and inspiration.

from the founder

Rhode Island and New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year: Miguelina Dominguez and Roberto Castellano, co-owners RCM Cleaning, LLC, Providence Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: John H. Wood II, owner The Green Grocer, Portsmouth Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Dr. Lori A. Duquette, owner Duquette Family Eye Care, Inc., North Smithfield Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Bianca Alicea, owner ChubbyChicoCharms, LLC, North Providence Rhode Island Microenterprise of the Year: Laura M. Ernst, president Land & Coastal Services, LLC, East Greenwich Rhode Island Financial Services Champion of the Year: Denise DiDonato Rhode Island District Director Award: Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence: Herrick & White Architectural Woodworkers, Cumberland For more information on the Rhode Island Small Business Week list of events, visit our website at www.risbj.com/small-businessweek-2014

4

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

BE IN DEMAND.

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder Kelsey Powers Marketing Consultant John Resnick Marketing Coordinator Mike Casale Senior Designer Pam Walsh Managing Editor Sara Celano Production Assistant Intern Mike DiSano Contributing Writers Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Sara Celano Norm Deragon Adam Harvey Mark S. Hayward George Hemond Lindie Thibodeau Johnson Steven J. King Secretary of State Ralph Mollis Jim Sampson Chris Selwyn Tim Sullivan

P

repare to meet the demands of global business with the Bryant University Graduate School of Business.

University one of the best institutions a

Attend an information session or

student could attend

schedule an individual advising session to learn more about Bryant’s nationally recognized full- and part-time master’s degree programs.

to earn an MBA.” ROBERT FRANEK, PRINCETON REVIEW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT– PUBLISHER

•

Bryant University’s MBA program is named among the best in the country according to the 2013 edition of “The Best 296 Business Schools,” the annual guidebook by the Princeton Review.

•

Bryant University has a powerful network of 40,000 accomplished alumni working in leading organizations across New England and around the world.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Full-time and part-time MBA programs with specializations in Global Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, and International Business

Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) Master of Science in Taxation (MST)

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

“We consider Bryant

To learn more, visit gsb.bryant.edu Bryant University | 1150 Douglas Pike | Smithfield, RI | (401) 232-6230 | gradprog@bryant.edu

©MMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

5

With Neighborhood, there’s nothing small about your business.

The New, Affordable Choice for Small Employers 6

1-855-321-9244 • nhpri.org • RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

contents

volume three issue five

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 Secretary of State Ralph Mollis

20

9 Spotlight on Startups 10 Upcoming Events, Networking and Workshops 11 2014 SBA Award Winners 12 Message from Mark S. Hayward 13 Message from the RI Salute to Small Business Co-Sponsor 14 Pranzi Catering and Events Creates Lasting Memories 16 2014 RI SBA District Director Award – Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts 18 Husband and Wife Use the Center for Women & Enterprise 19 SCORE Guidance Helps Cumberland Firm Thrive

22

20 Bianca Alicea Insists on “Made in America” 22 Army Veteran Uses His Military Experience to Become “The Green Grocer” 24 Laura Ernst Gains Recognition as an Expert 26 Duquette Family Eye Care is More Than a Company Name 28 Denise M. DiDonato is a Champion

30

30 Experienced, Talented Professionals Make Hair, Heart & Soul

47

32 Rhode Island Firm Uses Health Exchange for Employees 34 SBA Rhode Island Participating Lenders 36 Small Business News 41 Tech Talent on Demand 42 401(k) Loans: If it Seems Too Good to Be True…

45 Purge Those Files!

47 Four Ways to Catch Big Fish

ON THE COVER FREE FREE

volume three issue five volume three issue five

2014 SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS

48 Study Shows Only 30% of RI Employers Host Interns 49 Wellness on the Shop Floor 50 Quonset as a Place to Grow Your Business 52 Small Business Directory

Featured Special Edition

2014 Salute To Small Business

WINNERS HONORED FOR Minority-owned Small Business Veteran-owned Small Business Woman-owned Small Business SBA Young Entrepreneur Microenter prise Financial Ser vices Champion District Director Award Entrepreneurial Excellence

1 SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION www.risbj.com | volume two issue nine

50 www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

7

SECRETARY OF STATE | Ralph Mollis

Encouraging Students

to Get Involved in Civic Life

by Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

Once again, I am honored to recognize students from all across Rhode Island with the 2014 Civic Leadership Award.

Showing an understanding of the importance that public service has in a democratic society is key to the success of our community. These students take the principles of civics and put them into action at home and at school, and I am proud to honor their good work.

This year, I was proud to present over one hundred awards to high school seniors before family, friends, faculty, and the public during a ceremony on the North Plaza of the State House, which included guest speaker Congressman David Cicilline, who also presented award recipients with citations.

Earlier this year, our office asked high schools around the state to nominate members of the Class of 2014 who best met the ideals of this prestigious award (public service, leadership ability and academic achievement).

The annual Civic Leadership Awards are given annually to members of the senior class who make outstanding contributions to their school and their community, making all Rhode Islanders proud.

Nearly 70 high schools ranging from Barrington High to Woonsocket High School, nominated seniors for the honor.

This is the eighth consecutive year our office has presented the awards.

Civic Leadership Awards are given annually to members of the senior class who make outstanding contributions to their school and their community 8

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

My goal is to encourage young people to get involved in civic life, which will ultimately inspire underclassmen as well as future generations. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate in the civic life of their school and community is vital to the strength of our democracy.

Photos from the “2014 Civic Leadership Awards” are viewable on our office’s Flickr photo album at: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/secretaryofstatemollis/sets/ The 2014 Civic Leadership Awards is also viewable online at Capitol Television Video on Demand at http://www.rilin.state. ri.us/CapTV/Pages/default.aspx As Secretary of State, I am committed to making it easier to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information on the programs and services offered by the Secretary of State’s office, please visit sos.ri.gov.

Spotlight | STARTUPS

Spotlight on Startups Company Name: Echo Messaging Systems, Inc. Open Date: 2007, Find Me Apps - 2013 Employees: 2 full-time, 2 part-time Address: 198 Chapel St., Lincoln, RI Website: www.echomessaging.com, www.FindMeTornado.com, www.FindMeSafety.com Twitter: @FindMeTornado, @tammyecho Facebook: www.facebook.com/findmetornado Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge for Gerald Deane and Tammy Fuller, co-founders of Echo Messaging Systems, was to balance building a business while being 100% self-funded, and being flexible enough to go in a new direction when the opportunity comes along. Early on, we decided rather than focus on raising money or perfecting a business plan, we would set to the task of building software that small businesses desperately needed, but had no access to.

Profile: Our passion is to improve lives through technology.

Almost a year ago, after the Moore, OK tornados, we were approached by Kim Fuller, Managing Partner Tammy Fuller’s cousin, who is a former FEMA executive and expert in Crisis Management / Public Relations. After growing up with Tammy as children in North Attleboro, Kim, now living in Tulsa, had many close calls living in Tornado Alley.

Kim asked if Echo could create a smartphone app where a person would press a countdown button as they headed into their storm shelter when a tornado was approaching. If the alert wasn’t cleared within 15 minutes, email/text and phone calls with the current GPS would be sent to a preset contact list. Kim knew there were lots of apps to prepare for tornados, but there was a desperate need to assist in finding people after tornados had passed.

We spent 5 years on Echo’s Job Notification Service for business use and found it was perfectly suited to this task.

We created Find Me Tornado Safety App, Find Me Hurricane Safety and the personal security version, Find Me Safety App, as a result. All are available on iTunes and Google Play.

The apps have the additional benefit of working even if cell towers go down because all communications originate from servers out of harm’s way. These apps provide peace of mind to loved ones.

Company Name: Paradigm Media Consultants Open Date: January 2, 2013 Employees: 11 Address: 4060 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 Website: http://pmcne.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradigmmedia Biggest Challenge: “One that really sticks out in my mind was having to build a brand new client base…all over again.

Leaving ‘Corporate America’ to start my own firm with no clients was daunting, to say the least. But it is also invigorating, exciting, challenging and rewarding. It took us a solid year, but we are well on our way!” said Darren Jodoin, President.

Profile: Paradigm Media Consultants in Warwick, RI is seeing unprecedented growth in its first 18 months. Like their name, they pride themselves on helping change paradigms… by providing new ways of looking at or thinking about how clients can reach their customers.

Darren Jodoin, President, spearheads the agency’s consistent growth by providing the connection between customers and partners. Paradigm offers a full-service approach to strategy, planning, marketing, web design and social media. Whether it’s the best of traditional TV, digital, print, or outdoor advertising, Paradigm delivers innovative marketing and media solutions. “It is important that we get to know our clients in order to understand and share their brand vision - and effectively communicate that vision to their customers,” said Jodoin. His customer-focused approach ensures that a client’s message is targeted correctly and that they understand the potential of each form of advertising.

Jodoin acknowledges that it is equally important to understand how the media landscape is changing. “The media world is more diverse than ever before. Paradigm has built long standing relationships with our media partners to ensure that clients have access to the most relevant opportunities – for the best return on investment.”

He explains “whether Paradigm is promoting a product or service we keep a close watch on the numbers…establishing benchmarks and evaluating results to ensure that our service promise is delivered, that it drives results, and exceeds our clients’ expectations.” www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

9

UPCOMING EVENTS NETWORKING AND WORKSHOPS For More Events Visit www.risbj.com JUNE

5

JUNE

17

Thursday, June 5 Newport Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connections: Referral Based Networking 7:45am-9:15am Thursday, June 5 Newport Chamber of Commerce Chamber 101: Learn What the Chamber Has to Offer Sponsored by Swipe for a Cause 8:30am-9:30am

Tuesday, June 17 Centerville Seminar Center Ten Business Practices That Will Change the Way You Organize Your Organization 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 6:30pm-8:00pm

Thursday, June 5 East Bay Chamber of Commerce Why Your Website May Be Losing You Money 2:00pm-3:30pm 16 Cutler St., Warren JUNE

9

JUNE

11

12 10

Tuesday, June 17 Centerville Seminar Center Advanced Lead Generation: List Building 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 2:00pm-4:00pm JUNE

18

Wednesday, June 18 Centerville Seminar Center Quote & Hope is Not a Sales Strategy 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 2:00pm-4:00pm

Wednesday, June 11 Roger Williams University East Bay Chamber of Commerce Meet & Greet Networking 5:30pm-7:00pm

Wednesday, June 18 Centerville Seminar Center Consumer Feedback on a Shoe-String 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 6:30pm-8:30pm

Thursday, June 12 Bristol Rec Center East Bay Chamber of Commerce The SBA Guide to Small Business Resources 9:00am-11:00am

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

JUNE

19

JUNE

19 JUNE

20 JUNE

23 JUNE

24 JUNE

25

Wednesday, June 18 Newport Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Seminar Presented by Chris Barker 8:30am-9:30am

Wednesday, June 11 Centerville Seminar Center Speed Mentoring 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 8:30am-11:00am

Wednesday, June 11 Centerville Seminar Center Time is Money: Taking Charge of Your Schedule and Getting Things Done 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 6:30pm-8:30pm JUNE

Tuesday, June 17 Centerville Seminar Center “Begin with the end in mind” – Stephen R. Covey; for owners with at least five years to go 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 9:00am-11:00am

Monday, June 9 Green Valley Country Club Newport Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament 11:45am lunch, 1:00pm shotgun start Wednesday, June 11 Newport Chamber of Commerce HR Roundtable: Employee Handbook/Policy Manual Presented by Steve Loffredo, KLR and Rebecca McSweeney, City of Newport Sponsored by Health Service Administrators 8:30am-9:30am

Tuesday, June 17 Marble House Terrace Newport Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Luncheon Guest speaker: Brenda Brock, Founder, Farmaesthetics Sponsored by Preservation Society Newport County 12:00pm-1:30pm 596 Bellevue Ave., Newport

Thursday, June 19 Centerville Seminar Center Business Growth Workshop…The Strategic Mindset at Work 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 6:30pm-8:30pm Thursday, June 19 Centerville Seminar Center The Tactical Marketing Roundtable 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 9:00am-11:00am

Thursday, June 19 East Bay Chamber of Commerce Networking 101 Instructor: Peter George 3:00pm-4:00pm 16 Cutler St., Warren Friday, June 20 Centerville Seminar Center My Business Needs Help!

875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 9:00am-11:00am Monday, June 23 Newport Chamber of Commerce Seminar: WordPress for Busy People Presented by David Marlowe, Webpropopuli 8:30am-9:30am Tuesday, June 24 Centerville Seminar Center Effective Business Plan Writing & Finance Boot Camp 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday, June 25 Centerville Seminar Center Introduction to Intuit QuickBooks for Small Business 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 9:00am-11:00am Wednesday, June 25 Centerville Seminar Center Developing Your Company’s New Products Pipeline 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 1:00pm-5:00pm

JUNE

26

Thursday, June 26 James L. Maher Center Newport Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 5:00pm-7:00pm 906 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown Thursday, June 26 Centerville Seminar Center Create your own “Passive Income Stream” $$$ 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5 6:30pm-9:00pm

JUNE

27

Friday, June 27 The Wharf Tavern East Bay Chamber of Commerce Coffee & Commerce: Getting to the Core of Educational Standards 7:30am-9:00am 215 Water St., Warren

2014 SBA Award Winners | SMALL BUSINESS

2014 SBA AWARD WINNERS

RI Small Business Person of the Year

RI SBA District Director Award

Lisa Mattiello, Owner

Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts

Pranzi Catering & Events, Providence

Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence Kenneth Bertram, President Herrick & White Architectural Woodworking, Cumberland

RI Microenterprise of the Year Laura M. Ernst, President Land & Coastal Services, LLC, East Greenwich

RI and NE Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Miguelina Dominguez and Roberto Castellano, Owners RCM Cleaning, Inc., Providence

RI SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year John H. Wood II, Owner/General Manager

Bianca Alicea, Owner Chubby Chico Charms, LLC, North Providence

RI Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Dr, Lori A. Duquette, O.D. Duquette Family Eye Care, Inc., North Smithfield

The Green Grocer, Portsmouth

RI Financial Services Champion of the Year Denise M. DiDonato, VP/Credit Manager Small Business Lending, Freedom National Bank

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

11

2014 SBA WINNERS

Message from Mark S. Hayward District Director U.S. Small Business Administration

The stories about these outstanding honorees are truly inspiring. Please take the time to read them in this special Small Business Week issue.

The Rhode Island Salute to Small Business celebration, held this year from June 2nd through June 6th, provides the opportunity to recognize the contributions of our small business entrepreneurs and appropriately recognizes those small businesses and champions who have distinguished themselves as what I believe are the “best of the best.”

I especially want to thank George Hemond, chair of the Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter, for making this important celebration possible by co-sponsoring the Rhode Island Salute to Small Business. George and his team of small business mentors counsel hundreds of small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs each year. Their vast experience and professionalism have resulted in the creation of countless small businesses.

SCORE certainly recognizes the importance of our annual salute to the state’s small business community.

These small business owners and champions will be honored at the Rhode Island Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, June 4th 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.

12

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

This year, we will honor nine entrepreneurs and a Financial Services Champion. Their accomplishments and dedication to small business are exceptional.

I extend my congratulations to Lisa Mattiello, owner of Pranzi Catering & Events, the 2014 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year.

Once again, Rhode Island is pleased to honor a regional award winner, Roberto Castellano and Miguelina Dominguez, owners of RCM Cleaning in Providence, as the Rhode Island and New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.

The stories about these outstanding honorees are truly inspiring. Please take the time to read them in this special Small Business Week issue.

I also want to acknowledge those businesses and organizations that have supported the co-sponsorship of this year’s event. Without their help and dedication, this annual tribute to the small business community would not be possible.

Whether you have an existing business or are a would-be entrepreneur, the SBA and our resource partners— SCORE, the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center and the Center for Women & Enterprise—are ready to assist you in developing or updating a business plan, creating financial projections, or obtaining access to capital. I urge you to take advantage of these services.

2014 SBA WINNERS

Message From The Rhode Island Salute To Small Business Co-Sponsor

George Hemond, Chair, Joseph G.E. Knight, SCORE Chapter 13 The Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter 13 is honored to co-sponsor the 2014 Rhode Island Salute to Small Business celebration with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SCORE is a national volunteer association that has been a partner of SBA for 50 years. The Rhode Island chapter was founded in 1964 and is one of the first in the nation.

I particularly want to congratulate Ken Bertram, president of Herrick & White Architectural Woodworkers in Cumberland, as this year’s recipient of the Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence.

The 2014 Rhode Island small business honorees are outstanding examples of the entrepreneurial spirit thriving.

Their hard work and perseverance in business are an inspiration to us all. Each winner has their own great story of how they rose to success, and I extend my sincere congratulations and offer my deepest admiration to the champions who advocate on behalf of the small business community.

The Rhode Island Salute to Small Business gives us the opportunity to not only honor our outstanding business owners, but also to reach out to the small business community in the state via a series of no-cost workshops

that will be offered throughout Small Business Week (June 2-6).

Our counselors have years of experience in the business world as executives and entrepreneurs. They are all successful businesspeople who are ready and willing to share their knowledge with you. All counseling sessions are offered at no cost, and are completely confidential. To schedule your session with a SCORE counselor, call (401) 528-4561 or visit our website at www.riscore.org.

throughout Rhode Island, I would like to join the small business community in extending my congratulations to our Small Business Person of the Year, Lisa Mattiello, owner of Pranzi Catering & Events in Providence. I would also like to congratulate our New England regional winner, RCM Cleaning, as the Rhode Island and New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year. Roberto Castellano and Miguelina Dominguez are a shining example of what hard work can accomplish. They are all extremely deserving recipients of the regional recognition.

Last fiscal year, our counselors trained and mentored nearly 1,500 clients in one-on-one settings and our no- or lowcost business workshops are excellent avenues for small business owners and those looking to start a small business to receive invaluable guidance from experienced professionals.

I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to our corporate partners. Without their support and contributions, this great annual event would not be possible.

It is their continued commitment that allows us to recognize the accomplishments of the Rhode Island small business community.

On behalf of the over 40 SCORE volunteers

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

13

2014 SBA WINNERS

2014 RI Small Business Person of the Year

Pranzi Catering and Events creates lasting memories for their clients Any individual who has created a growing business, developed innovative products or services, created jobs, overcame adversity and made contributions to their community may be nominated for the Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year Award.

Lisa Mattiello started her business as a corner luncheonette in 1997; it was the beginning of a lifelong ambition to own and operate a business. From that humble beginning, Lisa opened a catering business that became very successful. Due to its growth, the company’s name changed from Pranzi Catering to Pranzi Catering and Events. Within five years, the business developed into one of the premier catering and event planning firms in Southern New England.

In 2013, the company, together with its team of 45 full-time and more than 100 part-time employees, hosted over 85 weddings and 3,700 corporate and social events.

Mattiello studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University.

Prior to opening her business she managed an Emack & Bolio’s franchise for several years before managing the former Savories in Newport. Lisa then opened her business with the mission of always delivering personalized service. As she enters her 17th year as a business owner, Mattiello’s expertise in creating memorable events and her extraordinary eye for creative detail has earned her numerous awards and recognition within the hospitality industry.

Over the years, Lisa used SBA-guaranteed loans from Freedom National Bank and Citizens Bank to help grow her business.

This year, Lisa took another giant step in the growth of her business by relocating to a larger space in the Silver Lake section of Providence and changing the company name to Pranzi Catering and Events. The building provides 12,000 more square feet of space than the old location on Chalkstone Avenue.

The new location is in proximity to major highways, making it conveniently accessible to both new and current clients.

14

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Although weddings are in the forefront of Pranzi’s business, Lisa and her team of event and culinary professionals continue to execute corporate affairs, elegant weddings and other milestones.

The new facility provides space for consultation offices and tasting suites. Clients now have access to Lisa’s redesigned showroom where they are surrounded by a vast array of linens, centerpieces, fresh floral arrangements, and creative décor.

Couples find comfort and relief as they dine on a mock table scape of their soon-to-be wedding day during a complimentary and private tasting.

Lisa uses a number of “best practices” that have helped her grow the business. For example, Lisa purchases the products her clients request instead of renting them from a third party vendor. By providing clients direct access to her warehouse and catalogue, a bond of trust and appreciation is established that puts clients at ease. Lisa stores her personal cell phone number on clients’ cell phones so they can reach her 24/7. Even after a couple says “I do,” Lisa is frequently called on again to provide custom cakes for their anniversaries and event coordination for baby showers.

Mattiello finds her philanthropic work the most rewarding.

She serves as a community partner to Child & Family, giving back to the community that has greatly contributed to her accomplishments.

As a certified green caterer, Pranzi Catering and Events upholds the standards of this progressive movement and donates its excess food and products to local nondenominational churches throughout the greater Providence area.

For her demonstrated success and growth potential, the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Lisa Mattiello, owner of Pranzi Catering and Events in Providence, as the 2014 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year.

TOGETHER SMALL BUSINESSES ARE

RI’S BIGGEST BUSINESS. “Mereco decided to use the Exchange due to its unique Employee Choice option which enabled our employees to choose from sixteen different plan designs.”

Phil Papoojian, President & COO, Managing Director MERECO

“The employees at Pilgrim Screw made the decision to obtain health coverage through HealthSource RI because we saved enough money on the premiums to fund our health savings accounts.”

NortherN rI Chamber of CommerCe CoNgratulates our sba award wINNers Rhode Island Woman-owned Small Business of the Year: Dr. Lori A. Duquette, owner Duquette Family Eye Care, Inc. North Smithfield Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Bianca Alicea, owner ChubbyChicoCharms, LLC North Providence 6 Blackstone Valley Place Suite 402 Lincoln, RI (401) 334-1000 www.nrichamber.com

Geoff Grove President & CEO PILGRIM SCREW

Coastway is proud to support all of the local businesses that we lend to. Today, we’re especially proud of two of our customers, who have been named 2014 Rhode Island

Small Business Week Award Winners.

As a small business owner, you know that big businesses get all the breaks. That’s why they pay less for pretty much everything – including health insurance. But with HealthSource RI, small businesses can join forces and get a better deal on health and dental insurance.

To find out more call 1-855-840-HSRI, visit HealthSourceRI.com or come by.

Congratulations to: Veteran Owned Small Business

John Wood II, The Green Grocer Woman Owned Small Business

Lori Duquette, Duquette Family Eye Care Your friends at Coastway wish you and your businesses continued success! www.coastway.com

HealthSource RI is the official healthcare portal for the state of Rhode Island. Copyright ® HealthSource RI logo is the trademark and service mark of HealthSource RI. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

Service Relationships Coastway

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

15

2014 SBA WINNERS

2014 RI SBA District Director Award

Lt. Governor

Elizabeth Roberts

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts was inaugurated as the 68th lieutenant governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations on January 2, 2007, making history as the first female elected to the position. She was re-elected to a second term in January 2011.

Prior to taking office, Lt. Gov. Roberts spent over a decade distinguishing herself as one of Rhode Island’s most respected advocates for quality, affordable health care for every family and built a statewide reputation for being a tireless leader on health and medical issues. Throughout her career, she has been a leader in economic development and job growth, pushing for cleaner air and water, stronger schools, and increased attention to our disaster preparedness.

Roberts served in the Rhode Island State Senate from 1997 to 2007 and received the second highest rating in the General Assembly from Common Cause, Rhode Island’s premier government reform organization.

As a senator, she was a uniting force in making insurance more affordable for small businesses by working closely with medical professionals, hospital administrators, insurers, business owners and consumers to find creative solutions to bridge the gap between escalating costs and affordability.

In 2004, she helped create the Office of Health Insurance Commissioner to oversee insurance companies and health care costs and, in 2006, she sponsored legislation to create a public/private partnership to reduce the burden of health care costs on small businesses.

As Lt. Governor, her significant accomplishments in this arena continued, including launching Mission: Healthy RI in 2007, the Rhode Island Healthy Reform Act of 2008, Making it Work: Health Reform in Rhode Island in 2010, and the Healthy RI Implementation Task Force in 2010.

In January, 2011, Governor Chafee signed into executive order the Rhode Island Healthcare Reform Commission and named Lt. Governor Roberts as its Chair, citing Lt. Governor Roberts’ “decades of valuable experience with healthcare-related issues.” As chair of the Healthcare Reform Commission, Lt. Governor Roberts leads more than 150 stakeholders in developing and implementing action steps, timelines, and assignments of lead responsibilities for all healthcare reform efforts; maximizing stakeholder and public engagement; assuring open dialogue with the General Assembly; identifying and removing barriers to and developing incentives for critical healthcare; and identifying workforce capacity and training needs in the private and public sector.

Under Lt. Governor Roberts’ direction, Rhode Island is among the leading states in the country in its establishment of a health benefits exchange, to which she has been a tireless advocate and spokesperson.

Roberts is also a leading voice for expanded biomedical research in Rhode Island. During her first year as lieutenant governor, Roberts released a report on the future of stem cell research in Rhode Island and is currently working to facilitate greater access to stem cells for researchers and patients in

16

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

BusinessLoanAd_New

In 2006, she sponsored legislation to create a public/ private partnership to reduce the burden of health care costs on small businesses

Through Roberts’ leadership, the Small Business Advocacy Council has focused on ensuring that small business owners have a voice in government. The council includes representatives of all Rhode Island’s chambers of commerce, as well as both large and small businesses, which make up over 95 percent of Rhode Island’s economy. The council has focused on the rising costs of health care for employers, state investments in small business development and changes to the fire code to give businesses a voice in the review process.

12:37 PM

Page 1

Business Loans Real Estate • Equipment • Lines of Credit • Easy access to experienced lenders • Local decision making • SBA Certified Lender

Rhode Island through public cord blood donations. Robert has also fostered extensive and effective interstate collaboration through her office’s participation in the Interstate Alliance on Stem Cell Research.

Roberts serves as chair of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, the Small Business Advocacy Council, and the Emergency Management Advisory Council. Through her work with the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, Roberts is pushing to expand community-based care for seniors and people with disabilities. Roberts has also focused on the quality of care provided to persons in the long-term care system, bringing together one of the largest groups of medical professionals in recent history to address the problem of pressure ulcers.

5/8/14

Joe Silva

Despina Izzo

VP/Commercial Lending

AVP/Commercial Lending

401-729-4091

401-495-3720

Some fees and credit restrictions may apply. Loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Lender. Pawtucket Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

401-7 2 2- 2212

800 - 298 - 2212

pcu.org

our mark of distinction…

great legal teams working for you The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

- Aristotle

As chair of the Emergency Management Advisory Council, Roberts has played a key role in working with state emergency management officials and the Rhode Island National Guard to ensure Rhode Island’s preparedness for events like hurricanes and terrorist attacks. Roberts’ close working relationship with the Rhode Island National Guard has been further strengthened through programs like Operation Holiday Cheer, the Military Family Relief Fund, and the Garden of Heroes, a memorial honoring all Rhode Island service members who have lost their lives in the line of service since September 11, 2001.

CONNECTICUT FLORIDA M A SSACHUSET TS

Roberts graduated from Brown University in 1978 and earned an MBA in health care management from Boston University.

Before serving in the Senate, Roberts worked as a business strategy consultant, policy analyst, and health care manager.

She is married to Thomas Roberts, her husband of over 30 years, and together they have two grown children. The Roberts have been residents of Cranston’s Edgewood section for more than 20 years.

NE W RHODE

YORK

ISL AND

PLDW

PANNONE LOPES DEVEREAUX & WEST

401

824

5100

LLC

p l dw.c o m

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

17

2014 SBA WINNERS

Roberto Castellano & Miguelina Dominguez

Like most small businesses, Roberto and Miguelina started with one customer.

Their mission remains the same as when they began the business: to be the most profitable and reliable cleaning company in the state while always maintaining high-quality, fair prices and tailoring their services to meet the needs of each individual client.

Husband And Wife Use The Center For Women & Enterprise

To Help Grow Their Cleaning Business 2014 Rhode Island and New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Any ethnic minority who serves as majority owner of a successful small business may be nominated for the Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Award.

Roberto Castellano and Miguelina Dominguez, a married couple with three children, came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1994 with dreams and ambitions for their future.

Roberto has a degree in marketing and human resources and Miguelina has a degree in business administration and human resources. When they first arrived stateside, the couple worked for a variety of companies. One of Castellano’s jobs was with a cleaning company. He learned the procedures and job functions, and realized that he had the experience and ability to operate his own cleaning company.

Roberto and Miguelina attended business workshops at CWE and learned about business and marketing plans, and CWE assisted in packaging a loan application to obtain a line of credit for the company.

18

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Thus, the couple realized their dream of business ownership when RCM Cleaning opened its doors in 2008. Their target market is high-level organizations with custodial needs. The company provides services 24/7 as needed with a staff of 30 bilingual cleaners.

Today, RCM Cleaning has grown from that one customer to more than 50 national and local accounts. The firm continues to grow because of the effort, responsibility, dedication and loyalty provided to their clients by Roberto, Miguelina and their staff.

Business success just doesn’t happen; it takes hard work and persistence.

Roberto and Miguelina realized this early on and turned to the Center for Women & Enterprise, the SBA’s women’s business center in Rhode Island. CWE provided considerable technical assistance to help the couple establish their business.

Roberto and Miguelina attended business workshops at CWE and learned about business and marketing plans, and CWE assisted in packaging a loan application to obtain a line of credit for the company.

The future looks bright for RCM Cleaning, as Roberto and Miguelina work hard toward fulfilling the company mission of providing quality service to its clients.

For their demonstrated success and potential for growth as a minorityowned small business, the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Roberto Castellano and Miguelina Dominguez, owners of RCM Cleaning in Providence, as the 2014 Rhode Island and New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.

2014 SBA WINNERS

SCORE Guidance

2014 Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Helps Cumberland Firm Thrive In 1977, Herrick & White started as a two-man woodworking shop in a small garage. Today the company occupies a 55,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and employing more than one hundred people. Having completed jobs as far away as London and Tokyo, the firm is widely recognized as one of the finest architectural millwork shops of its kind.

In fact, Herrick & White’s reputation is so well known that ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition reached out to them to help build a new home for a deserving Warwick family in 2008. Naturally, Herrick & White rose to the challenge, with employees working around the clock to produce the millwork for a 3,000-square-foot home that was entirely constructed in just seven days.

From heirloom-quality furniture to exquisitely detailed cabinetry and millwork, Herrick & White’s creations can be found in some of America’s finest homes. Commercial projects include the beautiful curved benches in the Providence Train Station, woodwork at Foxwoods Casino, counters and millwork at several Hampton Inns, as well as counters, bars, and seating at many upscale restaurants throughout the country.

After 30 years of operation, Herrick & White was bought in 2007 by Ken Bertram and his partners, Steve Brannigan and Gary Rousseau, 3 long-term employees.

Shortly thereafter, with a recession looming, Ken realized that while he was a skilled craftsman who could also run dayto-day operations, he had little training in strategic planning and managing the organization’s growth. Hence, he enlisted the assistance of SCORE. SCORE quickly became a resource of experienced businessmen working in an advisory role to this new ownership group. SCORE assisted senior management to help them understand critical financial metrics. They helped make connections with other business

partners in both accounting and human resources and they provided invaluable insight and guidance on challenging business decisions.

Continuous improvement is most definitely part of Herrick & White’s corporate culture. Over the past year, the firm has been implementing lean manufacturing techniques, reengineering the plant’s layout to reduce the steps required to transform raw materials into finished products. Several efficiencies have been created, and the positive impact on the bottom line has already facilitated reinvestment in new equipment and technology.

Ken and his team realize the importance of being a good corporate citizen. Every year, the employees and their families donate their time and creative talents to The North Pole Toy Company, designing and manufacturing wooden toys and games so less fortunate children throughout the community can experience the joy of Christmas.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to join with the Rhode Island SCORE chapter to honor Kenneth Bertram, president of Herrick & White of Cumberland, with the 2014 Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence.

The Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence was created to honor the memory of Joseph G.E. Knight, who passed away in October 2005 at the age of 96. Mr. Knight was one of the founders of SCORE in 1964.

He served as the association’s national chair in 1977 and 1978. The Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter 13 in Providence is the only SCORE chapter in the nation named in honor of an individual.

Mr. Knight dedicated more than 35 years to helping countless entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership through his sage mentoring and expert advice. This award is presented annually.

Kenneth Bertram (Left) President Herrick & White, Cumberland

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

19

2014 SBA WINNERS

BIANCA ALICEA INSISTS ON “MADE IN AMERICA” 2014 Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Chubby Chico Charms was founded in 2005 with $500; a simple, homemade website; a living room full of products; and, most importantly, the vision of Bianca Alicea. Today, Chubby Chico Charms owns a 5,000-square-foot operations facility in North Providence with more than 8,000 exclusive designs and $675,000 in annual sales.

Chubby Chico Charms has evolved from a local manufacturer of simple charms to a full-line, finished jewelry company with sales that span the globe. Bianca is proud to source her

20

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

products from as close to home as possible. Her metal is from Rhode Island, and her packaging is from New York. In fact, every item that goes into her jewelry is from the United States.

Bianca insists on it.

Like many small businesses, Bianca embarked on her dream alongside a trusted friend; in this case, her mother, Alana.

Now, Chubby Chico Charms has grown to include 14 full-time employees, many of whom are also family members. “Three years ago we transitioned from selling only charms, much

Of course, charms are still the company’s mainstay, but a diversified product line has greatly boosted the company’s bottom line

Freedom National Bank Congratulates The 2014 Rhode Island Award Winners 2014 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year Lisa Mattiello, Owner Pranzi Catering & Events, Providence 2014 Rhode Island SBA District Director Award Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts 2014 Rhode Island and New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Roberto Castellano and Miguelina Dominguez, Owners RCM Cleaning, Inc., Providence

of them in bulk, to also selling finished jewelry—necklaces, bracelets, rosary beads, earrings, etc.— and our sales have more than doubled in the past year alone,” states Bianca.

“Of course, charms are still the company’s mainstay, but a diversified product line has greatly boosted the company’s bottom line,” Bianca continues.

2014 Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence Kenneth Bertram, President Herrick & White Architectural Woodworking, Cumberland

While internet sales have been the primary business model for Chubby Chico Charms, the company has recently opened its first retail store in North Providence, with plans for a second location in the Warwick area. Bianca also has her sights set on securing several authorized Chubby Chico Charms retailers and starting a Chica’s Independent Consultant Program, where representatives can host parties to purvey products in a convivial, infectious environment.

2014 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year John H. Wood II, Owner/General Manager The Green Grocer, Portsmouth

Community involvement is a large part of the organization’s culture, as well. In 2013, Chubby Chico Charms launched a fundraising campaign that helps local schools, animal rescues, sports teams, and shelters raise funds for events they would otherwise be unable to coordinate. Additionally, Chubby Chico Charms offers an expandable bangle where 20% of the purchase price is donated to The Autism Project of Rhode Island.

Bianca attributes her success to unwavering family support, invaluable guidance from SCORE, and a desire to enhance Rhode Island’s economy. Others attribute her success to a determined spirit, as well as an uncanny ability to read the marketplace, design relevant jewelry, and offer it at the forefront of social trends.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to present the 2014 Rhode Island Young Entrepreneur Award to Bianca Alicea, founder of Chubby Chico Charms.

2014 Rhode Island SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Bianca Alicea, Owner ChubbyChicoCharms, LLC, North Providence

2014 Rhode Island Microenterprise of the Year Laura M. Ernst, President Land & Coastal Services, LLC, East Greenwich 2014 Rhode Island Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Dr, Lori A. Duquette, O.D. Duquette Family Eye Care, Inc., North Smithfield 2014 Rhode Island Financial Services Champion of the Year Denise M. DiDonato

BE A

BIG FISH IN A LITTLE BANK ...that’s helped build some of Rhode Island’s most successful businesses.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

21

2014 SBA WINNERS

2014 Rhode Island Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

Army Veteran Uses His Military Experience To Become

“The Green Grocer” The Green Grocer is an independent retailer in Portsmouth, specializing in natural and organic food products. The 3,000-square-foot store features a unique connection to local growers by providing Aquidneck Island with a onestop shopping experience for natural and organic foods.

After serving in the U.S. Army for four years, which included a tour of duty in Desert Storm in 1991, John found himself suffering some symptoms of what came to be known as Gulf War Syndrome. A Veterans Administration doctor suggested to John that GWS was actually a form of “environmental illness,” meaning that just like we have an immune system for bacteria and viruses, we also have one for chemicals and environmental toxins. John’s doctor suggested eliminating as many of the environmental toxins from his everyday life as he could and producing a regimen of vitamins and minerals to supplement the body’s deficiencies.

Owner and general manager John Wood started out learning about the natural and organic lifestyle from his wife, Aly.

Prior to opening The Green Grocer, John used his experience as a military cook to enter the restaurant industry, where he

A U.S. armed forces veteran who serves as majority owner of a firm that has been in business at least three years and shows evidence of success in sales and profits, job creation, and has an innovative product or service, may be nominated for the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Award.

22

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

moved up into management in the Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain.

In 2001, John decided to change his career path and became the general manager of Harvest Natural Foods in Newport. Five years later, with financing from Coastway Community Bank and guaranteed by the SBA, John realized his dream of operating a full-service natural and organic food store. The Green Grocer opened its doors in 2007.

The next five years were challenging because the economy took a nosedive and the newly formed business would struggle to keep its footing. It was mainly through support from the community, family and friends and additional financial assistance from Coastway Community Bank and the SBA that John

2014 SBA WINNERS managed to keep the business viable and successful.

Prior to opening the business, John turned to the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center to help fine-tune his business plan so it would be attractive to investors and lenders.

The RISBDC later assisted John with his accounting requirements by teaching him how to use popular accounting software, inviting him to participate in a strategic planning program, and providing assistance with evaluating marketing materials, the company’s website and human resources.

The Green Grocer has had steady growth over the years and currently has 11 employees. Wood projects that the company will generate $1.5 million in sales this year. That is nearly double the sales the company had in the first year of operation.

The focus remains on the quality of the ingredients in products sold by The Green Grocer. He makes certain that the food he sells does not contain trans fats, additives, high-fructose corn syrup, growth hormones, artificial coloring and high sugar content.

The food he sells does not contain trans fats, additives, highfructose corn syrup, growth hormones, artificial coloring and high sugar content.

When John is not in The Green Grocer, he enjoys growing his own organic foods, spending time with his family and camping.

John has realized the dream of owning a full-service natural and organic food store. However, his vision for the future includes expanding beyond 3,000 square feet. He envisions a much larger Green Grocer where customers will come from far and wide to enjoy the absolute best in foods and products, rivaled only by the amazing service he and his team provide.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor John H. Wood II, owner and general manager of The Green Grocer in Portsmouth, with the 2014 Rhode Island Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Award.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

23

2014 SBA WINNERS

2014 Rhode Island Microenterprise of the Year Award

Laura Ernst Gains Recognition as an Expert in the Engineering and Consulting Community 24

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Any individual who founded or owns and operates a microenterprise which received SBA assistance either through loan guarantees or technical assistance providers may be nominated for the Mircoenterprise of the Year Award. A microenterprise is defined as any small business with five or fewer employees, including the owner.

Land & Coastal Services was established in 2008 by Laura M. Ernst as an environmental consulting company specializing in ecological services and water resources management. Laura has over 17 years of experience in coastal and freshwater resource management, with expertise in managing environmental and regulatory requirements for upland, coastal and marine projects.

Island and Massachusetts and is a federally certified woman-owned small business, as well as a federally certified disadvantaged womanowned small business. The company has received financial assistance through an SBA-guaranteed loan from Coastway Community Bank.

Laura started her business during adverse economic conditions, particularly within the hard-hit Rhode Island economy. Despite the challenges of the economic downturn, Ernst made her business a success.

Land & Coastal’s client base includes private clients, municipalities, and state and federal agencies. Most notably, Land & Coastal’s been proud to work with the City of Providence Parks and Recreation, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, U.S.

Land & Coastal is based in East Greenwich, R.I. and has five employees supporting administrative, marketing and technical areas of the company.

The company works with clients in the public and private sectors and has expertise and project experience in permitting commercial and residential property development, project management, energy transmission, transportation, vegetation management, freshwater and coastal habitat restoration, storm water and erosion control management, and watershed planning.

Ernst has a Masters of Arts in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island and previously worked for the URI Coastal Resources Center; the National Marine Fisheries Service Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland; and the State of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. She has spent the past 12 years working as an environmental consultant.

Land & Coastal is based in East Greenwich, R.I. and has five employees supporting administrative, marketing and technical areas of the company. The company’s clients are located in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. Land & Coastal is a certified womanowned and disadvantaged business enterprise in the states of Rhode

Army Natick Soldiers Systems Center, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, private developers and engineering consulting firms.

The fact that these projects are distributed among three states— Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York—reflects Laura’s business acumen. She understands that for her business to succeed, she must endure the hardship of pursuing clients and projects beyond Rhode Island. Her success to date comes from extraordinary internal strength and determination.

Land & Coastal Services provides professional services that assist commercial clients and the government in better managing land and coastal resources in the climate adaptation. It’s an era of both enhanced social awareness and regulatory focus.

For her demonstrated success and potential for future growth, the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Laura M. Ernst, president of Land & Coastal Services, LLC, as the 2014 Rhode Island Microenterprise of the Year. www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

25

2014 SBA WINNERS

2014 RI Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year

Any woman who serves as majority owner of a small business, who developed a growing business, has a threeyear track record of success in revenues and profits, increased job creation, has an innovative product or service, and a demonstrated potential for future growth, may be nominated for the Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award.

Dr. Lori A. Duquette, an optometrist since 1998, purchased an existing optometry practice in Woonsocket in 2010 with financial assistance through Coastway Community Bank and a loan guaranty from the SBA. Dr. Duquette has since obtained several other SBA-backed loans to grow her practice and move to a new location in North Smithfield in 2013.

From the very beginning, Dr. Duquette’s goal was to use stateof-the-art diagnostic and examination instrumentation, yet still maintain the old-fashioned personal touches that are often lost in today’s health care environment. The doctors and staff make it a habit to treat patients the way they would like to be treated.

That generates many word-of-mouth referrals, resulting in business growth. Advanced technology allows the doctors to monitor for medication toxicity in the macula, HIV retinal disease and macular degeneration.

Staffing has also grown to 11 employees over the past two years. The practice now has a second optometrist and two new staff members.

Duquette Family Eye Care has patients of all ages, from infancy to late adulthood. Their oldest patient is 102 years old.

Dr. Duquette and staff care for the patients’ eyes with consideration to the individual’s entire health picture. Many systemic conditions can also affect the eyes and visual system, including, but not limited to, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, thyroid conditions, arthritis, learning disabilities, and Lyme disease.

Duquette Family Eye Care Is More Than A Company Name 26

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Lori is also very active in her community. For the past 14 years, she has been the volunteer clinical director for the Special Olympics Lions’ Club International Opening Eyes Program. The program provides free eye health exams, vision screenings and free eyewear to Special Athletes in the Rhode Island Summer Special Olympics at the University of Rhode Island. She also initiated Rhode Island’s first Young Athletes Opening Eyes Program to provide vision and eye health screenings to the younger athletes who are just starting with the Special Olympics.

Dr. Duquette volunteers at the Rhode Island Free Clinic in Providence as an eye care provider. She is also a member of the Burrillville Lions’ Club.

Lori is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a major in zoology. She is also a graduate of the New England College of Optometry in Boston.

For her demonstrated success as a woman-owned entrepreneur, the U.S. Small Business Administration is honored to present the 2014 Rhode Island Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award to Dr. Lori A. Duquette, president of Duquette Family Eye Care in North Smithfield.

A COMMERCIAL BANK ACTUALLY WILLING TO LEND YOU MONEY Come and get it.

A COMMERCIAL BANK ACTUALLY WILLING TO LEND YOU MONEY Come and get it.

Greenville (401) 949-1600

|

Cumberland (401) 333-3666

|

East Providence (401) 244-6691

|

www.freedomnationalbank.com

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

27

2014 SBA WINNERS

2014 RI Financial Services Champion of the Year

Denise M. DiDonato

is a champion for the small business community Denise DiDonato has served the banking community and Rhode Island borrowers well for the past 30 years.

Holding positions with Textron Financial Corporation, Citizens Financial Group, Bank Rhode Island, Freedom National Bank, and now Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Denise has been dedicated to helping borrowers realize their professional dreams.

As Vice President and Credit Manager of Small Business Lending at Freedom National Bank, Denise was responsible for creating and implementing a new small business lending platform, which quickly boosted Freedom’s standing from Rhode Island’s 16th largest SBA lender in 2012 to Rhode Island’s 3rd largest SBA lender in 2013. The bank’s Board praised Denise for

her professionalism, determination, competence, and financing skills.

Further, her technical knowledge of SBA lending, streamlined approach, and willingness to find ways to turn denials into approvals were all instrumental in her success.

Prior to her tenure at Freedom National Bank, Denise spent several years as Vice President of Small Business Lending at Bank Rhode Island. There, she was responsible for managing an underwriting, processing, and closing staff while underwriting credit requests for small businesses with revenues up to $10,000,000, in addition to servicing a $65,000,000 small business SBA and traditional loan portfolio.

Responsibilities included insuring compliance with all SBA criteria, federal laws and regulations. Denise’s expertise contributed to Bank Rhode Island’s status as Rhode Island’s top SBA lender for both 2010 and 2011. This took place during a recessionary period without any losses exhibited by the bank, further highlighting Denise’s underwriting acumen.

Denise is quick to see the potential in a loan application that could benefit from a bit of fine tuning.

“It’s all about relationships,” she says. If an applicant has a shortfall in collateral and available cash flow, Denise will work to identify other income streams

A strong component of her approach is constant collaboration with SBA resource partners. and additional collateral, and separate what the borrower needs from what the borrower wants. “We can often give the applicant enough of the initial request to benefit the business, and help put a plan in place for the applicant to return for the rest of the funds when the firm is in a better position to repay them,” claims Denise.

A strong component of her approach is constant collaboration with SBA resource partners. Denise often refers borrowers to the Center for Women & Enterprise, SCORE, and the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, relying on their guidance to assist borrowers as they refine their business concepts and prepare fundable business plans.

For her efforts in championing financial services for the small business community, the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to present the 2014 Rhode Island Financial Services Champion of the Year Award to Denise Mary DiDonato.

28

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

ONE RESOURCE for all your voice & data needs.

Business Telephone & Voicemail Systems Security Cameras & Access Control Structured Cabling Computer Network/Servers

www.marcumllp.com

As a national firm, we have never lost sight of our loyalty and commitment to the community in our backyard. With our deep expertise and diverse skill-set, we are able to provide the local business community with a variety of services to help them achieve success.

With over 25 years of experience, CTI has successfully become the one technology resource for hundreds of businesses. We are a one-stop one-resource technology provider. This makes your life easier to manage your IT budget and support costs.

Experienced professionals that work together for you.

Are you Moving… Expanding… Upgrading?

Call today for a free quote. Mention this ad and get 10% off.

401.737.5300 / www.computertelephone.biz

Discover the

Difference

A SSU RANC E I TAX I A DV IS O R Y

International Member of Leading Edge Alliance

Architectural & Landscape Lighting For Your Home and Yard

• Practical legal solutions for your small business.

• Over 60 years of combined legal experience.

• Attorney Kevin B. Murphy served as VP, General Counsel of Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB and Attorney Paul F. Green was formerly SVP, Asst. General Counsel at Textron Financial Corp.

• Together, we represent clients in a variety of corporate matters, as well as the purchase, sale, leasing and financing of commercial real estate.

(401) 432-7000 www.ugotlights.com

401-780-0999

The RI Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law.

The court does not license or certify any lawyers as experts or specialists of any field of practice.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

29

SUCCESS STORY

TEAM OF EXPERIENCED, TALENTED PROFESSIONALS

SUCCESS STORY Hair, Heart & Soul, Inc.

MAKE HAIR, HEART & SOUL A SUCCESS Sarah Redman and her husband Michael purchased Hair, Heart & Soul, Inc. in 2003 and have continued to grow the successful spa and salon with a team of experienced, talented professionals. Hair, Heart & Soul is not your ordinary hair salon. See for yourself by visiting their web site at www. hairheartandsoul.com.

Originally located in 850 square feet of leased space on State Street in Bristol, the Redmans purchased a mixed-use property on Hope Street in Bristol in 2010. The new location consisted of 2,000 square feet of space on the first floor.

In 2011, the Redmans came to South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation seeking financing to expand their business. After receiving one-onone technical assistance from SEED to prepare financial projections, the

30

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Redmans applied for and received a $50,000 SBA Microloan from SEED for working capital and to assist with the purchase of equipment. The microloan allowed Sarah to expand the business to the second and third floor, which now occupies the entire 4,864 square feet.

The expansion allowed Hair, Heart & Soul to provide additional services, such as massage therapy and a wellness studio.

In 2013, the Redmans returned to SEED to seek another $50,000 loan for working capital. SEED is the SBA Microloan Intermediary for Rhode Island.

Hair, Heart & Soul is a one-stop shop with an artistic team of 21 employees that consists of hairstylists, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists, and airbrush sunless tanning professionals. They have also recently added a nutrition program and

SUCCESS STORY empowerment workshop, which educate clients on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Sarah and her team focus their attention on providing excellent service and creating a positive family-like atmosphere, which makes this salon and spa so unique.

According to Sarah, “We simply love making people feel absolutely beautiful on the inside and out.” Hair, Heart & Soul takes their clients on a journey of relaxation and creates a memorable experience. Sarah has recently created a Hair, Heart & Soul Girls Spa Day,

which is designed for girls to enjoy with a friend for a vacation-like day, close to home.

Sarah is also very proud of her salon’s involvement in numerous charities. She founded the Positively Pink Fashion for a Cause event, which benefits breast health awareness and is held annually at her salon.

In addition to giving back to the community, Hair, Heart & Soul also shows appreciation to their clients as well. On Friday, April 11th they held their first Customer Appreciation Night at the salon, where they provided a night of fun with complimentary drinks, appetizers and mini services.

Sarah has been in the spa and salon industry for 14 years as a hairstylist.

She received her cosmetology license from the Arthur Angelo School of Cosmetology and went on to start her stylist training at Christian’s Salon in Providence. Sarah then ventured to Phoenix, Arizona where she worked at Rolf’s Salon & Spa. While in Arizona, Sarah was the hairstylist for the “Morning Makeover” segment every Monday on Good Morning Arizona. She was fortunate enough to have worked with and studied under some of the top stylists in the country, including renowned stylist James Morrison of Toni and Guy Salon Academy.

Sarah and her team focus their attention on providing excellent service and creating a positive familylike atmosphere, which makes this salon and spa so unique.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

31

SUCCESS STORY

Rhode Island Firm U Exchange For E Philip M. Papoojian had some apprehension when he first considered offering the RI Health Insurance Exchange, HealthSource RI, to his employees. Papoojian, president of Mereco Technologies Group Companies in West Warwick, R.I., was concerned that the thirty-two employees would be overwhelmed by having to choose from the sixteen plans offered through the Exchange. Every year, Papoojian, after consulting with insurance brokers, would decide on one or two plans to offer to employees, and the employees had little say in the matter. The portfolio of plans offered by the Exchange promised better employee involvement and choice, as they would now be able to exert some control over their own health insurance destinies.

The constant increases in health insurance premiums over the last ten years remained a major cause of concern to Papoojian. Expenditures on employee health insurance were the second largest expense for the company, and this year, an unbudgeted 9.4 percent composite increase threatened to disrupt the careful financial planning and budgeting that is

32

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

required by small businesses to maintain adequate cash flow to fund the business. Effective on the April 1, 2014 renewal date, the composite increase included a 15 percent increase in the individual plan premium and an almost 20 percent increase in the family plan premium. It was interesting that this composite increase also included a 4.4 percent allocation passed on by the insurer for ACA taxes and fees.

Mereco, a manufacturer of specialty adhesives and coatings for high technology customers, had weathered many economic storms since being founded in 1960, but rampant and totally unpredictable health insurance premium increases continually eroded profits that could be reinvested in the business. The fact that the company was notified about the increases six to eight weeks before the renewal date added to the chaos.

After presentations by both HealthSource RI staff and insurance brokers, Papoojian decided to put the decision to a vote. Employees would be able to vote to use

SUCCESS STORY

The employees of Mereco, by large majority vote, chose to use the Exchange and to utilize full employee choice.

In the end, the employees chose three plans. through the team process of the evaluation of the sixteen plans, the employees became much more health insurance “aware� and have greater control of their own destiny.

Uses Health Employees HealthSourceRI and choose their own health insurance policy, or stay with the current offering of two plans and absorb the 9.4 percent increase.

The employees of Mereco, by large majority vote, chose to use the Exchange and to utilize full employee choice. In the end, the employees chose three plans. They liked the idea of personally having the ability to review the portfolio of sixteen plans and to choose their own plan. This year it was just three plans, but Papoojian expects that employees will expand their participation to consider other plans in the 2015 renewal period, once their familiarity and comfort level with the new Employee Choice option offered by the Exchange is achieved.

Papoojian was aware that, as the employer, he could limit plan offerings through the Exchange, but because the employees voted to go through the Exchange, he wanted to provide them with the widest range of options available, options not available with the prior plan design. By going

Since all of the chosen plans meet the high deductible health plans criteria, Mereco decided to keep the deductible reimbursement program active through an HRA for all participants.

The enrollment process through the Exchange was very smooth, and with the assistance of the Exchange staff, the employees were guided effortlessly through the details. A glitch did occur with the processing of the memberships, but it was attributed to a software problem and was quickly resolved by the Exchange and the insurer.

While it is too early to tell if true cost reduction can be achieved through the pooling of purchasing power and resources behind the Exchange concept, it is certainly possible that employee premium costs can be reduced, sometimes dramatically, by their own personal decisions related to which plan and deductible levels they choose.

Papoojian is convinced that health care cost reductions are beyond the capability of the currently segmented private sector consisting of hospitals, providers, insurers, and the broker community and thinks that the Exchange concept is the last best chance for true health care reform to take place in Rhode Island before cost escalation eventually forces default to a single payer system.

Papoojian noted that Rhode Island is usually rated at the bottom when it comes to business friendliness and economic development, but that its homegrown Exchange has been ranked at or near the top nationally due to its unique and user-friendly design. While not perfect, he thinks it offers Rhode Island the possibility of being Number 1 in something extremely important that carries with it a highly visible national ranking. www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

33

2014 SBA WINNERS

SBA Rhode Island Participating Lenders BankNewport EXP/EE 500 West Main Road Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 Douglas Hanson, Vice President (401) 845-8731 dhanson@banknewport.com

Centreville Savings Bank EXP/EE 1218 Main Street West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893 Karen Flynn, Sr. Vice President, Lending (401) 821-9100 Ext. 5244 kflynn@centrevillebank.com

Bank of America PLP/EXP 111 Westminster Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Kevin P. Tracy, Senior Vice President (401) 278-5520 kevin.p.tracy@baml.com

Citizens Bank PLP/EXP/EE One Citizens Plaza Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Diane Bolusky, Director, SBA Program (401) 282-2027 diane.bolusky@RBSCitizens.com

Bank Rhode Island PLP/EXP/EWCP/EE One Turks Head Place Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Manny Barrows, Senior Vice President (401) 574-1604 mbarrows@bankri.com Scott Lajoie, Vice President (401) 574-1657 slajoie@bankjri.com

Coastway Community Bank PLP/EXP/EWCP/EE One Coastway Plaza Cranston, Rhode Island 02910 Russell Gaston, Commercial Lending Manager (401) 330-1600 rgaston@coastway.com

Bay Colony Development Corporation 504 1601 Trapelo Road Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 David King, Managing Trustee (781) 891-3594 dking@baycolony.org Bristol County Savings Bank PLP/EXP 215 Armistice Boulevard Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860 Joan Medeiros (508) 678-1862 joan.medeiros@bcsbmail.com Stephen M. Hardy (401) 722-8845 smhardy@BCSBmail.com Business Development Company of Rhode Island EXP/EE 40 Westminster Street, Suite 702 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Peter C. Dorsey, Jr., President (401) 351-3036 pdorsey@bdcri.com

34

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Community Investment Corporation 504 2315 Whitney Avenue, Suite 2B Hamden, CT 06518 Gary Toole, Rhode Island Manager (203) 776-6172 Ext. 124 gtoole@ctcic.org Coventry Credit Union EXP 2006 Nooseneck Hill Road P.O. Box 4004 Coventry, Rhode Island 02816 Claudia Flanagan, Director of Commercial Lending (401) 397-1900 ext. 2314 cflanagan@coventrycu.org Dexter Credit Union 934 Dexter Street Central Falls, RI 02863 Richard Smith, President Chief Lending Officer (401) 724-6200 richard.smith@dextercu.org

First Niagara Bank PLP/EXP/EWCP 225 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089 Gary M. Besser, Vice President (413) 747-1395 gary.besser@fnfg.com First Trade Union Bank 1 Harbor Street, Suite 201 Boston, MA 02210 Anina Butler, Vice President, SBA Lending (617) 728-7320 abutler@ftub.com Freedom National Bank PLP/EXP/EE 584 Putnam Pike Greenville, Rhode Island 02828 David Caruso, Vice President (401) 244-6612 dcaruso@freedomnationalbank.com Greenwood Credit Union EXP 2669 Post Road Warwick, Rhode Island 02886 Holly Pettis, Vice President, Commercial Lending (401) 562-2784 hpettis@greenwoodcu.org Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB PLP/EXP/EE 1 Home Loan Plaza, Suite 3 Warwick, Rhode Island 02886 Daniel Murphy, Vice President (800) 223-1700 Ext. 435 dmurphy@homeloanbank.com Independence Bank PLP/EXP/EWCP/EE 1370 South County Trail East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818 Robert A. Catanzaro, President (401) 886-4600 rac@independence-bank.com

SBA Rhode Island Participating Lenders | SMALL BUSINESS

Navigant Credit Union EXP/EWCP/EE 1005 Douglas Pike Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917 Jeffrey P. Cascione, Vice President (401) 233-4716 jcascione@navigantcu.org

Santander Bank PLP/EXP/EWCP/EE One Financial Plaza Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Stephen J. White, SBA Product Manager (617) 953-9135 swhite@santander.us

New England Certified 504 500 Edgewater Drive, Suite 555 Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880 Nancy Gibeau, Loan and Investment Officer (RI MA) (508) 254-7891 cell or (401) 450-0047 ngibeau@bdcnewengland.com

Savings Institute Bank & Trust 100 Bellevue Avenue, P.O. Box 210 Newport, RI 02840 Timothy Burns (401) 608-1679 timothy_burns@banksi.com Christina Feden (401) 608-1691 christina_feden@banksi.com David Williamson (401) 608-1628 david_williamson@banksi.com

Ocean State Business Development Authority 504 155 South Main Street, Suite 403 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Henry Violet, President (401) 454-4630 budv@osbda.com Antonio A. F. Moura, Vice President (401) 454-4560 aafmoura@osbda.com Pawtucket Credit Union EXP 1200 Central Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02861 Joseph Silva, Vice President, Commercial Lending (401) 729-4092 joseph.silva@pcu.org People’s Credit Union EXP 858 West Main Road Middletown, RI 02842 Peter Murray, Business Relationship Manager (401) 846-8930 Ext. 1273 pmurray@peoplescu.org Rockland Trust PLP/EXP 288 Union Street Rockland, Massachusetts 02370 Michael Savage, Senior Vice President (781) 982-6546 michael.savage@rocklandtrust.com George Couto, Vice President, Government Lending (781) 982-6768 george.couto@rocklandtrust.com

South Eastern Economic Development Corporation 504/Microloans 80 Dean Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Maria Gooch-Smith, President mgoochsmith@seedcorp.com Lisa Holmes, Commercial Loan Officer lholmes@seedcorp.com (508) 822-1020 Tamarah Bacon, MicroLoan Manager tbacon@seedcorp.com TD Bank PLP/EXP/EWCP 180 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 David M. Ferreira, Vice President Small Business Relationship Manager (401) 489-5620 david.ferreira@@td.com UPS Capital Business Credit PLP/EXP/EWCP 35 Glenlake Parkway, NE Atlanta, GA 30328 Jack Mello, Senior Policy Credit Officer (877) 263-8772 jmello@ups.com

The Washington Trust Company PLP/EXP/EWCP/EE 23 Broad Street Westerly, Rhode Island 02891 Tom Quinlin, Vice President Retail Lending (401) 348-1301 twquinlin@washtrust.com Wave Federal Credit Union 480 Greenwich Avenue Warwick, RI 02886 David Duprere, Executive Vice President (401) 781-1020 david@wavefcu.org Webster Bank PLP/EXP/EE 100 Westminster Bldg., 50 Kennedy Plaza, Suite 1110 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Anthony Capuano, Senior Vice President (401) 228-2042 acapuano@websterbank.com Bob Polito, Jr., Senior Vice President, Government Guaranteed Lending (860) 612-5433 rpolito@websterbank.com Westerly Community Credit Union EXP/EE 122 Granite Street Westerly, Rhode Island 02891 Michael Lynch, Vice President, Lending (401) 596-7000 Ext. 2116 mlynch@westerlyccu.com Holly DePerry, Small Business Lending and Business Development (401) 637-4436 hdeperry@westerlyccu.com 504: SBA 504 Certified Development Company – Fixed rate loans for real estate and/or M&E purchase or improvement EE: Export Express: Export Express streamlined financing up to $500,000 EXP: SBA Express Lender – Expedited loans up to $350,000 MicroLoans: $50,000 limit up to 5 years to repay with technical assistance PLP: Preferred Lender Program – 1-day turn around from SBA EWCP: Export Working Capital Program Lender – expedited loans up to $5,000,000

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

35

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Bottomline Technologies Acquires Andera

to Extend Digital Banking Platform Providence, RI - Andera is one of Rhode Island’s leading technology companies, providing innovative customer acquisition solutions to banks and credit unions. Recently, the company announced that they are joining forces with New Hampshire-based Bottomline Technologies, a company that focuses on providing banking solutions for businesses of all sizes around the world.

Charlie Kroll, CEO of Andera, started Andera in June 2000 when he was still attending Brown University. The company originally offered web design services, but eventually switched over to financial services after Kroll noticed that all banks required you to go to the branch to apply for accounts and

loans. Kroll knew there had to be a way to make banking easier and more convenient for both customers and banks, so he and his team built a system that allows customers to apply online. In 2011, Andera acquired oFlows to expand their product offerings. The oFlows platform has been named “Best of Show” at Finovate four times and has placed Andera on Bank Technology News’ “Top Ten Tech Companies to Watch” list. It has also helped its over 500 bank and credit union customers process more than 4.5 million new account applications online.

According to Kroll, the $48 million acquisition will not change anything for Andera employees or customers except the speed of product development. “Andera is more experienced with consumer banking and Bottomline Technologies is more experienced with business banking. We plan on taking advantage of our different strengths to create even better products for our customers,” said Kroll.

Currently, Bottomline Technologies provides cloud-based payment, invoice and digital banking solutions to corporations, financial institutions and banks around the world. The company’s solutions are used to streamline, automate and manage processes involving payments, invoicing, global cash management, supply chain finance and transactional documents. Organizations trust Bottomline to meet their needs for cost reduction, competitive differentiation and optimization of working capital.

Kroll says that even before the acquisition, Andera worked well with Bottomline Technologies: “We share a lot of customers because we are in the same industry, so our relationship goes way back. We’ve always known that we’ve had complimentary products, and that there was a lot of opportunity to grow more quickly with an acquisition.”

Now that they are joined together, Kroll says that Bottomline Technologies’ position as a leading provider in digital banking can push Andera to the next level. Overall, Kroll hopes to continue making banking easier for his customers, especially in Rhode Island: “Rhode Island has been great for us; we’ve had a lot of support and encouragement from state entities. We look forward to continuing to be a big presence in Rhode Island while also gaining support from the global public.”

36

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

generationOn Annual Benefit

Alex and Ani; Prudential Financial, Inc.; CBS 2 Anchor Maurice DuBois and wife Andrea; and Six Youth Recipients of Hasbro Community Action Heroes Award GenerationOn, the youth service division of Points of Light, honored lifestyle brand Alex and Ani; Prudential Financial, Inc.; as well as CBS 2 News anchor Maurice DuBois and his wife Andrea for their steadfast commitment to youth service and education at this year’s annual benefit on Thursday, May 8 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, Creative Director, and CEO accepted the award on behalf of Alex and Ani. Special guest Paula Abdul joined generationOn as Alex and Ani’s award presenter. Charles F. Lowrey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, International Businesses, at Prudential accepted the award on behalf of Prudential.

GenerationOn, in partnership with Hasbro, also honored six extraordinary young service leaders from across the country as the recipients of the fifth annual Hasbro Community Action Heroes Award. Olympic Medalist skiing stars Shannon Bahrke and Billy Demong were also on hand to celebrate the evening’s honorees and the nationwide work of generationOn. “I am thrilled and humbled to be honored by such an incredible organization,” says Carolyn Rafaelian, of Alex and Ani. “GenerationOn helps young people to engage in their communities as civic leaders; I’m proud to be recognized by them.”

Alex and Ani, the fastest growing lifestyle brand, is a retailer and producer of made-in-America products, headquartered in Cranston, RI. Charity by Design, a division of Alex and Ani, works with various non-profit organizations to create custom bangles where a portion of the proceeds are donated to those organizations. Since 2011, Charity by Design has donated over $10 million. In partnership with generationOn, the company created the Make Your Mark bangle, which has helped raise awareness and over $93,000.00 for the organization.

“Being able to recognize the essential support provided by individuals and corporations who share the mission of empowering our next generation through service from an early age is both important and thrilling,” says Silda Wall Spitzer, CoFounder of generationOn and Benefit Co-Chair. “Our honorees, Alex and Ani, Prudential Financial, Inc. and Maurice and Andrea DuBois have all contributed significantly in different ways to advance generationOn’s mission to inspire, equip, and mobilize youth to take action that changes the world and themselves through service. And our Hasbro Community Action Heroes are the heroes all kids can become.”

Now in their fifth year, Hasbro and generationOn recognized the extraordinary achievements of six inspiring kids and teens with the Hasbro Community Action Hero Award. As the founding partner, Hasbro supports generationOn by lending its expertise through a multi-year $5 million investment by the Hasbro Children’s Fund.

This critical support helps generationOn provide kids of all ages with the tools and hands-on opportunities to understand the issues in their local and global communities – and become part of the solution.

“Hasbro is grateful to have generationOn as a dedicated partner in the youth service movement,” says Brian Goldner, President and CEO of Hasbro Inc. “The Hasbro Community Action Hero Award winners are stellar examples of the power of young people to make their mark on the world.”

Kevin Arquit, Chair of the generationOn Board, said, “A truly visionary partner, Hasbro has allowed us to reach a whole new audience of children and parents.”

GenerationOn was also proud to recognize Prudential Financial, Inc., which has partnered with the organization and supports generationOn’s service clubs and youth leadership training programs. Prudential is also committed to empowering youth to become leaders through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

“We’re delighted to be honored by such an incredibly inspiring organization,” says Charles F. Lowrey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Prudential’s International Businesses. “GenerationOn’s commitment to giving kids the tools and resources needed to better their communities and the world around them is truly priceless.”

Husband and wife duo, Maurice and Andrea DuBois were honored for their many years of volunteering with the organization, starting with Children for Children which merged with Points of Light to become generationOn. The CBS 2 News anchor recalls kicking off the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day over a decade ago, saying, “It is remarkable to have watched this organization grow in reach and scope to inspire more kids each year. Andrea and I are excited to have two children of our own now to include in this important part of their education as citizens and members of their community.” www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

37

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Director of Health

Approves CVS Application to Operate MinuteClinics in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Michael D. Fine, MD, Rhode Island’s Director of Health, today approved the application of CVS MinuteClinics Diagnostics of Rhode Island, LLC to license seven healthcare facilities in Rhode Island, but with a number of significant conditions attached.

at the lowest cost,” Dr. Fine said. “Primary care practices have been significantly challenged by the necessity of functioning as businesses in a world in which they have no effective market power, while obligated to meet regulated standards of professional practice, and by their own ethical commitments.”

In deciding to approve the license application of the CVS MinuteClinics’ request to open seven MinuteClinic locations in Rhode Island, and in determining the conditions upon which that approval depends, the Department has carefully investigated and considered the effect these services will have on Rhode Islanders’ access to primary care, and on the quality of patients’ relationships with primary care providers within both the MinuteClinics and primary care practice settings.

Accordingly, serious consideration has been given to the issue of MinuteClinics’ potential to erode the underpinnings of the primary care practice model.

In assessing the expediency of conditions of licensure, the state agency addressed concerns regarding (1) potential conflicts and the appearance of conflicts of interest incident to the corporate structure and relationships between pharmacy and prescribers; (2) the potential fragmentation of primary care delivery and effect on the primary care business model; (3) the appropriateness of pediatric care in the MinuteClinic setting, and; (4) patient access for underserved communities.

“Primary care based delivery systems around the nation and around the world create the best population health outcomes

38

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

“CVS is a great Rhode Island company,” Dr. Fine said. “A company whose character, commitment, competence, and standing in the community is well documented. It is likely that these facilities will provide safe and adequate treatment for individuals receiving MinuteClinic services.”

Approval of MinuteClinics’ request for licensure is contingent upon MinuteClinics’ acceptance of the Health Department conditions, which are intended to maintain a level playing field, to protect the health and safety of all Rhode Islanders, to provide access to health services for the traditionally underserved, to prevent conflicts of interest between MinuteClinic prescribers and CVS pharmacy dispensers, to develop a balanced healthcare system, and to ensure the seamless and confidential flow of personal health information to facilitate the best patient care.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Unemployment Rate

Drops to 8.3 percent in April; Jobs up 700 PROVIDENCE, RI – The RI Department of Labor and Training announced today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April 2014 dropped to 8.3 percent, down four-tenths of a percentage point from the March 2014 rate and down one and two-tenths of a percentage point from the April 2013 rate. This is the lowest unemployment rate since August 2008. The unemployment rate is down one percentage point since the beginning of the year.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.3 percent in April 2014, down four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and down one and two-tenths percentage points over the year.

The number of unemployed RI residents—those residents classified as available for and actively seeking employment— was 46,200, down 2,300 from the March figure of 48,500. This represents the ninth consecutive over-the-month decrease and the lowest unemployment level since July 2008. Over the year, the number of unemployed dropped by 6,600.

The number of employed RI residents was up 3,600 over the March figure, increasing to 509,500 in April. Over the year, the number of employed RI residents was up 3,900 from April 2013.

The RI labor force totaled 555,800 in April 2014, up 1,400 from March 2014 but down 2,700 from April 2013.

JOBS BASED IN RHODE ISLAND: Estimated nonfarm payroll in Rhode Island totaled 476,000 in April, reflecting a gain of 700 jobs from the revised March employment estimate of 475,300.

After shedding employment in March, the April rebound marks three out of four months of job gains throughout the year, totaling 4,800 jobs.

The 17,300 jobs reported in the Construction sector in April represent the sector’s largest employment level since May 2009 and 900 more jobs than reported in March.

A gain of 700 jobs was reported in the Health Care & Social Assistance sector as payroll gains were noted in all subsectors.

Large gains were also reported in the Retail Trade sector which added 500 jobs in April. Clothing stores, building material stores and convenience stores all added to their March levels.

Elsewhere, Government employment was up 300, followed

by Financial Activities and Information, each adding 100 jobs.

Employment in Arts, Entertainment & Recreation and Mining and Logging remained unchanged over the month.

Offsetting the April job gains was a loss of 800 jobs reported in the Professional & Business Services sector. The downfall may

be attributed to a lack of hiring which normally occurs during this time of year. Typically, landscaping and tree service companies increase their payrolls in early spring, which may have been interrupted by the amount of precipitation and unseasonably cooler temperatures in April. In addition, the number of jobs added in Employment Services which includes the Temporary Help Services failed to meet prior years’ totals.

Employment in the Accommodation & Food Services sector, which also may have been impacted by the weather, experienced a decline of 300 jobs since March. Smaller job losses were reported in the Educational Services (-200), Wholesale Trade (-200), Other Services (-200), Manufacturing (-100) and Transportation & Utilities (-100) sectors.

Over the year, total nonfarm employment increased by 6,700, as job gains appeared in ten economic sectors, including Construction (+1,300), Professional & Business Services (+1,200), Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (+1,200), Educational Services (+1,100), Retail Trade (+700), Accommodation & Food Services (+600), Manufacturing (+400), Health Care & Social Assistance (+300), Other Services (+300) and Transportation & Utilities (+100). Employment in four sectors; Wholesale Trade (-200), Information (-100), Government (-100) and Financial Activities (-100) were slightly down over the year. Employment in Mining & Logging remained unchanged.

MANUFACTURING: In April 2014, production workers in the Manufacturing sector earned $18.55 per hour, down 6 cents from March 2014 and down 35 cents from April 2013. Manufacturing employees worked an average of 40.7 hours per week in April, up seven-tenths of an hour over the month and up one hour from a year ago.

METHODOLOGY: The unemployment figures are based largely on a survey of households in Rhode Island and measure the unemployment status of people who live in the state.

Unemployment rates prior to 1976 are not recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as official since the methodology used at that time is not comparable to today’s methods. The establishment employment figures are derived from a survey of businesses in Rhode Island and measure the number of jobs in the state.

Rhode Island labor market information is available at www.dlt. ri.gov/lmi. Additional information on procedures for producing CES estimates is available on the BLS web site at http://www.bls.gov/ sae/cesprocs.htm. The May labor force figures are scheduled to be released on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

39

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Winners Named in 2014 RI Business Plan Competition

Ze Chen, includes Yiran Gao and Kangbei Jiang, all of whom are graduate students studying innovation management and entrepreneurship Competition Co-chair Peggy Farrell, partner in the law of firm of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, said, “We had an especially strong group of contenders this year, which made the judging more difficult, but it’s a problem we’re happy to have. It is exciting that so many entrepreneurs with good ideas are looking to establish their businesses in Rhode Island.”

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence-based company that is making an intelligent monitoring system that uses 3-D sensing technology to identify and alert caregivers to changes in behavior was named the top winner in the 2014 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition today, sharing more than $200,000 in prizes with six other winners and finalists.

Nordic Technology Group, co-founded by Erik Wernevi of Providence, was named the Technology winner and received $45,000 in cash and $23,000 in professional and consulting services. Also on the team are co-founder Josh Napoli, Chief Technology Officer; Sheldon Apsell, Vice President of Product Development; and Li Sun, Software Developer.

Added Co-chair Larry Davidson, principal with the Providencebased accounting firm of Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., “We particularly want to thank our sponsors for their generosity, which makes it possible for us to award prizes to help build the next generation of locally-based companies.”

In addition to the winners, finalists in the Entrepreneur track were: •

•

Nordic is already collaborating with two leading senior housing communities, as well as health experts, in Rhode Island to refine and advance its technology.

Entrepreneur and Student track winners were also announced, each of which received $20,000 in cash and services valued at $19,250.

Named Entrepreneur track winner was CompNet Insurance Solutions, led by David Bedard of Providence, which is developing an online quote system that allows businesses of all sizes, particularly smaller companies, to get immediate quotes on workers’ compensation insurance, thereby eliminating the need for an insurance broker. Also on his team are Matthew Flanagan and Marc Stein.

Named Student track winner was Dual Server Cooling, a team from Brown University that is using licensed technology to develop a new approach to cooling data centers that is 40 times more efficient, with lower implementation cost, than current data center cooling technologies. The group, led by

40

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

KloudBook, a social network for sharing personal contact information that is aiming to become the universal way to look-up any colleague’s mobile number or email address.

StormTree, which has created a “tree filter system” for managing storm water run-off that integrates trees with storm water collection as a sustainable alternative to traditional underground pipe systems.

Finalists in the Student track were: • •

MedSynergies is developing an affordable, prescreening test that uses biomarkers to detect the onset of lung cancer at its early and treatable stages.

Pronto is developing a smartphone application for ordering and paying orders at full-service restaurants.

Finalists in both tracks received $7,000 in cash and services valued at $7,250 The 2014 competition attracted 75 business plans that spanned biotech, consumer, health care, information technology, manufacturing, retail, and software markets. This year marked the eleventh time the competition has been held since first awarding prizes in 2001. To date, it has awarded more than $1.6 million in prizes.

Tech Talent on Demand | SMALL BUSINESS

TECH TALENT ON DEMAND Call for IT Employers: C#, Business Management, Agile Project Management, and Experiential Learning Highlight Tech Collective’s Industry-Guided IT On Demand Program.

by Chris Selwyn

If there is one word to describe the IT industry, it is “innovative.”

So when it comes to its talent shortage, what better way for the industry to meet its need than to practice what it preaches?

Step in: Tech Collective’s IT On Demand program. Last December, 15 previously unemployed IT professionals completed the IT On Demand program and became employed by Rhode Island IT companies. In a state with the highest unemployment rate, 15 new employees adding to the growth, capacity, and innovation of Rhode Island companies is something to celebrate – and replicate. So we are going to.

IT ON DEMAND OVERVIEW Designed and delivered with industry involvement, IT On Demand provides unemployed IT practitioners with technical, business, and experiential training. IT On Demand is geared towards workers with prior IT knowledge and experience. The 14-week program aims to advance participants’ technical and business skill set and prepare them to re-enter the workforce at the mid-level.

The 2014 IT On Demand program will begin in July and is supported

by Workforce Solutions of Providence/ Cranston and the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island, with funds provided by a grant from the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training and the US Department of Labor. IT On Demand training will include: •

•

• •

C# Programming – with Visual Studio 2010 and an introduction to Object Oriented Programming. Training provided by New Horizons (certificate of completion will be provided).

Business Management Certificate with Agile Project Management – Leadership, Customer Service, Communication Skills, Critical Thinking, and Agile Project Management. Training provided by Bryant University Executive Development Center (certificate of completion will be provided; 6.0 CEU’s).

Industry and Job Readiness – RI IT Industry overview and job search, resume writing, and interviewing techniques provided by Tech Collective.

Experiential Learning – 8 weeks, hosted by a RI IT employer. Each participant will have previous IT experience

in various capacities and each will have completed the technical and business components of the program.

CALL FOR EMPLOYERS Tech Collective is currently calling for employer involvement.

Providing insights and guidance, employers can be part of one or several components of the program, including: selecting program participants through face-to-face meet and greet interviews and a technical challenge; providing company tours or class presentations; attending a mid-session networking event; and/or hosting an IT On Demand participant for an 8-week experiential learning opportunity.

IT On Demand is successful because it is agile and responsive, and led predominately by the needs and input of Rhode Island tech employers. Last year, more than 10 companies not only benefited from this program, but contributed to it. These were leaders who stepped outside of traditional workforce and training models to make a change and make a difference. For example, Carousel Industries was one such company. As Carousel Convergence Supervisor, Jenn Ward, put it: “Carousel is privileged to be among the tech companies who were involved in this endeavor to better the lives of unemployed, yet highly skilled IT professionals – and to better our own team at the same time.”

Similarly, IT On Demand participant, Philip Terrien, who completed his experiential learning component at Envision Technology Advisors, shared how the program had changed his life at the IT On Demand Graduation in December: “In Rhode Island, we are lucky to have businesses becoming creative in their talent search and finding untapped resources through programs like IT On Demand… In the last eight weeks I have earned three valuable certifications, but even more importantly, I have expanded my professional network exponentially. I have discovered that I have an ability to run effective team meetings and organize projects through my business management training at Bryant University. I didn’t know I could do that.”

Tech Collective is proud to offer these opportunities again to Rhode Island’s industry and workforce. Our state faces many challenges, now is the time for employers to continue to lead some of the innovative and successful programs happening here.

IT on Demand is one of those success stories.

Chris Selwyn Industry Career Advisor Tech Collective

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

41

SMALL BUSINESS | 401(k) Loans: If It Seems Too Good To Be True...

401 (k) Loans: I f I t S e e m s To o G o o d To B e Tr u e . . .

by Jim Sampson

could actually work in their favor.) And if an employee borrows money from their cookie jar or under the mattress, would they pay themselves back with interest?

Probably not. More importantly, the employee must make those repayments to their account with after-tax money.

Remember, the employee put the money into the account with pre-tax dollars, which will be taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal at retirement. So, they will end up paying taxes twice on the money borrowed, and then paid back to their account. And that’s not even the worst thing that could happen.

Employees who have invested money in their company’s 401(k) program have likely wondered when they would actually see that money again. One possibility for access is a loan on the employee’s account.

Many plans offer a loan provision (roughly 88%, according to a recent Employee Benefit Research Institute study), even though they are not required to. But while loans can seem like an easy way to obtain funds in a pinch, there are key considerations employees need to be aware of.

•

The Bad: Once the employee borrows the money, it’s no longer working for them in their investment choices.

(Conversely, if the market were to go down while the employee’s money is out of the account, this fact

40

1(

k)

•

The Good: The benefits of taking a 401(k) loan are welldocumented. Employees don’t need to deal with any creditors or banks to “approve” whether they can access money or determine what interest rate they are eligible for. Instead, the interest rate is set, usually at Prime + 1, for the entire plan, and employees simply need to sign the appropriate forms. When the employee’s check arrives in the mail a week or two later, no taxes are withdrawn and no 10% penalty is deducted (withdrawals from a 401(k) prior to age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% pre-retirement penalty). The employee can pay the loan back through payroll deduction, so they don’t need to worry about missing a payment. And they even pay themselves back the interest. Sounds like a pretty good deal, right? Not so fast.

•

The Ugly: Let’s say an employee has an outstanding loan and leaves the company. They’ll have 60-90 days (depending on the plan’s provisions) to repay the outstanding amount in full to avoid having the loan go into default. Chances are that the employee doesn’t have that money lying around to cover the amount. And the money borrowed was probably used for something specific, so it has already been spent. So what happens when the loan defaults? The entire outstanding amount becomes taxable income to the employee for that year. In essence, the employee is taxed for “income” they don’t have. And if the employee was expecting that refund come tax time, they may want to make other plans.

From an employer’s standpoint, loans can be a convenient feature to offer employees. But if not administered correctly, they can become a big headache. It’s important to start loan repayments on time, per the amortization schedule. Not following that schedule is where many problems start. Another best practice tip is to only offer one outstanding loan at a time, without the option to re-finance. Plans could also limit loans for the purpose of a financial hardship, which can help to avoid having the loan feature feel like a revolving door.

When used properly, a loan feature can be a nice safety net for an employee who might hit a financial snag, especially if they are prepared for what could go wrong.

They will end up paying taxes twice on the money borrowed, and then paid back to their account.

And that’s not even the worst thing that could happen.

42

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Jim Sampson Managing Principal Cornerstone Retirement Advisors

Dedication to excellence

since 1991

Home Maker Services Light Housekeeping, Dusting, Vacuuming, Laundry, Meal Preparation and Grocery Shopping

tom Full & Partial Restorations/Concourse or Cus

Rod Classic, Muscle cars & Trucks, ProTouring, Hot rical Full Mechanicals - Engine Rebuilding/Elect ir/Stock & Custom Interiors In-house Body & Paint/Fabrication & Rust Repa RE ARTICLES MANY NATIONAL AWARDS & MAGAZINE FEATU

Home Health Aide Services Bathing, Dressing, Feeding, Range of Motion Exercise and more.

Working in close co-operation with your physician, as part of the health care team, Phenix Home Care provides complete home care services.

35 Railroad Street Slatersville, RI

401.762.5544 | xtremerestorations.com

227 Phenix Avenue Cranston, RI 02920

Tel 401.943.6230 Fax 401.943.6265

SERVICING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SINCE 2005 GRAPHIC DESIGN

CONTENT MANAGEMENT

RESPONSIVE WEBSITES

MOBILE APPS

Congrats to the sBa winners

Call 401.566.3000 www.scandiaconsulting.com www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

43

the most important member of our home care network is...

you.

Dedication to excellence since 1991

Home Maker Services Light Housekeeping, Dusting, Vacuuming, Laundry, Meal Preparation and Grocery Shopping

Health Aide Services Bathing, Dressing, Feeding, Range of Motion Exercise and more.

960 Tiogue Avenue Coventry RI 02816 Tel 401.823.5100 | Fax 401.823.0897

44

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Purge those files! | SMALL BUSINESS

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

This is a great time of year to purge your files! You know it’s time to purge your files when you go to open the file drawer and you struggle to squeeze one piece of paper into it. How much paper has fallen behind the cabinet that you haven’t bothered to grab?

Your files are so tightly packed that when you go to pull out a file you need to wiggle it out. You even manage to slice your finger on a file folder. Those paper cuts hurt!

How is your filing system working for you? Does it need some tweaking? Have you found duplicate category folders? Do you even know what is in most of those folders? Did you take over somebody else’s desk this past year and they left all their files in the desk? Have you been functioning all year with those files and haven’t needed to grab any of them?

When was the last time you took an inventory of your files?

It’s time to get to work in your office and clear out the old and make way for the new instead of jamming papers into an already crammed file drawer.

I know this may seem like a tedious task, and actually two of my clients this past week said to me that they had more important things to do than clean out their files. My question to them was, how much time have you wasted searching for a file?

You want to be as efficient and productive as possible and if your files are weighing you down, it’s time to purge. If you do this every year, it’s going to be a breeze and only take half the time you think it will. Yes, it’s going to take you a while if you haven’t gone through your files in years. Think about how much easier it’s going to be next year. Also, think about how efficient and productive you will be this year now that your files are in order.

If you have questions about keeping certain financial documents, give your accountant a call. Make your own decisions on personal documents and files that you no longer think you need. Think about the last time you needed to refer to them. Are the forms now obsolete? You can make a pretty good guess about whether you need to keep or ditch something.

Also, if you haven’t been functioning well with your filing system, now is the time to set up a new working organized system. You are already working on taking files out of drawers, so take it to the next step and re-organize. Empty out all the file drawers. Think about how you want to function with your files. Think about how you grab certain files and which files you want closest to you.

If you don’t even have a system for your files and all papers are just shoved into a drawer, take this time to take everything out of those drawers, purge, and categorize what you are keeping and develop a working, organized system based around how you function.

Once you purge and re-organize files, you are going to feel like a weight has been lifted. You will be motivated and energized to continue organizing the rest of your office.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing in RI, LLC

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

45

AVA I L A B L E P RO P E RT I E S

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 $105,000

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. $2,500/mo.

1950 South County Trail, East Greenwich: 20,000 SF warehouse space with 5 dock height doors, 24’ clear height. Ample Parking, Located off Route 2, Great Access to Route 4. Lease at $5 psf.

6 Jefferson Drive, Coventry:

Attention: Investors and 1031 facilitators... Solid National Tenants in this like new office, production, and distribution space. Lead tenant is Neptune-Benson, a leading supplier of commercial water filtration systems. Ryan-Herco is secondary tenant who is a major supplier of parts that support Neptune-Benson. Synergistic relationship adds to already stable companies and likelihood for long term tenancy.

Approx. 9% CAP, $4,250,000.

963 Victory Highway, Mapleville:

111 Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich:

2220 South County Trail, East Greenwich:

2240 South County Trail, East Greenwich:

Post Office. Great investment opportunity!; stand alone building, with long-term USPO lease and other income units with upside potential. The front of the building has been divided into a retail/ studio, garage, and apartment.. The entrance to the post office is in the back of the building, where there another garage, and large parking lot. Approx. 9% CAP, $579,000

One year lease offers buyer(s) time and income to space plan & seek permits. Close to Exit 7 on Rte 4 across from Stanley Bostich and adjacent Stork’s Nest Child Academy.

Lease at $14 psf.

Commercial • Investment • Residential

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

All spaces include utilities except warehouse. Warehouse space includes 1,200 SF of office space and shared loading dock.Located in expanding business park with ample parking. Quiet, wooded site. Direct highway access to Route 4.

On Route 2, near intersection of 402 (Frenchtown Rd.).

6-12 sq ft warehouse from $6 psf. Call for details.

111 Airport Road, Warwick:

Very nice 2nd floor office space near Hoxsie 4 corners. Tastefully decorated, good paint & carpet, possible office furnishings (nice stuff!) Three offices, conference, reception, lav., plus large basement storage. $180/month condo fee. $77,500

222 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick:

Class “a” law office includes conference room, 4 private offices, lavette, reception, storage, kitchen. over 1450 sq ft, plus 500 sq ft storage! Reduced $179,900

N CTIO EDU R E HUG

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!

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

2,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. flex space for lease. Warehouse, office, classrooms, thearte, recreational, 6 acre site with 500’ front on route 3 land lease available for outdoor storage, nursery greenhouse, ect. Only 1.2 mile from Exit 6. Next to retail plaza. From $5 psf.

Many more Commercial Properties

www.RemaxCommercialRI.com or email Jeff Butler at jab@ButlerRealty.us Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977 Looking to Buy or Lease? Call the Butler!

46

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Four Ways To Catch Big Fish | SMALL BUSINESS

FOUR WAYS TO CATCH

BIG FISH

by Adam Harvey

If you’re a small business owner just starting out, you’re probably wondering how on earth you’ll ever get from where you are now to the point where you’re able to catch the attention of some big customers. It takes strategy and creativity to distinguish yourself, but it is absolutely possible to get big time clients by following these tips.

Take risks and put yourself out there—even when it’s scary.

When the founder of my company started out, she was just a young woman in college doing part-time freelance work. She was producing some really amazing stuff—stuff that large creative agencies weren’t doing. Because of the quality of her work and her willingness to put herself out there, she quickly established a reputation for herself and her clients became bigger—all before finishing college!

In her case, it was her sheer courage to go for it even though it was scary that landed her the big accounts. Her designs were great and different, but they never would have been recognized had she not had the courage to put them out there so that people could see that.

BUILD YOUR REPUTATION AS AN EXPERT One way that I have been able to establish myself as a “go-to” person in the tech world is to get out there and start talking about what I know. I write blog posts and print pieces for a variety of publications, and I participate on panels at conferences, lending my expertise and giving advice on a variety of topics that are near and dear to me. I’ve even spoken to classes at local colleges to help establish my reputation as an expert.

I cannot tell you how many leads I’ve gotten by doing this. If you’re that person up there talking (or writing) about what you

know and love, you’re going to get some attention from all kinds of places.

DONATE YOUR TIME Another part of establishing your reputation has to do with simply getting out there and meeting people. Start by getting involved with your local community. Participate on a committee or an executive board for a non-profit you feel passionate about. Go to networking events and get to know all kinds of people. The folks you meet will be extremely valuable resources for you and will bring in a lot of business. What’s more is that you can help them just as much as they can help you. It never hurts to surround yourself with a circle of good mojo within the community.

HAVE YOUR ACT TOGETHER A very small company can seem much larger and mature if it can project an air of sophistication. One of the biggest tools to help you do that is your website. Having a well thought out, easy to use and mobile-friendly website will speak volumes about your company and what you stand for. Make sure the elements of your site are consistent with your brand and that your content (images and text) are professional and polished.

HIRE SMART PEOPLE Another thing that can help a lot is hiring people who will represent you well. Every representative from your company needs to fit into your brand and project that important sense of professionalism, maturity and sophistication.

Every business owner knows that in order to grow and succeed, you’ve got to put yourself out there. So, don’t be afraid to go after the big fish. Use these tips to help you cast your line and see what you can catch!

Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

47

SMALL BUSINESS | Study Shows Only 30% Of Ri Employers Host Interns

STUDY SHOWS

ONLY 30%

by Lindie Thibodeau Johnson

bRIdge.jobs, a program of the RI Student Loan Authority (RISLA), the Governor’s Workforce Board, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of RI, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Rhode Island’s public colleges and universities, and the RI Partnership Project, released findings of an independent study that demonstrates the importance internships have on hiring decisions, but a relative lack of participation among local employers.

The study, conducted by GreatBlue Research on behalf of bRIdge.jobs, showed that only 30% of Rhode Island employers with more than three employees hosted interns. However, of that same group, 91% of employers felt that internships were either very or somewhat beneficial on a job applicant’s resume. The study shows that employers recognize the valuable role internships play in the preparation of the state’s workforce, but many have yet to come forward to help increase the number of internship opportunities available to students and adults.

RISLA and its partners are aggressively working to develop new internship opportunities as a way to spur job creation and improve the state’s economy. This bRidge.jobs initiative is fueled by a $100,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation as part of the Make It Happen RI campaign.

“We believe many of the barriers employers cited in the study for not providing an internship can be overcome,” said Charles Kelley, Executive Director of Rhode Island Student Loan Authority.

“This survey demonstrates there is an enormous opportunity for internship growth in Rhode Island.”

Common reasons cited as barriers keeping employers from hiring interns were they don’t need interns (19.3%), can’t afford to pay an intern (15.6%), and don’t have the time/resources to train or supervise an intern (11.3%). Additional barriers included difficulty finding the right talent, not knowing how to structure

48

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

an internship, not knowing how to post a listing, or concern about legal issues regarding interns.

Three-fifths of business respondents (60.8%) noted that they were very likely or somewhat likely to offer an internship moving forward if the barrier they noted was able to be overcome. The Governor’s Workforce Board offers a Work Immersion program, which provides matching funds to employers offering paid internship opportunities, and can help remove the barrier of affordability. Meanwhile, bRIdge. jobs offers help overcoming many of the employers’ other concerns. “bRIdge.jobs offers employers a breadth of resources to help them with the development of an internship program, including in-person seminars and downloadable guides that demonstrate how employers can attract the right talent,” Kelley said.

Of the respondents who did offer internships, the two most frequently reported reasons for hosting interns were ability to offer educational opportunities for interns (45.1%) and ability to offer workplace experience for interns (35.3%).

26.5% of respondents noted that the ability to recruit and evaluate potential future employees was also a motivator for offering internship opportunities.

“Internships are not just for college students. Many RI businesses have found excellent employees by offering internships to unemployed workers,” said Rick Brooks, Executive Director of the Governor’s Workforce Board. “Internships give businesses the opportunity to try out prospective employees, while giving unemployed workers a chance to demonstrate their skills and motivation.”

When asked, 61% of respondents indicated they would be willing to hire an unemployed adult if the right fit emerged.

“In addition to doing a good deed, it’s good business to hire interns,” stated Janet Raymond, Senior Vice President of Economic Development & Operations at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “It can be a wonderful recruitment tool.”

OF RI EMPLOYERS

HOST INTERNS

70.5% of respondents noted that internships always, usually or sometimes result in part or full-time employment at the organization.

The bRIdge.jobs campaign was launched to encourage work-based learning for students, youth, and adult learners throughout Rhode Island. The objective of the program is to increase the work readiness, knowledge, and skills of the current and emerging workforce in the state, while giving students and adults greater opportunities to remain in RI and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

However, the study showed employer awareness of bRIdge.jobs is still low, with 87% of respondents noting they were not at all aware of the website. Similarly, 84% of respondents were unaware of the Governor’s Workforce Board Work Immersion program.

“We are hoping these results help make more employers aware of the tools available to help with internship programs, with the ultimate purpose of keeping talent in Rhode Island and growing local businesses,” said Neil Steinberg, President & CEO of RI Foundation.

Lindie Thibodeau Johnson Rhode Island Student Loan Authority

INDEPENDENCE BANK Subordinated Commercial Debt Program! $50K - $150K financing 10 year amortization 6% interest*

Fast, easy qualifications! Funding in as little as 10 business days!

Apply Today At: www.CoolCashConnect.com

or call Chuck 401.471.6328 *Variable rate, WSJ Prime rate + 2.75%, Currently 6%

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

49

SMALL BUSINESS | Tenant Expansions Showing Quonset as a Place to Grow Your Business

Tenant Expansions Showing Quon

by Steven J. King

2014 is underway and so are several new projects at Quonset Business Park. Some are with new companies that we are welcoming to the Park for the first time, while others are projects launched by tenants that have been here for years.

Both are an indication that the more than 175 companies and 9,500 individuals that work here continue to see Quonset as a smart place to grow a successful business.

Who are these companies that recognize the value in our world-class infrastructure, newly adopted lease incentives, and the consistent and predictable environment we offer?

Take a look: Electric Boat: A major accomplishment for us in 2013 was the 25-year extension and 42-acre expansion of Electric Boat’s lease. This transaction provides for stability and growth, allowing EB to add 600,000 square feet of building space

50

| rhode island smallbusiness businessjournal journal RISBJ | rhode island small

and up to 3,000 more jobs over the next ten years for the construction of Ohio class replacement submarines. Later this year, Electric Boat will break ground on a new 111,000 SF building as they begin their expansion project.

SUPFINA MACHINE CO., INC.: One of the leading machine-tool manufacturers in the state, Supfina broke ground in 2013 on a project to expand its 31,134-square-foot facility to more than 50,000 square feet. The expansion will give the company the potential to grow to $25 million in annual revenue from an average of $12 million, and potentially boost its workforce from approximately 45 to 70 individuals over the next few years.

BANKNEWPORT: In September 2013, the bank broke ground on a new 2,000-square-foot branch to be located on Gate Road in front of The Shops at Quonset. The branch will offer easy access for customers with two drive-thru lanes, one of which will have a drive-thru ATM. Set to open this spring,

Tenant Expansions Showing Quonset as a Place to Grow Your Business | SMALL BUSINESS

nset as a Place to Grow Your Business

The Quonset Development Corporation will break ground on its second small business incubator office building, as part of its Gateway Offices initiative later this spring the building itself will feature the tower that is consistent with BankNewport’s East Greenwich, Narragansett, and other North Kingstown branches.

TORAY PLASTICS AMERICA: One of Quonset’s oldest tenants, the fine thin film producer has embarked upon an ambitious $20 million Co-Generation project which will help create 7.5 MW of new natural gas fired power generation for on-site consumption. As part of the effort, the specially designed overweight components were off-loaded at the Port of Davisville after arriving from Japan and transported by rail to Toray’s location within the Park.

FRESHWAVE: Frozen yogurt is coming to Quonset! This spring, a Fresh Wave franchise will open within the Quonset Gateway District, just in time for the summer ice cream season.

The business has leased a 1,285-square-foot location within The Shops at Quonset, and will be featured alongside current tenants Dave’s Marketplace, Kohl’s, Sally Beauty, Verizon

Wireless, Subway, HomeGoods, SuperCuts and Central Nails.

Those are just some of the tenant projects underway at Quonset right now. In addition, the Quonset Development Corporation will break ground on its second small business incubator office building, as part of its Gateway Offices initiative later this spring. The first 14,300-square-foot building was opened in September 2013 and was fully leased within six weeks. Stay tuned for more details on Phase 2 in the months ahead.

The QDC is committed to helping businesses at Quonset succeed and creating the right environment that will bring more jobs to Rhode Island. With the arrival of more businesses and many current tenants expanding, we believe we are achieving that goal and will continue to pursue it without delay.

Steven J. King, PE, Managing Director Quonset Development Corporation

www.risbj.com five www.risbj.com| | volume three issue one

51

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

local small bus APPAREL

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

J Hilburn Contact: Rae Medgyesy Rae.Medgysey@jhilburnpartner.com www.Jhilburn.com 3 Wagon Lane Attleboro, MA 02703 401-258-3656

Butler Realty www.butlerrealty.us jab@butlerrealty.us Contact: Jeff Butler 655 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 401-884-6050

BUSINESS SERVICES The Business Develoment Company pdorsey@bdcri.com www.bdcri.com Contact: Peter Dorsey 40 Westminster Street, Suite 702 Providence, RI 02903 401-351-3036 Lyoness America (Local Loyalty Partners) www.lyoness.net/us Localloyaltypartners@gmail.com Contact: Ernie Pitochelli 130 Darwin Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 401-368-6911

COACHING & CONSULTING Redwood Environmental Group Gkaufman@redwoodenv.com www.redwoodenv.com Contact: Gary Kaufman 10 Elmgrove Avenue Providence, RI 02906 401-270-7000 The Growth Coach D.Marantz@thegrowthcoach.com www.thegrowthcoach.com/dmarantz Contact: Daniel Marantz 33 Urso Drive Westerly, RI 02891 401-612-4769

MG Commercial www.mgcommercial.com mike@mgcommercial.com Contact: Mike Giuttari 365 Eddy Street Providence, RI 02903 401-751-3200 Scotti & Associates www.scottirealestate.com pmbgs@scottire.net Contact: Peter Scotti 246 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 401-421-8888

DESIGN & MARKETING Artinium, Inc. www.artiniuminc.com Darren@Artiniuminc.com Contact: Darren Marinelli 5 Division Street, Building D, 2nd Floor Warwick, RI 02818 401-729-1997 Big Fish Results www.bigfishresults.com Tony@BigFishResults.com Tony Guarnaccia 5 Division Street Warwick, RI 02886 401-484-8736

DISASTER RECOVERY Lynch’s Cleaning & Restoration www.lynchsrestoration.com

52

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Contact : Shawn Lynch 25 Starline Way Cranston, RI 02920 401-464-8937 PuroClean Disaster Restoration www.purocleanri.com Tabbruzzese@puroclean.com Contact: Terri Abbruzzese 5 Minnesota Avenue Warwick, RI 02888 401-633-5565

ENERGY Super Green Solutions www.supergreensolutions.com Robert Cagnetta 300 Quaker Lane, Box # 6 Warwick, RI 02886 401-932-1985

FINANCE J.P. Matrullo Financial www.jpmatrullofinancial.com jpmatrullo@matrullofinancial.com Contact: Jonathan Matrullo 10 Orms Street, Suite 410 Providence, RI 02904 401-276-8788 Morgan Stanley www.morganstanley.com Rick.Bellow@ms.com Contact: Rick Bellows 1 Financial Plaza, 19th Floor Providence, RI 02903 401-863-8400 The Ameriprise Financial Planning www.ameripriseadvisors.com/Eric.Coury Eric.Coury@ampf.com Contact: Eric Coury 1 Citizens Plaza, S. 610 Providence, RI 029O3 401-996-7660

Want To Get Your Busines Email sales@risbj.com fo

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

siness directory FOOD AND BEVERAGE

HOSPITALITY

RENTALS

3rd Rock Coffee Company www.3rdrockcoffee.com Newell@3rdrockcoffee.com Contact: Newell Brown 21 Old Town Trail Narragansett, RI 02882 401-413-4925

Choice Hotels www.choicehotels.com Keastman@teamadvantech.com Contact: Kate Eastman 360 Airport Road Fall River, MA 02726 978-290-0515

Ocean State Rentals www.oceanstaterental.net Oceanstaterental@gmail.com Contact: Jim Baldwin 530 Wellington Ave Cranston, RI 02910 401-941-4002

HEALTH & WELLNESS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIGNS

Aflac Allen Miller 29 Crafts Street Newton, MA 02458 617-658-1820 www.aflac.com Allen_Miller@us.aflac.com

Thrive Networks www.thrivenetworks.com npacitto@thrivenetworks.com Contact: Kevin Ellis 836 North Street, Building 300, S. 3201 Tewksburry, MA 01876 978-243-1432

AA Thrifty Signs www.aathriftysign.com mcahill@aathriftysign.com Contact: Linda Iannotti 221 Jefferson Boulevard Warwick, RI 02888 401-738-8055

Amethyst Biomat www.mindfulness-abundance-healing.com healingartsri@cox.net Contact: Maria Sorensen 1130 Ten Rod Road N. Kingstown, RI 02852 401-932-6820 Jennifer L. Wilkicki, LMT & Esthetician www.styleseat.com/jenniferwilkick jlw531@aol.com Contact: Jennifer Wilkicki 51 Sockanosset Cross Road, s. 204 Cranston, RI 02920 401-935-3549 Qivana www.blessedwithhealthandwealth.com Janetdeleo@gmail.com Janet DeLeo 66 Club House Road Coventry, RI 02816 401-524-2339

ss Listed In Our Directory? or more information

TIMIT Solutions, LLC www.timitsolutions.com tmontgomery@timitsolutions.com Contact: Tim Montgomery 100 Randall Road, Unit 93 Wrentham, MA 02093 774-307-0652

INSURANCE Allstate Benefits www.allstate.com Jeff.Davide@allstate.com Contact: Jeff Davide 98 Hollis Avenue Warwick, RI 02889 401-500-3748

PAYROLL Paychex www.paychex.com apachomski@paychex.com Contact: Andy Pachomski 501 Wampanoag Trail Riverside, RI 02915 401-663-6677

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Wireless Zone www.wirelesszone.com j.sorensen@wirelesszoneri.com Contact: Jason Sorensen 76 Gate Road N. Kingstown, RI 02852 401-886-8484

TRANSPORTATION A Airlines Express Limousine & Car Service, Inc. www.aairlineexpresslimousine.com cottongin@cox.net Contact: Virginia Coulley P.O. Box 222 Saunderstown, RI 02874 401-295-4380

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Rescom Exteriors www.iwantnewwindows.com Jrousseau@Iwantnewwindows.com Contact: Janette Rousseau 714 A South Bridge Auburn, MA 01501 508-832-5202 www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

53

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALISTS

LUCIER

CPA INC

Quality and Experienced

Property and Construction Project Managers...

Providing Comprehensive Services to Public and Private Sector Clients

We Guarantee Success Tax Services

Bookkeeping | Payroll Service Business Consulting 1308 Atwood Avenue, Johnston RI 02919 401 946 1900 david@luciercpa.com

54

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

www.abmgroupllc.com

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

55

56

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Let’s take a team approach to primary care and have everyone win.

Your employees want access to the highest quality healthcare at the lowest cost.

SelectRI Network

You want to provide your employees with the best coverage possible while saving on healthcare costs. Enter the SelectRI network. A new network of Rhode Island primary care practices employing a team-based approach to care. Your employees enjoy the benefits and convenience of 24/7 physician availability, nutritionists and lower out-of-pocket costs while your company sees lower rates than ever. A win for the hometown team. bcbsri.com/together

www.risbj.com | volume three issue five

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

57

58

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal