PBN February 18, 2022

PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

PBN pbn.com

FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022

2022 ECONOMIC TRENDS

PBN SUMMIT RECAP Plenty of challenges ahead, but which to solve first? | 15 Economist: Inflation isn’t going to fade soon | 16

FOCUS: LAW REVIEW R.I. considers relaxing law on homemade food | 22

YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS NEWS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND | VOL. 36, NO. 21 | $5

Jury still out on effort to diversify R.I. judiciary

HURTIN’ FOR HELP

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

WILLIAM J. TREZVANT grew up sur-

rounded by Black lawyers and judges, thanks to his dad’s leadership of the Newport chapter of the NAACP. Those early role models inspired Trezvant, who is also Black, to become a lawyer and a judge.

“I always say I had a goal of becoming an attorney and a dream of becoming a judge,” he said.

In January, that dream became reality when Trezvant was one of five new state judges – and one of two who are people of color – sworn in by Gov. Daniel J. McKee. Trezvant is now an associate judge in R.I. District Court.

Advocates lauded the appointments for helping boost diversity in the state’s judiciary to eight judges of color, or 12.7% of the 63 judge positions, up from 7% in 2009 and 4.8% in 2005.

FOCUS: LAW REVIEW

SEE JUDICIARY PAGE 24

ONE LAST THING

In-person interaction essential Mark Fuller | 34

PBN SURVEY:

Tight labor market among challenges hampering rebound

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

MONEY

CAN’T BUY EVERYTHING, INCLUDING T ­ ALENTED WORKERS. At least that’s what Rhode Island companies are learning as business activity rebounds, but finding people to fill new jobs is growing more difficult, according to responses to Providence Business News’ 2022 Winter Business Survey.

Nearly three-quarters of business owners and executives who responded to the biannual survey say they’re suffering from worker shortages: the highest rate in the 14-year history of the survey. And many are offering higher wages and better perks but are still struggling to attract qualified workers.

That’s far from their only problem. Rising inflation and snarled supply chains continue to take their toll, with nearly 9 in 10 respondents indicating that they’re paying more for materials and supplies than the previous quarter – the same record-high rate as last summer’s PBN survey.

SEE LABOR MARKET

OVERCOMING ­OBSTACLES: Daniel Dwight, right, CEO and president of Pawtucket membrane manufacturer Cooley Group, goes over the company’s oil boom containment technology with Larry Akinlapa, fabric inspector. The company has seen record growth despite being hamstrung by labor shortages and supply chain bottlenecks.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

PAGE 12

Join us for this discussion March 8th | 9am | Providence Marriott for more information turn to page 18

CONTENTS

PBN

COVER STORY HURTIN’ FOR HELP PBN SURVEY: Tight labor market among challenges hampering rebound................................................................... 1

400 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903

FOR STARTERS 5Q: Marc R. Pappas.................................................................. 4 Dining Out: Building a special ‘village’................................... 5 Spotlight: The Heal Room........................................................ 6 Something New: itsLIT RI........................................................ 6 Hot Topic: Mask mandate is over; divide endures................. 7 Health Matters: Nursing schools sounding alarm on faculty shortage............ 8 Another Look: Few at-home COVID tests reported to RIDOH........................ 9 What’s Happening....................................................................10

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FOCUS: LAW REVIEW | 1

ADVERTISING

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IT’S PERSONAL People in the News................................................................. 28 Mackay’s Moral....................................................................... 29 Guest Column: Peter Lachapelle........................................... 30 Guest Column: Patricia L. Haynes..........................................31 Editorials and Opinion............................................................ 32 One Last Thing: Mark Fuller.................................................. 34

PBN SUMMIT RECAP: 2022 ECONOMIC TRENDS

Plenty of challenges ahead, but which to solve first?

While panelists agree that higher costs for materials and labor are the biggest problems facing businesses now and in the year ahead, they differ on how to address them............15

5Q | 4

Economist: Inflation isn’t going to fade soon

Marketing, Events & Social Media Coordinator: Tracy Hoyt, 680-4818 | Hoyt@PBN.com Senior Account Managers: Linda Foster, 680-4812 | Foster@PBN.com Jim Hanrahan 680-4816 | Hanrahan@PBN.com Noreen Murray 680-4801 | Murray@PBN.com Advertising Coordinator: Joyce Rylander 680-4810 | Production@PBN.com

EDITORIAL Editor@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0670

Thomas Tzitzouris, with Strategas Research Partners, says despite an easing of the consumer price index and raising interest rates, inflation isn’t disappearing anytime soon......... 16

Editor: Michael Mello, 680-4820 | Mello@PBN.com Managing Editor: William Hamilton 680-4826 | Hamilton@PBN.com

FOCUS: LAW REVIEW

Jury still out on effort to diversify R.I. judiciary

Web Editor: Chip LeClerc, 680-4886 | LeClerc@PBN.com

Advocates lauded the recent appointments of two state judges who are people of color for helping boost diversity in the state’s judiciary, but others say more needs to be done............1

Copy Editor: Matt Bower, 680-4824 | Bower@PBN.com

R.I. considers relaxing law on homemade food

Special Projects Editor/Researcher: James Bessette 680-4838 | Bessette@PBN.com

Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s proposed fiscal 2023 budget includes a provision to allow for the sale of homemade food not prepared in a commercial or farm kitchen in Rhode Island....................22

(EDUCATION, NONPROFITS)

HEALTH MATTERS | 8

Lists Public Companies in Rhode Island........................................ 25 Tax Rates in Rhode Island...................................................... 26

Staff Writers: Marc Larocque 680-4830 | Larocque@PBN.com (HEALTH CARE, GOVERNMENT, REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT)

Nancy Lavin, 680-4822 | Lavin@PBN.com (CITY GOVERNMENT, ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES)

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED COMPANIES 24

Cassius Shuman 680-4884 | Shuman@PBN.com

7

(HOSPITALITY/TOURISM, GOVERNMENT)

AARP Rhode Island

28

Rhode Island Hispanic Bar Association

Amaral Custom Fabrications Inc.

13

Rhode Island Hospitality Association

22

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

15

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport

15

A Spoonful of Sugar Bryant University Bullard Abrasives Inc. Butler Hospital Care New England Health System Community College of Rhode Island

15, 17 15 4 30 8

R.I. Commerce Corp.

15, 22

R.I. Commission for Human Rights R.I. Department of Health

28 4, 9, 22

R.I. Statewide Planning Council

28 24

Cooley Inc.

12

Roger Williams University

Grow Smart Rhode Island

28

Salve Regina University

Hope & Main

22

Shere Strategy Enterprises LLC

28

Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal

15

itsLIT RI

6

8

J2 Construct Inc.

12

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

5

J.F. Moran Co.

15

The Heal Room

6

Oberlin

7

The Miriam Hospital

28

Ocean House

5

Thurgood Marshall Law Society

24

Pow Science LLC

14

University of Rhode Island

Rhode Island Bar Association

24

Working Planet Marketing Group Inc.

Rhode Island College

8

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 3

FOR STARTERS 5Q: Marc R. Pappas Senior adviser and chief COVID administrator, R.I. Office of the Governor

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

1

How does your role as chief COVID administrator differ from your previous role as director of the R.I. Emergency Management Agency?

As director of the Emergency Management Agency, I [focused] on coordinating response across state government to make sure that everyone is working in sync. In my current role … I am working directly in the governor’s office, still overseeing the coordination between all the government agencies involved with the COVID-19 response.

2

What has it been like working with businesses and COVID-19 testing to strengthen Rhode Island’s pandemic response?

We ramped up our test kit distribution – handing out 1 million tests in the month of January, with plans to hand out 1 million more each month through March – but it was clear we needed to keep up with the demand to process those tests. That is why the governor worked to increase our capacity by bringing on new lab sites or expanding existing ones.

3 PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

What difference has the National Guard made in assisting hospitals that have faced staffing crises?

Governor McKee announced earlier this month that the National Guard would deploy about 60 Guard members to Butler Hospital as part of an initial strategy to increase capacity and relieve pressure on other hospital emergency departments. Other hospitals can then send noncritical care

patients to Butler and free up more beds at their facilities.

4

What kind of cooperation and coordination have you done with local businesses and nonprofits during the state’s COVID-19 response?

Businesses have hosted vaccination clinics to bolster our efforts to get shots in arms. Nonprofits have also had a huge impact on our communities. They provide direct service programs … [such as] housing and homelessness prevention, behavioral health services and job training to Rhode Islanders in need.

5

Prior to your work in state government, you worked for the Pawtucket police and then for a security firm. How did you make that transition and how do you compare the kind of work you’re doing now with your past career in policing?

I’ve always enjoyed my career in public service. In my current role … I often draw upon my emergency response experience to keep state agencies organized and coordinated.

Everyone has to work in sync and in support of the governor and RIDOH [R.I. Department of Health]. Things are constantly changing, so it’s important that we all stay on the same page. n

The governor worked to increase our capacity by bringing on new lab sites.

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FOR STARTERS DINING OUT | BRUCE NEWBURY

Building a special ‘village’ OPERATING A LUXURY RESORT means the ordinary isn’t enough.

The Ocean House on the scenic Rhode Island coastline in Westerly revealed a transformation of its whimsical winter private dining popup series with the debut of a magical, French-inspired Gondola Village, including new culinary offerings and enhanced experiences.

This “village” adds a twist on the idea of the outdoor shelters, the “igloos” that sprang up outside restaurants across the country during the depths of the pandemic. The igloos became the place to be, outdoors but also indoors, extending seasons and lifting spirits. In our longing to get back to anything approaching normal, we jumped at the opportunity to sit at a table at our favorite restaurant. Our

longing was to feed ourselves, body and soul.

The Ocean House took it up a notch. In 2018, an executive of the hospitality group spotted an unused ski gondola, retired from Stratton Mountain in Vermont. It was brought to the Ocean House, retrofitted with heated sofas and well-appointed lighting and décor. Drawing inspiration from the French Alpine après-ski experience, with a little help from Veuve Clicquot, the French champagne house, the little gondola became North America’s first in-gondola dining experience and was known as Fondue Express, which gives away the menu. Based on popular demand and international recognition, the pop-up dining experience expanded into a “village” of three gondolas – the additional

PERFECT LIGHTING: The Gondola Village offers an outdoor dining experience at the Ocean House in Westerly.

COURTESY OCEAN HOUSE

gondolas are custom built. Like the igloos, it became the perfect outing for many guests seeking an enjoyable and fun individual dining alternative during the pandemic. Now known as the Gondola Village, it provides a social gathering space for small groups and couples alike.

Executive Chef Matthew Voskuil, who joined the Ocean House from The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, added a French accent to menus that can be described as culinary comfort food with warming lunch and dinner offerings featuring brie cheese flambé with apple, almonds and currants; French onion soup gratinée with melted gruyere; main course selections, including boeuf bourguignonne, rainbow trout and blanquette de champignons – a white mushroom stew as a vegetarian option; and apple tarte tatin with homemade French vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Culinary items are served on and in Le Creuset cookware, bakeware and dinnerware in rich colors. The menus, plus a late-afternoon predinner après-ski cocktail hour with local oysters and caviar, along with celebration du soleil, a fireside sunset experience featuring savory truffle popcorn, warm marinated olives and salted almonds, include Veuve Clicquot champagne.

A portion of proceeds from the Gondola Village benefits the Ocean House Fund for Charitable Giving, which supports local children and families in need and helps improve access to food for the underserved.

It might be said that the Gondola Village is not in the food business. It is in the experience business.

TEAM MEMBERS: Ocean House executive chef Matthew Voskuil, left, and Wine Director Jonathan Feiler.

COURTESY OCEAN HOUSE

We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have creative visionaries who can transform our basic needs into unforgettable experiences. The restaurants could have just stuck a few plastic shelters in the parking lot. The menu could have been basic. Takeoutfriendly dishes were the order of the day. But at some restaurants, the experience remained king. As someone observed, it is the unique experiences that have put Rhode Island restaurants on the map that will see the industry through to recovery. The bar is raised high. The state’s chefs, restaurateurs and staffs are equal to the task. n Bruce Newbury’s radio show and podcast, “Dining Out with Bruce Newbury,” is broadcast on WADK 1540 AM and several radio stations throughout New England. Email him at Bruce@BruceNewbury.com.

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 5

FOR STARTERS SOMETHING NEW

SPOTLIGHT

PERFECT FIT: Mobile DJ Alex Brown says taking over marquee letter rental company itsLIT RI was a perfect fit with his experience in the events industry.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Breathing new life into letters

BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com

IN THE EARLY DAYS of the COVID-19 pandemic, light-up marquee letter rental service itsLIT RI spread a literal message of “HOPE” around the state.

The “HOPE” sign, composed of individual 3-foot-high marquee letters, was the first public marquee display set up by thenowner and Cranston resident Melanie Jackson.

While preparing for an outof-state move in December 2021, Jackson handed the business off to current owner Alex Brown, a Smithfield resident and 2021 Johnson & Wales University graduate.

Brown hopes to streamline the rental process while continuing to offer the same marquee letters that Jackson designed, while integrating the letters into the mobile DJ business he’s run for over a decade.

“I thought it was pretty much the perfect business for me to take over,” Brown said, “because I’ve been a mobile DJ for 10 years now and have a lot of experience with the events industry in particular. I had actually done a couple events Melanie had provided letters to.”

Most rentals are for weddings, Brown said, though the business has also set up at holiday parties, baby showers, graduations and marriage proposals.

Pricing varies by season, but on average rentals run at about $75 per letter. n

STRONGER TOGETHER: Ana Duque, left, and Karen Mejias at their new store called The Heal Room. The two Latina women have teamed up, using their past experiences as business owners to bring a zero-waste store and wellness bar to Pawtucket.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Wellness with zero waste Retail store features smoothie bar

BY CASSIUS SHUMAN | Shuman@PBN.com

ANA DUQUE AND KAREN MEJIAS discovered the need to merge their business ventures to create a bigger impact and survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The women, former Tolman High School classmates, had been operating their own businesses. Duque owned Green Tenderfoot, a pop-up business offering zero-waste products, while Mejias ran Mindful Maia, a wellness smoothie truck.

So, on Dec. 12, 2020, they opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Pawtucket called The Heal Room, a zero-waste store with a wellness bar.

Duque said she pitched the idea of opening a retail store focused on living sustainably during a meeting with Mejias at a cafe, telling her, “I need you and you need me right now.”

Mejias agreed, banking on their comradery and familiarity.

“On a higher level, we realized we could help each other create a bigger impact in our community if we worked together rather than individually,” she said.

Mejias said it was also nice to partner with someone who shares a similar vision with the same work ethic.

“So, I said, ‘Let’s try to do this,’ ” she said.

“We tried to create the perfect

baby, and it created itself,” Duque said.

What was created was a store aimed at eliminating pollutant materials that are not friendly to the environment by offering zero-waste products and a refill station for containers that dispense bath, body and cleaning products.

The store offers products ranging from ethical crystals, herbs, teas and powders to self-help books, bottles and gear. The wellness bar features smoothies, fruit bowls, herbal teas and more.

The Heal Room ships its products using reused boxes, plastic-free tape and paper filling to reduce waste.

Duque said the goal is to effect change through a green-conscious business that benefits the health of the community. Part of that involves providing information about sustainability by hosting education-

OWNERS: Ana Duque and Karen Mejias

LOCATION: 574 Smithfield Ave., Pawtucket

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Zero-waste store and wellness bar

EMPLOYEES: Two

6 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

al events and workshops.

The endeavor was not without its challenges, as the women had to raise funds to get the business off the ground. Then there was the process of gathering and organizing inventory while securing a location.

“Our prior experiences in college and in business allowed us to connect with people and build the branding side of it,” Mejias said.

Mejias said they leaned on advice from mentors along the way that were provided by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Mentors Rhode Island, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, and Urban Ventures, to name a few.

“The Rhode Island business community can be very supportive,” Mejias said. “We’re here because of them.”

Duque said COVID-19 has created a strange paradox, as they don’t know what it’s like to operate their shop outside of a pandemic.

“We’ve never experienced the normal running of a store,” Duque said. “So, we’re very thankful for the community and the people that support us no matter what, even in the middle of a pandemic.”

“We are a fountain to the community,” Mejias said. “The store is an extension of that. It is there to replenish our community.” n YEAR FOUNDED: 2020 ANNUAL REVENUE: WND

FOR STARTERS HOT TOPIC

Mask mandate is over; divide endures

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

THE STATE MAY HAVE ended its COVID-19 mask mandate, but now some consumers are making decisions on where to spend their money based on how businesses are reacting to the end of the requirement.

When Gov. Daniel J. McKee ended the indoor mandate on Feb. 11, he left it up to individual businesses to decide whether to enforce their own policies requiring indoor masking or proof of vaccination.

Jeffrey Hardiman, an attorney from Cranston, said he’s not spending a dime at stores or restaurants that ask him to wear a mask or show his vaccination card. “Any place that requires a mask will only enrich its competitors,” he said, adding that he went grocery shopping in Massachusetts recently just to avoid Rhode Island’s rule.

“I’m done wearing a mask,” said Hardiman, who was vaccinated for COVID-19 after getting infected early in the pandemic. “If a business wants to require their customers to wear a mask and show proof of vaccination, that’s their choice. It’s equally my choice to go where no one is going to force me to wear a mask. There’s no ill will.”

On the other side, fellow Cranston resident Lori Grover said she’s avoiding businesses that are not asking customers to put on a mask or show proof of vaccination.

“They will not be getting my business,” said Grover, a certified divorce mediator. “I have walked out of businesses if there’s a sign on the door that requires masks or vaccines, and I get in the store, and the employees won’t enforce it. I understand why some won’t. But if there are people unmasked, and it’s an environment like that, I will leave.”

Sarah Bratko, Rhode Island Hos-

pitality Association spokeswoman, said her organization is asking for the public to respect the decisions of businesses that are maintaining masking and vaccination policies, and to be considerate to employees tasked with enforcing the measures.

“There will be businesses that decide to keep mask policies in place,” Bratko said. “We ask that customers are respectful of that and remember to be kind to the employees who are working. If you don’t want to follow whatever an individual restaurant is doing, you’re free to go to a different one. We just ask that people be nice.”

While many stores and restaurants are nixing masking and proofof-vaccination policies – and others are opting for signage with masking recommendations rather than rules – some small businesses are keeping the requirements in place.

The owner of downtown Provi-

‘If there are people unmasked ... I will leave.’

LORI GROVER, consumer

dence restaurant Oberlin, which adopted a proof-of-vaccination policy last summer before a statewide mandate, said he’s sticking with ­COVID-19 measures for the safety of his guests and 24 employees.

Benjamin Sukle, the James Beardnominated chef, acknowledged that his policies may turn off some potential customers, but he’s not going to consider changing them until the state’s COVID-19 positive testing rate dips below 5%.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect my little pod of people,” Sukle said. “I realize there will be less profits because of that. …

It’s not just about how much money you can bring in. “ Without a vaccination and masking policy in place, Sukle said he could be short-staffed because of employees getting sick more often, costing the business more money as it compensates workers for their time spent in isolation.

Sukle said most guests have no problem complying with the restaurant’s mandate.

“We get people that are just angry that they have to pull something out of their phone or show us their card,” Sukle said. “But it’s very little.” n

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 7

FOR STARTERS | HEALTH MATTERS

Nursing schools sounding alarm on faculty shortage

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

FACED

with a crippling staffing crisis at local hospitals, professors at Rhode Island’s public colleges say it’s time to solve a long-standing problem with the pipeline of health care professionals: a shortage of nursing faculty, which keeps scores of prospective students on waiting lists.

“Having an adequate workforce is difficult to do when there is a limited pool of nursing faculty to prepare them,” said Barbara E. Wolfe, dean and professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing. “We need to attract nurses to the faculty role to truly address the current shortage. I wish it was simply a matter of adding positions.

Unfortunately, it is a bit more complex.”

Industry leaders and nursing school academics from URI, Rhode Island College and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing say more needs to be done by the government to support the development of nursing faculty.

The need for more nursing educators persists amid a staffing crisis at hospitals that’s become so severe that Gov. Daniel J. McKee recently deployed the R.I. National Guard to support health care professionals overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. In a temporary effort to alleviate the situation, nursing school

graduates have been allowed to forgo final exams for 120 days to dive directly into the workforce.

“The focus during COVID has understandably been on training more nurses to work on the front lines, but … we need to incentivize more of them to pursue advanced degrees,” said Carolynn Masters, dean of the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing at RIC. The vacancy rate is now at a 10-year high in Rhode Island for full-time nursing faculty positions that require doctorate degrees, with nine such positions unfilled throughout the state as of October 2021 at schools with a bachelor’s degree nursing program, including RIC, URI and Salve Regina University, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. There were no vacancies in 2015.

Wolfe pointed out that this data only captures full-time vacancies, not the many vacancies for part-time faculty or preceptors integral to clinical education.

The data also doesn’t reflect the many vacancies in associate degree programs.

The Community College of Rhode Island is currently trying to hire seven more full-time faculty members.

A survey released by the AACN in October 2019 identified 1,637 faculty vacancies at 892 nursing school programs

EMERGENCY CALL: Betty Rambur, professor and Routhier chairperson for practice at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, is among the faculty members nationwide asking that action be taken to get more nursing teachers in college classrooms.

PBN PHOTO/ ELIZABETH GRAHAM

‘I wish it was simply a matter of adding positions.’

BARBARA E. WOLFE, University of Rhode Island College of Nursing dean and professor 8 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

nationwide, a vacancy rate of 7.2%.

The report noted that an additional 134 faculty positions need to be established to accommodate demand.

The driving factors behind the nursing faculty shortage include job competition from clinical health care facilities that often pay more, financial constraints facing schools and graduate students, and a teacher talent pool that’s edging close to retirement age, according to the AACN report. The average doctorally prepared nursing faculty member in Rhode Island is 57 years old.

“What the nation is experiencing is really a result of long-standing lack of attention to the development of the nursing workforce,” said Betty Rambur, a professor and Routhier chairperson for practice at the URI College of Nursing, where there are three faculty vacancies. “Most nurses enter graduate school with at least some student debt. You add on that more debt from a master’s degree and a doctoral degree, and then to start out at a lower salary. It just isn’t viable.”

According to a survey done by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the average salary of a nurse practitioner is $110,000. In contrast, the average salary for an assistant professor in nursing was $79,444 in 2020.

State data shows annual salaries for many of the associate professors at Rhode Island’s public universities and colleges can be less than $60,000. Many make less than $70,000.

The federal government doesn’t do enough to make the education track for nursing faculty more affordable, Rambur says.

Masters agrees. RIC’s nursing program is trying to cultivate new faculty from its own pool of graduates, recruiting them into a doctor of nursing practice program, but she says the government needs to do more.

Rhode Island colleges received $744,121 in funding from the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs in fiscal 2020, for scholarships and loan repayment programs.

The National Institute of Nursing Research provided $1.8 million during that year, according to data provided by the AACN. On top of federal funding, other states have made efforts to support higher education for nurses, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. For example, the organization noted, the Maryland Higher Education Commission announced two years ago that it’s granting $29.3 million to 14 schools of nursing in an effort to increase the size of their faculties.

McKee’s office noted that the governor’s budget proposal includes an $800,000 expansion of the state’s Wavemaker Fellow program, which provides student loan repayments for workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Nursing instructors are eligible.

“Clearly, one of the challenges is that really, until this pandemic, nursing has been so invisible in our country, except when we are in need of care, like so many of us are right now,” Rambur said. n

PBN.COM | ANOTHER LOOK Few at-home COVID tests reported to RIDOH

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: A version of this story was first published on PBN.com on Feb. 10.)

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island distributed 1 million at-home COVID-19 test kits in a matter of a month earlier this year, according to a recent announcement from the office of Gov. Daniel J. McKee. To keep track of self-testing results, the state established a website in December, portal.ri.gov/s/ selftest, allowing people to report whether they were positive or negative for COVID-19. But so far, relatively few people have actually reported their results.

Those who have received at-home test kits from the state, and others who purchased them on their own, have no obligation to report the results. So what does that mean for the state’s COVID-19 infection rate published by the R.I. Department of Health?

According to RIDOH, from Jan. 1 through Feb. 6, a total of just 1,432 at-home, self-test results have been reported to the state, including 1,106 positive results and 326 negatives. That means just 22.7% of people who reported their self-test results were negative.

By comparison, according to RIDOH data from that same time frame, the total number of test results collected by the state at that time was 664,145, making the self-reported, at-home test results seem like a drop in the bucket. And the proportion of negative results in the total statewide COVID-19 testing data was much higher at 81.4% negative, with 123,475 positives and 540,670 negatives.

While Rhode Island provides the option to report self-test results, public health departments in several other Northeast states aren’t even trying to collect this information. Officials in Massachusetts

SPOTTY REPORTS: Fewer than 1,500 self-test results for COVID-19 had been reported to the R.I. Department of Health from Jan. 1 to Feb. 6, including 1,106 positive results and 326 negatives.

COURTESY CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

and New York state said they don’t have an option for people to report their results.

A spokesperson for the N.Y. Department of Health said asking the public to report the results of at-home COVID-19 tests would likely lead to inaccurate data collection since many people simply wouldn’t go through the trouble of submitting their results.

The Mass. Department of Public Health said a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy specifies that positive at-home test results are not defined as COVID-19 cases as part of the nation’s system of public health surveillance.

Rhode Island state officials have said the increased use of self-test kits may have the effect of artificially deflating the state’s overall COVID-19 case count.

“There’s no mandate for them to report, so we

know the numbers are a little low,” Marc R. Pappas, the state’s chief COVID-19 administrator and senior adviser to the governor, said at a Jan. 27 press conference.

Dr. James McDonald, the interim director of RIDOH, said he spoke with a state senator recently who wasn’t aware of the option to report the results of at-home tests taken by himself and a family member.

“He didn’t know we have a website,” McDonald said. “We’re not going to get all these people selfreporting to us. We understand that. It is going to change things.”

The mass distribution of self-test kits in Rhode Island coincides with a sharp decrease in COVID-19 infection numbers throughout the state, following a surge in cases in early January that was fueled by the omicron variant. New cases of COVID-19 reported in Rhode Island within a seven-day time frame reached 411 per 100,000 persons on Feb. 8, down from a peak this year of 3,464 on Jan. 9, according to data from RIDOH. McDonald, however, said he’s more concerned with hospitalization figures. COVID-19 hospitalizations are also down from their highest point this year at 611 on Jan. 17, to 279 as of Feb. 8, the health department reported.

“That’s something that’s going to be more important to look at,” McDonald said recently.

RIDOH spokesperson Joseph Wendelken said cases and percentages of positive results for COVID-19 tests “are still very important metrics,” but he echoed McDonald’s statements about statistics on hospitalizations being even more vital to understanding the impact of the pandemic. Wendelken said RIDOH continues to remind people about the option to report their self-test results. n

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 9

FOR STARTERS | WHAT’S HAPPENING Starting Instagram

TIME TO CELEBRATE: The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its 31st annual Celebration event at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln on March 10.

COURTESY KIRKBRAE COUNTRY CLUB

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Northern R.I. Chamber to hold 31st annual Celebration event THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold its 31st annual Celebration event, hosted by Kirkbrae Country Club. The dinner event will feature opportunities for local business professionals and entrepreneurs to meet with one another. Also, the event will recognize two individuals with the Barbara C. Burlingame and the Ben G. Mondor awards.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 5:30-8 P.M. $100/members; $150/nonmembers Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Road, Lincoln.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3gd4vVt

THE TRI-TOWN CHAMBER of Commerce will hold a virtual workshop titled “Instagram for Beginners.” The workshop will cover basic navigation of the social media platform, how to post effectively on Instagram and how to schedule your posts on Instagram for free. There will also be a Q&A session after the workshop. Business owners, marketing professionals, marketing managers, social media managers, social media specialists, executive directors, recruiters and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend.

FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 9-10 A.M. Free/members; $10/nonmembers Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3IY2Aka

TUESDAY, FEB. 22, NOON TO 1:30 P.M. Free Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3ISTkNT

Feeling blue THE GREATER NEWPORT Chamber of Commerce will hold an economic update breakfast event titled “The Future of the Region’s Blue Economy.”

The event will discuss how the University of Rhode Island and the state are supporting blue technology firms and how potential funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration might benefit Rhode Island’s blue-tech community. URI President Marc B. Parlange and R.I. Commerce Corp. Secretary Stefan Pryor will speak at the event.

THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 8-9:30 A.M. $35/members; $45/nonmembers

Legal matters

Wyndham Atlantic Resort, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown.

THE CENTER FOR WOMEN & Enterprise will hold a virtual workshop titled “Legal Considerations for New Business Owners.” The workshop will cover a range of legal matters that entrepreneurs need to be aware of when starting a company. Workshop topics will include types of entity formations, contract basics, intellectual property considerations, and licenses and regulations. C. Alexander Chiulli, a partner for Barton Gilman LLP, will present the workshop.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3Gjl78G

We’re on a quest to help support the Rhode Island business community.

We’ve designed our Quest Business Suite with that goal in mind, choose from— • Business focused deposit, lending and saving products • Customized account management tools Learn more at navigantcu.org or by calling 401-233-4700.

10 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

UPCOMING PBN EVENT: The 2022 Workforce Development Summit will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at the Providence Marriott. For more information, visit PBN.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Advertising@PBN.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING | FOR STARTERS Mixing it up THE TAUNTON AREA Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with other local chambers of commerce, will hold a virtual Multi-Chamber Mega Mix networking event. The event will include representatives from the Cape Cod Canal Region, Cranberry Country, Metro South, Nantucket, One SouthCoast, Plymouth, Taunton, TriTown and United Regional chambers of commerce. This event is designed to help you meet new people and get the word out about your business, all from your home or office. Games and prizes will also be part of the event.

THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 5-6:30 P.M. Free

Resources for success

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 10:30-11:30 A.M. Free Online.

THE CENTER FOR WOMEN & Enterprise will hold a virtual workshop, partnered with the R.I. Office of the Secretary of State, to help your business succeed. Attendees will explore the Rhode Island Business Data Hub, Business Assistant, and go over welcome packets, maintenance resources, business planning and support resources, and one-on-one assistance options. Kristen Cordeiro, the office’s deputy director of business services, will lead the workshop.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3ug8oB8

Financial coaching HARBORONE BANK will hold a virtual workshop titled “Financial Coaching: Train the Trainer” as part of its HarborOne U series. The webinar is designed to provide community practitioners with basic financial coach-

ing principles, practical tips and best practices to empower their clients to increase their financial capability.

Participants will also come away with a deeper understanding of their own money choices, and best practices for money management and financial success. Claudia Cardozo, community development manager for HarborOne Bank, will lead the workshop.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 10 A.M. TO NOON. Free Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3s8r7fl

Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3upZ3GX

Expand your customer base THE CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a Leads Lunch event, hosted by the New England Institute of Technology. The event will bring together business professionals and entrepreneurs to build new relationships and expand customer bases. Attendees are encouraged to share their “60-second commercial” to help others better understand what they do, what they have to offer and who they need to meet. Lunch will also be served at the event.

FRIDAY, FEB. 25, NOON TO 1 P.M. $10/members; $25/nonmembers New England Institute of Technology, 1 New England Tech Blvd., East Greenwich.

Jocelyn L. Nacci

vp, relationship manager commercial banking 401.827.5225

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3HoenrA

Seeking workers ONE SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER of Commerce, in partnership with Lifestream, Lafrance Hospitality, the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center and the Bristol Workforce Board, will present the 2022 SouthCoast Job Fair. The fair will showcase more than 100 of the area’s businesses and firms looking to build on their respective workforces. Attendees are encouraged to dress for interviews and bring resumes. Professional headshots are taken and provided for free.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. Free White’s of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3ui67W9

Truly local commercial lending expertise in Providence With 15 years of experience at Rhode Island banks of all sizes, Jocelyn has extensive expertise in every facet of commercial lending. She digs deep into your business to understand your operations, industry, business cycles, and more. And her previous career in sales gives her valuable insights into the best ways to help you reach your business goals. Talk with Jocelyn, and you’ll be eager to have her as part of your team.

Providence Loan Office 66 South Main St., Providence

Interested in having your business-related event included in What’s Happening?

Contact PBN Researcher James Bessette at (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3,9/10/21 202210:29 | AM 11

SURVEY

Current business activity improved compared with previous quarter S ’08 38.2 W ’08 31.8 S ’09 50.7 W ’09 37.7 S ’10 44.2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 W ’10 43.7 S ’11 55 Still, against that backdrop, W ’11 54.1der half said they expected the local 50.3 profits are somehow swelling for SW’12 economy to be “slightly” or “signifi’12 46 S ’13 55.1 many, and so is the feeling of conficantly” better in the next year, down W ’13 56.6 about 10 percentage points from the dence. A little more than half of those S ’14 67.9 two most recent surveys. surveyed say their net income this W ’14 68.8 S ’15 63.5 One reason for that may be the apyear was better than last year – that’s W ’16 55.8 twice as many as who responded S ’16 65.3proaching elections, which includes W ’17 62.9 that way in the 2021 Winter Business hotly contested congressional and S ’17 74.6 Survey. And about 6 in 10 are expectgubernatorial races, putting politics W ’18 51.6 S ’18 58.6 in the spotlight for business owning that upswing to continue in the W ’19 44.9 year ahead. ers, along with uncertainty about S ’19 62.7 Why are their spirits buoyed? W ’20 45.7who will be setting economic policy S ’20 50.9 It could be because whatever chalbeyond 2022, Mazze says.

W ’21 40.9 lenges businesses are facing now Spale ’21 65.4 Politics is certainly front and in comparison with the onslaughtW ’22 44.9center for Daniel Dwight, CEO and

LABOR MARKET

president of Pawtucket membrane of health and economic devastation manufacturer Cooley Inc. wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, With campaign season just gainsays Edward M. Mazze, a University Net income improved vs. last year of Rhode Island distinguished profesing momentum, Dwight isn’t ready to throw his support behind a particusor of business administration who lar candidate for governor yet. But helped develop the PBN survey. he knows he won’t be supporting Those able to survive the last two years of the public health crisis Gov. Daniel J. McKee. aren’t nearly as vulnerable to going Dwight faults McKee for a “lack of under because of a few unfilled posivision and leadership” since taking over a year ago from former Gov. tions or rising supply costs, Mazze Gina M. Raimondo, including what says. he viewed as a failure to invest in “Five years ago, you might have workforce development and trainhad 50 bakeries, and now you have five,” he said. “The chances of those ing needed to ease the labor crisis five surviving are much greater.” brought by the pandemic. om a year ago, though expectations forrestrica better state economy Just as they adapted to The interest in workforce develhave dipped slightly from last summer and the previousopment winter. appears to have increased tions on crowd sizes and masking, nts say business activity has improved from the previous quarter, among other respondents, too. so too will business owners find ent seasonal winter responses but down sharply from last sumways to cope with labor market Nearly half of companies surveyed shortages and increased expenses. wanted the state to support programs y improved Netcompared income improved with previous vs. last quarter yearExpect the Rhode Island economy to be slightly or significantly improved in the next 12 months That adaption will likely involve a to develop skilled workers, the secExpect to hire in the next quarter combination of outsourcing work to ond-highest response for workforce S ’08 34.3 consultants, replacing with development in the survey’s history.

W ’08 people 21.1 S ’09 the 28.4 technology or upping salaries Dwight says having a properly W ’09 28.7 of those still employed keep them trained 300-person workforce is cruS ’10 to38.6 loyal, Mazze says. W ’10 29.5 cial to the company’s S ’11 37.2 survival, noting that W ’11 43 S ’12 36.7 ‘HUGE PROBLEM’ “top of the pile” salaW ’12 44.6 The PBN survey, ries and perks such S ’13 48.5 which has been W ’13 55.4 as referral bonuses 51.3 conducted twice a SW’14 used to guarantee ’14 48.1 year since 2008, is S ’15 52.7 that Cooley could not scientific. PBNW ’16 48 retain talented S ’16 54.1 sent 22 questions W ’17 58.9 ­workers. to 1,151 businessesS ’17 62.1 But Dwight is now W ’18 63.3 in the newspaper’sS ’18 60.7 finding that even database, includ- W ’19 59.7 financial incentives 50 ing two questions SW’19 aren’t enough in a ’20 41.3 S ’20 39.3 specific to the shallow talent pool.

W ’21 40.9 Applicants for W S W S pandemic.

W S W S NinetyW S W S W S W S W S W S W ’212018 2018 55.2 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 S2017 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022 eight returned theW ’22 58.8 open positions are surveys, scarce, and most who W ’11 S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 Srepresent’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22 ing various indusapply are “nonstartPlan to purchase big-ticket items, including capital equipment,ers” in tries, from banking – not qualified next quarter and manufacturing – Dwight says. Even S ’08 25.2 to hospitality and W ’08 22.9 worse, some new S ’09 18 health services. A W ’09 17.4 hires have failed few employ more S ’10 18.3 to show up for the ’10 22.9 than 1,000 people, W first day of work or S ’11 20.1 but most are smallW ’11 29.2 have walked out in and midsize compathe middle of a shift ses that expect nies.to hire in the next quarter matches last summer without a word. er than a yearWhile ago, when pandemic-fueled uncertainly had owners respon“It’s a concept e near-term future. The one-quarter of businesses planning to dents have a rosy that’s completely ms is holding steady from last summer as the highest percentage outlook about their foreign to me,” an. own businesses, a Dwight said. “And DANIEL DWIGHT, t quarterPlan to purchase big-ticket items, including capital equipment, in next quarter growing number of that’s a huge probCooley Inc. them are gloomy lem because our CEO and president about the state’s production schedule economy. Just unis dependent upon

‘That’s a huge problem because our production schedule is dependent upon people showing up.’

Chart 1 PROFIT BOOST Profits are strongly up from a year ago, though expectations for a better state economy overPROFIT the next 12BOOST months have dipped slightly from last summer and the previous winter.

Profits strongly up from a year ago, though expectations for athe better state quarter, Nearly half are of respondents say business activity has improved from previous economy the next seasonal 12 monthswinter have dipped slightly summer which is in lineover with recent responses but from downlast sharply from last sumand mer’s 65.the previous winter. Nearly half of respondents say business activity has improved from the previous quarter, which is in line with recent seasonal Current business activity improved Netcompared income improved with previous vs. last quarter yearExpect the Rhode Island economy to be slightly or significantly improved in th winter responses but down sharply from last summer’s 65%.

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022

------ Current business activity improved compared with previous quarter ------ Net income improved versus last year the Rhode Island economy to be slightly or significantly improved in the ------ Expect

S ’08W ’08S ’09W ’09S ’10 W ’10 S ’11 W ’11 S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22

next 12 months

Chart 2 WHERE ARE THE WORKERS? Three-quarters ofARE surveyTHE respondents cite a shortage of qualified workers as the greatest challeng WHERE WORKERS? 3business in the state, the highest level of concern for to this issue since PBN began condu ingChart their Three-quarters of survey respondents cite a shortage of qualified workers as HOLDING STEADY survey in 2008.

Conversely, three in 10 respondents the perennial challenge of taxes, th the greatest challengeonly to operating their business incited the state, the highest Theresponse majority businesses to hire in the next quarter matches last summer level of concern for this that issueexpect since PBN began conducting the survey in 2008. such inofthe survey’s history.

Shortage of qualified workers Taxes and Conversely, is significantly higher than a year ago, when pandemic-fueled uncertainly had owners only 3 in 10 respondents cited the perennial challenge of taxes, the Government fees/bureaucracy Health care costs more cautious the near-term future.

The one-quarter of businesses planning to lowest suchabout response in the survey’s history. purchase big-ticket items is holding steady from last summer as the highest percentage 80% since the pandemic began.

70% 80%

Expect to hire in the next quarterPlan to purchase big-ticket items, including capital equipment, in next quarter

60% 70% 50% 60% 40% 50% 30% 40% 20% 30% 10% 20%

S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022

ofS ’11 qualified workers S-----’08W ’08S ’09Shortage W ’09S ’10 W ’10 W ’11 S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22 10% WINTER 2022: *Government fees/bureaucracy combines answers from most recent survey for state govern-

----------- Government fees/bureaucracy ------ Health care costs

S W S Taxes W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W ment2008 fees/bureaucracy and2011 town/city government and2017 eliminates duplicate 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014fees/bureaucracy 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 answers 2020 2021 2021 2022

S ’08W ’08S ’09W ’09S ’10 W ’10 S ’11 W ’11 S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22

Winter 2022: *Government fees/bureaucracy combines answers from most recent survey for state government fees/bureaucracy and town/city government fees/bureaucracy and eliminates duplicate answers

Chart 4 showing up.” people Last winter, only 13.7% of busiHELP WANTED nesses surveyed said they planned Interest in workforce-development programs is again perking up, as identified by nearly half of bus PRICE HIKES to raise prices in the next quarter. In That’s the most since the summer of 2018. Among the perennial issues businesses look to governme challenging this most survey, number helpEqually with, reducing the costfor of busidoing business remains therecent runaway leader. that At the other end of the s Chart 5the rising cost of materials nesses is more than doubled to 30.5%. trum, the fewer than three in 10 respondents who identified elimination of the corporate tax is the ROSY VIEW because kinks in the chain Jeff Lipshires, president of J2 since PBN of began asking thesupply question in 2012. pandemic rocked many segments of the Rhode Island economy, but it hasn’t dented andThe inflation at the highest rate in 40 Construct Inc. in Middletown, Eliminate the corporate tax Improve transportation infrastructure Provide tax incentives/credits Reduce cost of has doing business in the Reduce statesom the optimism most businesses have had since the Great Recession for their own operations years. It’s prompting business ownalready bumped up what he charges over the coming year. ers to try new strategies to make the clients for his high-end residen100% Better outlook for your business over next year than today

numbers work.

In many cases, the strategy is sim100% ple: pass the costs to the c­ ustomers.

80%

12 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com 60% 80%

tial and commercial construction services. It’s not a decision he made quickly or easily, but he had to

S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022

S ’08W ’08S ’09W ’09S ’10 W ’10 S ’11 W ’11 S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22

S ’08W ’08S ’09W ’09S ’10 W ’10 S ’11 W ’11 S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22

WINTER 2022: *Government fees/bureaucracy combines answers from most recent survey for state government fees/bureaucracy and town/city government fees/bureaucracy and eliminates duplicate answers

SURVEY

Chart 3 HOLDING STEADY Chart 4 The majority of businesses that expect to hire in the next quarter matches last summer HELP WANTED HOLDING STEADY WANTED and is significantly higher than a year ago, when pandemic-fueled uncertainly had owners InterestHELP in workforce-development programs is again perking up, as identified by nearly half of businesses.

Thecautious majorityabout of businesses that expect to hire the next quarter matchesplanning last Interest in workforce-development programs is again perking up, as identified by more the near-term future.

The in one-quarter of businesses to That’s the most since the summer of 2018. Among the perennial issues businesses look to government for Government actions S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 summer and is significantly higher than a year ago, when pandemic-fueled nearly half of businesses.

That’s the most since the summer of 2018.

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W ’18The S ’18 perennial issues businesses look to government for help with, reducing the cost since the pandemic began. trum, the fewer than three in 10 respondents who identified elimination of the corporate tax is the lowest quarter of businesses planning to purchase is holding steady Wbig-ticket ’21 S ’21 items W ’22 of doing business the runaway Expectremains to hire in the next quarter leader. At the other end of the spectrum, since PBN began asking the 34.3 question in 2012.

Expect to hire in the quarter Plan to purchase big-ticket items, including capital equipment, in next quarter S ’08 from last summer asnext the highest percentage since the pandemic began. the fewer than 3 in 10 respondents who identified elimination of the corporate ’08 21.1 Eliminate theW corporate tax Improve transportation infrastructure Provide tax incentives/credits Reduce cost of doing business in the Reduce statesome of the red tape associated with doing business in the state tax is the lowest since PBN began asking the question in 2012.

Eliminate the corporate tax 38.8 32.7 41.8 36.6 80% S ’09 28.4 Support workforce-development programs 39.7 35.5 38.7 74 39.7 39.3 32.7 30.4 W ’09 28.7 100% S ’10 38.6 39.6 33.1 34.3 28.4 W ’10 29.5 70% S ’11 37.2 Improve transportation infrastructure 13.3 9.2 W ’11 43 S ’12 36.7 18.8 17.5 20.5 21.1 26.7 24.7 32.8 27.9 80% W ’12 44.6 60% 28.3 24.2 18.9 15.7 28.4 18.9 S ’13 48.5 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20 S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22

60%

40%

20%

0%

55.4 51.3 48.1 52.7 48 54.1 58.9 62.1 63.3 60.7 59.7 50 41.3 39.3 40.9 55.2 58.8

50% 40% 30%

-------------------------------

match the higher prices he’s paying “We try to move our budget

HEADLINE:around, ROSY VIEW but we just can’t absorb

that,” Lipshires said.

ext intro: The pandemic rocked many segments of Customers have been understandhe Rhode Island economy, but it hasn’t dented ing, except for one homeowner who he optimism most businesses have had since the abruptly pulled the plug over on athe project Great Recession for their own operations after balking at J2 Construct’s rates. oming year.

In some ways, Lipshires can relate.

J2 Construct purchased ETTER OUTLOOK FOR YOURrecently BUSINESS OVER

NEXT YEAR THAN TODAY ’08 58.4 W ’08 39.1 ’09 53.5 W ’09 58.5 ’10 60.8 W ’10 65.8 ’11 60.7 W ’11 65.3 ’12 62 W ’12 69 ’13 68.1 W ’13 73.5 ’14 75.9 W ’14 74.7 ’15 81.1 W ’16 81.8 ’16 75 W ’17 77.8 ’17 76.3

the 3,000-square-foot Middletown Grange on East Main Road with plans to convert part of the historic building into J2’s headquarters. Now mounting costs are threatening to make a mess out of the company’s renovation budget.

“Because of our growth, we really have no choice, but it definitely is going to cost us more right now,” Lipshires lamented.

Price hikes aren’t deterring

LOOKING UP: Paul Amaral, owner of Amaral Custom Fabrications Inc., a custom sculpture fabrication and restoration shop in East Providence, stands among several pieces he fabricated for various artists. Although he’s had difficulty filling positions at his shop, Amaral has plenty of interested clients and expects to grow his sales.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

44.2 51.7

32.5 37.5 16.4 32.7

59.2 49.2

41.8 47.3

39 39.1

Reduce cost of doing business in the state 77.6 82.5 80 72.6 72.4 68 69.9 70.7 69.2 80.2 73.6 70.2 72.5 76.8

74.5 78.7

79.1 70.9

Reduce some of the red tape associated with doing business in 50.9 62.2 62.7 53.7 57.5 56.3 49.3 60.5 64 58.6 90.2 61.8 52.2 55.8 50.5 43.4 48.8 43.1 51.6 10% S W S W S W S W S W S WSupport S W workforce-development S W S W S W S W S programs W S W 33.9 S W 38.8 35.8 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022 37.5 42.5 26 35.5 41.3 35.6 43.1 49.2 50.9 46.7 33 39.6 39.7 41.2 49.5 Expect to’10hire in’11the next quarter S -----’08W ’08S ’09W ’09S ’10 W S ’11 W S ’12 W ’12 S ’13 W ’13 S ’14 W ’14 S ’15 W ’16 S ’16 W ’17 S ’17 W ’18 S ’18 W ’19 S ’19 W ’20S ’20 W ’21 S ’21 W ’22

20%

S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022 Plan to purchase big-ticket items, including capital equipment, in next quarter Eliminate corporate tax S ’08 the 25.2 W ’08 22.9 Improve transportation infrastructure S ’09 18 Provide tax incentives/credits W ’09 17.4 Reduce cost of18.3 doing business in the state S ’10 W ’10 Reduce some 22.9 of the red tape associated with doing business in the state S ’11workforce-development 20.1 Support programs W ’11 29.2

HART 5 for building materials.

Provide tax incentives/credits 60 49.3 60.5 56 56.2 40.7 56.6 47.9 45.1 50.5

W ’14 W ’20

------ Plan to purchase big-ticket items, including capital equipment, in next quarter

‘We really have no choice, but it definitely is going to cost us more right now.’

Chart 5 ROSY VIEW The pandemic rocked many segments of the Rhode Island economy, but it hasn’t dented the optimism most businesses have had since the Great Recession for their own operations over the coming year.

Better outlook for your business over next year than today

100%

JEFF LIPSHIRES, J2 Construct Inc. president

other companies, either. Just over a quarter of respondents surveyed are planning big-ticket buys, including 80% equipment, in the next three months – the highest rate since the summer 2019 survey. Fewer, about 8%, were planning to expand facilities in the next 60%quarter, though another 23% were open to the possibility, according to the survey.

J2 Construct could certainly afford the higher prices after several 40% years of explosive growth. The company began in 2018 with three people working out of a single room. By the end of 2021, J2 had 60 workers and 20%named as one of PBN’s Fastest was S W S W S W S W S W S W S 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 Growing Companies, with $25 million in revenue in 2020.

Still, Lipshires worried that the booming housing market crucial to his company’s success was a bubble on the brink of bursting, threatening a catastrophic collapse much like the one that touched off the Great Recession in 2008.

But PBN survey data shows that the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has played out much differently. While it took years for business activity to rebound during the Great Recession, respondents to PBN’s most recent surveys indicate activity rebounded within months after the initial

economic shutdown in the spring of 2020. Quarterly increases in business activity reached pre-pandemic levels by the summer of 2021, although they declined in the latest survey as often occurs due to seasonal business cycles.

In a way, Paul Amaral has too much activity. Recently, he’s had to turn away some prospective clients in part because of his difficulty in filling positions at his custom sculpture fabrication and restoration shop in East Providence. In another case, Amaral Custom Fabrications Inc. lost out on a bid for a Boston carousel W renovation S W S W S project W S W because S W S it W didn’t S W 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022 have enough employees to get the job done quickly.

“I told them it would take me six months, and somebody else said they’ll do it in four. So they got it,” Amaral said.

Despite losing that project, Amaral has plenty of high-end investors and big-name artists knocking at his door. It’s not the craze he experienced in 2008 when the economic meltdown made investors pull money out of the stock market and put it instead in art, but he still expects to grow his sales, both at home and abroad.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 13

SURVEY

S ’09 W ’09 S ’10 W ’10 S ’11 W ’11

18 17.4 18.3 22.9 20.1 29.2

Chart 5 ROSY VIEW The pandemic rocked many segments of the Rhode Island economy, but it hasn’t dented theROSY optimism most businesses have had since the Great Recession for their own operations VIEW over the coming The pandemicyear. rocked many segments of the Rhode Island economy, but it hasn’t

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

GOING REMOTE Despite the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic – or maybe because of them – more respondents in the most recent PBN survey say they plan to increase international business dealings in the next year.

And none is ruling out global trades entirely, versus the 17% who said an outright “no” to foreign markets a year ago.

Mazze pointed out that while “international” conjures up visions of far-away dealings, it could mean neighboring Canada or Mexico. And while the one-third of respondents who already buy or sell in the world market is by no means high, he expects that number to rise as the state’s reinvigorated manufacturing industry expands its reach.

Another trend Mazze expects to continue to grow is remote workers.

More than half of companies surveyed say their staffs were required to work from home during the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, though it’s unclear how many plan on making that permanent.

One business that has made remote work permanent is Working Planet Marketing Group Inc. The Providence-based search engine marketing firm was an early adopter, announcing a complete shift to remote work in July 2020, according to Soren Ryherd, co-founder and president.

Despite its tech-centric business model, the nearly 20-year-old company never let its employees work

anywhere other than its Wayland Square office before the pandemic.

State shutdown orders forced Working Planet to assess whether sending people back to the office would ever make sense. Probably not, the company decided.

Employees had the freedom to fit their work hours around parenting and caregiving obligations, while eliminating commuting time. And even with this flexibility, the business didn’t suffer, Ryherd says.

It hasn’t been perfect.

Ryherd’s co-founder, who is also his wife, pulled an all-nighter on March 12, 2020, working with their IT team to shift their data and software tools to the cloud.

The company tried to replicate conversation around the water cooler with designated videoconferencing social time every morning, but it’s no replacement for face-toface chit chat.

“There are tradeoffs you always make,” Ryherd said. “Individual and group discussions probably are always better in person. You’re trading that for forcing people to live in a specific place and commute time and lack of flexibility and expense.”

Even his own experience, switching from a shared office with his wife in their Wayland Avenue building for separate, at-home offices, took some time to get used to. He can’t go back, at least not exactly.

Working Planet sold its office building in the fall of 2021. Those

‘I might have to accept that I have to do some things a different way.’

HEMA BULMER, Pow Science LLC owner

Better outlook for your business over next year than today dented the optimism most businesses have had since the Great Recession for their own operations over the coming year.

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022

------ Better outlook for your business over next year than today profits, as well as money saved on overhead costs such as utilities, were put toward other things, such as a $300-per-month stipend for its employees.

The company also raised pay to remain competitive for talent in a tight labor market. And no longer tied to a central office, they can look beyond the state borders when recruiting.

Working Planet’s 30 employees work in 12 states.

EVOLVING SITUATION The business challenges continue to evolve while the pandemic lingers on, according to the latest PBN survey.

For instance, health insurance remains at the top of the list of the biggest growing expenses, with 39.6% of respondents saying it had increased the most over five years. But at the same time, 33.3% now say the salaries of new hires have become their biggest growing expense (up from 27.4% a year ago), and many more businesses are feeling the effects of rising costs of raw materials (20.8%, up from 9.7% a year ago).

Likewise, health care costs and taxes still rank high among the greatest challenges facing businesses (checked by 45.8% and 35.4% of respondents, respectively) as they have been for years. However, the shortage of qualified workers has leapfrogged to the top of the challenges in the winter 2022 survey (74%, up from 43.2% a year ago).

Shop owner Hema Bulmer has no shortage of challenges right now. A tight labor market, shipping concerns, the pandemic – it’s almost

been too much to handle.

The owner of Pow Science LLC, an independent toy store in South Kingstown, Bulmer has spent the last six months racked by anxiety over keeping the shelves stocked.

Many of the small toy manufacturers Bulmer relies on have been unable to secure shipping containers needed to deliver products. A shortage of containers has created fierce competition for available ones. It’s a battle most often won by big-box stores and online retail giants.

“We just can’t compete with that kind of buying power,” Bulmer said.

And while customers have begun to return to the store, located in the Wakefield Mall, the hands-on play area that youngsters enjoyed remains closed for now. The space has been sanitized and toys boxed away until Bulmer deems it’s safe.

Similarly, birthday parties, group classes and school events that helped promote Pow Science are mostly on hold. It was Bulmer’s favorite part of the business, but she realizes it doesn’t make sense to pack a school assembly hall full of 500 kids for a science show right now.

The hardest thing is the uncertainty. Right now, it’s often a mystery when toy shipments will arrive.

And Bulmer fears that she won’t be able to find new employees if someone quits. She’s beginning to give up hope that some semblance of “normal” will ever return.

“I don’t want to change anything, but I might have to accept that I have to do some things a different way,” Bulmer said. n

NEW NORMAL? Hema Bulmer, owner of Pow Science LLC, an independent toy store in South Kingstown, doesn’t want to change anything about her business, but a tight labor market, problems with getting supplies and concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic have forced her to operate differently.

PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

14 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

THE FORECASTERS: Panelists participating in PBN’s Economic Trends Summit on Feb. 10 discuss what the future holds for Rhode Island’s economy. Clockwise from top left are PBN Editor Michael Mello, who served as moderator; Thomas Sweeney, owner of Sweeney Real Estate and Appraisal; Jeffrey Diehl, CEO and executive director for the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank; Thomas Tzitzouris, head of fixed income research for Strategas Research Partners; Elizabeth “Betty” Robson, CEO of J.F. Moran Co.; and Craig Pickell, chairman and CEO of Bullard Abrasives Inc.

Plenty of challenges ahead, but which to solve first?

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

INFLATION.

Supply chain bottlenecks. Worker shortages.

The pandemic-induced fires are spreading fast, and companies are struggling to figure out which ones to put out first.

Local business leaders detailed how these economic challenges have upended operations as a part of Providence Business News’ Economic Trends Summit, held virtually on Feb. 10. The two-hour event, attended by more than 100 online participants, featured a panel discussion with Thomas Tzitzouris, head of fixed income research for Strategas Research Partners, Jeffrey Diehl, CEO and executive director for the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank; Craig Pickell, CEO and president of Bullard Abrasives Inc.; Elizabeth “Betty” Robson, CEO of J.F. Moran Co., and Thomas Sweeney, Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal owner.

Whether in the red-hot housing market or inside a booming manufacturing plant, panelists agreed that higher costs for materials and labor were the biggest challenges facing their companies now and, likely, into the year ahead.

Where they disagreed is which of these problems demands the most immediate attention and how the state should best lend its support and windfall of federal COVID-19 aid to solve them.

Pickell pointed to the insufficient workforce training programs as the biggest weak point, leaving staffing at his Lincoln manufacturing plant down about 50% from normal levels. Pickell has turned to machines and automation to take up some of the slack, but he said he would need more workers as business activity continues to rise.

“We are really losing out big-time here in the state,” Pickell said. “We have a lot of people entering the school system who are not prepared to enter the workforce.”

Indeed, Rhode Island’s aging workforce and other “structural problems’’ systemic to the state mean the nationwide labor crisis is hitting harder and faster in the Ocean State than elsewhere, according to Tzitzouris, who was also the summit’s keynote speaker.

This was not the case for J.F. Moran Co., which has found it easier to hire business and logistics

Economist: Inflation isn’t going to fade soon pg 16

workers in Rhode Island than the five other states in which it has regional offices. Robson credited its connections with R.I. Commerce Corp. and Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business.

“Because of the smallness of the state, we can leverage connections, which gives us an advantage,” she said.

The trucking and warehouse arm of the Smithfield company, however, has not enjoyed the same small-state connection benefits. Lack of training programs and a murky career path combined with the time gap between when most high school students graduate and when they are allowed to drive tractor-trailers on interstate highways make critical trucking jobs hard to fill.

And it’s not just J.F. Moran suffering from trucking woes. The entire supply chain depends on trucks to deliver goods to their final destinations, she said.

Yet the problems with the supply chain nationwide also come with opportunities for Rhode Island, given its seaport access, port infrastructure and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.

“If we can move goods from the airport to [the port at] Quonset in an efficient manner, that will allow us to become a leader in this area,” Robson said.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 15

PBN SUMMIT | 2022 ECONOMIC TRENDS Economist: Inflation isn’t going to fade soon

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

TO THOSE GRAPPLING WITH skyrocketing prices, Thomas ­Tzitzouris has bad news: price hikes aren’t going away anytime soon.

Inflation will continue to be the story of 2022, according to Tzitzouris, head of fixed income research for Strategas Research Partners and the keynote speaker at Providence Business News’ Economic Trends Summit. Addressing virtual attendees during the Feb. 10 event, Tzitzouris painted a bleak economic picture for the year, and even the decade.

To be fair, the whopping 7% consumer price index as of December 2021 will ease off a bit amid upcoming interest rate hikes and other Federal Reserve actions. Strategas predicts core inflation – which does not reflect the cost of food and energy – will fall from the first-quarter rate of 4.5% to 2.6% by the end of 2022. But remnants will linger through the end of the decade, Tzitzouris said.

Even aggressive action by the Federal Reserve can’t completely wipe out this “sticky inflation” because the sources – labor, material and housing shortages – will continue, Tzitzouris said.

And while the Fed raising interest rates will offer some relief on the inflation front, it could also come with a new set of challenges for borrowers, including small businesses.

“When you use the federal funds to raise rates as a way to tighten monetary policy, you put more of the burden on Main Street,” Tzitzouris said. “Using the federal funds rate as a tool overburdens small businesses, households, auto lenders, student loan borrowers … and adds to wealth inequality.”

Conversely, when the central bank cuts its assets – another tactic to combat inflation – that hits Wall Street more than Main Street by dampening equity markets.

In an ideal world, the Federal Reserve should fight inflation through a combination of interest rate hikes and balance sheet reductions, Tzitzouris said. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell suggested in a January address that he intends to

UPHILL CLIMB: A chart from Thomas Tzitzouris, head of fixed income research for Strategas Research Partners, shows that the consumer price index has shot up from near 0% at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to about 7% in January.

COURTESY STRATEGAS RESEARCH PARTNERS

CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

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2022 ECONOMIC TRENDS | PBN SUMMIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

use both strategies.

But trimming the central bank’s swollen $8.6 trillion in holdings also has consequences for the government bonds bought and sold through the Federal Reserve, which could make federal lawmakers reluctant to follow through on that option, Tzitzouris said.

“The Federal Reserve is the most politicized it’s ever been in my entire life,” he said, adding that the Treasury and Biden administration have greater influence than usual over the central KEYNOTE: Thomas Tzitzouris, bank and its policy decisions. head of fixed income research All this to say the stage for Strategas Research Partis set for a battle in which ners, speaks during PBN’s only one side – either small Economic Trends Summit on businesses and households Feb. 10. or big corporations and government – can come out on top. And in Rhode Island, where a “structurally impaired” economy means inflation is hitting harder, a strategy that favors Wall Street over Main Street will leave the Ocean State reeling, Tzitzouris said.

He was unconvinced Rhode Island could break free from its “first in, last out” recessionary rut amid comparably unfavorable wages and home prices, not to mention the many borrowers with adjustable-rate loans in danger of default as interest rates climb.

Yet glimmers of hope shine through this bleak future, particularly if the state can capitalize on its industrial and port infrastructure, including the Port of Davisville not far from Tzitzouris’ North Kingstown home. The Smithfield native earned a finance degree from Bryant University and has kept a close eye on his home state throughout his career, even when commuting to Strategas’ New York offices. n

Tzitzouris also suggested highway upgrades to better connect southern Rhode Island, Providence and Quonset Business Park as “low-hanging fruit” with big returns for the state’s economy.

While infrastructure projects have taken c­ enter stage nationally and locally thanks to federal aid through the American Rescue Plan Act, U.S. Infrastructure and Jobs Act and potentially the still-pending Build Back Better Act, Rhode Island has yet to spend most of its $1.1 billion in ARPA funds.

“We are almost a year behind other states in getting money out the door,” Diehl said.

Approving a spending plan for the dollars doesn’t mean the projects will materialize overnight, though. Affordable housing – a top focus of Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s proposed ARPA spending plan and fiscal 2023 budget and a much-needed piece to attracting and keeping workers – is a complicated process with many steps of planning, design and construction, Sweeney said.

Sweeney also stressed the need to balance long-term projects such as housing construction with spending in areas that will bring a more immediate impact. Pickell, meanwhile, called for more aid for small businesses, saying what McKee has proposed in his initial tranche of ARPA funding was not enough.

Panelists also differed in what they wanted R.I. Commerce to do. Pickell lauded CRAIG PICKELL, R.I. Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor for his efforts, suggesting a bronze statue should be Bullard Abrasives Inc. erected in his honor. Sweeney recommended CEO and president a balance between focusing on big and small businesses, while Tzitzouris cautioned against “crony capitalism” of “sweetheart deals” for big, out-of-state corporations at the expense of small, local businesses.

“There has been just too much focus over the last 30 years on attracting new businesses,” he said. “There needs to be more done to encourage and level the playing field, reduce the barriers to entry.”

The silver lining to the “state of chaos” created by the pandemic and economic fallout is that it has forced companies to overhaul the way they do business, potentially for the better, Pickell said.

“The shakeouts keep coming, but we are learning new tricks,” he said. “We will find a way to get through it.” n

‘The shakeouts keep coming, but we are learning new tricks.’

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PRESIDENTS’ 2022 FORECAST In conjunction with the PBN Economic Summit and recap in today’s issue, we invited local CEO’s, business owners and other leaders to share their outlook for 2022, commenting on the region’s economy, their industries, or their companies in the coming year. As the state continues to recover from the pandemic and the changes it has brought to our economy, the outlook for future growth remains bright.

JACK MURPHY

HAROLD M. HORVAT

President and Chief Executive Officer BankNewport

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Centreville Bank

B

ankNewport is a strong, well-capitalized and profitable mutual savings bank that has seen continued success over its 202-year history. Our multi-year strategy is focused on expansion, a continued investment in digital technology, and on deepening relationships with our customers and our communities. BankNewport will be expanding and opening new locations in 2022 to better serve all Rhode Islanders, no matter which corner of the state they call home.

We are confident in Rhode Island’s ability to recover as we come out of the pandemic. Over the past two years, Rhode Islanders and Rhode Island businesses have proved to be incredibly resilient. Expectation is for future growth in key segments of the economy, including the small business sector and specifically in hospitality and tourism. Rhode Island has so much to offer, and despite inflation and other economic headwinds, we are confident in the future.

Creating a positive impact in the communities in which we serve is at the core of BankNewport. We truly believe that by helping individuals and businesses succeed financially, local communities and our state will thrive. We’re All In! BANKNEWPORT.COM

C

entreville Bank is ready for another year of strategic growth in 2022. We are committed to expansion throughout Rhode Island with planning for new branch locations currently underway. And while we expect to feel the continued impact of the pandemic from an economic and industry perspective, we have positioned ourselves to respond accordingly through our steady focus on relationship banking.

From a lending standpoint, we will see mortgages convert from a refinance to a purchase market due to increased rates and we anticipate a sustained demand in small business lending and commercial real estate to drive loan growth for the organization throughout the year ahead.

As a true community bank, we will continue to work with nonprofit partners to address needs locally through a combination of community outreach, financial support from the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation, employee volunteerism, and progressive product offerings. Internally, the introduction of several diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is ensuring that our organizational culture continues to grow, and that we remain an employer of choice for years to come.

I am extremely proud of the work being done by our team and excited for another successful year of empowering our customers to achieve financial success.

CENTREVILLEBANK.COM

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 19

PRESIDENTS’

SPONSORED CONTENT

2022 FORECAST

ROSS L. NELSON

COREY McCARTY

Senior Vice President & Region Manager Cox Communications

Rhode Island general manager Commonwealth Care Alliance

A

s we enter our second year of operations in Rhode Island, Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA) is focused on growing our local, community-based team, and forging meaningful care partnerships in the state’s healthcare community. We believe that collaboration, combined with strategic investments in innovative care delivery models, is the key to strengthening Rhode Island’s healthcare system, and ensuring every individual – particularly those with complex needs – can access the care they need, when and where they need it.

In 2022, we expect to see additional investments in “nontraditional” approaches to care such as telehealth and in-home visits. These care delivery options give individuals the benefit of choice when it comes to their care, while improving public health outcomes and helping to reduce the crisis-level strain on local hospitals and emergency rooms. We also hope to see more collaboration among leaders in the state’s healthcare sector at large. The statewide, collaborative response to the pandemic proved that, when we work together, we can increase access to high-quality care, while also creating programs and strategies that address gaps in social determinants of health.

Our team is thrilled to be a part of this diverse, passionate community, and we look forward to playing our part in creating a stronger, more innovative, more equitable healthcare system.

A

dapting to change has always been a key to success at Cox, and that’s never been truer than over the past two years. 2022 will offer us more opportunities to be flexible and responsive to the needs and expectations of our customers, employees and communities.

As Rhode Islanders continue to work, learn and even socialize from home, we’ll continue to see heavy usage of our Internet services. We know how important it is to have fast, reliable connections, which is why we offer gigabit speeds to our residential customers and 10 gig speeds to our businesses. And our consistent investment and improvement in our network will remain a priority this year and beyond.

Our business customers are realizing higher needs for Managed Cloud services as they adapt to a shifting economic climate – and we’ll be there to provide them what they need to best serve their customers.

Studies show our state has the fastest Internet speeds in the country, available to the highest (99%) percentage of people.

Our focus, and the focus of our lawmakers, should be on broadband adoption: helping families connect to education and job opportunities. We have several assistance programs available to Rhode Island residents at cox.com/digitalequity.

COX.COM

COMMONWEALTHCAREALLIANCE.ORG

GARY E. FURTADO President/CEO Navigant Credit Union

JIM DELISLE Rhode Island Commercial Market Lead Tufts Health Plan, a Point32Health Company

D

A

From our specific perspective at Navigant Credit Union, we feel great about the year to come. Thanks to our employees’ hard work and our members’ trust in our team, the financial state of our credit union is as strong as it’s ever been in our 107-year history. Driven by the rapid rise of digital-first financial institutions and the trend of large, outside banks entering the local market, competition in the banking sector is at an all-time high. But as aspects of our business like residential and commercial lending continue to gain strength, and as we continue to invest in technology and our people, we are confident we will continue to find success.

Our leading pharmacy management programs are focused on savings and access, along with a data-driven approach to uncover key trends and insights. Our goal is to optimize the value of health care for our employers and help employees meet their needs. We’re focused on whole-person care and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are battling a nationwide mental health crisis. Rhode Island is no exception – 48% of adults have received treatment according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – so access to behavioral health care is more important now than ever. A robust, end-to-end network of medical and behavioral health care trained clinicians coordinate from within our organization to help provide a best in class member experience.

espite multiple years of COVID-driven uncertainty, Rhode Islanders have plenty of reasons to be confident when it comes to our statewide economy and business climate. As restrictions are lifted, federal funds are invested, and the slow but steady approach toward normalcy continues, our vibrant small business community is ready to step up and lead us toward a full recovery.

t Tufts Health Plan, a Point32Health company, we believe health care should work for everyone in the Ocean State.

We work collaboratively using a tailored partnership model, beginning at the point of member enrollment using our seamless SmartStart program.

To our members, and our friends and colleagues across the business community: We continue to tip our hats to you for your resilience and endless creativity during these difficult years. It certainly hasn’t been easy, but here’s hoping we’re on the other side of it.

We’re committed to advancing health equity, diversity, and inclusion by reducing health care disparities. Our Foundation has contributed more than $6 million to nonprofit organizations serving Rhode Islanders with $1 million to advance racial justice in our communities during 2020.

NAVIGANTCU.ORG

TUFTSHEALTHPLAN.COM

20 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

PRESIDENTS’

SPONSORED CONTENT

2022 FORECAST

DAVID M. CHENEVERT

MARK K.W. GIM

Executive Director Rhode Island Manufacturers Association

President & Chief Operating Officer The Washington Trust Company

R

M

Manufacturing employs more than 40,000 people in over 1600 manufacturing companies here in the state. In 2018, manufacturing output was $5.31 billion and continues to grow as we enter 2022. Manufacturers are instrumental in driving Rhode Island’s economy with $1.82 billion in manufactured goods exported. The overall average annual compensation is currently $73,251 which encompasses various levels of jobs in manufacturing.

We are optimistic about the fundamentals of our economic landscape: low unemployment, strong corporate earnings, a robust housing market, and buoyed consumer strength. We think these outweigh the potential for inflation and the lingering impact of COVID, although the Omicron variant confirms the need for a careful transition back to normal activities. While interest rates may rise as the Federal Reserve moves to manage inflation, the cost of borrowing remains historically low.

Government infrastructure investment should provide an added boost to our regional economy as the year unfolds.

oving into 2022, we are encouraged by the resilience of our customers in withstanding the pandemic. Despite the turmoil caused by COVID in 2021, Rhode Island’s economy weathered the storm, held steady, and is well positioned for a better year ahead.

hode Island’s Manufacturing Sector is very busy and the outlook at this time is continued growth. Manufacturing never shut down through the entire pandemic. We instituted safety protocols from the start and worked diligently to ensure our personnel were kept safe.

The sector is facing issues with an aging workforce looking to retire. We see a need for training in CTE (Career, Tech, Education) to meet the retirement issue and grow the workforce. Many manufacturers are growing their operations but will need the support of the State with incentive programs and tax incentives.

As consumers and businesses regain confidence, the banking industry is in excellent shape to support them in meeting their financial goals. Although the pandemic has changed the way many of us do business and increased the pace of digitization, often the most valuable contact is the human one — including the importance of listening, understanding, and partnership in meeting financial needs. We’re here and ready to help you, Rhode Island.

The pandemic has created a positive environment for reshoring of many manufacturing products currently being done in China, Vietnam and other countries. Many major corporations are now seeking U.S. manufacturers to take on a larger percentage for manufacturing their products and that definitely bodes well for Rhode Island.

WASHTRUST.COM

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FOCUS | LAW REVIEW

R.I. considers relaxing law on homemade food

BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com

A

home-based bakery seemed to make perfect sense to Portsmouth resident Kara Donovan.

Friends and family had already asked to buy her creations, and the business allowed her to bring in extra money while staying at home with her four young children during the day.

At first, everything seemed to run smoothly, and Donovan’s bakery, A Spoonful of Sugar, allowed her to leave her job waitressing at night. But in January 2021, the R.I. Department of Health ordered the business shut down, citing a state law prohibiting the sale of any food made in a home kitchen.

This law isn’t new but has made Rhode Island an anomaly in recent years. Following New Jersey’s easing of similar restrictions in October, Rhode Island is the last holdout in the U.S. to prohibit the sale of home-prepared “cottage food.”

Cottage food-friendly laws have emerged in “a groundswell of movement across the country over the past couple of decades,” said Benjamin Mays, a policy adviser at R.I. Commerce Corp. “For now, Rhode Island is the major – and only – outlier in cottage food.”

But Rhode Island may join the rest of the country soon: Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s proposed budget includes a provision to allow

“home-based production of baked goods that do not require refrigeration or time/temperature control for safety.”

Under current state laws, home cooking or baking can only be sold if it was prepared in a commercial or farm kitchen, and residents must also obtain a “farm home food manufacture” certificate. These restrictions apply whether someone wants to sell food to a business, at a farmers market or to an individual.

Donovan eventually found a commercial kitchen to rent, allowing her to continue operating. But this may not have been practical if Donovan’s children were still too young to go to school during the day, and rental fees now cut into her revenue.

Since the shutdown order on her homebased business, Donovan has become a vocal advocate for relaxing cottage food laws in Rhode Island.

“I’m just hopeful that this year will be the year we can turn it around, or at least have a place to start,” she said. “We’re so behind everyone else – it would be nice to have a chance to catch up.”

Lisa Raiola, president and founder of the food industry incubator Hope & Main in Warren, said that local businesses sometimes rent the facility’s commercial

‘I’m just hopeful that this year will be the year we can turn it around.’

KARA DONOVAN, A Spoonful of Sugar owner 22 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

FRESH ­INGREDIENTS: Master chef Rosa Munoz, of Savory Fare, prepares a home-cooked meal in the commercial kitchen at food incubator Hope & Main in ­Warren.

PBN PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

kitchen because of the state’s restriction on cottage food sales.

But for very small businesses bringing in limited revenue, Raiola said, renting a commercial kitchen isn’t always a practical option.

“I really think the time has come to support this for our home cooks,” Raiola said, “particularly for bakers, who are making foods that are very low risk.”

Cottage food-friendly laws “would very much lower the barrier for [bakers] to start a business,” she added, “because right now, they would have to come to a place like Hope & Main even if they wanted to bake cookies at home.”

While McKee’s proposal has gained the support of several state officials and offices, a similar measure proposed in the last legislative session went nowhere.

R.I. Commerce has been collaborating with RIDOH to potentially ease the state’s restrictions on cottage food sales, Mays said, pointing to the state’s unusually prohibitive status and the potential for cottage food sales to promote wealth building and individual innovation.

RIDOH did not provide comment and deferred to R.I. Commerce.

The department has been receptive to cottage food law amendments, Mays said, though he noted that RIDOH “rightfully raised” that relaxed laws would need to come with strong oversight to ensure that food is prepared safely.

For this reason, Mays said, the proposal includes funding for RIDOH to create two new, full-time positions to oversee the program and food inspection operations. Additionally, the law only allows for the sale of baked goods that do not require specific temperature control.

“Public safety is a significant focus here,” Mays said, “so I think one thing that is really important to emphasize is the kinds of products that can be produced in cottage food businesses.”

The bill also caps eligibility at $25,000 in annual sales per year, “to really emphasize that these are smallscale operates that are home-based,” Mays said.

Rhode Island’s setup with a single department of health, rather than county or regional offices, can create additional barriers for the state to regulate health and safety regulations on food, Raiola said, which may have contributed to the state’s unusually strict regulations on cottage food.

Rhode Island also has “an amazing record of food safety,” she added, “and I think there’s been a very conservative effort” to support this status.

With the proper regulations and food safety education, as well as transparency in indicating when food was prepared at home, Raiola believes the state can maintain its reputation for food safety while allowing the sale of cottage foods.

“If there are those kinds of parameters around it, I think it can be done safely,” Raiola said, “and it would get people started” on establishing a business. n

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FOCUS | LAW REVIEW JUDICIARY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Others say that is hardly a figure worth bragging about, especially compared with the nearly 40% of nonwhite Rhode Island residents as of the 2020 census. But how to make the state’s top arbiters of justice look more like the people they serve – and whether that’s even possible – is unclear.

“If you compare the percentage of nonwhite judges to the percentage of nonwhite Rhode Islanders generally, you are always going to come up pretty short,” said Michael J. Yelnosky, a professor and former dean for Roger Williams University School of Law. A better comparison, according to Yelnosky, is the demographic of judges and lawyers. The Rhode Island Bar Association does not track that information, but Yelnosky guessed around 5% of bar association members were people of color.

Again, 5% seems paltry compared with the general population. But it’s a marked improvement over decades past.

Trezvant says he could count on one hand the number of Black state attorneys during his childhood in the 1970s. Now, that number has swelled to several hundred, according to Trezvant, who is also chairman of the Thurgood Marshall Law Society.

Trezvant credits RWU’s law school for ushering in a new wave of diverse lawyers into the state’s legal community. The law school boasted more than one-quarter students of color as of 2020, up from 14% in 2011, according to Michael Bowden, a university spokesman.

The university has made diversity a key focus of its recruitment through scholarships and outreach, along with mentorship from already practicing attorneys and judges. Those connections with industry professionals with whom they can relate are the best tool to encourage students to follow in their footsteps.

“The more people of color who get on the bench, the more likely it is that younger people of color will say, ‘I can do that, and I want that,’ ” Yelnosky said.

Mentors can also offer practical advice to navigate the complex and insular process of reaching the bench.

“The biggest hurdle we find to achieving judicial diversity is that old ‘boys club’ dynamic, just in terms of basic information and understanding how these processes work,” said Alicia Bannon, managing director of the Democracy Program for the Brennan Center for Justice.

Trezvant experienced this firsthand when he was nominated to the R.I. Traffic Tribunal 16 years ago. The nomination fell through, caught in a dispute in the General Assembly.

“It was a big learning experience,” he said. “I didn’t know anyone, didn’t really understand the political process or the players.”

A SPOT ON THE BENCH: William J. Trezvant was one of two people of color sworn in as state judges in January, but some argue Rhode Island hasn’t done nearly enough to diversify the judiciary.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

For nearly three decades, the state has relied on a nine-member R.I. Judicial Nominating Commission to review, interview and make recommendations to the governor on state judicial candidates. This helped bring fairness and transparency to the process and indirectly made it easier for candidates of color to rise through the ranks.

However, politics can’t be taken out of the mix entirely. The governor, or even the head of the commission, has major influence over improving diversity, or setting it back, Yelnosky said.

Former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo is credited for making judicial diversity a focus during her tenure, including appointing the first person of color to the R.I. Supreme Court in 2020: Melissa A. Long, a Black woman. Twenty-two other states still have an all-white high court, according to a 2021 comparison by the Brennan Center for Justice.

How the racial makeup of the state’s 63-member judiciary compares with other states has not

been studied.

That racial makeup seems to be lacking to Diony Garcia, an attorney and president of the Rhode Island Hispanic Bar Association. Garcia, a Dominican native who grew up in Providence, says Rhode Island is far behind other states, especially in the representation of the Hispanic community on its bench. Two state judges today are Hispanic, while 16.6% of the state’s population are Hispanic, as of 2020. “[Lawyers from out of state] are usually pretty blown away when they hear that, and not in a good way,” Garcia said.

More important is the perception of the people whose lives are being determined by these judges.

“Public confidence in the judiciary is its currency,” Yelnosky said. “When the only person of color in the courtroom is a litigant, it sends a message. It doesn’t mean there’s unfairness happening, but it certainly suggests it might be a place where certain people will not feel welcome and their experiences won’t be validated.” n

‘I didn’t know anyone, didn’t really understand the political process or the players.’

WILLIAM J. TREZVANT, R.I. District Court associate judge

24 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

FOCUS | PUBLIC COMPANIES IN RHODE ISLAND (ranked by number of local employees) FOCUS | PUBLIC COMPANIES IN RHODE ISLAND (ranked by number of local employees) 2022 rank

1

2021: 1

2 2021: 3 3

2021: 2

4 2021: 4 5 2021: 6

CLOSER LOOK

Company | Website Corporate parent Corporate CEO and local executive

Corporate headquarters Phone

No. of local employees

Stock symbol Exchange

PE Ratio 1 Dividend Yield

Revenue 2 Net income (loss)

Type of business

CVS Health Corp. | cvshealth.com Karen S. Lynch, CEO and president

1 CVS Drive Woonsocket, R.I. 02895 (401) 765-1500

8,600

CVS NYSE

18 $2.00 1.9%

$292.1 bil. $7.9 bil.

Pharmacy and health solutions services company

General Dynamics Electric Boat | gdeb.com General Dynamics Corp.

Phebe Novakovic, chairman and CEO; Kevin M. Graney, president

2941 Fairview Park Drive Falls Church, Va. 22042 (703) 876-3000

4,504

GD NYSE

17.91 $4.76 2.25%

$38.5 bil. $3.3 bil.

Submarine construction, design and life cycle maintenance

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette

Financial institution

NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

Financial services

UPCOMING LISTS March 4: Mortgage Bankers & Brokers, Residential Real Estate Agencies; March 18: General Contractors, Property Management Firms

Citizens Financial Group Inc. | citizensbank.com Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO; Keith Kelly, president, Rhode Island

1 Citizens Plaza Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 456-7000

Bank of America Corp. | bankofamerica.com Brian Moynihan, chairman and CEO; Kevin Tracy, Rhode Island president

100 North Tryon St. Charlotte, N.C. 28255 (800) 432-1000

Bally's Corp. | ballys.com Soohyung Kim, chairman, Bally's Corp.; Lee Fenton, CEO; Marc Crisafulli, executive vice president

100 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 723-3200

4,450

2,500

2,000

CFG NYSE

BAC NYSE

BALY NYSE

9.49 $1.56 2.84%

13.32 $0.78 1.59%

22.38 NA NA

$6.6 bil. $2.3 bil.

$89.1 bil. $32 bil.

$372.8 mil. $5.5 mil.

Gaming and entertainment

Total local employees:

31,417

WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com.

NL = Not listed last year.

6 2021: 5 7 2021: 7

Hasbro Inc. | hasbro.com Chris Cocks, CEO; Eric Nyman, president and chief operating officer

Verizon Communications Inc. | verizon.com Hans Vestberg, chairman and CEO; Nia C. Mathis, regional president, New England

1027 Newport Ave. Pawtucket, R.I. 02862 (401) 431-8697

140 West St. New York, N.Y. 10007 (800) 837-4966

1,600

1,300

HAS NASDAQ

VZ NYSE

31.13 $2.87 2.87%

9.77 $2.54 4.78%

$6.4 bil. $428.7 mil.

$133.6 bil. $22.1 bil.

Developer of toys and games, branded entertainment

Telecommunications provider

FOOTNOTES j All financial data is noted as of Feb. 11, 2022, calculated

by Yahoo! Finance.  Reflects current revenue and net income (loss) for parent company in U.S. dollars as reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  Also known as BD.

International Game Technology PLC | igt.com Vincent Sadusky, CEO; Robert Vincent, chairman, IGT Global Solutions Corp.

66 Seymour St. London, England X0 W1H 5BT (44-207) 535-3200

1,000

IGT NYSE

63.35 NA NA

$3.9 bil. $220.1 mil.

Gaming technology producer and services provider

9 2021: 8

National Grid PLC | nationalgridus.com National Grid PLC Stephen Woerner, president, National Grid New England

1-3 Strand London, England WC2N 5EH (44-20) 7004-3010

950

NGG NYSE

25.64 $0.49 0.67%

$15.7 bil. $1.5 bil.

Clean energy delivery company, electricity, natural gas

10 2021: 9

Amgen Inc. | amgen.com Robert Bradway, chairman and CEO; Brian Britson, Rhode Island site vice president of operations

1 Amgen Center Drive Thousand Oaks, Calif. 91320 (805) 447-1000

903

AMGN NASDAQ

23.19 $7.04 3.08%

$26 bil. $5.9 bil.

Biotechnology manufacturer

Sensata Technologies Inc. | sensata.com Jeffrey Cote, CEO and president

529 Pleasant St. Attleboro, Mass. 02703 (508) 236-3800

900

ST NA

26.25 NA NA

$3 bil. $363.6 mil.

Manufacturer of sensors for automotive, aerospace and industrial customers

United Natural Foods Inc. | unfi.com J. Alexander "Sandy" Douglas, CEO

313 Iron Horse Way Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 528-8634

803

UNFI NYSE

18.23 $0.00 0%

$27 bil. $149 mil.

Distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods

Tiffany & Co. | tiffany.com Michael Bergkoetter, divisional vice president, jewelry supply

727 5th Ave. New York, N.Y.10022 (212) 755-8000

600

LVMH NYSE

37.92 $10.00 1.42%

$64.9 bil. $11.2 bil.

Jewelry manufacturer

Toray Plastics (America) Inc. | toraytpa.com Toray Industries Inc. Akihiro Nikkaku, CEO, president and chief operating officer, Toray Industries Inc.; Michael Brandmeier, CEO and president, Toray Plastics (America) Inc.

Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower Tokyo, Japan (03) 3245-5111

582

NA OTC

10.89 $4.50 0.67%

$17.2 bil. $931.1 mil.

Manufacturer of polyester and polypropylene films

15 2021: 12

Becton, Dickinson and Co. 3 | bd.com Kevin Kelly, president, BD Surgery

1 Becton Drive Franklin Lakes, N.J. 07417 (201) 847-6800

450

BDX NYSE

36.71 $3.36 1.24%

$20.2 bil. $1.8 bil.

Manufacturer of medical devices

16 2021: NL

KVH Industries Inc. | kvh.com Martin A. Kits van Heyningen, CEO

50 Enterprise Center Middletown, R.I. 02842 (401) 847-3327

275

KVHI Nasdaq

NA NA NA

$172.8 mil. $849,000

Guidance/navigation equipment; in-motion satellite TV and communication systems

8 2021: NL

11 2021: NL 12

2021: 10

13

2021: NL

14

2021: 11

1 All financial data is noted as of Feb. 11, 2022, calculated by Yahoo! Finance.

2 Reflects current revenue and net income (loss) for parent company in U.S. dollars as reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

3 Also known as BD.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 25

FOCUS | RHODE ISLAND PROPERTY TAX RATES (ranked by FY 2022 commercial tax rate) FOCUS | RHODE ISLAND PROPERTY TAX RATES (ranked by FY 2022 commercial tax rate) Commercial tax rate 2022 1 Residential tax rate 2022 1

Commercial tax rate 2021 2 Residential tax rate 2021 2

Tax payment based on median commercial value Tax payment based on median residential value

CLOSER LOOK

Tax levy 2022 3 Tax levy 2021 4

Median commercial property value Median residential property value

1

Ranked by 2022 tax levies:

City/town Website

Top elected official, title

2021: 1

1

Central Falls centralfallsri.us

Maria L. Rivera, mayor

$42.33 $23.76

$37.95 $23.69

$15,261,498 $15,598,566

$249,100 $182,100

$10,544 $4,327

2021: 2

2

Providence providenceri.gov

Jorge O. Elorza, mayor

$36.70 $24.56

$36.7 $24.56

$365,967,057 $357,923,486

$312,400 $152,600

$11,465 $3,748

2021: 3

3

Woonsocket woonsocketri.org

Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, mayor

$34.75 $23.75

$34.75 $23.75

$54,282,311 $54,991,254

$231,200 $161,500

$8,034 $3,836

4

West Warwick westwarwickri.org

David Gosselin Jr., Town Council president

$32.43 $23

$32.43 $23

$68,937,375 $67,404,538

$321,350 $195,500

$10,421 $4,497

5

Warwick: Tax levy 2022: $237,731,457

2021: 7

North Providence northprovidenceri.gov

Charles A. Lombardi, mayor

$29.55 $22.81

$29.55 $22.81

$69,705,046 $69,818,911

$402,750 $223,300

$11,901 $5,093

3

6 2021: 4

Pawtucket pawtucketri.com

Donald R. Grebien, mayor

$29.02 $16.58

$34.47 $20.89

$107,020,663 $105,336,348

$611,200 $188,600

$17,737 $3,127

2021: 9

Johnston townofjohnstonri.com

Joseph M. Polisena, mayor

$28.34 $23.24

$27.99 $22.89

$76,820,854 $76,009,377

$370,529 $210,625

$10,501 $4,895

8 2021: 8

Warwick warwickri.gov

Frank J. Picozzi, mayor

$28.10 $18.73

$28.1 $18.73

$237,731,457 $240,570,704

$342,650 $219,000

$9,628 $4,102

2021: 6

Cranston cranstonri.com

Kenneth J. Hopkins, mayor

$27 $18

$31.16 $20.77

$186,867,012 $187,791,127

$310,900 $212,700

$8,394 $3,829

10

East Providence eastprovidence.com

Roberto L. DaSilva, mayor

$26.45 $21.50

$25.33 $20.59

$114,059,066 $110,799,416

$244,100 $180,700

$6,456 $3,885

2021: 11

Lincoln lincolnri.org

Philip Gould, town administrator

$25.21 $20.29

$25.03 $20.14

$58,126,879 $57,798,922

$341,600 $275,900

$8,612 $5,598

12

West Greenwich wgtownri.org

Mark D. Tourgee, Town Council president

$24.03 $24.03

$23.79 $23.79

$20,938,506 $20,438,833

$481,800 $322,700

$11,578 $7,754

13

Coventry town.coventry.ri.us

Ann Dickson, Town Council president

$23.39 $19.40

$22.87 $18.97

$77,468,878 $75,408,235

$416,100 $251,850

$9,733 $4,886

14

East Greenwich eastgreenwichri.com

Mark I. Schwager, Town Council president

$23.25 $21.01

$23.9 $23.43

$59,949,801 $57,933,778

$619,400 $511,900

$14,401 $10,755

2021: 16

15

Scituate scituateri.org

Abbie Groves, Town Council president

$23.19 $18.69

$22.67 $18.27

$32,768,878 $31,510,291

$318,400 $297,400

$7,384 $5,558

16

Glocester glocesterri.org

Julian "Jay" Forgue, Town Council president

$22.13 $18.44

$21.86 $18.22

$22,649,470 $22,217,697

$253,000 $218,000

$5,599 $4,020

17

Foster townoffoster.com

Denise L. DiFranco, Town Council president

$21.34 $21.34

$21.34 $21.34

$13,641,853 $13,303,042

$235,900 $256,200

$5,034 $5,467

2021: 19

18

Richmond richmondri.com

Neil Carpenter, Town Council president

$20.62 $20.62

$20.38 $20.38

$20,862,003 $20,373,360

$502,700 $259,700

$10,366 $5,355

2021: 20

19

North Smithfield nsmithfieldri.org

John Beauregard, Town Council president

$19.44 $16.35

$19.39 $16.30

$35,948,906 $35,488,750

$498,100 $289,700

$9,683 $4,737

20

Barrington ci.barrington.ri.us

Michael W. Carroll, Town Council president

$19.15 $19.15

$19.15 $19.15

$67,661,399 $67,199,003

$444,000 $435,000

$8,503 $8,330

2021: 21

21

Smithfield smithfieldri.com

Suzanna L. Alba, Town Council president

$18.70 $17.13

$18.35 $16.81

$60,045,093 $59,670,761

$326,100 $290,300

$6,098 $4,973

2021: 22

22

Hopkinton hopkintonri.org

Steven Moffitt Jr., Town Council president

$18.53 $18.53

$18.28 $18.28

$20,010,120 $19,624,355

$363,000 $209,500

$6,726 $3,882

2021: 24

23

Warren townofwarren-ri.gov

Keri M. Cronin, Town Council president

$17.72 $17.72

$17.36 $17.36

$25,476,376 $24,620,414

$391,800 $278,200

$6,943 $4,930

2021: 25

24

North Kingstown northkingstown.org

Gregory A. Mancini, Town Council president

$17.50 $17.50

$17.5 $17.5

$85,043,886 $82,691,888

$354,200 $331,400

$6,199 $5,800

2021: 23

25

Middletown middletownri.com

Paul M. Rodrigues, Town Council president

$17.23 $12.02

$17.14 $12

$48,554,082 $47,539,665

$743,250 $356,300

$12,806 $4,283

26

Burrillville burrillville.org

Donald A. Fox, Town Council president

$16.42 $16.42

$16.01 $16.01

$32,446,095 $31,923,945

$601,980 $218,523

$9,885 $3,588

2022 rank

2021: 5

7

9

2021: 10

11

2021: 13

2021: 15

2021: 12

2021: 17

2021: 13

2021: 18

2021: 27

1 The tax assessments for commercial are based on dollar amount per $1,000 of property value and are as of Dec. 31, 2021, for the 2022 tax year as reported by the R.I. Division of Municipal Finance; residential rates are based on owner occupancy, which are not the same for property that is not owner-occupied.

2 The tax assessments are as of Dec. 31, 2020, for the 2021 tax year.

3 Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2021.

4 Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2020.

26 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Providence: Tax levy 2022: $365,967,057

2

Cranston: Tax levy 2022: $186,867,012

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

UPCOMING LISTS March 4: Mortgage Bankers & Brokers, Residential Real Estate Agencies; March 18: General Contractors, Property Management Firms WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com.

FOOTNOTES j The tax assessments for commercial are based on dollar amount per $1,000 of property value and are as of Dec. 31, 2021, for the 2022 tax year as reported by the R.I. Division of Municipal Finance; residential rates are based on owner occupancy, which are not the same for property that is not owneroccupied.  The tax assessments are as of Dec. 31, 2020, for the 2021 tax year.  Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2021.  Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2020.

FOCUS | RHODE ISLAND PROPERTY TAX RATES (ranked by FY 2022 commercial tax rate) FOCUS | RHODE ISLAND PROPERTY TAX RATES (ranked by FY 2022 commercial tax rate) Tax levy 2022 3 Tax levy 2021 4

Tax payment based on median commercial value Tax payment based on median residential value

City/town Website

Top elected official, title

2021: 30

27

Portsmouth portsmouthri.com

Kevin M. Aguiar, Town Council president

$15.31 $15.31

$15.07 $15.07

$59,257,906 $57,734,217

$402,950 $366,700

$6,169 $5,614

2021: 32

28

Cumberland cumberlandri.org

Jeffrey J. Mutter, mayor

$14.74 $14.74

$14.32 $14.32

$70,419,063 $68,708,930

$348,500 $249,900

$5,137 $3,683

2021: 31

29

South Kingstown southkingstownri.com

Abel G. Collins, Town Council president

$14.45 $14.45

$14.45 $14.45

$76,628,505 $76,422,435

$532,100 $350,300

$7,689 $5,062

2021: 34

30

Bristol bristolri.gov

Nathan T. Calouro, Town Council chairman

$14.38 $14.38

$14.07 $14.07

$46,647,579 $45,459,480

$483,700 $318,600

$6,956 $4,581

31 2021: 26

Tiverton tiverton.ri.gov

Denise M. deMedeiros, Town Council president

$14.27 $14.27

$16.19 $16.19

$40,560,680 $39,017,350

$431,600 $309,250

$6,159 $4,413

2021: 29

32

Newport cityofnewport.com

Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, mayor

$13.99 $9.33

$13.99 $9.33

$81,941,588 $79,912,272

$640,400 $511,900

$8,959 $4,776

33 2021: 28

Exeter town.exeter.ri.us

Daniel W. Patterson, Town Council president

$13.72 $13.72

$15.57 $15.57

$14,628,901 $14,438,123

$550,000 $320,000

$7,546 $4,390

2021: 33

34

Narragansett narragansettri.gov

Jesse Pugh, Town Council president

$11.96 $8.86

$14.15 $10.48

$56,035,516 $54,889,286

$334,100 $489,800

$3,996 $4,340

35 2021: 35

Westerly westerly.govoffice.com

Sharon E. Ahern, Town Council president

$11.52 $11.52

$11.48 $11.48

$77,593,563 $75,946,082

$432,650 $291,900

$4,984 $3,363

2021: 37

36

Jamestown jamestownri.net

Nancy A. Beye, Town Council president

$8.28 $8.28

$8.28 $8.28

$22,374,657 $21,633,101

$426,000 $493,000

$3,527 $4,082

2021: 36

37

Charlestown charlestownri.org

Deborah A. Carney, Town Council president

$8.18 $8.18

$8.18 $8.18

$23,523,789 $23,488,397

$406,250 $383,400

$3,323 $3,136

2021: 38

38

New Shoreham new-shoreham.com

André Boudreau, first warden

$6.70 $6.70

$5.99 $5.99

$11,400,152 $10,779,653

$1,412,450 $1,093,350

$9,463 $7,325

39

Little Compton little-compton.com

Robert L. Mushen, Town Council president

$6.04 $6.04

$6.04 $6.04

$13,484,200 $13,162,799

$443,800 $537,250

$2,681 $3,245

2022 rank

2021: 39

Commercial tax rate 2021 2 Residential tax rate 2021 2

Median commercial property value Median residential property value

Commercial tax rate 2022 1 Residential tax rate 2022 1

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

UPCOMING LISTS March 4: Mortgage Bankers & Brokers, Residential Real Estate Agencies; March 18: General Contractors, Property Management Firms WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com.

FOOTNOTES j The tax assessments for commercial are based on dollar amount per $1,000 of property value and are as of Dec. 31, 2021, for the 2022 tax year as reported by the R.I. Division of Municipal Finance; residential rates are based on owner occupancy, which are not the same for property that is not owneroccupied.  The tax assessments are as of Dec. 31, 2020, for the 2021 tax year.

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 Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2021.  Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2020.

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Top residential tax rate for 2022: Providence $24.56 per $1,000

1 The tax assessments for commercial are based on dollar amount per $1,000 of property value and are as of Dec. 31, 2021, for the 2022 tax year as reported by the R.I. Division of Municipal Finance; residential rates are based on owner occupancy, which are not the same for property that is not owner-occupied.

2 The tax assessments are as of Dec. 31, 2020, for the 2021 tax year.

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4 Tax levy information is as of Dec. 31, 2020.

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IT’S PERSONAL AARP names new volunteer leader MARCUS MITCHELL, founder of Shere Strategy Enterprises LLC in Providence, was recently named the new state volunteer president of AARP Rhode Island. Mitchell will serve as the principal AARP volunteer spokesperson and will chair the organization’s state executive council. The state volunteer president also helps develop the framework for state strategic planning and coordination of AARP activities. Mitchell also serves on The Miriam Hospital board of trustees, on the board of directors of Grow Smart Rhode Island, and is a member of the R.I. Commission for Human Rights and the R.I. Statewide Planning Council.

What drew you to become involved with the AARP? Many have helped me through my life, and I feel a duty to answer a call for help. I’ve long recognized AARP as a great organization dedicated to answering calls to help people and better the lives of people 50 [and older], our families and communities. My love and work for people and community is exemplified in AARP’s long-honored work in influencing legislation and policies that affect health care, housing, safety, green space, financial resilience and many areas of life. My professional and life experience in science, strategy creation, organizational leadership, and community and economic development naturally support the leadership and tremendous efforts of AARP Rhode Island.

What are some of your early goals as state volunteer president?

I will continue being a fierce advocate and wise friend for people 50 [and older], encouraging others to join this movement and supporting State Director Catherine Taylor’s plans for AARP R.I. Advocating for affordable and accessible housing legislation and supporting caregivers are primary 2022 goals. Using technology to combat isolation and loneliness, expanding AARP R.I.’s education and training forums, developing our volun-

teer speakers bureau, and partnering with the Rhode Island Human Rights Commission to host presentations on age, employment and housing discrimination will be areas of special focus for me.

Will AARP provide residents any COVID-19 pandemicrelated assistance? If so, what kind of assistance?

AARP R.I. was instrumental in calling for Rhode Island to prioritize people older than 65 for vaccinations, and we will continue to advocate strongly for prioritization of older adults for booster shots, especially in long-term care settings. We will continue to serve as a trusted source of information about staying safe and healthy during this pandemic, reaching into communities where vaccine hesitancy is still a barrier.

What are some of the challenges AARP members are facing and how will you address them?

Many older adults are challenged with high prescription drug costs; health care workforce shortages; isolation; age discrimination; lack of affordable, accessible housing; COVID-19; and fraud. We’re mobilizing volunteers of all ages to help with education/informational forums, contacting lawmakers to support legislation addressing these issues. n

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Karissa is a leader in the firm’s multifamily housing sector, helping non-profit housing developers create affordable and market rate developments. Karissa is currently working closely with these partners on multiple affordable housing projects in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Tom Madonna, Jr. was recently elevated to partner at the law firm of Hinckley Allen, in the Real Estate Group.

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IT’S PERSONAL MACKAY’S MORAL | HARVEY MACKAY

AS A WRITER AND SPEAKER, I look for the deeper meaning in the words I choose. It doesn’t matter how long the words are, or how difficult to spell or pronounce, or how familiar they are to my audiences. Sometimes the simplest, most familiar words have incredible significance.

Someone compiled this interesting list to illustrate what just 10 words can teach us.

This list is very useful as an everyday guide. I’ve added my thoughts to the brief explanations. Here goes: 1. The most selfish one-letter word is “I.” Avoid it.

2. The most satisfying two-letter word is “we.” Use it.

3. The most poisonous three-letter word is “ego.” Overcome or kill it.

4. The most used four-letter word is “love.” Value it.

5. The most pleasing five-letter word is “smile.” Keep it.

6. The fastest-spreading six-letter word is “rumors.” Ignore them.

7. The hardest-working seven-letter word is “success.” Achieve it.

8. The most enviable eight-letter word is “jealousy.” Distance it.

9. The most powerful nine-letter word is “knowledge.” Acquire it.

10. The most valued 10-letter word

Simple, yet significant

is “friendship.” Maintain it.

Let’s combine the first and third words: “I” and “ego.” You should use the word “you” 10 times for every time you say “I.” Using “I” too often is an indication that you are more interested in yourself than in others.

That’s an instant turnoff.

Too much I, I, I is indeed selfish, but it’s also like ego. Ego trips have a dangerous destination. I can still hear my parents saying, “Don’t hang your hat higher than you can reach.” And I can’t forget my dad’s stern advice: “It is far better to have other people say how great you are.”

We – Whenever possible, say “we” instead of “I.” Include others in your accomplishments, activities and ideas.

Especially in business, acknowledge the contributions of your peers.

Love – The Beatles insisted “All you need is love,” and I think that’s a great start. You can love your family, love your neighbor, love your country, love your work and love life.

Smile – I learned years ago that one of the most powerful things you can do to have influence over others is to smile at them. I’m a big believer in the proverb “Don’t open a shop unless you know how to smile.” You shouldn’t go to work without a smile ... and that goes for your personal life, too.

Rumors – The internet has brought gossiping up to warp speed. Someone calculated that if a rumor was started at midday and was repeated within two seconds by everyone who heard it to two other people who repeated it and kept the cycle going, by about 6:30 p.m. the same day everyone on Earth would have heard it.

Spreading rumors about co-workers can create a hostile environment that customers will pick up on.

Success – Success comes in many forms and means different things to different people. In the working world, it is often defined as landing the perfect job, achieving a targeted

Ego trips have a dangerous destination.

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income level, occupying a corner office or owning a business.

My own formula for success includes dogged determination, focus and the ability to finish, daring to dream, owning mistakes and learning from them, looking at problems as opportunities and staying positive.

Jealousy – This word is pure poison. And we all know how deadly poison can be.

Knowledge – While the old theory that we use only 10% of our brains has been widely debunked, there’s plenty of evidence that we can increase our brainpower, retention and focus.

Books and websites offer all kinds of help.

Friendship – The best ship to sail is friendship. I enjoy meeting new people because I get a different view of the world. I may not agree with everything I hear, but what a way to expand your mind!

Mackay’s Moral: Words are powerful, no matter how you spell them. n Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.” He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com.

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IT’S PERSONAL GUEST COLUMN | PETER LACHAPELLE

Be careful with the cloud IT’S PAYDAY! Your employees are expecting their automatic deposit to show up in their checking account by the time the workday starts. Of course, it will be there. It’s always there. Several years ago, your own internal employees would process the payroll, but now you’ve outsourced it to a cloud service, and you have confidence that its sophisticated, highly secure systems will protect the payroll process and your employees’ confidential data.

But wait.

A funny thing happened on the way to your checking account. The service you expected was impenetrable fell victim to hackers. No one received their checks. This is never good, but during a time when businesses want to find creative ways to show their employees they are respected and valued, missing a pay period (or maybe more) isn’t helpful and could hurt a company’s effort to retain talent.

This scenario played out on Dec. 11 when human resources management company Ultimate Kronos Group was hit by a ransomware attack that left many large employers nationwide dealing with payroll disruptions, including Rhode Island-based Care New England Health System, according to

news reports.

At the 2,000 affected companies – which also included Tesla Inc., Puma SE, FedEx Corp. and Whole Foods Market LP – employees were left waiting for their direct deposit, causing their employers to scramble to provide manual processing or paper checks. It took until Jan. 22 for Kronos to restore all of its clients with access to the production systems. The company continues to recover nonproduction data.

My point isn’t that companies should move their payroll processing back in-house but rather that it is critical that business leaders understand the ramifications of overconfidence in cloud-based vendors and, ultimately, how to protect their businesses.

Employees are your weakest link.

While hackers look for vulnerabilities in both technical code and in your employees with authorized access, hu-

man error was a major cause in 95% of all breaches, according to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2021 report. The best remedy is, naturally, user training. What’s more, you know that if you’ve tried to buy or renew your cyber-insurance policies lately, most carriers insist on both ongoing user training for your employees and a “written information security plan,” or WISP. You’re still on the hook for breaches. Be sure to carefully scrutinize the contracts you have with your cloud suppliers so you understand just how much liability is on you if their systems are compromised. It is likely that you are responsible for meeting the extensive and multistep requirements to satisfy your state’s breach notification laws when your vendor’s systems are compromised. Certainly, no contract with a cloud service provider will address the damage to your firm’s

Overconfidence in cloud services may put your business … in jeopardy.

reputation.

Businesses need a remediation plan.

You must be prepared to step in with a thoughtful and comprehensive emergency alternative plan for handling the functions that you are relying on from a cloud service. It should cover all cloud service vendors with whom you have a contract. As an example, many companies use Microsoft’s Office 365 to host their email. Hopefully, your information technology provider’s coverage includes a complete backup of all email with the ability to continue to send/receive email messages should systems go down.

Normally, these “failover” strategies will be included in a thorough WISP. As companies of all kinds work successfully with cloud-based providers every day, it’s vital to be aware that overconfidence in cloud services may put your business, and its reputation, in jeopardy. Businesses are welladvised to train their teams, review their contracts with cloud vendors, and work with IT providers to plan for breaches to reduce vulnerabilities. n Peter Lachapelle is vice president of operations and finance at NetCenergy, an information technology company in Cranston.

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IT’S PERSONAL GUEST COLUMN | PATRICIA L. HAYNES

Mental health at the workplace COVID-19 HAS INFLICTED a serious mental health toll on many U.S. workers.

Those workers are better able to navigate mental health issues when their employers have a plan in place.

I believe there are five key strategies that companies could adopt.

Creating clear policies. With the increased stress levels brought on by the pandemic, managers may see more employees experiencing personal crises or disruptive behavior that is affecting their performance.

Psychological distress can lead to disruptive behavior, such as yelling at colleagues. At the other extreme, employees may isolate themselves.

Some workers may express suicidal thoughts. Managers may be at a loss for how to address these types of disruptive behavior, which is often unintentional.

A good first step is to craft a clear workplace policy that describes the specific types of disruptive behavior that signal an individual is not capable of performing their job.

This policy can discuss the process of temporary release, evaluation and treatment requirements, and conditions for a return to work.

It should be noted that under the

Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are required to make reasonable accommodation for mental health disorders unless it results in undue hardship for the company.

Partnering with mental health providers. Many workers suffering because of the pandemic may not be exhibiting clear mental health problems.

Rather, they could be experiencing a disruption in their personal lives that is bleeding into their work.

In this case, a key mitigation strategy by a manager or colleague would be to refer that employee to a mental health provider or other supportive resources. It’s useful to have an established partnership with a local provider and for employers to become familiar with available resources.

Over half of civilian workers have access to an employee assistance program, which provides free, confidential counseling to employees. Some larger companies may have their own in-house programs. But even smaller

companies can set up partnerships that give workers access to counseling on an ad hoc basis.

Preventing illness with wellness programs. Workplace wellness programs help prevent mental health problems by teaching employees new skills that support resiliency. Programs that promote positive emotions may also improve productivity. To increase participation, it is very important to include workers in decisions about which programs to adopt.

Fighting mental health stigma by changing norms. People experiencing mental illness or mental health struggles often face stigma. They might avoid treatment because they are concerned about losing their job or being viewed differently.

Employers can tackle stigma by thinking and talking about mental health concerns the same way they deal with physical ones and also by increasing mental health literacy within their company.

A good first step is to craft a clear … policy.

Another way to do that is to train dedicated employees to assist colleagues in need. Since some workers may feel more comfortable reaching out to a colleague than a mental health provider, these internal advocates can provide a bridge between employees and mental health care.

Companies can also develop programs in which workers can hear people with mental illness describe their own challenges and how they overcame them. Research shows creating these social contacts can reduce stigma.

Nurturing social support through teamwork. Finally, a large body of research demonstrates that social support buffers the impact of stress.

Social connections to the people around you can inspire what psychologists call “collective efficacy,” or a shared belief in a group’s ability to work together and overcome challenges to accomplish goals. Collective efficacy improves group performance and is also a key ingredient in trauma recovery. n Patricia L. Haynes is an associate professor of health promotion sciences at the University of Arizona.

Distributed by The Associated Press.

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OPINION EDITORIALS

Hits keep coming, but pandemichardened businesses adapting

IN THE FIGHT: Paul Amaral, owner of East Providence-based Amaral Custom Fabrications Inc., is struggling to fill open positions but still has high hopes for his business this year.

PBN FILE PHOTO/ RUPERT WHITELY

Inflation is at a 40-year high and qualified, committed workers seem scarcer than ever.

Yet profits are up strongly for many local businesses from a year ago and a majority of owners still expect things to improve for their businesses in the coming year.

Such is today’s pandemic-hardened, survival-of-the-fittest economy, where all manner of fiscal, logistical and health-related challenges still threaten Rhode Island businesses. Yet unlike the early days of the pandemic, most businesses are more confident in their ability to weather whatever comes next, says Edward M. Mazze, a University of Rhode Island distinguished professor of business administration.

Still, as this week’s cover story on PBN’s biannual business survey reports, an increased chance of survival won’t automatically translate to profits if ongoing worker shortages and supply chain challenges linger.

For Daniel Dwight, CEO and president of manufacturer Cooley Inc., the difficulty finding and keeping capable workers includes new hires failing to show up and workers quitting in the middle of a shift.

“It’s a concept that’s completely foreign to me,” he said of having to regularly worry if he has enough workers to fill orders.

A Feb. 10 virtual PBN summit on economic trends warned that inflation won’t fade anytime soon.

But panelist Craig Pickell said the “state of chaos” such economic pressures create for businesses is also making survivors stronger.

“We are learning new tricks,” said Pickell, chairman and CEO of Bullard Abrasives Inc. “We will … get through it.” n

Who’s making decisions on new bus hub?

When virtual hearings on proposals for a new downtown Providence transit hub begin on Feb. 24, they will not include a contested multihub plan the R.I. Department of Transportation once identified as its preferred option, according to a Feb. 15 PBN report.

There has been no public announcement that the multihub plan has been scrapped but Cristy Raposo, a spokeswoman for the R.I. Public Transit Authority, confirmed to PBN it is “no longer an option.” RIPTA is overseeing the hearings.

But who made the decision? Neither agency has said.

Nor did Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s office respond to requests for comment.

Few of the many interested parties will shed any tears for the scrapped multihub plan. A new single-hub proposal on Dorrance Street appears to have much more support.

Regardless, involved state departments and the governor’s office need to do a better job communicating with the public. That includes identifying who made the decision so they can explain it, instead of hoping the media will get tired of asking. n

POLL CENTRAL EXECUTIVE POLL

ARPA spending Do you feel the ARPA money will If eligible, does your company plan to apply for American Rescue be properly spent by the state?

Plan Act financial assistance?

No: 100% No: 67% Yes: 33% Unsure: 0%

Yes: 0%

Do you feel the ARPA funding will give the state an economic boost?

What sector do you feel is in most No: 67% need of ARPA funding? (Select Unsure: 33% multiple?)

PBN.COM POLL

Are you concerned about the long-term effects of rising vacancy rates for downtown office space in Providence? FEB. 4-10 Yes, if the city’s downtown struggles, so does the rest of the state

46%

No, there will be a return to normalcy, as there was after 9/11

10%

No, the city and building owners have too much at stake not to ensure those offices are filled Yes, remote work will continue to make many large, costly buildings hard to fill

36%

6%

I’m not sure 1%

Restaurant/hospitality/tourism: 33% Health care: 33% Nonprofit/social services: 33% Small-retail businesses: 0% Education: 0% Housing: 0% Other: 0%

Yes: 0% The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries.

Are you more comfortable dining out, shopping or attending events now that a statewide mask mandate for businesses has been lifted?

THIS WEEK’S POLL:

•Y es, because there’s less chance I will be hassled about masks or vaccination status when I go out • Yes, because that signals the surge in COVID-19 cases is over • No, I was more comfortable in enclosed public spaces with the mandate in place • No, the mandate did not affect my decision-making • I’m not sure To vote, go to PBN.com and follow the link on the home page

32 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

OPINION OPINION

Amid trucker shortage, these lies are costly

DAN HORVATH GUEST COLUMN

America needs more truck drivers.

The demand for drivers is strong and will only keep growing for the foreseeable future.

With the current strain on the world’s supply chain, pay and earnings have gone up significantly for truck drivers – a career that was already a well-paying path to the middle class for Americans without a college degree.

Meanwhile, a lack of drivers leads to empty shelves at the market and delays getting the products we need.

But lies and misinformation about new national training standards may be keeping prospective drivers away at this critical point. It’s important that everyone in the Rhode Island trucking community understands what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to the federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements that went into effect on Feb. 7.

The new requirements establish a single, national standard for obtaining a commercial driver’s license. This has been a long time coming: it was first mandated by Congress back in 2012 before the rulemaking process and technology issues at the state and federal levels caused successive years of delay.

So, what’s changing with the new ELDT? For most current drivers and for organizations that have a structured training program in place today, the truth is – not much.

First off, if you already hold a commercial driver’s license, by and large you will not be affected. The revised ELDT regulations apply only to drivers seeking to 1) obtain a

commercial driver’s license – or CDL – for the first time; 2) upgrade their existing CDL from Class B to Class A; or 3) obtain a new hazardous material mat, passenger, or school bus endorsement.

Secondly, despite false rumors on social media, the process for obtaining a CDL will not markedly differ from what took place before. Prospective drivers will be required to complete theory instruction and behindthe-wheel instruction before taking their skills test to obtain their CDL. There are no minimum number of hours as part of this training. The new ELDT simply means everyone will be using the same training curriculum nationwide. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that 85% of entry-level drivers already receive training curricula that meet the ELDT requirements.

Third – and here is where rumors are the most outrageous – there are no new exorbitant costs nor minimum training hours required with the ELDT. Prospective drivers do not have to go to a truck driver training school and can still receive training from the same places: educational institutions, motor carriers, rural cooperatives, school districts, joint labor-management programs, commercial motor vehicle schools and other venues.

For carriers, this means if you conduct in-house training today, you’ll still be able to do so after the new ELDT rule becomes effective.

Most training providers won’t have to change their programs to comply with ELDT

The new rules establish consistent and effective training requirements.

requirements. There are no required minimum instruction hours for theory training.

Training providers must use assessments to determine if trainees are proficient in all units of the theory curriculum. There are also no required minimum instruction hours for behind-the-wheel training. Training is complete when the training provider determines that a trainee is proficient in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.

What will change is that training providers will have to meet minimum training requirements issued back in 2016 and register online with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Training Provider Registry.

The new rules establish consistent and effective training requirements and will help reduce the failure rates on skills tests administered by state driver licensing agencies, thereby helping drivers to obtain CDLs more efficiently and improve the supply chain.

Most training programs already meet or exceed ELDT requirements and will be able to continue training new drivers without disruption.

Additionally, the Training Provider Registry will make it easier for new drivers to find qualified training providers, increasing the likelihood that a prospective driver signs up for and completes training.

We at the American Trucking Associations estimate that we need 80,000 additional truckers on the road today to meet the economy’s current freight demands. To fill that gap, we must make entry into our field obtainable, affordable, reliable and understandable. Misinformation about efforts to do just that doesn’t help anybody. n Dan Horvath is vice president of safety policy at American Trucking Associations in Arlington, Va.

Holdouts may be returning to the workforce CHRISTOPHER DECKER GUEST COLUMN

The U.S. economy surprised analysts by adding 467,000 jobs in January, overcoming concerns about the COVID-19 omicron variant and continuing a long streak of gains, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Feb. 4.

Yet at the same time, the unemployment rate ticked up a notch, from 3.9% to 4%.

Confused? Shouldn’t a large increase in jobs drive joblessness lower?

Usually, the main culprit behind these types of conflicting results is an increase in the number of people rejoining the labor market. I believe that must be the case here – and recent data shows a clear trend in this direction – even though the BLS has adjusted its latest data in a way that makes it harder to see what’s going on or make historical comparisons.

The share of working-age Americans either in work or looking for work – known as the labor participation rate – dropped steeply at the beginning of the pandemic.

But there are signs that labor participation may finally be turning around. From a low of 60.2% in April 2020, it has slowly risen since. And the latest report showed it reached 62.2% in December and January, the highest since the depths of the pandemic in mid-2020. The 2.2-percentage-point gain since

April 2020 may not seem huge, but it equates to about 5.8 million people rejoining the workforce.

I think people are being both encouraged and forced back into looking for work. My interpretation of the evidence suggests those who quit and held off getting back into the labor force are now finding job opportunities that are too valuable to pass up.

For one thing, wages continue to increase – they grew rapidly in January, with average hourly wages up 5.6% from a year earlier.

At the same time, it appears that many businesses are responding to workers’ desires for some flexibility in scheduling and a better work-life balance.

Greater job flexibility can be seen in the jump in the number of Americans working remotely. The number of employees working from home because of the pandemic increased to 15.4% of the workforce in January, as the omicron variant spread and staffers were given the option to work from home.

But it isn’t just employer-driven factors behind the increase in labor participation.

For those without a job and stable income, personal resources can get depleted over time. Some people who left the workforce early on in the pandemic may have been able

to get by and cover essential spending such as housing and groceries by relying on personal savings, support from family members or generous pandemic-related government benefits.

Those resources are not infinite, however. The number of long-term unemployed Americans declined in January, following a trend observed throughout 2021, suggesting that a growing number are returning to the workforce.

Moreover, the cost of living is soaring at the fastest pace in 40 years. And for households that had been relying on a single income during the pandemic, the problem is made worse by the fact that wages are lagging behind, putting pressure on families.

In other words, job holdouts might not be able to hold out much longer if inflation continues to outpace wage increases.

But even with the recent uptick in the labor participation rate, the U.S. economy still has a long way to go before the ongoing labor shortages hammering companies end and the job markets return to pre-pandemic levels. n Christopher Decker is a professor of economics at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Distributed by The Associated Press.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | 33

ONE LAST THING In-person interaction essential

Mark Fuller University of Massachusetts Dartmouth chancellor Mark Fuller was named chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in August 2021. He previously served as interim chancellor at UMass Dartmouth, as the vice chancellor for advancement at UMass Amherst and as dean of the Isenberg School of Management.

THERE

have been a lot of lessons learned through the pandemic that we will carry into the future, from maximizing virtual learning and building effective teams remotely to recognizing the importance of robust and inclusive emergency management planning.

While this experience has taught us that technology can do many things for an organization, it has also shown us that human interaction is essential to leverage the full potential of any i­nstitution.

At UMass Dartmouth, our students and faculty collaborate via video technology with their peers across the country to uncover the mysteries of black holes or work on global research projects to study the marine environments of upcoming offshore wind farms in real time.

But what has become abundantly clear is that our community has, quite organically, placed a renewed focus on engaging with each other when they come together. We have all seen work and productivity continue remotely, but we cannot re-create the magic that occurs when people get together in person to achieve their goals.

We need to find ways to use technology to enhance – not replace – the creative and collaborative process.

This past semester, when all students returned to campus, I saw firsthand our students navigate this new world, intuitively balancing the digital and the personal. Their accomplishments were tremendous, and I know that we will marvel at how they – our future innovators and entrepreneurs – transform the way we work. n

COURTESY SCOTT INDERMAUR

34 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

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NOW AVAILABLE PBN 2022 BOOK OF LISTS

· 120+ LISTS

· 800+ COMPANIES

· 10 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE · 2021 PBN EVENTS AND HONOREES IES (ranked by 2020 revenue) TOP PANIES COMPAN ATE COM PRIVATE TOP PRIV

(ranked by 2020 revenue) Address Phone

Company | Website CEO/President

2021 rank

900 Salem St. 02917 Smithfield, R.I. (401) 292-5000

m ts Inc. | fidelity.co Fidelity Investmen chairman and CEO Abigail P. Johnson,

1

2020: 1

fmglobal.com CEO; Malcolm FM Global | chairman and Thomas A. Lawson, Roberts, president

2

2020: 3

Ave. 270 Central 02919 Johnston, R.I. (401) 275-3000

.com Co. | gilbaneco Gilbane Building Jr., chairman Thomas F. Gilbane

3 2020: 2

| amica.com Insurance Co. CEO and president Amica Mutual chairman, Robert A. DiMuccio,

4 2020: 4

100 Amica Way 02865 Lincoln, R.I. (800) 242-6422 167 Point St.R.I. 02903 Providence, (401) 444-3500

1 | lifespan.org Lifespan Corp.

J. Babineau Dr. Timothy

5

2020: 5

| Rhode Island Blue Shield of Blue Cross & bcbsri.com Martha L. Wofford

6

2020: 6

St. 500 Exchange R.I. 02903 Providence, (401) 459-1000

of Rhode Health Plan Neighborhood Island | nhpri.org Peter M. Marino

7

2020: 7

Health System Care New England carenewengland.org Fanale Dr. James E.

8 2020: 8

Pike 910 Douglas 02917 Smithfield, R.I. (401) 459-6000 45 Willard Ave. R.I. 02905 Providence, (401) 453-7900

2 |

x.com Co. | teknorape Suresh J. Teknor ApexFain, chairman and CEO; Jonathan D. president Swaminathan,

9 2020: NL 10

Southcoast Health 4 Keith A. Hovan

2020: 9

System

3 | southcoast.org

ejoblot.com Alan Job Lot | oceanstat Ocean State principal owner and CEO; owners Marc Perlman,Steve Aronow, principal Perlman and

11

2020: 10

ody.com LLP | nixonpeab partner; Nixon Peabody CEO and managing managing Stephen Zubiago, Providence office Armando Batastini, partner

12

2020: 13

| lockelord.com e office Locke Lord LLP D. Graham, Providenc Christopher managing partner

13 2020: 14 14

2020: 15

foods.com Corp. | blountfine Blount Fine Foods president Todd Blount,

15

2020: 12

ion Co. | dimeo.com Dimeo Construct Bradford S. Dimeo

16

2020: 18

Corp. & Hoelscher Windmoeller president Andrew A. Wheeler,

17

2020: 17

| whcorp.com

| woodardcurran.com Woodard & Curran CEO Alyson Watson,

18 2020: NL 18

2020: 16

ds.com Artisans | danielefoo Charcuterie CEO; Chris Bowler, president David Finch,

cardi.com Cardi Corp. | president Antonio B. Cardi,

Ave. 505 Central 02861 Pawtucket, R.I. (401) 725-8000 Ave. 363 Highland 02720 Fall River, Mass.

(508) 679-3131 e Park Road 375 Commerc , R.I. 02852 North Kingstown (401) 295-2672 1 Citizens Plaza R.I. 02903 Providence, (401) 454-1000 Plaza 2800 Financial R.I. 02903 Providence, (401) 274-9200 Road 630 Currant 02720 Fall River, Mass.

(774) 888-1300 St. 75 ChapmanR.I. 02905 Providence, (401) 781-9800 Way 23 New England 02865 Lincoln, R.I. (401) 333-2770 Floor 7 33 Broad St.,R.I. 02903 Providence, (401) 273-1007 Drive 1000 Daniele 02839 Burrillville, R.I. (401) 568-6228 Ave. 400 Lincoln 02888 Warwick, R.I. (401) 739-8300

21

2020: 20

Hospital | Sturdy Memorial sturdymemorial.org CEO Aimee B. Brewer,

Insurance

1,745 1907

$2.7 bil.

December

$2.5 bil.

September

16,564 1994

$1.7 bil.

December

788 1939

Health care system

Health insurer

insurer Nonprofit health

594 1993

$1.4 bil.

December

Health care system

7,548 1996

$1.1 bil.

September

Manufacturer

583 1924

$1 bil.

December

$947.5 mil.

September

Health care system

3,835 1996

$810 mil.

December

$488.8 mil.

February

Law firm

26 1844

$482.1 mil.

December

Law firm

81 1894

$465.3 mil.

September

Manufacturing

1,598 1946

$451.8 mil.

June

$261.7 mil.

December

Pre-construction, services construction

257 1930

35 1977

$253.9 mil.

December

$250 mil.

December

$250 mil.

March

$234.6 mil.

September

2020: 3

Industrial Park Park & Howard ett Industrial Pontiac Avenue The Pettacons of Route 37 and Intersection 02910 Cranston, R.I. Industrial Park West Warwick 95 Route 2 at Interstate R.I. 02893 West Warwick, 2020: 5 | edf-ri.com Drive, Park Highland Corporate Drive, Scenic View Highland Corporate Drive Maple Ridge R.I. 02864 2020: 6 Cumberland, om e Park | needsinc.c Burrillville Commerc Broncos Highway 02830 Burrillville, R.I. 2020: 7

4 2020: 4

served as Todd Blount has familypresident of his , Blount owned operation since Fine Foods Corp., on the role 2000. He took joining the six years after is based in operation, which has a facility Fall River and started in Warren. Blount career in his professional as a product 1989 working manager for Verizon until Inc. Communications to wanting 1993. Then, work for a come back and , Blount operation smaller the family became part of setting business in 1994, ’s first nonup the company production seafood soup Blount Fine line. Recently, Blount’s Foods, under been among leadership, has t local the most prominen companies, manufacturing in excess generating sales in 2020. of $465 million

52 1979

700 1946

550 1967

1,605 1913

, Distributor machinery service spare parts and for packaging industries science Engineering, and operations

Gourmet food manufacturer g Contractor specializin and in bridge, highway on heavy constructi

Hospital

s.indd 16

1

504

ts Fidelity Investmen

503

403

270

6

7

Richmond Commons te 138 Kingstown Road/Rou 02898 Richmond, R.I.

8

2020: 8

Industrial Park Western Cranston Plainfield Pike 02910 Cranston, R.I.

9

2020: 9

e Area Way Commerc Commercial ommercial Way Waterman Avenue/C e, R.I. 02914 East Providenc

10

2020: 10

Elmwood-Wellington Wellington Avenue 02910 Cranston, R.I.

11

2020: 11

13

14

NEED A COPY? a copy of this To purchase 273-2201 or list, call (401) lists for more visit PBN.com/ information.

Interstate 95 Route 7 to Interstate 295

250

249

239

233

230

172

EMP LOYEERSRS EMPLOY TOL S.,in 2021) BRIS MASeesS., NTY,, MAS COUNTY TOL COU BRIS (ranked by number of local employ

CLOSER LOOK

Total acreage:

8,400

1

D BY LIST RESEARCHE James Bessette

2020: 1

NEED A COPY? a copy of this To purchase 273-2201 or list, call (401) lists for more visit PBN.com/

2020: 4

last year.

NL = Not listed

7

8

2020: 5

13

17

14 2020: 15

19

21

AM 12/23/21 9:45

17

aheadweb.com Ahead LLC | CEO Anne Broholm,

2020: NL

23

18

2020: NL

24

20

25

2020: 17

2022 | JANUARY

| 117

21

d 117

PM 12/22/21 1:23

36 | FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 3, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

m & Co. | matouk.co John Matouk Jr., CEO George Matouk | Catering & Events Russell Morin morins.com Jr., CEO Russell Morin ust.com Co. | rocklandtr Rockland Trust , CEO Christopher Oddleifson

orce.indd 88

082_093BOL2022Workf

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY PBN.COM/PBN-BOOK-OF-LISTS SPONSORED BY:

|

St. 26 East Main 02766 Norton, Mass.

(508) 286-8200 49 Pearl St. 02703 Attleboro, Mass.

(800) 225-2706 35 Broadway 02780 Taunton, Mass.

(508) 824-6626 Blvd.

270 Samuel Barnet Mass. 02745 New Bedford, (508) 985-9898

and Defense contractor engineering services

758 831

750 571

1Taunton

1965

: 1639 Year founded

2 Attleboro

1851

Financial institution

565 424

Re-ranked by oldest employers:

1968

Higher education

735 767

: 1694 Year founded

Educational institution

564 557

rer

Jewelry manufactu

416 460

307 285

925 Airport Road02720 Fall River, Mass.

(508) 997-3444

175 150

150 427

92 93

D BY LIST RESEARCHE James Bessette

1846

1995

of fine bed and

Restaurant and

catering

Commercial bank

NEED A COPY? a copy of this To purchase 273-2201 or list, call (401) lists for more visit PBN.com/ information.

last year.

NL = Not listed

1852

Manufactuer

Manufacturer bath linens

: 1834 Year founded

1899

of branded golf Manufacturer and apparel, headwear accessories

238 238

3 Wheaton College

1834

Financial institution

180 200

288 Union St. 02370 Rockland, Mass.

(800) 222-2299

1916

1952

services Health/human n nonprofit corporatio

Blvd.

221 John L. Dietsch 02763 Attleboro, Mass.

(800) 699-4436

Drive 95 Frank Mossberg 02703 Attleboro, Mass.

(508) 226-6600

1939

of sensors for Manufacturer and automotive, aerospace industrial customers

1929

1911

1907

Visiting Nurses s Group and .com Southcoast Physician t Tobey Hospital, | www.pbn Hospital, for the Southcoas Luke's n BOOK OF LISTS Hospital, St. physician executive Memorial Kruger, chief BUSINESS NEWS ENCE includes Charlton Nov. 6. Dr. Rayford t Health System 2022 | PROVID his arrest on 1 Southcoas | JANUARY absence following in Hovan's absence.

88 took a leave of Association. care system on Nov. 12, 2021, of the health 2 Keith Hovan took over leadership Physicians Group, 2020: NL

www.pbn.com

104_119BOL2022RE.ind

Mall Drive 330 Swansea 02777 Swansea, Mass.

(888) 678-7641

.com n & Co. | blackinton officer V.H. BlackintoCEO and chief operating Peter Roque,

19 2020: 20

25

four public beaches. golf course and 1 Includes a

2020: 19

Savings Bank Bristol County s.com bristolcountysaving Patrick Murray

health Care homes and by the programs sponsored River Diocese of Fall

900 900

777 Elsbree St. 02720 Fall River, Mass.

(508) 678-2811

| leachgarner.com LeachGarner president Tom Kimble,

16

21

| baycoastbank.com

| wheatoncollege.edu Wheaton College president Michaele Whelan,

15 2020: 16

20

27

BayCoast Bank Nicholas Christ

2020: 18

18

FOOTNOTES includes j Lifespan Corp. Bradley Emma Pendleton Hospital, Hospital, Newport Hospital/ Rhode Island Hospital Hasbro Children’sHospital. and The Miriam England Health  Care New Butler System includes County Hospital, Kent and Memorial HospitalHospital.

Women & Infants t Health System  Southcoas Memorial Charlton includes Luke’s Hospital, Hospital, St. Southcoast Tobey Hospital, and Visiting Physicians Group n.

Nurses Associatio on Nov. 12, Hovan Keith  leave of absence 2021, took a arrest on Nov. following his Kruger, chief 6. Dr. Rayford for the physician executive Group, Southcoast Physicians of the took over leadershipin Hovan’s health care system absence.

du

ty College | bristolcc.e Bristol Communi president Laura L. Douglas,

12

2020: 12

1889

St. 4 South Main 02721 Fall River, Mass.

(508) 679-5233

peopleincfr.org People Inc. | CEO and president Megan Stirk,

11

2020: NL

1895

Hospital

989 1,271

Adams Road 400 John Quincy02780 Taunton, Mass.

(508) 880-4000

| Mission Systems General Dynamics om gdmissionsystems.c president Chris Brady,

10 2020: 10

1694

Higher education

1,145 860

St. 529 Pleasant 02703 Attleboro, Mass.

(508) 236-3800

m

Sensata Technolog Jeffrey Cote

nt and Municipal governme schools services, public

1,193 1,206

on July Aimee B. Brewer named the 29, 2021, was president new CEO and Sturdy of Attleboro-based and Memorial Hospital Oct. on began her tenure 4, 2021. She assumed the the role following Joseph F.X. retirement of with the Casey, who was years – the hospital for 32 and last three as CEO native a president. Brewer, r, previously New Englande of served as president Group re NorthBay Healthca a role she in Fairfield, Calif., Before held since 2015. , her time at NorthBay director Brewer was the for HCA of operations in Salt Physician Services Lake City.

1946

Manufacturing

1,224 1,224

St. 368 North Main 02720 Fall River, Mass.

(508) 679-8154

ies Inc. | sensata.co

9 2020: 8

R AIMEE B. BREWE l Hospital Sturdy Memoria t CEO and presiden

1913

n St. 88 Washingto 02780 Taunton, Mass.

(508) 828-7000

Facilities | dhfo.org Diocesan HealthCEO Joanne Roque,

1639

Hospital

1,598 1,160

Road 285 Old Westport 02747 Dartmouth, Mass.

(508) 999-8000

Dartmouth |

| mortonhospital.org Morton Hospital president Heidi Taylor,

2020: NL

15

last year.

NL = Not listed

Massachusetts University of umassd.edu Mark Fuller, chancellor

6

2020: 6

15

WANT TO JOIN? n For more informatio ng in about participati or to make PBN’s Top Lists, call corrections, additions or or write to (401) 680-4838 Research@PBN.com.

Attleboro | cityofattle mayor Paul Heroux,

2020: 7

Big Route 14 to e Services, Dream Laboratory, Interstate 295 Dean Warehous Pro Electro Standards Gymnastics, s, Frito Lay, Penske, Federal Electronic Equipment Rentals Don-Mar Creations, Interstate 195 Die, Aramark,M&G Materials Anco Tool and Medical, Wood's D3 Inc., IlluminOss Signature Printing, Handling Corp., England, Heating Service Care of New Job Interstate 95 Lanes, Clean AMF CranstonLeonard Valve, Ocean StateAuto Harold Glass, Scott Brass, Silver Spring Lot, PriceRite, Body, TYCO Route 24 to Interstate 195 & Sports Center, Fitness Longplex Family(Emera) Tiverton Power

nt and Municipal governme schools services, public

1,605 1,565

77 Park St. 02703 Attleboro, Mass.

(508) 223-2222

boro.us

5

FOOTNOTE golf course and j Includes a four public beaches.

NA

1996

Health care system

1,800 2,500

Road 630 Currant 02720 Fall River, Mass.

(774) 888-1300

Corp. | Blount Fine Foods blountfinefoods.com president Todd Blount,

4 2020: 9

CLOSER LOOK Year founded

tity

Type of business/en

3,835 7,467

211 Park St. 02703 Attleboro, Mass.

(508) 222-5200

Hospital | Sturdy Memorial sturdymemorial.org CEO Aimee B. Brewer,

3

WANT TO JOIN? n For more informatio ng in about participati or to make PBN’s Top Lists, call corrections, additions or or write to (401) 680-4838 Research@PBN.com.

Bristol County employees 2021 Bristol County employees 2020

141 Oak St. 02718 Taunton, Mass.

(508) 821-1000

a.gov Taunton | taunton-m , mayor Shaunna O'Connell

2

2020: 3

information.

Ave. 363 Highland 02720 Fall River, Mass.

(508) 679-3131

1 System | Southcoast Health southcoast.org 2 Keith Hovan

employees in 2021)

(ranked by number of local

Address Phone

Company | Website CEO/President

2021 rank

Interstate 295 Center, D'Ambra N Pull Ballard Truck A. Duie Pyle, FedEx Distribution, Pick Management 2020: 13 Construction, , Sims Metal 171 , Automotive Recycling DSM NeoResins Route 6 to Bank, Brown Medicine, Interstate 195 (add)ventures,Paragon Medical, Santander Nordson EFD, & Shepley Insurance Brokerage 2020: 14 159 Starkweather CBS 12 Inc., WPRI-TV Route 6 to n, Dassault Associatio Interstate 295 Lopes American Arbitration York Life, Pannone 2020: 15 Systemes, New 150 O'Gara Route 122 to Devereaux & , Route 99 to Northwoods Ave. Colony Hardware and Webbing, Route 146 to ts, Parkinson 1301 Atwood 02919 American Cord Hanna Instrumen Aalberts Interstate 295 Corp., KKM, Johnston, R.I. Health Inc., 2020: 16 CVS 150 Sumr, Technic et | edf-ri.com Technologies, Global, Route 146 to Park Woonsock Corp., Mondelez Highland Corporate Interstates 90 ge, CVS Health KB Surfaces, Drive Shine, East Comtorga Auto Park and 295 Truck & Bedford R.I. 02895 New England of New England, New Woonsocket, 2020: 16 140 om Stone Systems Supply Park | needsinc.c Street Route 1A to Welding Printing), Industrial e Steele Slatersvill Navitus (American Hasbro Interstates 195 Providence Pike, AM Source, AP ion, Contech Research, Industrial Drive, , R.I. 02876 and 95 Food Services, Bacon Construct North Smithfield 2020: 18 Sales, Thomsen Kaufman 113 Inc., ion Route 123 to Parker Construct Industrial Park Routes 116 and Narragansett Park Drive Cable, Orion, 146 to Narragansett e, R.I. 02916 Abrasives, General Materials, Bullard Technical Interstate 295 East Providenc EJ Prescott 2020: 19 Stackbin, Materion Hill 108 Park | edf-ri.com Lincoln, Wildtree, Greystone of Industrial Air Road, Carol Drive, Jenckes North Central Route 10 to s, Powder Hill Road, Wellington Road Auto Rust Technician Lang's Interstate 95 Alliance Security, r, Graybar Electric, Road, Albion02865 2020: 20 Enterprise Rent-A-Ca Lincoln, R.I. 107 a InterLink and Bowlaram Park Interstate Huntington Industrial s, office Routes 95 and Niantic Avenue02907 al, restaurant recreation R.I. 295 retail, , Cranston, 2020: 21 Hospitality om 100 | citycentrewarwick.c Modern Boulevard City Centre Warwick Interstate 195 Aerogels, Coast Jefferson Aspen Fence and ion, The Post Road AccuCare Supply, 02886 Impco East Side Construct Warwick, R.I. 2020: 22 Construction, Fastening Systems, 100 Center Specialist, Gripnail ring Hunt Route 114 to Manufactu Services, Dexter Road Route 24 to s, Hinckley Yacht , Newport Dinner 195 Cay Electronic Dexter Road e, R.I. 02914 England Boatworks Refit Center, Interstate Yachts, New Link, Portsmouth Yacht East Providenc 2020: 22 97 Train, Ocean n Routes 138 and 24 Road District U.S. Sailing Associatio 114 to Route Melville Marine off Route 114, West Main s, Lang Naturals, to Interstate Sailmaker Stringham Road Corp.

Hood SEA R.I. 02871 195 BankNewport, Rite Solutions, Portsmouth, 2020: 24 80 McLaughlin Research, Route 122 to Park Corporate Route 99 to Road Aquidneck Inn, Tasca and Valley Route 146 to John Clark Road Flock Tex, Holiday R.I. 02842 Interstate 295 CVS Health Corp., Middletown, 2020: 25 Ace Endico 60 Chevrolet, | edf-ri.com Street Route 44 to Industrial Park Woonsocket Founders Drive, St. Augustin Interstates 295 ral Fortin Drive, R.I. 02895 Lockheed Architectu t and 395 Inc., GS Equipmen et, Daniele, Woonsock Power, Blake 2020: 26 60 Solutions, Matrix om Park | needsinc.c Route 116 to Original Burrillville Industrial Moo CVS Health Corp., Route 146 to Drive Engineering, Finlay's Extracts, Route 100, Davis Interstate 295 of Boston, Pare Academy, Lincoln 02859 Crispy Pizza Preschool Burrillville, R.I. Nurses 2020: 26 | edf-ri.com 51 Print Ltd., Cadence s, HopeHealth Visiting & Office Park 95 Industrial Pediatric Associate North Central/2 Place, Commerce Street SS NEWS ENCE BUSINE Blackstone Valley R.I. 02865 LISTS n PROVID 2020: NL Lincoln, | BOOK OF

12

D BY LIST RESEARCHE James Bessette

Corridor

Park Tiverton BusinessRoad Route 24 at Fish 02878 Tiverton, R.I. e Park Pike Lakeside Commerc Avenue and Shun Green Earth 02919 Johnston, R.I. Industrial Park Westminster Catamore Boulevard e, R.I. 02914 East Providenc

Inc.

Highway access Route 403 to Route 4 to Interstate 95

Route 37 to & Moran, Pepsi Interstates 295 e, McLaughlinAmerica, Tasca, and 95 Golfer's Warehous Swarovski North Co., Siemans, 10 WJAR-TV NBC , Cardi's Interstate 95 Van Lines, Astro-Med Uncas Amtrol Inc., Arpin Communications, Furniture, CoxLLC International Route 99 to Neurotech Health Corp., Co., Tiffany & Co., CVS Route 146 to Cintas, The Hart Bayer Interstate 295 Pharmaceuticals, Tedor Pharma, Coty, Unilever, TriLiteral, Numark, e, MPG, Hershey, Polyrack Healthcar Gamble, Consumer Procter & Route 102 to Johnson & Johnson, Route 146 to Cashmere Foods, Alashan Interstate 295 Daniele Asiago Foods, Co. Route 138 to Interstate 95

494

5

Retail

1,287 1977

Campus Fidelity Regional Salem St. 100-300-500-900 02917 Smithfield, R.I.

3

TODD BLOUNT Corp.

Blount Fine Foods president

Cos. LLC | Arden Building nies.com ardenbuildingcompa CEO Robert M. Bolton,

001_035BOL2022TopCo

New England The Centre of England Boulevard Centre of New02816 Coventry, R.I.

2

2020: 2 and real Construction ent estate developm

3,207

Park Quonset Business 95 Cripe St. , R.I. 02852 North Kingstown

1

2020: 1

211 Park St. 02703 Attleboro, Mass.

(508) 222-5200 design Construction, g firm 249 and engineerin $172 mil.

1954 ett Park Drive December 505 Narragans 02861 Pawtucket, R.I. (401) 727-3500 The Miriam Hospital.

Hospital and asbro Children's Nurses Island Hospital/H & Infants Hospital. .com Hospital, Rhode Group and Visiting and Women Newport | www.pbn t Physicians Hospital OF LISTS Bradley Hospital, County Memorial t n BOOKTobey Hospital, Southcoas Emma Pendleton Butler Hospital, Kent the Southcoas SS NEWS Luke's Hospital, executive for Corp. includes System includesENCE BUSINE Hospital, St. 1 Lifespan chief physician Health | PROVID Memorial Kruger, England New Y 2022 includes Charlton 2 Care Nov. 6. Dr. Rayford | JANUAR 16 t Health System his arrest on 3 Southcoas of absence followingin Hovan's absence. took a leave Association. care system on Nov. 12, 2021, of the health 4 Keith Hovan took over leadership Physicians Group,

20

2020: NL

Park name | Website Address

2021 rank

property Commercial nal insurer of multinatio organizations

423 1870

$6.5 bil.

December

occupants Dynamics Representative s, Edesia, General , Hexagon Dominion Diagnostic Hayward Industries Toray Plastics Electric Boat, State Job Lot, Metrology, Ocean (America) Inc. Champion Wholesale Club, Applebee's, BJ's Barrel, Home Depot, Window, Cracker Super Walmart Neighborcare,

Acreage

Financial services

1,346 1835

$6.8 bil.

December

7 Jackson Walkway R.I. 02903 Providence, (401) 456-5800

Type of business

3,200 1946

$20.9 bil.

December

acreage) (ranked byacreag PARKKSS (ranked e) STRIALALPAR by INDUSTRI ANDINDU INESSS AND BUSINES ND BUS ISLAND DE ISLA RHO RHODE

CLOSER LOOK

No. of local employees Year founded

2020 revenue FY ends

FOOTNOTES t Health System j Southcoas Memorial includes Charlton Hospital, Luke’s Hospital, St. Southcoast Tobey Hospital, and Visiting Physicians Group n.

Nurses Associatio on Nov. 12,  Keith Hovan leave of absence 2021, took a arrest on Nov. following his Kruger, chief Rayford Dr. 6. for the physician executive Group, Southcoast Physicians of the took over leadershipin Hovan’s health care system absence.

AM 12/17/21 8:48