RISBJ Volume 3, Issue 11

volume three issue eleven

Real Estate Year in Review

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Top business news stories from 2014

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THE NEW YEAR’S ISSUE Recap of Small Business Lending

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New Year’s Resolutions From Rhode Island Business Leaders

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from the founder THAT WAS SO LAST YEAR As 2014 comes to a close, many business owners look ahead to 2015 for a fresh start and new opportunities. Our goals and resolutions typically address what we’ll focus on in the coming year, or what we’ll do differently. I’ve always found it fascinating that once January 1st rolls around, December 31st becomes “so last year.” What a difference a day makes!

As entrepreneurs, we more than likely make the same promise every year: to grow our business. It’s great to set big goals and to have even bigger aspirations, but what does it really mean to “grow” our business? Not only is growth relative, but it’s also subjective.

So how do we measure growth? It begins with looking back over a specific period of time, quite often the previous year, reviewing various aspects of our business and determining if we met, exceeded or fell short of our expectations.

Let’s take a look at 5 areas of business growth and the impact they can have: Annual Sales The most common area of our business we look at to determine growth is our sales numbers. An increase in sales typically makes us feel good about the direction our business is headed. While revenue growth is a good place to start, it’s often not the most important indicator of growth.

Profitability What if the increase in annual sales came with the expense of moving to a new office, the need for new equipment and increased utility and transportation costs? Our sales growth certainly might not put more money in our pockets or the pockets of our hardworking employees. In many cases, focusing on keeping more money is more important than selling more “stuff.”

Staff As we look to grow sales and profitiblity, staff growth might also be part of our overall strategy. Adding staff can accomplish a lot of goals, and be seen as a clear sign of growth. Hiring the right employees can help us take on more clients and larger projects, while also helping to service our existing clients better. Another benefit of additional staff is that it can play a key role in the work/life balance of an

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entrepreneur. By nature, we can be somewhat controlling, overly critical and sleep deprived. Finding the right staff can help us spend more time working on our business, not in our business (and get more sleep). Did someone say coffee?

Clients When looking to grow revenue and profitability, there are two basic approaches: work with more clients on smaller projects or work with fewer clients on larger projects. Both can create very effective opportunities for growth. While having a few larger clients is important, growing our total number of clients decreases our reliance on those larger clients. I’ve seen many companies over the years severely struggle with the unexpected loss of one or two clients. While having more clients can be difficult to manage, diversification is a great way to grow a company. So while in the short-term having more smaller clients might not increase revenue or profitability, it can be a great long-term strategy for stability and higher earning potential.

New Products and Services Launching a new product line or offering additional services can be a great way to grow your business. The first question you need to ask yourself is, “Do the new products or services I’m offering fit with my core product or services?” If you own a landscaping company, offering appliance repair might not make the most sense, while offering snow removal in the winter months is a very natural fit. Just remember that new product lines or service offerings should be looked at like a startup company: it can take time to grow while you train your staff, educate your customers and spend time and money marketing your new offerings. During this time, don’t forget to utilize the talents of your existing staff and your current equipment to generate additional revenue with clients who already know, like and trust you—it can be well worth the effort.

So before you look ahead to 2015, take a step back and review the past 12 months. Did you set goals for your business and reach them? Did you define your growth strategy? Did your business actually grow? These are all important questions to ask yourself as you begin to plan the next 12 months, when 2015 will become so last year.

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder John Resnick Marketing Coordinator Mike Casale Senior Designer Pam Walsh Managing Editor Sara Celano Production Assistant Intern Keri Biron Chad Sabo Contributing Writers Gail Ahlers Chris Barnett Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Jillian N. Jagling Steven J. King Secretary of State Ralph Mollis Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Paul Pliakas Treasurer Gina Raimondo Deborah Ramos Patricia Raskin Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Lisa Shorr State-Wide MLS Mayor Angel Taveras Nancy Thomas Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

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

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Friday, December 12 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Friday, December 12 North Central Chamber Chamber’s Open House – Holiday Luncheon 12:00pm-3:00pm 255 Greenville Ave., Johnston

Wednesday, December 17 Centerville Seminar Center Get Organized and Maximize Your Time 6:30pm-8:30pm 875 Centerville Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 5, Warwick DEC

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Friday, December 12 Providence Marriott Downtown Annual Holiday Mixer 6:00pm 1 Orms St., Providence DEC

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Sunday, December 14 East Greenwich Chamber Sweet Treat Stroll 12:00pm-4:00pm Main St., East Greenwich

Thursday, December 18 Northern RI Chamber Blood Drive 10:00am-1:00pm 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402, Lincoln

Monday, December 15 Northern RI Chamber How Can the Chamber Help You Grow Your Business?

8:00am-9:00am 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402, Lincoln

Thursday, December 18 Newport Chamber Business During Hours 12:00pm-1:30pm 35 Valley Rd., Middletown Thursday, December 18 Central RI Chamber Prophet Share RI Team Works Warwick PM II… a monthly mastermind meeting 6:00pm-8:30pm 3280 Post Rd., Warwick

Tuesday, December 16 Northern RI Chamber Managing Difficult Employees, Performance Issues & Reviews 8:30am-4:30pm 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402, Lincoln

Thursday, December 18 New England Institute of Technology Prophet Share RI Team Works East Greenwich PM II… a monthly mastermind meeting 6:00pm-8:30pm 1408 Division Rd., East Greenwich

Tuesday, December 16 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown DEC

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Wednesday, December 17 Newport Chamber Health and Wellness Seminar 8:30am-9:30am 35 Valley Rd., Middletown RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Thursday, December 18 Kirkbrae Country Club Northern RI Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast 7:45am-9:30am 197 Old River Rd., Lincoln Thursday, December 18 Central RI Chamber Chamber Open House 9:00am-12:00pm 3288 Post Rd., Warwick

Monday, December 15 Centerville Seminar Center Consumer Food Trends and New Products 3:00pm-5:00pm 875 Centerville Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 5, Warwick DEC

Wednesday, December 17 Newport Chamber Start-Up Clinic: Pre-Business Planning 9:00am-11:00am 35 Valley Rd., Middletown

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Friday, December 19 Centerville Seminar Center Get Covered! Shopping for Health Insurance through the Exchange 9:00am-11:00am 875 Centerville Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 5, Warwick

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Friday, December 19 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Saturday, December 20 Rhode Island Shriners 4th Annual All White Masquerade Ball 5:30pm-8:00pm One Rhodes Place, Cranston Sunday, December 21 East Greenwich Chamber Holiday Hat Parade Stroll 12:00pm-4:00pm Main St., East Greenwich Tuesday, December 23 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Friday, December 26 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Thursday, January 1 Goddard State Park Beach RI Mentoring Partnership Frozen Clam Plunge 11:00am-1:00pm 1095 Ives Rd., Warwick Friday, January 2 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Tuesday, January 6 North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Thursday, January 8 Saw Mill Square North Kingstown Chamber Networking at Noon 12:00pm 80 Saw Mill Dr., North Kingstown Thursday, January 8 Libations, Radisson Hotel Central RI Chamber YPcentral Wine Tasting 5:30pm-7:30pm

contents

volume three issue eleven

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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6 Upcoming Events, Networking and Workshops 8 Rhode Island’s 2014 Accomplishments 11 Spotlight on Startups 12 Small Business News 17 Buying Local Pays Off 20 The Year in Review and Moving Forward 21 Fixing Health Care - Expect Continued Efforts in 2015 22 Finding the Road to Redemption 25 5 Components of a Winning New Products Pipeline 26 Our Top News Stories 2014 30 U.S. Transportation Secretary Sees Port of Davisville as Ahead of the Curve 32 A Year in Review at the North Central Chamber of Commerce 34 New Year, What Now?

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36 Updates from the Small Business Administration 38 Generous Donors Drive a Year of Investing in Rhode Island 40 State-Wide MLS Year in Review 43 December Business Development Opportunities 44 Capital City 45 5 Ways to Get Organized Before 2015 46 2014 - The Year of the Hacker!

47 Treasury’s 2014 Accomplishments 48 2nd Annual Entrepreneurial Women to Watch Awards Photos 50 Personnel Practices 53 We Share Hope 54 Local Small Business Directory

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ON THE COVER

Featured New Year’s Resolutions

Non Profit We Share Hope

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SECRETARY OF STATE | Ralph Mollis

R H O D E

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2014 Accom

by Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

I want to wish all Rhode Islanders a very merry Christmas and happy holidays, as well as a wonderful and safe holiday season! I hope 2014 has been prosperous for everyone, and may the coming year bring all of you health, happiness, and opportunity.

As I reflect on 2014, I am proud of the many strides our office has made, including making it easier for businesses to start and flourish, increasing voter turnout, making government more open and accessible, and preserving our rich state history.

Throughout the year, our Elections Division held a number of voter ID events across the state of Rhode Island to make sure everyone was given the right to vote. The Woonsocket Special Primary was the first election of 2014 to require a valid photo ID in order to vote. For all elections this year, the result was that no one was refused the right to vote. Any registered voter who did not possess a photo ID was offered a provisional ballot at their polling location. Our office has always been available to help, and in 2014 our office visited 68

Local small business owners had the unique opportunity to have direct access to and learn from industry experts in a small group setting where attendees received one-on-one attention 8

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locations, issuing 473 (free) voter ID’s. The official number of registered voters for November 2014 was 754,865, compared to 702,403 in 2010 during the last gubernatorial race. Also, the UOCAVA Military and Overseas Citizens Ballot return rate was up from 65% in 2010 to 70% in 2014 due to the changes implemented by our office.

Our office also launched RI VIC in 2014, Rhode Island’s new mobile voter app designed to assist RI voters from mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets. This app is free and available for download in both English and Spanish.

It offers Rhode Islanders 24/7 access to their personal voter information, as well as GPS directions from their current location to their polling place. For a demonstration, please visit http://www.sos.ri.gov/mobileapp/.

Our Business Services staff launched an exciting new email subscription service this year that helps the general public and small business customers keep upto-date on important notices issued from our office. The system is designed to allow customers to set specific subscription preferences they prefer, ranging from general information notices to entity record updates, as well as official communications from our office. Signing up for our email subscription service is simple. Visit www.sos.ri.gov and under the “Business Services” section, click the “New Email Subscription Service” envelope icon to register.

As of November 25th, our office’s data confirms that we are adding, not losing new business entities over last year at this time, and this is a great sign for Rhode Island’s economy.

Between January 1, 2014 and November 25, 2014, 6,857 new business entities registered with the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. This is a 3.25% increase in new filings this year, as opposed to the same time period last year. Between January 1, 2013 and November 25,

Ralph Mollis | SECRETARY OF STATE

S L A N D ’ S

mplishments 2013, 6,641 new business filings were processed by the Business Services Division. Most newly formed business entities in Rhode Island choose a corporate structure that requires registering with the Secretary of State. More than 60,000 limited liability companies and for-profit and non-profit corporations are currently registered.

In keeping with our office’s additional commitment to educate and help entrepreneurs and small business owners prosper, our office organized essential topic-specific workshops in both English and Spanish throughout the year, after typical company hours so most people could attend. Our office created these workshops with the average business owner in mind, helping him or her receive the guidance and counsel he/ she needs to turn his/her vision for a business into a reality.

Also this year, our 8th Annual We Mean Business Expo at the RI Convention Center saw our greatest turnout ever.

Sixty-five exhibitors, which consisted of local, state and federal agencies that affect business, met with potential business owners, start-ups and existing businesses to offer FREE advice and guidance on how to start, manage and grow their business. Local small business owners had the unique opportunity to have direct access to and learn from industry experts in a small group setting where attendees received one-on-one attention, as well as advice on topics including licensing, permitting, financing, marketing, legal and other business-related matters.

Earlier this year, I was proud to present students from across Rhode Island with the 2014 Civic Leadership Award. This year, over one hundred awards were presented to high school seniors during a ceremony on the North Plaza of the State House before family, friends, faculty, and the public. The annual Civic Leadership Awards are given to members of the senior class who make outstanding civic contributions to their

school and their community, making all Rhode Islanders proud.

In September, our office proudly held our annual ceremony honoring fifteen courageous Rhode Islanders with the 2014 Rhode Island Lifesaving Medal, the state’s highest award for heroics while saving human life. The State Lifesaving Medal was created under state law to recognize the heroism of firefighters, police officers and civilians who save human life in Rhode Island. It is an honor and a privilege to publicly honor so many heroic men and women, who put their lives on the line to courageously save the life of another. The heroic efforts of the police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and civilians we honor speak volumes to the character of Rhode Islanders.

Most recently, the process has begun to provide a new state-of-the-art encasement system for the Rhode Island Colonial Charter of 1663. The Colonial Charter was the first to establish separation of Church and State, and became the inspiration for our Bill of Rights a century later. Preserving our historic resources demonstrates our office’s commitment to preserving and protecting Rhode Island history. The Charter has been transported to Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) in Andover, Massachusetts, where NEDCC will perform conservation treatment on the Charter, including humidification and flattening. GOSO LLC of New Hampshire is the company that will build three encasements for the Rhode Island Charter. The encasements will enclose the Charter in an environment of modified inert gas and will include instrumentation for monitoring the gas. The Charter will be housed within the same high-tech system used by the National Archives for the Charters of Freedom. A digital print of the same size has been created and is now mounted into the window-mat and frame assemblage for public viewing in the Charter Museum until conservation work on the Charter is complete and it returns to the State House. www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

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Joe Sheehan

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IN PROVIDENCE. The commercial banking team at BayCoast Bank in Providence will take care of you and your business like no other bank. That’s because we’re local and empowered to provide solutions — and yes, even get “creative” to help your business succeed. We think that’s ‘just right.®’ Whether you are looking for a loan for expansion, a term loan, construction, new equipment, a business checking account or a line of credit — we’ve got it.

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Spotlight | STARTUPS

Spotlight on Startups Ali Lomazzo Beauty

Company Name: Ali Lomazzo Beauty Open Date: 7/21/13 Employees: Seven Address: 1005 Main Street, Suite 1221, Pawtucket, RI Website: www.alilomazzobeauty.com Twitter: alimuandhair Facebook: facebook.com/alilmazzobeauty Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge was believing in myself. It took me a few months to not second guess myself and to believe that I could own a successful small business.

Profile: As a graduate of Toni & Guy and Make-Up Designory, I am extremely passionate about this industry.

In July of 2013, I took a leap of faith and started my own hair and makeup team. I found the perfect little studio in the Hope Artiste Village. I booked my first wedding under the business 2 weeks after announcing the start of Ali Lomazzo Beauty; that’s when I knew this was going to be an incredible journey. Since the start of this company, I got a bill passed for on-location hair and makeup services to be legal in RI, I have worked and still work with CNN, I have done makeup for Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank, and I have worked at Providence Style Week and New York Fashion Week, while also having 79 weddings on the books for 2014 and 18 already on the books for 2015. To say that I am proud of this business and my amazingly talented and passionate team would be an understatement.

Discovering Solutions, LLC.

Company Name: Discovering Solutions, LLC. Open Date: 8/31/14 Employees: Four Address: 257 Benefit St., Providence Website: www.discoveringsolutions.org Facebook: facebook.com/discoveringsolutions Biggest Challenge: Our business model requires parents to know that we are an established and accredited option for helping their child succeed. We know as our client base grows, our reputation develops in a way that reflects our dedication to the success of all children and the knowledge that all children are capable of achieving great success inside and outside of the classroom.

Profile: Discovering Solutions, LLC is a Rhode Islandbased tutoring company serving children from pre-K through 12th grade. We have a team of highly qualified tutors who all have Rhode Island state certification, master’s degrees in education, and a passion for helping children succeed. Our team is well equipped to help children who have diverse learning needs, as they have been trained in the Orton-Gillingham method and an Executive Functioning curriculum based out of Rush Hospital’s NeuroBehavioral Center. Most of our referrals come through the classroom teachers and supportive parents who recognize that sometimes, a student needs customized strategies and more individual attention than is allowed in a classroom. By providing additional learning opportunities for a child who may be struggling or needs academic enrichment, we strive to complement the established classroom expectations and foster a collaborative relationship between the teachers, parents, and our team of specialized tutors. www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

BILLS AND BENRUS A N N O U N C E

P A R T N E R S H I P

ORCHARD PARK, NY — The Bills have announced a multi-year partnership with BENRUS, a military-inspired lifestyle brand.

As part of the agreement, BENRUS will become the Official Timepiece of the Buffalo Bills, providing two large branded clocks that will be prominently displayed in-bowl. Each clock will be affixed to one north and one south tower within the newly renovated Ralph Wilson Stadium. BENRUS will become the firstever timepiece displayed in-stadium.

In addition, the Buffalo Bills and BENRUS will team up to recognize one member of America’s armed forces on-field during each home game played at Ralph Wilson Stadium. During a break in play, the soldier and all other members of the military in attendance will be honored by fans for their service. The soldier will also receive a BENRUS Sky Chief watch, the company’s signature timepiece worn by World War II aviators.

Giovanni Feroce, former Alex and Ani CEO and an entrepreneur recognized internationally for his visionary business practices, is revitalizing the BENRUS brand. A 24-year Army combat veteran who retired as a major, Mr. Feroce purchased a majority stake in BENRUS, famed for its watches issued to servicemen from World War II to the Vietnam War. He is transforming BENRUS

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into a global lifestyle brand of apparel and accessories that at once transcends and pays homage to its core watches and product line.

“Aligning with a great historic brand having such deep military roots is a truly special engagement for our organization,” said Bruce Popko, Bills Chief Revenue Officer. “Mr. Wilson, our founding owner, enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. Cultivating a partnership that celebrates the armed forces and our history will resonate with the community and fan base on many levels.”

Mr. Feroce noted, “Like the BENRUS of yesteryear, the new BENRUS of today is synonymous with hard work, loyalty, commitment to excellence, and a partnership with the community. The Buffalo Bills are the embodiment of who and what we want to serve in our nation. Today we are proud to announce our partnership with this elite brand and organization.”

BENRUS plans to open one of its first retail locations at the Armory in Rochester, NY in December, and another boutique in Buffalo, NY in 2015. For more information and to purchase BENRUS products, please visit www.benrus.com

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

PANNONE LOPES DEVEREAUX & WEST NAMED TO THE 2015 “BEST LAW FIRMS” IN AMERICA

PROVIDENCE, RI — Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC (PLDW) has been named to the 2015 “Best Law Firms” in America rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers for the fifth consecutive year. PLDW was recognized in a total of 16 practice areas in the metropolitan area/ Rhode Island for its “professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers and for their abilities, professionalism and integrity.”

“PLDW attorneys continue to represent the highest standards of excellence in their practice of law,” said Gary R. Pannone, Managing Partner. “We are proud to have been selected for this prestigious recognition and for our outstanding service to our clients.”

Among the PLDW practice areas cited for the top tier ranking include Corporate Compliance Law, Government Relations Practice, Mergers & Acquisitions Law and Non-Profit/Charities Law. Other practice areas recognized for outstanding quality are Administrative / Regulatory Law, Corporate Governance Law, Mediation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and NonWhite-Collar, Corporate Law, Securities and Capital Markets Law, Health Care Law and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law,

Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor & Employment.

The U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. The 2015 rankings are based on the highest number of participating firms and highest number of client ballots on record. Over 17,000 attorneys provided almost 600,000 law firm assessments. Awards were given in 74 national practice areas and 120 metropolitan practice areas.

For more information about PLDW, visit www.pldw.com or follow us on Twitter (@pldwllc) and stay up-to-date with the firm’s activities on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

The attorneys and staff at Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC (PLDW) are committed to developing practical and cost-effective solutions while also being supportive of the community in a meaningful way. www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

NEW ECO-FRIENDLY APARTMENTS P O P P I N G U P I N G A R D E N C I T Y C E N T E R ’ S B A C K YA R D

CRANSTON, RI — The former Cranston-Johnston Catholic Regional School, also known as St. Mark’s, is currently under renovation to be transformed into 20 loft-style apartments.

Located off of Route 2 in Cranston, the updated building is within walking distance of the historic Garden City Center, a premiere shopping destination.

D+P Real Estate & Truth Box Inc. have acquired the building as an adaptive reuse project that will preserve the structure’s history while improving its energy performance.

“The plan is to rehabilitate the abandoned school building by implementing sustainable alternatives, such as bio retention and compact walkable design, rather than using other more common construction practices that may not be as ecofriendly,” said Jordan Durham, Principal of D+P Real Estate.

The building’s existing walls and roof will be completely reinsulated and air-sealed, and the electrical and mechanical systems will be renewed. The landscaping and site design will create a safe and accessible connection for pedestrians to Garden City Center.

The renewed building will be called 45 Pop Lofts and consist of one and two bedroom units, all with modern conveniences including expansive windows, high ceilings, and generous living spaces for loft-style living.

A new three story apartment building, 125 MIDWAY, is also

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being built adjacent to the existing structure. This second phase will include 32 luxury-style one and two-bedroom homes with underground parking built to the highest green building standards.

“The location’s walkability to nearby stores and restaurants will provide residents with everything they could need all at their doorstep,” said Durham. “Residents will also enjoy all of the comforts of luxury living including a finely appointed lobby, a fitness room, individual porches, and a common outdoor area for grilling and entertaining.”

Attorney Bob Murray from Taft and McSally has been hired to assist with the project and worked with DiPrete Engineering to obtain planning and zoning approvals. DiPrete Engineering also completed the development’s site engineering which included stormwater management, ADA accessibility, a sustainable parking facility, grading, and utility design.

“Incorporating sustainable design solutions is a high priority for our client,” said Brian Giroux, a Senior Project Engineer at DiPrete Engineering. “To improve stormwater quality, roof runoff will be treated using bioretention planter boxes that filter stormwater, and pervious pavement will be installed throughout the parking area.”

45 Pop Lofts is scheduled to be completed in spring of 2015 and 125 MIDWAY is expected to open in late 2015.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

SEASONS CORNER MARKET TO “POWER” GLORIA GEMMA’S HOPE BUS CRANSTON, RI — Since 2011, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has used its Hope Bus as a vehicle to deliver breast health information, services, and support to people directly in their communities. The recreational vehicle hits the road again in April 2015, and will be powered by the Gloria Gemma Foundation’s new community partner— Seasons Corner Market.

Through a generous donation, the premium convenience stores—which serve Rhode Island and Massachusetts and is owned by Colbea Enterprises—becomes the Hope Bus’ exclusive general operating expense sponsor.

One in every six Rhode Island women is diagnosed with breast cancer. Thomas Breckel, Vice President of Operations at Colbea Enterprises, indicated that his brother-in-law’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, which made them think of the Gloria Gemma Foundation—an organization that they heard of, but at the time didn’t know much about.

“After connecting with the organization’s staff, our understanding and appreciation of their work and impact in the community grew stronger,” stated Breckel, who added that Colbea Enterprises has a desire to keep funds local.

through college, and thought what better way to honor David than to identify and support—alongside the Main family— organizations that are making differences in the community.”

Over the past ten years, the Gloria Gemma Foundation has offered support, education, and awareness to tens of thousands of individuals affected by breast cancer. The mutual decision between the local nonprofit and Seasons Corner Market to direct funds towards the Hope Bus will significantly expand this reach, according to Maria Gemma, Executive Director at the Gloria Gemma Foundation.

With the Hope Bus, the Gloria Gemma Foundation offers individuals access to free resources including one-on-one consultations, patient and survivor support groups led by licensed facilitators, and walk-in breast health and awareness classes. Additionally, state outreach workers often join the Foundation on the Hope Bus to schedule free mammograms and clinical breast exams offered by the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Women’s Cancer Screening Program (WCSP), a program partially funded by the Gloria Gemma Foundation.

Seasons Corner Market’s generous contribution is made possible from a portion of proceeds raised from the fourth annual Colbea Cup Golf Tournament that took place in September. Also known as The David Main Memorial Golf Tournament, the Colbea Cup was created in honor of David Main, a Colbea Enterprises employee who tragically lost his life in 2010.

In October, Seasons Corner Market also actively engaged its employees with the Gloria Gemma Foundation’s mission of spreading breast cancer awareness. The company had a tent set up in “Celebration Village” at Station Park in downtown Providence, the location of Gloria Gemma’s annual Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life event, in addition to a team that participated in the Gloria Gemma 5K. Furthermore, all 10 Seasons Corner Market locations shined bright with pink lights in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Our intention was to fulfill our dear friend’s wish for his son Michael to attend college,” added Breckel. “In the Colbea Cup’s first three years, we raised enough money to support Michael

For more information about Seasons Corner Market and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, please visit www.seasonscornermarket.com or www.gloriagemma.org.

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Buying Local Pays Off | SMALL BUSINESS

Buying Local

Pays Off!

by Chris Barnett

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Rhode Island Foundation has launched a statewide campaign to encourage Rhode Islanders to shop in Our Backyard.

“Buy Local RI” offers a central website – buylocalri.gov – where merchants can market their products and services and shoppers can find locally sold products, see a calendar of holiday-related events and promotions and even sign up for emails about discounts and special offers.

“Patronizing local shops and restaurants has the potential to pay off in a big way. The return can be spectacular as the cash circulates through our economy. As these companies prosper, they will grow and put people to work,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. Shifting just 10 percent of the purchasing that Rhode Island shoppers do from chains to independent, locally owned businesses has the potential to add $373 million to the state’s economy.

campaign to the Foundation as she looked ahead to her transition from office.

“I developed the campaign in an effort to grow our economy by expanding business opportunities for local independent businesses,” said Roberts.

The co-owner of J. Marcel in Providence hopes that the Buy Local campaign will make consumers more aware of the benefits of shopping at stores like his.

“Local businesses are more than just a place to buy things, they are places where neighbors interact, friendships are made, and ideas are born. Shopping small is an investment in your own community,” said Bill Jette, co-owner of J. Marcel in Providence.

The co-owner of the Armory Antiques Marketplace, which provides space to more than 70 independent vendors, in Newport agrees.

Only locally owned Rhode Island businesses can list their companies on buylocalri.org. Consumers can search by a number of fields, including location, product or service and company name.

“When you think about it, small business owners are what make each and every community special and unique. So, even though Newport is a tourist destination during the summer months, we, like all local businesses, depend on the local community for their support year-round,” said Lorna Zaloumis.

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts launched the original Buy Local RI initiative in 2008. Last year, Roberts handed off the

Chris Barnett Senior Public Affairs Officer Rhode Island Foundation

www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

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SMALL BUSINESS | The Year In Review And Moving Forward

THE YEAR IN REVIEW AND

MOVING FORWARD

by Patricia Raskin

Here we are at the end of the year. Because of the whirlwind of activity in December, we don’t usually think about what we have achieved and completed this year.

Before you sit down to think about New Year’s resolutions, let’s talk about why most New Year’s resolutions fail. I believe it is because we focus on the specific task instead of the value it brings us. When you choose the “form” or actual goal, you often miss the context or situation around it, which may not be desirable to you.

Instead of focusing on the actual goal, such as gaining the specific client X, working with company Y, and earning new contacts by a certain date, I suggest looking at the “essence” or concept first. What is the intangible aspect of these goals?

Is it peace, financial prosperity, comfort, security, ease, safety, positive relationships, structure? It could be all of those. Look at client X, company Y and the desired new contacts and determine if those specifics will bring you the essence qualities listed. For example, let’s say you want peace of mind, good relationships and ease. If client X brings in more money but also more demands and unrealistic expectations, you are not satisfying your values of peace of mind, good relationships and ease.

When change comes suddenly, it’s important to get support and to hold on to routines and structures that work for you.

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Second, look at what you already have and are doing that works and you want to keep. And most importantly, be grateful.

Gratitude really works and making lists or keeping a gratitude journal reinforces your thoughts. Listen carefully to the messages all around you. Give your work your full attention. Give thanks for all the special people who have helped your business grow directly and indirectly. This includes friends and family who unconditionally support you. You may want to write them an appreciation letter. That is a wonderful gift in and of itself.

Third, go through those business files that contain old records, events and notes that you do not need and shred them. If this sounds like a monumental task, take one shelf at a time and as you go through each file, ask, “Do I need this? Do I want this?”

You know those answers. Removing and releasing the clutter can do wonders for your energy level, motivation and brain.

As 2014 ends and we enter 2015, look forward. You cannot change the past, but you can change what you do in the future.

There is a wonderful “bowl burning” ceremony where you make a list of what you want to release from the past year and you place it in the flames and watch it burn. (If you don’t want the flames, you can do this symbolically as well through a visualization.)

Next, make a list of what you want to accomplish in 2015 and put your list in a file for December of 2015. Next year in December, review your list and see where you are.

Onward to 2015! Here’s to a good, happy, healthy, productive and successful year. Happy New Year everyone!

Patricia Raskin Raskin Resources Productions www. patriciaraskin.com

Fixing Health Care: Expect Continued Efforts In 2015 | SMALL BUSINESS

Fixing Health Care EXPECT CONTINUED EFFORTS IN 2015

by Jillian N. Jagling

All hands were on the health care system deck in 2014, and few will retreat in 2015. Efforts to provide better access to health care for more people, better customer experiences and better outcomes at a lower cost were unmistakable, and will only intensify in the new year. Also unmistakable was the confusion, chaos and conflict, as health care providers and employers searched for ways to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), consumers struggled to figure out what health coverage was right for their families and pocketbooks, online health insurance marketplaces finally got up and running, many states expanded Medicaid, and providers continued to develop creative ways to coordinate care and integrate technology into their practices.

The following are a few additional highlights and lowlights of health care issues in 2014, along with some expectations for the year ahead.

The “Employer Shared Responsibility Payment” rule was delayed in 2014, pushing the effective date to January 1, 2015.

Beginning in January, employers with 100 or more full-time employees may be assessed a fee depending on whether they offer a minimum level of coverage that is affordable for their employees and whether those employees receive a premium tax credit. Implementation of the rule was further delayed to January 1, 2016 for employers with between 50 to 99 full-time employees. Employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not subject to the penalty.

New and existing wellness programs that offer incentives and rewards to employees were required to meet new requirements in 2014, and enforcement efforts may increase in 2015. In 2015 and beyond, compliance with the new requirements does not ensure compliance with other laws applicable to wellness programs, such as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Rhode Island Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) went into effect in 2014 and will be open throughout 2015 via HealthSourceRI.com. Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees can enroll. In 2015, employers with fewer than 25 full-time employees who meet other requirements may also qualify for tax credits for plans purchased through the SHOP. The smaller the business, the bigger the credit.

The requirement for health care providers to use the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) was delayed in 2014, but is effective October 1, 2015. Health care providers not using the new code set will not be reimbursed for services provided after October 1, 2015. In 2014, providers reported data on quality measurers related to Medicare Part B services through the Physician Quality Reporting System, and beginning in 2015, providers who do not satisfactorily report will be subject to a 2% payment adjustment to their Medicare payments.

Throughout 2015, as the focus on quality, integrated care continues, health care providers will continue to transform the delivery of services through data exchange and health information technology. Innovators in health care will have access to increased amounts of data that will be shared and studied. Providers will enhance electronic record technologies to make them interoperable across systems, consider new ways of communicating with patients through text and online portals or applications and incorporate telemedicine.

Lastly, the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) efforts in 2014 to combat fraud, waste and abuse, which recovered approximately $4.9 billion, will continue in 2015, as the 2015 Work Plan forecasts expanded areas of focus for investigations.

All the players worked towards fixing the system throughout 2014, and those efforts will continue in 2015.

Jillian N. Jagling, Esq. Associate Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC

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Finding the R SMALL BUSINESS | Finding The Road To Redemption

by Nancy Thomas

Marion Barry. Eric Weiner. Rob Ford. Paula Dean. Monica Lewinsky. Bill Clinton. Martha Stewart. Buddy Cianci. Curt Schilling. Pete Rose. Mike Tyson. Tiger Woods. James E. Burke (chair, Johnson & Johnson, makers of Tylenol).

“I was not there, I didn’t observe it. I can’t say what really happened,” —words recently spoken by Buddy Cianci on his local radio program when asked about a scandal brewing in the local media one day—nothing having to do with his own— but it made me think about that statement and how deep it really was.

I also thought about my slogan for my company: share your story…share your success. I realized that sharing our own story, in our own words, may not be about our success; instead, it may be about our failures or shortcomings. But while the media may have its way with us in the public arena, in the light of reality, only we were there. Only we heard. Only we observed. Only we thought our thoughts, know our whys.

Only we can explain ourselves. In the end, only we can really tell our story, from our side of things, in our own words.

When I read of the sudden death of Marion Barry, I also started to read and hear about the many accomplishments he had made in his life and of his beginnings working on a cotton farm in the South. He talked with Oprah Winfrey, the supreme interviewer, about what had happened to him, how he saw himself, and he talked about redemption, forgiveness, and rising again.

After I watched this, I started to watch other interviews with celebrities who had withstood the glare of cameras and reporters covering their indiscretions, illegalities, scandals, financial disasters, and even prison-going. And I watched how they handled themselves afterwards.

How much depended on the power of ‘the story’? Not a reporter telling the story, but the person telling their story directly to the people. It may even be exactly as we saw it reported, but the story usually carried with it some semblance of explanation, ignorance, forgiveness and understanding. And always in the telling was the moment when the listener had a private moment of understanding.

Why am I writing this for the RI Small Business Journal?

Because all of our businesses have a story. Some are

All of our businesses have a story. Some are very successful stories; some less so. Some declare bankruptcy.

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Finding The Road To Redemption | SMALL BUSINESS

Road to Redemption very successful stories; some less so. Some declare bankruptcy. Some owe people lots of money, or have committed fraud, or are guilty of tax evasion, or more. Behind these business facades are real people. People with stories and explanations.

So, how do you redeem yourself and your business if you go down in the glare of public scrutiny? What spells the difference is you. Your ability to understand what got you where you found yourself. Your understanding. Your apology. More than anything, a transparency of discussion with your people. When given in a humble and simple way, without over-explanation or mea culpas, a baring of the soul can be healing. Not only for the individual, but for the business they are in, and their future. Sometimes that’s accompanied by a making good effort: paying back the money owed, accepting one’s punishment, saying a powerful “I’m sorry,” etc.

Telling the story requires professional and distanced guidance.

Someone who will edit, advise, and help with how the story will be told and crafted, as well as to whom it is told. If you aren’t a seasoned spokesperson, you will need some coaching and counsel. While the story must be your own, don’t try to do it all on your own. Those you are talking to—the

media, for instance—will often have their own agenda.

I believe firmly in redemption, and the phoenix rising from the ashes. In mythology, the phoenix obtains new life rising from the ashes of its predecessor. But for many of us, that predecessor is who we used to be. How things were done in the past.

Yes, Americans do love the comeback story. If you are honest and genuinely sincere, and that gets communicated in your own words, and in a setting that mimics that sincerity, you have every opportunity to be born again personally and in business.

“Between the radiant white of a clear conscience and the coal black of a conscience sullied by sin lie many shades of gray—where most of us live our lives. Not perfect but not beyond redemption.” – Sherry L. Hoppe, author, A Matter of Conscience: Redemption of a Hometown Hero, Bobby Hoppe

“Own Your Story…Own Your Success.”

Nancy Thomas President Tapestry Communications

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

5 Components Of A Winning New Products Pipeline | SMALL BUSINESS

5 C om p onent s O f A Wi n n i ng

New Products Pipeline

by Paul Pliakas

Developing a winning new products pipeline is the best way for manufacturing companies to gain new customers, and grow their sales and profits.

To succeed, you need to focus on these five areas: • Your Product Development Strategy • Generating Lots of New Product Ideas • Getting Continuous Customer Feedback • Top-Level Management Engagement • Allocate the Necessary Resources First, you need a Product Development Strategy. This means setting clear product development objectives tied to your business’ growth plans. A good product development strategy sets the company’s focus on the right areas for new product exploration and development. These can be adjacencies to your existing product offerings, be related to your company’s core competencies, or be tied to another set of boundaries that define what’s included, and what’s excluded, from your new product development initiatives.

ideas as early as possible in the development process. Create storyboards or rough prototypes to describe your ideas, and go out and talk to your customers. Revise and perfect your ideas, and talk to your customers again. Building customer feedback into new product development is an iterative process that ensures your ideas meet your customers’ needs.

The fourth component of a strong new products pipeline is top-level management engagement. Senior management support is essential for several reasons. First, senior management sets the vision that your new product’s efforts are built on.

Also, senior managers own the ability to commit the necessary company resources—people, money and time—that bring new product ideas to fruition.

The fifth component of a successful new products pipeline is the allocation of company resources. Developing, nurturing and sustaining a new products pipeline requires a sustained commitment of energy, money and time. Successful new product development is not an on-again, off-again endeavor. But with good planning and communication, you can make the most of every dollar spent on new product development.

Second, you need to generate many new product ideas.

In the idea generation phase, having more ideas is better; you need a lot of ideas to perfect and refine into new product concepts. Your ideas should solve customer problems and be based on their unmet needs and “pain points.” Realize there are numerous sources of ideas, including customer insight, industry trends, competitive analysis, core competencies, changing technologies, shifts in your market, open innovation, and ideas from your own employees, supply chain partners and customers.

Keys to Success Successfully developing new product pipelines starts with a solid new product development strategy, and requires the generation of many alternate new product ideas; ideas that come from knowing your customers and understanding their problems.

Generate as many ideas as possible, and select the best ideas for development. Put your ideas in front of customers and talk with them about your ideas. Revise your ideas and talk to your customers again. Get customer feedback, and use it.

The third component is knowing your customers. Get their input and feedback on your new product ideas early in the process, and continually. Spend time with your customers and get to know them. Understand and empathize with their problems. When you see things from your customers’ perspective, you gain the insight you need to create solutions for their problems. Get customer feedback on your new product

Developing new products is a marathon that requires senior management attention and support. Done correctly, developing a new products pipeline will generate sustained and profitable growth for your business for years to come.

Paul Pliakas New Products Success Managing Director

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OUR TOP NEWS The following news articles were the most read stories on risbj.com

February

Johnson & Wales University Announces “SharkFest” Winners SharkFest is JWU’s annual entrepreneurship contest hosted by the Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship in fulfillment of its mission to bring together entrepreneurial studies, experiential opportunities, alumni mentors, venture funding and the small business support services to transform students into entrepreneurs and their ideas into commercial or social enterprises. The contest is where students and alumni compete for cash awards and the opportunity to receive additional start-up resources in support of their ventures.

Winners: Julius Searight, Food4Good; Kevin Rutledge, Tip Flops; Hai Pham, Mobile Engineering

Winners Named in 2014 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition

March

Established in 2000, the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition has been recognized as one of the top 40 business plan competitions in the country. To date, it has awarded more than $1.6 million in prizes to competitors developing companies across many industries. The 2014 competition attracted 75 business plans that spanned biotech, consumer, health care, information technology, manufacturing, retail, and software markets.

Winners: Nordic Technology Group, Technology; CompNet

Insurance Solution, Entrepreneur Track; Dual Server Cooling, Student Track Finalists : Kloudbook, Entrepreneur Track; StormTree, Entrepreneur Track MedSynergies, Student Track; Pronto, Student Track

May Swipely Secures $20 Million Series C Financing to Accelerate Growth

Pritzker Group Venture Capital led the investment and was joined by existing investors First Round Capital, Index Ventures and Shasta Ventures. Swipely will use the new funding to accelerate growth, helping more leading restaurants and retailers make smart operating decisions with data. This round brings Swipely’s total venture financing to $40.5 million, and comes on the heels of Swipely announcing it now manages over $2 billion in annual sales on its market-leading platform, providing insights on more than 10 million consumers and being named one of the “Best Places to Work in Rhode Island” by Providence Business News for the second consecutive year.

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STORIES

ov e r t h e p a s t y e a r.

URI Awarded Nearly $19 Million to Expand Biomedical Research Capacity in RI

June

The Rhode Island IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (RI-INBRE) was initially established to expand the statewide research capacity in biomedical sciences. With this next phase of funding, the interrelated research areas of cancer, neuroscience and molecular toxicology will now be the focus of the program.

Since 2001, the program has financially supported and mentored more than 100 faculty members at the network institutions. In addition, the program has established a $4 million research equipment facility at URI’s College of Pharmacy for Rhode Island’s biomedical researchers to carry out cutting-edge research. So far, RI-INBRE-supported researchers have obtained an additional $47 million in independent funding to further increase biomedical research capacity.

June

Governor Chafee Announces $1.75M in GWB Innovative Partnership Grants

The following thirteen organizations earned the grants from the Governor’s Workforce Board, ranging in size from $86,000 to $190,000: AccessPoint RI, Connecting for Children and Families, Foster Forward, The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, New England Tech, OpenDoors, UNAP RIH Education Fund-Stepping Up, The Providence Plan/Building Futures, Rhode Island Hospital, RI Manufacturers Association, Saint Antoine Residence and Year Up. The grants bring employers and educational providers together to develop career opportunities for students, out-of-school youth and unemployed or underemployed adults. Collectively, the grants will serve more than 460 participants in industries such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, human services, IT and customer service, manufacturing and the marine trades. Funding comes from the Rhode Island employerfinanced Job Development Fund.

Pelé demonstrates revolutionary G-Form shin guard technology at the World Cup host city

July

Pelé, one of the greatest soccer plays of all time, was so impressed with the improved protection G-Form shin guards offer players that he agreed to help the company spread the word to benefit as many players as possible. The new shin guard technology he demonstrated is the creation of G-¬Form LLC, a company out of Providence that is famous for having used the same technology to revolutionize protective gear in several extreme sports. Founded less than five years ago, G-Form’s mission is to use new technology to create products that provide superior protection for athletes without the bulk or stiffness that is usually associated with protective equipment. www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

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OUR TOP NEWS ST Ocean House Ranked No. 1 Resort in the Continental U.S. and No. 5 Hotel in the World in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014

July

As the youngest hotel to ever achieve this honor of top resort in the continental U.S. (Ocean House was rebuilt and reopened in the spring of 2010), Ocean House earned the top spot based on traveler votes. The 2014 lists mark the 19th year of the annual poll, which reveals readers’ favorite hotels, cities, cruise lines, spas and more. In 2013, Ocean House earned the No. 10 spot on the list.

July

Providence Named One of the “Most Livable” Cities in America by U.S. Conference of Mayors The 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award in City Livability recognizes mayoral leadership in developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities, focusing on the leadership, creativity, and innovation demonstrated by the mayors. Providence received the award for its PopUp Providence project, a three-year-long urban space initiative launched by the Providence Department of Planning and Development in the fall of 2013 to enliven neighborhoods and engage residents with interactive artistic and cultural projects. This year’s winning cities were selected by former mayors at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in June 2014.

September The Office of Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis Offered Invaluable Resources to Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses at Expo At the 2014 We Mean Business Expo, entrepreneurs and small business owners had the unique opportunity to sit down face-to-face with government officials who regulate businesses here in the state of Rhode Island, to get expert guidance. Business owners received FREE advice on critical business topics, including licensing, permitting, financing, marketing, social media, and other businessrelated matters. Among the state agencies that participated in this year’s expo were the Rhode Island Contractors Board, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor and Training, and the Secretary of State’s Office.

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TORIES CONTINUED September

Hope & Main Food Business Incubator Announces Inaugural Cohort Hope & Main, a forward-thinking, non-profit food business incubator designed to support the local food system and to strengthen the region’s economy, introduced its inaugural group of members, a cohort of more than 30 culinary entrepreneurs who will be growing early-stage food startups and other food-related businesses from the organization’s headquarters in Warren, Rhode Island. As the state’s first food business incubator, Hope & Main’s nonprofit incubator program gives food startups the chance to grow in their first two to three years without the cost of equipping their own commercial facilities. Members hail from across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and include specialty food product makers, catering companies, food trucks, farmers, personal chefs and nutritionists.

2014 RI Tech10 Award Winners Announced

October

Tech10 recognizes Rhode Island IT practitioners and entrepreneurs who excel in their practice, demonstrate a passion for contributing to the success of others, and are pioneering in their technological and career achievements. For the technology community, Tech10 is the opportunity for Rhode Island business and industry to identify its exceptional participants and future leaders.

2014 Tech10 Award Recipients: Kimberly Kowal Arcand, Tammy Fuller, Ramarao Koppaka, Bryce Lukens, David Mulanaphy, Allan Peters, Eric M. Shorr, Rich Siedzik, Alan Silverman, Jeff Wilhelm

October

Six Local Companies Receive $269,963 in State Grants through Commerce RI and STAC The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (Commerce RI) and the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) announced that the following six Rhode Island businesses will receive $269,963 in grants from the state’s Innovate Rhode Island Small Business Fund (Innovate RI Fund): Applied Radar, Inc., BTech Acoustics LLC, Calista Therapeutics ProThera Biologics, Navatek CFD Technologies, Voltserver The state grants will leverage $1,027,654 in federal funds. This is the second year the grants have been available through the Innovate RI Fund. The Rhode Island General Assembly created the fund in 2013 to help foster job creation, facilitate small business development and enhance the workforce pipeline. www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

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SMALL BUSINESS | U.S. Transportation Secretary Sees Port Of Davisville As Ahead Of The Curve

U . S . T R A N S P O R TAT I O N S E C R

In 2013, more than 173,000 autos arrived at the port by sea, our fourth recordbreaking year in a row, while another 33,000 autos arrived via rail.

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sees Port Of Davisville As Ahead Of The Curve | SMALL BUSINESS

R E TA R Y S E E S P O R T O F D AV I S V I L L E A S

by Steven J. King, PE

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently visited Rhode Island with Senator Jack Reed to see some of Rhode Island’s key port infrastructure and meet with transportation officials and marine shipping leaders. Among his stops was Quonset Business Park, where the Secretary got to see the more than 175 companies with nearly 10,000 employees, and the Port of Davisville—one of the top ten auto importers in North America.

This growth would not have been possible without the hard work of our longtime tenant and the major auto processor at the port, North Atlantic Distribution, Inc. (NORAD).

There are other factors that have made the Port of Davisville a success when it comes to auto importing. Those benefits include: available laydown space within close vicinity of the piers; clean, open air spaces to ensure manufacturers that their autos won’t be subject to heavy congestion, dust or smog; competitive pricing; and no federal harbor maintenance tax.

The Secretary’s visit was an opportunity for him to see how hundreds of millions of Despite the Port of Davisville’s role as a dollars in federal investment are paying off for major player in the Ro/Ro (roll-on/roll-off) Rhode Island, and more broadly the nation. cargo business, we are not resting on our In the past two decades, Rhode Island’s laurels. We have long known that the key to congressional delegation has directed some our success is our ability to constantly evolve $350 million in federal funding for upgrades and find new ways to nurture our growth. of our railways, airport, roadways, and overall With the addition of the new mobile harbor infrastructure. Senator Jack Reed, a long-time crane and the $22 million in surface and pier member of the Appropriations Committee; improvements made at the Port of Davisville Senator Sheldon Whitehouse; and through federal TIGER grants, we have been Congressmen James Langevin and David active and continue to expand into the break Cicilline have all been tireless in their support bulk and project cargo businesses. of Quonset. That investment has led to nearly triple that amount of additional investments at Although most studies show a limited the park, in addition to the jobs and additional opportunity for expanded container shipping tax revenue it means for the state. in this region, we are poised to serve that market if the Panama Canal expansion The Port of Davisville was of significant creates a need for more feeder services interest to the Secretary because of the along the Eastern Seaboard. In fact, we have success it has seen as one of the top auto already been hard at work moving lumber, importers in North America. Now we are windmill components and other project making preparations to expand into other cargoes since the mobile crane arrived. In shipping areas as the Marine Highway effort 2013, more than 1,100 tons of project cargo takes root. As Secretary Foxx said himself, was moved with the mobile harbor crane.

Quonset and the Port of Davisville “are ahead of the curve” when it comes to other We are ready to continue to bring more ports in the country, much of which is due commerce and more jobs to the region. to the infrastructure improvements we have Much of that growth will come from what we made at this multi-modal facility. are already excelling at: the auto importing business at the Port of Davisville. However, At Quonset, we are pleased that the auto we are well positioned to see growth in import activity at the Port of Davisville has other sea shipping businesses because, as quadrupled over the past 15 years. In 2013, Secretary Foxx said, we are already “ahead more than 173,000 autos arrived at the port of the curve.” by sea, our fourth record-breaking year in a row, while another 33,000 autos arrived via Steven J. King, PE rail. Earlier this year, Honda began shipping Managing Director Quonset Development Corporation autos to the Port of Davisville from Mexico.

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SMALL BUSINESS | A Year In Review At The North Central Chamber Of Commerce

A Year In

REVIEW

At The North Central Chamber of Commerce

New small businesses have opened in many of our towns. For example, Simply Nutrition opened their doors in Johnston, Faial Restaurant opened a second location in Greenville, and larger companies such as Pick-n-Pull and Tractor Supply opened their doors in 2014.

Smithfield YMCA, Small Business of the Year; Ocean State Sandwich Company, Rising Star of the Year; North Providence Youth Commission, Community Service of the Year; Shar DiMaio, Volunteer of the Year; and Nancy Carrott of Goodwill Industries of RI and Patricia Nolin of Rhode Island College as our Ambassadors of the Year. Our 27th Annual Apple Festival was a huge success in bringing community to our community. The non-profits, homebased businesses and small businesses alike benefited from this annual event. Our monthly Business After Hours networking events have had an energy that makes our work at the Chamber worth the efforts.

I believe folks everywhere are being more small business-minded and are shopping small and buying local, especially with the holidays just around the corner.

As we begin “designing” 2015 here at the North Central Chamber, we look forward to bringing much success and growth to the small business community that we serve.

by Deborah Ramos

As many of you may know, the North Central Chamber of Commerce proudly serves the small business community in the Towns of Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and Glocester.

In 2014, there were changes everywhere.

I believe folks everywhere are being more small business-minded and are shopping small and buying local, especially with the holidays just around the corner.

For the Chamber, our events have been great during 2014. We were fortunate to have John LaCross with us as Guest Speaker at our annual dinner, “Night of the Rising Stars,” where we also awarded

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Happy holidays, merry Christmas and happy New Year to all!

Deborah Ramos Executive Director North Central Chamber of Commerce

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33

Karl Wadensten

President, VIBCO I will be mindful of and appreciate the millions of small ideas that the VIBCO team has implemented here. I will focus on the foundation of our success – our CULTURE – and what we have done to make profound change in our business, to foster more authentic leadership and to create opportunities for shared learning and accountability.

NEW YEAR

I will take more time to teach and ask questions. I will become more direct in defining and delegating for my staff by becoming more clear and focused personally.

We asked some of Rhode Island’s bu they were making for 2015 and her

I will use the GREAT Pikes Place Fish Market FISH Philosophy every day… 1) Choose Your Attitude, 2) Be Present, 3) Be World Class, 4) Make Somebody’s Day, and 5) Have Fun. I will say “NO” to the things that don’t add value to our business.

Resolutions For Our State Of Rhode Island I will urge more business leaders to get involved with our state agencies to mentor them and volunteer to help teach business best practices and methodologies. I will advocate for ORR “ Office of Regulatory Reform “ to have greater visibility and traction at the State House and with the new Governor’s team. I will Super Charge my “Making It Easier to Do business in RI” subcommittee at RI commerce corp.

Gina Raimondo

Governor-Elect/Treasurer My New Year’s resolution is to bring Rhode Islanders together to grow our economy. My jobs plan calls for an inclusive approach to five strategic areas: advanced manufacturing, workforce development, infrastructure, tourism, and small businesses/startups. Between our hardworking people, incredible natural and cultural resources, and rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship, Rhode Island has all of the ingredients it needs to rebuild the middle class and strengthen our economy. I wish all Rhode Islanders a happy and healthy 2015.

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Cheryl Snead

President and CEO, Banneker Industries, Inc. To continue our quest to be Rhode Island’s number one supply chain and logistics provider!

Neil Steinberg CEO, Rhode Island Foundation

To be opportunistic in order to achieve our mission of meeting the needs of the people of Rhode Island. We will make it happen by focusing on innovation and impact to enhance economic security, education, and primary healthcare inclusively across the state. We will strive to lead, transform, and inspire highlighting and supporting local successes and resources in Our Backyard!

R,What Now?

usiness leaders what resolutions re is what they had to say...

Maria Gemma Executive Director,

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation

The staff and volunteers at the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation are extremely passionate about helping people affected by breast cancer, and our resolution for 2015 is to expand our reach to help even more people touched by this terrible disease. One way we will accomplish this is by furthering our Cultural Outreach Program to provide education and services to underserved communities.

Danny Warshay

Founder, DEW Ventures This past summer, while teaching entrepreneurship during a war—first for Israelis in Jerusalem and the next day for Palestinians in Ramallah—I experienced the potential for entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social change.

I am devoting more of my time to teaching entrepreneurship in different corporate and academic contexts and in different cultures.

In 2015, my resolution is to continue using my entrepreneurship teaching to catalyze new ventures, to improve lives, and perhaps even to change the world.

Angus Davis

Founder & CEO, Swipely Swipely helps restaurants and retailers understand customers and grow sales using actionable data. As the fastest-growing technology firm in Rhode Island and the fastest-growing company in Providence, we plan to add talent to our 150-person team in 2015 and to grow the annual sales under management on our platform, which now stands at $4 billion. In early 2015, we will also announce some new product innovations that fundamentally improve the guest experience at restaurants. We are eager to be one piece of the puzzle in revitalizing Rhode Island’s struggling economy, and I am excited to work with our newly elected leaders to accelerate the Ocean State’s comeback!

Tim Hebert

President & CEO, Atrion Networking Corporation Nelson Mandela once said, “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more to climb.” For over 25 years, we have had dreams, goals, and aspirations that were finally realized this year. We have climbed our hills and mountains and now, we look to the future and see many grand peaks waiting for us to summit. My New Year’s resolution is to position Atrion for the greatest journey of its life.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

35

ANNUAL

REPORT

UPDATES FROM THE

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIN 2014 was a great year for SBA lending in the state of Rhode Island! With 426 loans, lending is up 38% from Fiscal Year 2013. Dollar volume is also up 24%, with the year-end tally of $86,348,100. 91 of these loans went to start-up enterprises (21%), with the remaining 335 going to existing concerns.

One of the greatest hallmarks of Fiscal Year 2014 is the success of the fee elimination program. All loans in the 7(a) program (SBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s predominant lending platform) of $150,000 or less had zero fees to both borrower and lender. In fact, 79% of all SBA 7(a) loans fell into this category. This represents a 15% increase from Fiscal Year 2013.

The SBA is proud to announce that this fee elimination program is continued for Fiscal Year 2014, which ends September 30, 2015. This program, coupled with rates that are near-record lows, presents a wonderful, unique opportunity to start or grow your business by partnering with your local lending institution and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In fact, although it is still early in Fiscal Year 2015, loans

36

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

of $150,000 or less currently make up 89% of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio.

Further, Fiscal Year 2014 offers terrific incentives for veterans and their spouses as well. Under the 7(a) program, all loans between $150,001 and $350,000 have zero fees to the borrower. Loans above $350,000 to veterans have a 50% reduction in fees to the borrower. Veterans and spouses are eligible as long as they own at least 51% of the business and are the primary operators of said business. Veteran form DD214 serves as proof of military service.

As the agency moves forward, we are turning our attention to making Fiscal Year 2015 a success. Toward that end, the District Office is preparing for the 2015 Rhode Island Economic Summit, which will take place January 9, 2015 at Bryant University. The Economic Summit provides the venue for state-elected officials and small business owners to engage in a dialogue and exchange ideas about issues of importance to small business in Rhode Island. The goal is to

- 34 loans for $18,735,000 - 3rd party participation $24,535,185 34loans loansfor for$67,613,100 $18,735,000 - 3rd party participation $24,535,185 ANNUAL --392 e District partnered with several municipalities (including Bristol, Central e-District partnered with several -municipalities (including$24,535,185 Bristol, Central 34 loans for $18,735,000 3rd party participation wn, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket) to provide a thorough curriculum ofREPORT wn, Pawtucket, and with Woonsocket) to provide a thorough curriculum of District partnered several municipalities (including Bristol, Central ng. n, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket) ng.

CAPITALto provide a thorough curriculum of CAPITAL g.

HTS HTS ess are up 65% pess are up 65% HTS

p ess are up 65% ume ume markets are up markets are up 7% me 7%100%are up markets up up 100% 7%

up 100%

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DERS NDERS $ 9,805,500 DERS $ 9,805,500

p 100%

CAPITAL

 Training Provided   Training Providedprovided to 1,322 51 Trainings

 participants 51 Trainings provided to 1,322 (commercial lenders  Training Provided participants (commercial lenders and entrepreneurs).

Topics include,  51 Trainings provided to 1,322 and are entrepreneurs). include, but not limited to:Topics participants (commercial lenders but are notUpdates, limited to: SOP Ten Tab, 1502 andentrepreneurs).

Topics include,  SOP Updates, Ten Tab, 1502 Liquidation, e-tran, Reporting, but are not limited to: Reporting, Liquidation, e-tran Exporting, andTen Affordable  SOP Updates, Tab, 1502 , Exporting, and Affordable Care Act Liquidation, e-tran, Reporting, Care Act Exporting, and Affordable Care Act

450 450 300 450 300 150 300 150 1500 0 0

NUMBER OF 7(a) LOANS NUMBER OF 7(a) LOANS NUMBER OF 7(a) LOANS 7(a) 7(a) ARC 8

21

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TOP 504 LENDERS TOP 504 LENDERS $ 2,126.398 BankNewport 6 TOP 504 LENDERS

NISTRATION

$ 2,126.398 BankNewport 6 Coastway Community $ 11,323,000 9,805,500 5,698,350 $$ 2,126.398 BankNewport 65 Coastway Community Bank $ 11,323,000 5 $ 5,698,350 BankWashington Trust The 7,096,400 Coastway Community 1,674,000 $$11,323,000 54 $$ 5,698,350 The Washington Trust Company $ 7,096,400 Bank $ 1,674,000 4 formulate andCompany present a small business advocacy package The Washington Trust of America 1,160,100 designed andBank approved by summit participants.

2,410,000 $$ 7,096,400 43 This is$$a1,674,000 Company Bank of America 3 $ 1,160,100 great opportunity to speak directly to legislative leaders $ 2,410,000 who can facilitate a positive business climate. More than Bristol County Savings 927,508 $ 7,911,000 Bank of America 33and elected $$ 1,160,100 175 small business owners, business leaders, $ 2,410,000 Bristol County Savings Bank $ 927,508 3 $ 7,911,000 officials participated Bank in the 2014 summit. This year’s forum will address Bristol businessCounty concernsSavings and recommend solutions in $ 927,508 3 $ 7,911,000 seven key business areas: Bank TOP C.D.C.s

TOP C.D.C.s 1.

Taxes and Budget

Corp. 2.

11 $ 7,199,000 Health Care TOP C.D.C.s 3. Regulations Corp.

11 $ 7,199,000 4. Corp.Economic Development elopment 11 $ 6,858,000 orp. 5. Corp.Main Street Issues 11 velopment 11 $$ 7,199,000 6,858,000 6.

Workforce Development $ 3,390,000 lopment7. Authority 7 elopment Corp. Underserved Markets11 $$ 6,858,000 3,390,000 lopment Authority 7 TICKETS ARE $25.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cweevelopment Corp.

3 $ 579,000 $$ 3,390,000 opment providence-rhode-island-small-business-economic-summitAuthority 73 evelopment Corp.

579,000 tickets-14338822805 to register. $ 709,000 rp.

2 velopment Corp.

32 $$ 579,000 709,000 rp.

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millions millions millions www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

37

YEAR IN

REVIEW

GENEROUS DONORS drive a year of investing in Rhode Island

by Chris Barnett

Thanks to its generous donors, the Rhode Island Foundation has been able to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations working all across the state in eight broad sectors including education, the environment and health care this year.

and production of digitally printed textiles, while David Dadekian plans to launch the Eat Drink Rhode Island Central Market.

More than $193,000 in organizational development grants were awarded to groups like the Center for Southeast Asians, Save the Bay and the Rhode Island Health Center Association to build their capacity to do more good work.

As the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofits in the state, the Foundation works in partnership with donors and grant recipients to meet the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

Food banks, homeless shelters and free clinics like the East Bay Community Action Program, the Salvation Army and the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale that provide needy Rhode Islanders with basic human needs received nearly $150,000.

“We connect the dreams of our donors with the needs of Rhode Islanders. By encouraging innovation, collaboration and advocacy, we empower nonprofits to take on the issues that are critical to moving the state forward,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Thirty nonprofit groups serving Newport County residents shared $166,000 through the Foundation’s Newport County Fund (NCF). The money will underwrite a host of activities, ranging from job readiness training and after-school activities, to farming and domestic violence prevention.

Support for the $300,000 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowships continued thanks to the generosity of Letitia and John Carter.

Amy Bernhardt is working on creating a facility for the design

Through the Equity Action Fund, the Black Philanthropy Initiative and the Juanita Sanchez Fund, organizations that work with underserved populations received the resources to provide job training, financial literacy and mentoring.

The money will underwrite a host of activities, ranging from job readiness training and after-school activities, to farming and domestic violence prevention.

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2013, the Foundation made grants of more than $31 million to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.

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39

SMALL BUSINESS | State-Wide MLS Consumer-Focused In 2014

STATE-WIDE MLS

S tat e - W i d e MLS C o n s u m e r - F o c u s e d New commercial real estate website puts commercial real estate listings at consumers’ fingertips — The StateWide Multiple Listing Service set out to change Rhode Island’s commercial real estate market with its launch of RILivingCommercial.com earlier this year. RILivingCommercial. com is a comprehensive online listing of commercial properties for sale or lease. Compiled from data provided by the Rhode Island Commercial Information Exchange (RICIE), Rhode Island’s most accurate database of commercial properties, RILiving Commercial is the first site of its kind dedicated to consumers interested in commercial properties in our market.

Like its companion site, RILiving.com, the popular go-to source for residential real estate, RILivingCommercial.com obtains data directly from Realtor members through State-Wide MLS, and, in particular, from members of MLS’s RICIE platform.

Consumers, therefore, have access to the most accurate information about commercial listings available anywhere,

in

2014

allowing them to explore commercial possibilities and narrow their search before contacting a commercial agent.

Whether investing, relocating or looking to start a company in Rhode Island or nearby areas, RILivingCommercial.com provides consumers with the property data, market information and professional resources needed to find available properties.

Specifically, in addition to listing information, consumers can access information about Realtors with commercial real estate offerings, market statistics and trends, tax rates, and links to other online resources for Rhode Island businesses.

State-Wide MLS is encouraging commercial real estate professionals to use RICIE to ensure that their listings appear on RILivingCommercial.com. With its one-year anniversary approaching in 2015, heavy promotion of RILivingCommercial is planned for the first quarter of the new year to acquaint Rhode Islanders with the ease of searching for their own commercial properties through this new online resource.

Thanks to a better job market and continued low interest rates, it seems that consumer confidence is growing. All the signs bode well for a strong, healthy housingmarket in 2015 40

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

A Solid Year For Rhode Island Real Estate | SMALL BUSINESS

Year In Review A Soli d Year

for

R h o d e I s l a n d R e a l E s tat e

Flash back half a dozen years ago and one of the main topics of conversation was the housing slump. Thankfully, the conversation has changed. Few were complaining about Rhode Island’s housing market in 2014. Statistics released by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors indicate that single family home sales activity was on par to that of 2013 for the first ten months of the year—the latest figures available as of press time. And, while the median price of single family home sales moderated a bit over the summer, the latest monthly figures released show it making significant gains, rising 14 percent in October from 12 months earlier. Most important to the health of the Ocean State’s real estate market, distressed sales—those properties sold through foreclosure or short sales—continued their decline. Such sales have been dropping for 22 of the past 23 months.

Low interest rates and rising equity, which frees up homeowners to sell and then buy again, characterized Rhode Island’s 2014 housing market. While sales activity and median price moved up and down monthly from the prior year, the overall trend was positive.

“Thanks to a better job market and continued low interest rates, it seems that consumer confidence is growing. All the signs bode well for a strong, healthy housing market in 2015,” said Bruce Lane, 2015 President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, in a recent statement.

Realtors around the state echoed the same sentiment. “Last

year was a banner year for our company, but this year was even better,” said Douglas Randall, CEO of Randall Realtors.

“Our overall number of transactions increased by more than ten percent. Even more impressive was that the dollar amount of those combined sales rose by more than 30 percent, in large part because the demand for high-end properties along the shore rose sharply. A few months ago we found out that our real estate group made Inc. Magazine’s list of top 5,000 privatelyowned businesses so obviously momentum appears to be on our side. It was a great year for us and we’re very optimistic about 2015. This is a market we can work with. We have some very happy clients,” he said.

The National Association of Realtors recently released its economic and housing forecast for 2015 and 2016. Nationwide, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun is forecasting existinghome sales this year to fall slightly below 2013 (5.1 million) to 4.9 million, and then increase to 5.3 million next year and 5.4 million in 2016. Yun expects the national median existing-home price to rise 4 percent both next year and in 2016.

According to local economist Len Lardaro in his most recent (September) Current Conditions Index, the pace of Rhode Island’s recovery “picked up noticeably in the third quarter.”

That uptick, coupled with plans announced by federal regulators earlier this fall to make credit more accessible by easing some of the onerous credit restrictions stemming from the 2010 banking reform bill, will only help to further solidify the Ocean State’s housing market as it approaches the New Year. www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

41

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www.risbj.com | volume three issue eleven

43

What Clams Me About SMALL CAPITAL BUSINESS CITY | Looking || How To Manage Looking A Remote Forward Worker or Office SMALL BUSINESS DearBack, Mom: A Taught Letter Home From ALeadership One Day Warrior

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

by Mayor Angel Taveras

It was a cold, wintry day in January 2011, when I raised my hand and took the oath of office as the 37th Mayor of the City of Providence. Not long after I took that oath, my administration uncovered a staggering $110 million structural deficit – a “Category 5 Fiscal Hurricane” that threatened the very foundation of our city.

I am proud to say that through unprecedented partnerships with our unions, retirees, taxpayers and institutions, we avoided bankruptcy, eliminated the deficit, built strong partnerships and put the capital city on the road to recovery.

Four years later, we are a stronger city that tackled its fiscal crisis while continuing to provide badly-needed infrastructure improvements and award-winning educational reform, and remaining a model of excellence others herald.

In economic development, we have enjoyed hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment and construction citywide, made possible by private investment and supported by our city’s work to professionalize services and implement efficiencies made in the permitting process.

By addressing the fiscal foundation of our city, we sent a clear message to developers and business owners, among others, that Providence is open for business and that we are a sound place in which to invest.

In 2013, I proposed and we have completed nearly all 20 steps in my “Putting Providence Back to Work,” an economic development plan that identified streamlining and putting the permitting process online, adoption of a new Zoning Ordinance, reinvigorating the Providence Redevelopment Agency, creating a new Kennedy Plaza and establishing a new Storefront Improvement Program. These concrete measures have been essential

AS “AMERICA’S FAVORITE CITY” AND RECIPIENT OF MANY MORE AWARDS THESE PAST FOUR YEARS ON EVERYTHING FROM EDUCATIONAL REFORM TO BEST QUALITY OF LIFE, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT. Because a quality, public education is the foundation of economic development, my administration has worked hard to address inequities among low-income and minority children in early childhood education and throughout their careers. Just this week, our School Superintendent joined Rhode Island College’s president at the White House to be recognized among scores of cities nationwide for our educational innovations. We have captured more than $11 million in awards for our reform efforts, including Bloomberg’s top $5 million prize for “Providence Talks,” a unique city initiative to tackle the so-called 30-million word gap that affects low-income children, limits their potential and inhibits their academic and lifetime success. We have been to the White House to meet the president and be honored for those efforts.

And we have been successful with our Providence Reads and Providence Graduates efforts, focusing on the disparities in achievement among urban and suburban youth.

44 44

RISBJ | rhode island small RISBJ | rhode island smallbusiness businessjournal journal

to our city’s economic resurgence, and we thank the many business owners—large and small—for their confidence in our city.

Projects such as the Arcade, the Dean Hotel, the Providence G, G Fox Building, work at the Port of Providence, the George C. Arnold Building, South Street Station and its planned joint URI-RIC Nursing School, Johnson & Wales University’s Physician Assistant School and its large new parking lot adjacent to the Knowledge District, Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, and Providence College’s multi-million dollar investments are many fine examples of the institutional and private sector belief in and commitment to our state’s capital city.

And our work with small businesses, including our merchants associations and business districts have been supported with first-ever partnerships with the U.S. Small Business Administration, where we have hosted more than a dozen free workshops for small business, and our joint Providence/Cranston Mayors’ Job Fairs—19

of which were held—helping more than 500 small businesses connect with more than 3,000 skilled and available workers. And we have expanded youth and summer jobs programs to support area businesses and organizations while providing valued on-thejob experience to our youth.

Our $40 million road bond issue—to repair the city’s worst roads first—won the support of voters statewide and has led to more than 60 miles of road reconstruction.

Challenging though it may have been to business owners and travelers, the temporary inconvenience has given way to significantly improved streets and elimination of many pot holes. And we have begun to address our aging schools, some dating back a half a century or more, so all students have the ability to learn in decent and more modern classroom settings. I thank our partners in the Providence City Council, Rhode Island General Assembly and our Congressional delegation for supporting and actively working together to make these critical investments in our infrastructure.

Our public safety services have earned national accreditation and a New England Police Chiefs Association award for Community Policing; we have bought 40 new vehicles and increased the number of police and firefighters with two recent Police and Fire Academies, the first of both in a number of years. We have made sustainability an everyday experience with our Big Green Cans for business, our Lots of Hope and public-private partnerships.

Certainly, we have done much more and there is always more work that can be done.

As “America’s Favorite City” and recipient of many more awards these past four years on everything from educational reform to best quality of life, the sky is the limit. And I am proud and honored to have been steward of this great city during some of its darkest days and now, in some of its brightest. I am pleased to hand the mantle of leadership over to our incoming mayor and my friend, Mayor-elect Jorge Elorza, that he might make his own mark on our great and ever-changing city of Providence.

5

5 Ways To Get Organized Before 2015 | SMALL BUSINESS

ways to get organized before 2015

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

Did you plan to get organized this year, but just couldn’t make it happen? Did your disorganization affect your business this year? If you say no, you may be lying to yourself. Have you lost clients and money this year due to your disorganization? Maybe you don’t have the skill set to get organized and it’s just too overwhelming and stressful to tackle. Make a plan and carve out some time before the end of the year to get organized and head into 2015 ready to take your business to the next level!

Here are 5 ways to get organized before 2015:

Rework your filing system. 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 many times have you gone to pull out a file you needed and had to wiggle it out because the files were so tightly packed? How long does it take you to find a file? It’s time to get to work in your office and clear out the old to make way for the new. You want to be as efficient and productive as possible, and if your files are weighing you down, it’s time to purge. 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 reorganize. 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.

Organize. You’ve had this on your to-do list for as long

as you can remember. Now is the time to tackle this project.

Take your business to the next level just by getting organized.

Physically organize your drawers, supplies, bookshelves, business cards, files, emails, bulletin boards, and anything else that is in your office. Create a system, process and procedure for everything that enters your office. After you are finished organizing yourself, make a plan to get your employees

organized. There is nothing worse than walking into an office where the first person you see is disorganized.

Reevaluate your systems. If your systems aren’t working for you, why are you still working with them? Do you have flat filing trays full of papers you haven’t looked at all year? Maybe it’s time to clean out those bins; toss, keep, and begin to use vertical files. Is your inbox used as an inbox or is it used as a drop spot to hold papers you don’t know what to do with? It’s time to reevaluate the systems. Create new systems and then revisit them after a few months and tweak them if the new systems aren’t working. Don’t continue to work with broken systems.

Time management.

You can’t work on your time management skills if your office is in disarray. Get organized and you will become more efficient and productive. Reevaluate how you function in your office. Once your clutter has been removed and you are organized, you will see clearer and be able to streamline processes and procedures. I always believe there is an easier way to tackle a task. Evaluate how you function and really streamline procedures.

Maximize space in your office.

When you enter your office, how does it make you feel? How do you think it makes others feel? Is it a warm, inviting atmosphere? Once the clutter is cleared and you are organized and refreshed, think about the space you are working in. You spend at least 8 hours a day in your office. Can you switch up the furniture and repurpose some items to make your office more comfortable? Make it work for you and your clients. Create a smooth flow to your office.

Use this article as a checklist as you move through your office and tackle these projects. Don’t use the excuse that you are too busy to get organized and you don’t have the time. You are wasting and losing time and money by not being organized. Next year you will have so much free time and more money, you won’t know what to do with yourself.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing in RI, LLC

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2014

SMALL BUSINESS | 2014 – The Year of the Hacker!

The Year of the

Hacker!

by Lisa Shorr

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2014 is the Year of the Horse. A key strength of the horse is their refusal to consent to failure. Boy have we, as business owners and consumers have needed to put that quality to test over the past year! Over and over again the media reported a new virus on the market and data breaches at major chains like Home Depot or Target. It made me think, 2014 is the Year of the Hacker!

While there were a couple of shining stars in 2014, this year has put resiliency to the test and forced business owners to value and back up their data.

Consumers and corporations depend upon their devices like never before.

Here are my top five highlights and lowlights for 2014: 1. THE DATA-BREACH REACH. Once again, you and I have been the victim of a cybercrime. Millions of email addresses and credit card information were stolen from the very organizations we’ve trusted. Will this stop the majority of us from patronizing stores like Target and Home Depot? Nope! We just get

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our new cards in the mail, peruse the latest documents promising stronger security measures and go out and buy that laundry detergent once again. We do think twice before we buy, but hey, we all need clean clothes and Walmart has been breached, too!

2. RANSOMWARE IS LURKING EVERYWHERE! If Hurricane Sandy was not enough to put the fear of data loss in you, then hopefully the fear of unleashing the Crypto-Locker and Crypto-Wall ransomare on your network will! There are only two ways to rid yourself of this potentially devastating malware: either pay the ransom in bitcoins or have a solid backup of your files. The latter requires a bit of an investment upfront, but hey, it’s better to be safe than a very costly sorry.

We’ve seen some people pay a ransom

of $2,000-$3,000! Let’s hope this nuisance stays in 2014. But in case it doesn’t, BACK UP YOUR DATA! 3. WINDOWS XP OPENS UP VULNERABILITY. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft pulled the plug on this very beloved and long-standing operating system. Major systems in health care and other industries were using Windows XP as the backbone of their infrastructure. For businesses like yours and mine, this meant a huge security risk and a wide-open door for hackers to gallop right in and plant something malicious on our networks. The best alternative to-date is to upgrade to Windows 7 ASAP! This system has the closest look and feel to XP and is still being supported by Microsoft. If you haven’t switched already, now is the time or else risk #1 and #2 above!

Treasury’s 2014 Accomplishments | SMALL BUSINESS

While there were a couple of shining stars in 2014, this year has put resiliency to the test and forced business owners to value and back up their data.

4. THE YEAR OF THE “PHABLET.” SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 4: is it a phone or a tablet? It’s both! A Phablet! I love this term and Samsung has really excited consumers with their latest release of the Galaxy Note.

4. THIS PHABLET INTRODUCES A NEW INTERACTION WITH THE SMARTPHONE: writing capability with a stylus. No other phone on the market offers this cool feature. It also boasts a 16 megapixel camera.

5. IPHONE 6 AND 6 PLUS: IS BIGGER BETTER? Not only was the Galaxy Note 4 launched in September 2014, but Apple also gave a gift, too: the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus! This was Apple’s foray into the “phablet” world.

Although a fancy stylus is not included in this new release, the larger screen with retina display is “phab-ulous!” You decide which side you are on—Apple or Android!

Next up is the Year of the Sheep.

They are known for being cautious in business and thinking before they take a risk. Let’s take these precautions into 2015 with our technology. Don’t open any emails that you are not expecting, and if they come from a supposedly credible source like PayPal or Bank of America, go directly to their website or risk a Trojan horse galloping into your network and clomping all over your data.

Lisa Shorr VP of Marketing Secure Future Tech Solutions

Treasury’s 2014 Accomplishments

by Gina Raimondo

I have a lot to be thankful for this year, among them my family and the accomplishments of my team in Treasury.

I am thankful that my family is healthy and able to spend the holidays together. As the annual flu season is underway, it is important that Rhode Islanders make sure to get their annual flu shot in order to stay healthy.

My family and I were vaccinated this past month by Dr. Michael Fine, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. My family and I get vaccinated every year because we know that it is our best defense against the flu.

Information regarding the flu and where to get vaccinated can be found on the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website.

Getting a flu shot not only protects yourself, but it also helps to keep the people in your life healthy by preventing the spread of the flu.

This year, I am thankful for the opportunity to look back and reflect on the accomplishments of the Treasury Team.

I am thankful that high schools in Rhode Island are educating students on the importance of financial literacy with the EverFi program.

Personal finance education is essential to the preparedness and success of our state’s students.

I am also thankful that the roads and bridges in Rhode Island will continue to be supported. The Municipal Roads and Bridges Revolving Fund is an example of an innovative program developed in part by Treasury.

The plan addresses our state’s deteriorating infrastructure, and continues to benefit Rhode Island’s cities and towns in the long-term.

In total, fiscal year 2014 funding benefits nine local communities and 16 projects. The fund provides Rhode Island’s cities and towns with reliable funding to repair aging roads and bridges while rebuilding our state’s infrastructure and putting people back to work.

I am thankful for all the great work of my Unclaimed Property team. This year, they provided great customer service, hosted an unclaimed property auction, continued the Smart Money Tour, returned more than $59,000 to municipalities, and returned life insurance proceeds to Rhode Islanders.

As Rhode Islanders, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. I am committed to finding ways to move Rhode Island forward and look forward to the future success of our state.

Since the program began, it has been used by more than 5,000 Rhode Island students and more than 3,000 students have received their Certificate of Financial Literacy, a valuable mark of distinction on college applications and resumes.

As Treasurer, my team and I have worked to make financial literacy a priority in Rhode Island classrooms through the Empower RI program.

Gina Raimondo Rhode Island General Treasurer and Governor-Elect

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Women 2nd Annual

E NT R E P R E NE U R I AL

to Watch

Photography Provided

S ORISBJ C I| ArhodeLislandCsmallObusiness N Njournal ECT EVENT PHOTOS SOCIAL CONNECT

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November 17, 2014 Monday 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM The Dorrance | 60 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island

d By Josh EdenbaumŠ www.risbj.com threeN issue SOCIAL CONNECT EVENT PHOTOS SO C I A L| volume CO Neleven E C T49

SMALL BUSINESS | Personnel Practices Year In Review: Important Employment Law Updates From 2014

Personnel Practices Year in Review: Important Employment Law Updates from 2014

by Matthew R. Plain, Esq. & Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

2014 was a relatively active year in the Rhode Island employment law arena. The General Assembly recently enacted a number of new laws that came into effect this year affecting the employment relationship and necessitating updates in employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practices. The following summaries highlight important updates of which employers should be aware.

Temporary Caregiver Insurance On January 5, 2014, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training began accepting claims for Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI). Funded by employee payroll deductions, similarly to Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), TCI provides up to four weeks of paid leave in order to bond with a newborn child or a child newly placed for adoption or foster care, or to care for a child, a parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, spouse, or domestic partner who has a serious health condition.

Unlike TDI, TCI also offers a job protection benefit, such that upon the expiration of TCI leave,

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the employer must restore the employee to the position he/ she held prior to the commencement of leave, or to a position with equivalent seniority, status, employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment. Importantly, TCI applies to most Rhode Island employers, including those that are not subject to the requirements of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act or the Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act. Rhode Island is one of only three states (including California and New Jersey) that offers temporary caregiver benefits to employees.

Social Media Privacy Law A new social media privacy law, effective June 30, 2014, limits the ability of employers to access the personal social media accounts of job applicants and employees. This law sets forth strict prohibitions on the rights of employers to access the social media accounts of job applicants and current employees. Specifically, under the new law, employers may not require job applicants or current employees to disclose passwords or other means of accessing a personal social media account, and may not require the applicant or employee to add the employer or its

Personnel Practices Year In Review: Important Employment Law Updates From 2014 | SMALL BUSINESS

Rhode Island is one of only three states (including California and New Jersey) that offers temporary caregiver benefits to employees agent as a contact associated with a social media account. In addition, employers are not permitted to discipline, refuse to hire, or otherwise penalize an applicant or employee due to his or her refusal to disclose or provide access to his or her social media account, or to add the employer or its agent to his or her list of contacts. However, the new law carves out an exception for information about an applicant or employee that is publicly available and states that it shall not prohibit or restrict an employer from undertaking reasonable investigations of alleged employee misconduct.

Criminal Background Checks Another new law, which took effect on January 1, 2014, prohibits employers from inquiring about the criminal history of job applicants on the job application form. This law, known as “ban the box” legislation (because of the prohibition on a check-box on job applications concerning an applicant’s criminal history), prohibits Rhode Island employers with four or more employees from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal convictions prior to the first interview. Under the new legislation, in conjunction with existing laws, it is unlawful for such employers to ask job applicants about arrests, charges, or criminal convictions (including any verdicts or findings of guilt, guilty pleas, or pleas of nolo contendre) on any employment application or at any time prior to an initial interview. The law provides exceptions where state or federal law bans an applicant from employment due to certain criminal histories and for law enforcement agency positions or positions related to law enforcement.

Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Partner, Barton Gilman LLP Kristen M. Whittle, Esq. Associate, Barton Gilman LLP

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We Share Hope | FEATURED NONPROFIT

WE SHARE HOPE FEEDING 10,000 RHODE ISLANDERS EVERY MONTH

by Gail Ahlers

Rhode Island is a small state, small enough that the six degrees of separation are more like two degrees of separation. That means you are only two degrees of separation from the people in power and the people in need.

This holiday season while you are making your list for the things that you want, consider helping your neighbors in need.

It is easy to do. Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of We Share Hope.

Have you heard about us? No? Well I am not surprised.

Sometimes I think that We Share Hope is the best-kept secret in Rhode Island. We are a charitable non-profit that is feeding 10,000 Rhode Islanders every month, and we are all volunteers. Is this a difficult task? Yes. But we are a determined group. In the words of Helen Keller: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” As the Communication Outreach person for We Share Hope, it is my wish that you will become aware of and engaged in our efforts.

Based in Warren, Rhode Island, We Share Hope’s mission is to resolve the hunger problem in Rhode Island by providing food to organizations that feed the poor and underprivileged.

Founded by Stephen P. Martin and James MacDougall Sr. in 2006, they have invested their own money for this charitable cause. “I made a decision to take money I inherited, money I worked for for retirement and invested in humanity, understanding that they need it now,” Martin said. The reason Martin and MacDougall started this organization was due to the immense hunger they witness in their communities and the large amount of food that was wasted. After seeing this, both felt they had to do something to help. They started by collecting food from local merchants and donating to an established neighborhood church pantry in Warren, Rhode Island. The commitment to ending hunger and reducing food waste is what We Share Hope is all about.

Besides the many people we feed, we are also helping the environment because it is estimated that 14 billion pounds

of food are sent to the landfill each year. The law that makes all of this possible is the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act. Signed by President Clinton in 1996, it protects donors from liability when donating to a non-profit by removing their civil and criminal liability if the product that was donated causes harm to the recipient. “We Share Hope takes the liability, responsibility by a law and we transport to a point of delivery or distribution, where it becomes their responsibility to then prepare the food and put it into distribution for final consumption,” James MacDougall said. We Share Hope turns corporate America’s eyes away from the fear and allows them to concentrate on the good. It alleviates costs for them, it keeps good food out of landfills and it feeds hungry people.

We Share Hope currently provides donated food to over 100 public, private and faith-based organizations throughout Rhode Island. Our top priorities are children in poverty, the homeless, elderly, disabled and the poor. We have a fleet of six trucks on the road, recovering food seven days a week. As a result of this dedication to food recovery, We Share Hope has been able to accomplish a lot in the past year alone: • • •

1,000,000 meals provided freely to the poor and underprivileged in Rhode Island Over a million pounds of food diverted from landfills 57 new member agencies that feed the poor now receive food from We Share Hope

We Share Hope rescues food from manufacturers, farms, restaurants, colleges and businesses. The benefits of donating food to We Share Hope include enhanced tax deduction, no liability, support for the community, reduced waste and associated waste hauling, and less hunger in Rhode Island.

We need your help. Volunteer your time, donate funds, and together We Share Hope.

Gail Ahlers, owner of Ahlers Designs and the founder of The Empowerment Factory, is in charge of Community Outreach for We Share Hope. To donate or volunteer, go to their website WeShareHope.org and click on the “donate” or “join our team” button.

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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 Lynchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cleaning & Restoration www.lynchsrestoration.com

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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 eleven

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The smallest state has the biggest dreams.

And health plans to fit every one of them.

Affordable Plans for Any Size Business No two dreams are alike. Which is why we offer affordable, flexible health plans to meet the needs of any business in Rhode Island.

Including yours.

For a small business plan that works for you, contact your broker or visit bcbsri.com/together

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do this together 58

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

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