PBN October 23-29, 2020

PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

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OCTOBER 23-29, 2020

5Q

Dr. Kenneth Wood | 4

SPOTLIGHT

Blaine Enterprises Inc. | 6

YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS NEWS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND | VOL. 35, NO. 31 | $4

FOCUS: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Hot amenity in the market: Drive-thru windows

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

A ROUTING INTEREST

Downtown busing overhaul pits riders, other groups against RIDOT

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

THE

GHOSTS OF PAST PUBLIC-TRANSIT PLANS HAVE FOUND their final resting place in a cardboard box in the office of Rhode Island Public Transit Authority CEO Scott Avedisian.

The box is filled with more than a dozen reports and proposals – elaborate renderings, black-and-white laminated binders of detailed analysis and oversized architectural maps. The earliest proposal dates back to 1976, with a cover letter addressed to then-Providence Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. A proposal floated last year by the R.I. Department of Transportation sought to divide up the central bus depot at Kennedy Plaza across three sites, complete with an underground tunnel under Washington Street.

Some of the ideas came to fruition, but others, such as the ill-fated tunnel and a bus hub on the Statehouse lawn, never became reality.

So what makes RIDOT’s latest attempt to revitalize Kennedy Plaza and improve a languishing downtown transit system any different?

SEE RIDOT

PAGE 12

SUMMIT

HEALTH CARE

THE LAP BLANKETS, heat lamps and tent-like enclosures will only carry a restaurant so far in the winter. What restaurants really need are drive-thrus.

Or at least something approximating one.

Vacant restaurant locations with drive-thrus are selling and leasing fast in the new coronavirus pandemic, according to commercial real estate brokers.

Although usually associated with national chains and fast-food restaurants, the drive-thru window is now appealing to independently run restaurants. And restaurants without that option are taking a hard look at their SEE DRIVE-THRUS

DIVIDED: Riders board a bus from the main hub at Kennedy Plaza in Providence.

The R.I. Department of Transportation has devised a plan that would split up the main bus depot into three hubs, but it has drawn opposition.

PAGE 19

PBN PHOTO/ ELIZABETH GRAHAM

ONE LAST THING

Scott Fraser Lead the charge toward change | 30

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CONTENTS

PBN

COVER STORY A ROUTING INTEREST Downtown busing overhaul pits riders, other groups against RIDOT...................................................... 1

400 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903

FOR STARTERS 5Q: Dr. Kenneth Wood...............................................................4 Dining Out: Encouraging numbers...........................................5 Spotlight: Blaine Enterprises Inc..............................................6 Something New: David J. Sheperd CPA LLC...........................6 Hot Topic: R.I. voter mailer seeks new citizens.......................7 A Fresh Design: The Wayfinder Hotel......................................8 News Briefs................................................................................9 What’s Happening.................................................................... 10

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President & Publisher: Roger C. Bergenheim 680-4848 | Publisher@PBN.com

DINING OUT | 5

ANOTHER LOOK

ADVERTISING Advertising@PBN.com Fax: 401-274-0270

Report: Housing problem worsens......................................... 14 RIHub teams with Israeli startups.......................................... 14

Director of Sales and Marketing: Annemarie Brisson, 680-4800

CYBERSECURITY Scammers exploiting passion over election.......................... 15

Marketing and Events Manager: Donna Rofino, 680-4832

IT’S PERSONAL

Marketing, Events & Social Media Coordinator: Tracy Hoyt, 680-4818

People in the News..................................................................24 Mackay’s Moral........................................................................25 Guest Column: John Grahamn................................................26 Guest Column: Xueli Wang.....................................................27 Editorials and Opinion.............................................................28 One Last Thing: Scott Fraser................................................. 30

Senior Account Managers: Linda Foster, 680-4812 Jim Hanrahan, 680-4816 Advertising Coordinator: Joyce Rylander, 680-4810

A FRESH DESIGN | 8

FOCUS: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

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

Hot amenity in the market: Drive-thru windows Real estate brokers say vacant restaurant locations with drive-thrus are selling and leasing fast amid the coronavirus pandemic, but they are hard to come by in Rhode Island.............................................. 1

Editor: Michael Mello, 680-4820 Managing Editor: William Hamilton, 680-4826 Web Editor: Chris Bergenheim, 680-4886

Could Mathewson St. see a renaissance?

Most businesses on Mathewson Street in downtown Providence have struggled to survive and while some properties still need an overhaul, others are nearly ready for a retailer to move in................... 18

Copy Editor: Matt Bower, 680-4824 Special Projects Editor: James Bessette, 680-4838

FOCUS: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE | 18

Lists Rhode Island Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firms.........21 Bristol County Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firms.......21 Rhode Island Business & Industrial Parks............................... 22

(EDUCATION, NONPROFITS)

Staff Writers: Alexa Gagosz, 680-4828 (HEALTH CARE, HOSPITALITY/TOURISM, WORKFORCE)

Nancy Lavin, 680-4822 (ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FINANCIAL SERVICES)

Mary MacDonald, 680-4830

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED COMPANIES Basta on Broad

20

National Grid Rhode Island

13

R.I. Department of Motor Vehicles

7

Berrí

18

Navigant Credit Union

24

R.I. Department of Transportation

1

Blaine Enterprises Inc. Blake’s Tavern Brown University Cellar Stories Book Store Common Cause Rhode Island Cornish Associates LP

6 18 4 18 7 18

RIHub

14

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island

Ocean State Job Lot

24

9

RI Transit Riders

12

Paolino Properties LP

12

Roger Williams University

14

Parks Realty Investment Co. LLC

18

Saddlebags for Soldiers

24

PieZoni’s

19

Smoke & Squeal BBQ

24

Plant City Providence LLC

19

Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal

19

Tallulah’s Taqueria LLC

20

CVS Health Corp.

9

Pot au Feu

5

David J. Sheperd CPA LLC

6

Providence Performing Arts Center

18

T.F. Green Airport

13

Ellie’s

18

Providence Preservation Society

18

The Providence Foundation

12

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

19

Red Stripe

19

The Strand Ballroom & Theatre

18

Grow Smart Rhode Island

12

Rhode Island Foundation

29

The Washington Trust Co.

Hotel Providence

18

Rhode Island Hospital

13

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Jewelry District Association

13

Rhode Island Hospitality Association

5, 9, 20

Johnson & Wales University

24

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

1

Kay’s Restaurant MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc.

5 18, 19

Rhode Island Small Business Development Center R.I. Commerce Corp.

WHAT’S HAPPENING? SUBMIT YOUR NEWS AT PBN.COM/PBNCONNECT/

24 9

9

University of Rhode Island

14

Vision 3 Architects

19

Washington Trust Bancorp Inc.

9

Westwey Club

9

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2 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

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(GOVERNMENT, MANUFACTURING, REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT)

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is part of your business.

learn more at bankri.com/opportunity

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 3

FOR STARTERS 5Q: Dr. Kenneth Wood Executive vice president of physician affairs and chief clinical officer, Lifespan Corp.

BY ALEXA GAGOSZ | Gagosz@PBN.com

1

In June, you were named executive vice president of physician affairs and chief clinical officer at Lifespan Corp. What do those roles entail?

I oversee all aspects of clinical performance at Lifespan to ensure that we are delivering high-value care to our patients. I work with physicians, nurses, staff and leadership teams at Lifespan and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University to improve the safety and quality of the clinical services in our hospitals and centers. I also serve as the incident commander for Lifespan’s coronavirus response team.

2

You have a background in reengineering health care. How are you bringing that experience to Lifespan?

In my previous positions, I partnered with industrial systems engineers to improve clinical care delivery and outcomes in terms of safety, efficacy and patient experience. I am anticipating similar work at Lifespan, using human-factors engineering techniques to develop internal processes that lead to better performance and quality care overall.

3 PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

What are some of the best practices you learned during the pandemic?

As a critical care intensivist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, I oversaw the operations section of the hospital’s Incident Command System for COVID-19. To effectively render care for patients during the

NEW HIRE? PRESS RELEASE?

coronavirus pandemic – both those with and without COVID-19 – it was necessary to monitor the hospital’s bed capacity around the clock. I quickly learned that anticipation and preemptive approaches to staffing and supply-chain management are essential to managing bed capacity and running efficient operations during a crisis.

4

How do you envision advancing patient experiences at Lifespan?

The Mayo adage from 1910, “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered,” is as applicable and appropriate today as it was over a century ago. Placing the patient at the center of all decisions under all circumstances is still the best approach to both patient care and the patient experience.

5

How do you think health care will change after there is a vaccine for COVID 19?

Perhaps one of the most important changes that has occurred and will likely continue to expand is the use of telemedicine for many aspects of patient care that were traditionally done via in-person encounters. Telemedicine has allowed us to continue providing many critical services during the coronavirus pandemic. n

Placing the patient at the center of all decisions … is still the best approach.

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FOR STARTERS DINING OUT | BRUCE NEWBURY

Encouraging numbers HERE IN RHODE ISLAND, so many of our choices when it is time to eat revolve around restaurants. It is one of the real privileges of living in this state that we have so many from which to choose. And we continue to have numerous choices.

One of the perceptions that hangs over us is that the entire restaurant industry in these parts – virtually every eatery in every city and town – is on the verge of closing its doors forever. As always, there is no intent to minimize anyone’s difficulty. These are times of great stress for many who have put their heart and soul into their businesses. Please know that all good wishes go with those who are struggling.

That said, the numbers do not reflect the dire warnings. Through the month of October, restaurant business in Rhode Island continued its upward trend. Open Table’s “The state of the restaurant industry” web page includes a comparison of the number of seated diners, year over year, at a sample of restaurants that subscribe to the Open Table online reservation service. According to the data, Rhode Island is in better shape than many, if not most, states and large cities.

A deeper dive reveals the momentousness of how individual guests’ choices can have a major effect on business. On specific days, business was down as much as 32% over the same day a year ago. Other days, business was up by a third. What is driving the ups and downs? Not

WEATHER OR NOT: Lt. Gov. Daniel J. McKee gets a closer look at an “igloo” set up at Kay’s Restaurant in Woonsocket. With McKee is Kay’s owner David Lahousse. Ten of the structures, which cost over $1,400 each, are now in place at the restaurant to extend outdoor dining.

COURTESY OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

dire predictions or increasing positive day-to-day coronavirus cases.

Quite simply, on days when business was significantly down, there was inclement weather. On Friday, Oct. 16, it rained heavily in Rhode Island.

Restaurant numbers were down almost 20% compared with a year ago.

On Thursday, Oct. 1, the weather was

clear, the daytime high temperature was 77 degrees, only cooling off to 61 that evening, and restaurant bookings were up 32% over the same date in 2019.

Statistics are, of course, a snapshot in time. Steps are being taken to try to maintain those encouraging numbers.

For example, Bob Burke has made ex-

Statistics are, of course, a snapshot in time.

tensive safety upgrades at Pot au Feu – some of the most elaborate in the state. The first two weeks of October saw just the beginning of Kay’s Restaurant’s igloos, which Lt. Gov. Daniel J. McKee praised on his statewide tour stop in Woonsocket on Oct. 16.

Also, the response has yet to be seen to Rhode Island Hospitality Association’s first distribution of more than 12,000 blankets, hand warmers and outdoor heaters to numerous eateries throughout the state. Initial reviews are overwhelmingly favorable. The #BYOBlanket initiative is open to any restaurant in the state regardless of membership in the association.

There is also the matter of numerous appeals from business associations in and out of the industry for guests to patronize local restaurants.

The question raised by such appeals is this: Can civic obligation to support businesses override our individual concerns about our own health and safety? So far, we have the desire, the means and the opportunity to return to our favorite restaurant. We want our restaurants to be there for us just about any way we can get them. And we appreciate how our state’s restaurant owners, chefs and staffs have braved the pandemic to offer us hospitality that we needed – and continue to need – more than we know. n Bruce Newbury’s “Dining Out” radio talk show is heard Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 1540 AM WADK, on radio throughout New England, through various mobile applications and his podcast. Email Bruce at Bruce@ brucenewbury.com.

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12:15 PM www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29,9/3/20 2020 | 5

FOR STARTERS SOMETHING NEW

SPOTLIGHT

LONGTIME GOAL: David Sheperd, a 25-year veteran of public accounting, opened his own business, David J. Sheperd CPA LLC, in Cumberland in June.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Counting on economic turnaround

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

IF THERE IS A pandemic-proof business in 2020, it just might be accounting. Small businesses and nonprofits still need to file their tax returns and 990s, and most can’t soldier through that paperwork without professional help.

David Sheperd, a 25-year veteran of public accounting, opened David J. Sheperd CPA LLC in June, thinking that the economy will rebound once the new coronavirus pandemic subsides.

Owning his own business has been a longtime goal, said Shepherd, who holds an MBA from Bryant University and a bachelor’s in accounting from Rhode Island College. He previously worked for Ernst & Young, as well as an independent accounting firm in Providence.

Shepherd also has experience as a controller for a manufacturing company.

His office, in a professional building at 2180 Mendon Road in Cumberland, offers room for growth. He expects to find clients among family-run and small businesses, nonprofits, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-regulated housing complex owners and others.

“I’ve thought about it for a long time,” he said of his business. “I found a location that’s going to work for me. We just need to overcome the virus and the pandemic and then hopefully the economy will start to turn around.” n

SEWING SUCCESS: Bob and Karen Roy are the owners of Blaine Sewing Machine Center in Cranston. The store, which sells and repairs sewing machines and carries fabrics and sewing supplies, has had a boost in sales because many people are dusting off old sewing machines and making masks.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Sewing sales are soaring Blaine rehired staff without federal aid

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

AN ARMY OF HOME-BASED seamstresses and tailors turned 2020 into a very good year for sewing suppliers.

Blaine Enterprises Inc., which operates the Blaine Sewing Machine Center in Cranston, for a period of time couldn’t keep enough solid fabric or elastic on hand to meet demand.

The center carries five major brands of sewing machines, all of which have been selling out and many of which are on back order.

Repairs, which typically take its three full-time service employees up to four weeks, are now taking twice as long.

Yes, that many people have started sewing in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karen Roy, who owns the center with her husband, Bob, didn’t think any of this was going to happen in March. She closed the shop in mid-March, ahead of governmentordered shutdowns of retail stores, because she had many older employees and was worried about keeping everyone safe.

On June 1, she reopened a newly cleaned store and work room as an essential business. And it’s been full-on ever since, driven at first by people pulling out their mother’s or grandmother’s sewing machines to make homemade cloth masks.

“Everyone was pulling their sewing machine out,” Karen Roy said. “Sewing became a survival

skill.”

Initially, it was people making masks, then as the pandemic stretched on, sewing became an escape. The center, which sells machines from five major brands at prices from $99 to $20,000, initially sold more machines at the low-end of the scale. Lately, more buyers are seeking out dream machines.

“The people that enjoy sewing, what we’re finding now, are going for the upper-end machines,” Roy said. “They just like to sew. They thought, you know what? I’m going to get the machine I want. I think the pandemic has made people refocus on what their priorities are.”

Roy, who purchased the business with her husband 15 years ago, has made a career of sewing machines, fabric and supplies. She worked at the former Outlet Department Store in Providence when the original Blaine company leased the sewing department space.

In 1982, when the Outlet Department Store closed, the Blaine family reopened elsewhere in Providence.

OWNERS: Karen and Bob Roy

ADDRESS: 1280 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail sales and service of sewing machines, fabric

6 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

EMPLOYEES: Nine

In 2005, Karen and Bob bought the business from the grandniece of the original owner and kept the Blaine name.

They have nine employees, including three full-time sewing-machine repair technicians. Bob Roy, an experienced service manager, is one of them.

The pandemic, which sent people in search of old machines, brought them many old models of 30 years or more. “People were pulling out their grandma’s machines, the old, straight-stitch machines,” Karen Roy said.

Like bicycles and kayaks, sewing machines, no matter the manufacturer, are in short supply this year.

And fabric has had its moments of toilet-paper scarcity. Solid-color cottons are harder to order now, as they are favored by seamstresses and tailors who work for state prisons, and who are making masks for inmates and employees.

Because of pandemic restrictions on indoor space, Blaine had to cancel its sewing classes. But because of the increased demand, Roy estimates her overall sales are up by 20% this year.

She was able to gradually rehire her employees without taking out a federal forgivable loan.

“We were able to bring them all back,” she said. n YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2005 ANNUAL SALES: WND

FOR STARTERS HOT TOPIC

R.I. voter mailer seeks new citizens

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

THE OVERSIZED POSTCARD sent to people who aren’t registered to vote in Rhode Island had an unusual question. For the first time, Rhode Island sent cards specifically to immigrants who are living in the state, legally, with green cards.

The card asked: “Has your U.S. citizenship status changed? If so, you may be eligible to vote!”

About 34,000 legal immigrants received the mailer prior to the Oct. 4 registration deadline, according to Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea.

Gorbea said it was an effort to reach people who might have become U.S. citizens since they last had contact with the R.I. Department of Motor Vehicles.

The names and addresses came from the nonprofit Electronic Registration Information Center, which uses driver’s license records crossed with voter registration data. Because Rhode Island does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, they were not contacted, she said.

The Electronic Registration Information Center notifies states if people have a license in another state, and it shares other information that might indicate they’ve moved, Gorbea said.

Until this year, Rhode Island sent

out a single postcard to those who have obtained a driver’s license but who are not registered to vote – no matter the citizenship status. This year, she sent out two versions. One version went to 108,750 unregistered citizens. Another went to 34,000 people listed by the DMV as noncitizens authorized to live and work in the U.S. No mailers were sent to other groups.

The two mailings cost about

$25,000, paid for with state general revenue, Gorbea said.

She described the effort as a tailored approach at voter education.

People who have obtained citizenship may not be aware they are now eligible to register to vote, she said.

“There is a chance that since they got that driver’s license, two years ago, three years ago ... that they have obtained citizenship,” she said.

“Who tells them that they are now eligible?”

What if someone is confused by the language and applies in error to register?

Gorbea said people would have to declare, in writing, that they are a U.S. citizen.

“That is why our cards made it very clear what the eligibility is and how to go about this,” she said. “The registration form itself will ask them again – are you a citizen? – and they have to answer affirmatively.”

‘If this outreach occurs, it has to be done very carefully.’

JOHN MARION, Common Cause Rhode Island executive director

The Electronic Registration Information Center, which now has 30 states as members, requires its members to send out a postcard to potential voters based on the data it provides, according to Director Shane Hamlin.

He wasn’t aware of any other state sending separate postcards for people with green cards.

John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, said he’s concerned that immigrant residents who receive the mailer might be confused about what it means.

It is a felony for noncitizens to apply for voter registration in Rhode Island, not just to vote, he said.

“If this outreach occurs, it has to be done very carefully so it doesn’t confuse those who aren’t eligible because of their immigration status,” he said. “We don’t want to put someone in jeopardy, even if our intentions are good.”

Gorbea said her office does not know how many of the people who received the mailers have registered to vote. She said the wording is clear on the registration form, as well as the postcard.

“They have to swear they are a U.S. citizen. A person who is not a U.S. citizen ... [here] on a green card is not going to do that,” she said. n

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FOR STARTERS | A FRESH DESIGN The Wayfinder Hotel 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport Building owner:

Newport North Hotel Property LLC

Architect:

Cordtsen Design Architecture Inc.

Developer/ General contractor: Haynes Group Inc.

Cost: NA Use: The Wayfinder Hotel, which opened

in May 2020 as a complete renovation of the former Mainstay Hotel by the Haynes Group Inc., is situated on 5 acres of land in Newport’s North End. The boutiquestyle hotel, a 102,000-square-foot property, features 197 spacious rooms, each ranging from 300 to 800 square feet. It has 30 suites offering a separate, semi-private sitting area with a full wet bar, microwave and refrigerator. Regionally focused amenities include handcrafted bath products from Newport’s Shore Soap and luxury linen, terry cloth, and bed-throws by John Matouk & Co. All the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms feature a part of the collection of more than 1,000 pieces of artwork sourced from Rhode Island artists. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Nomi Park, was developed by Newport’s Mission Group. Additional amenities include a retail shop curated by Newport-based Bohemian Bias; a seasonal, outdoor pool; meeting and event spaces; free parking; a fitness center; a cafe and restaurant; and guest laundry.

CUT ABOVE: Newly installed glass and tiles set the bathrooms apart from their old counterparts.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE WAYFINDER HOTEL

MAKING A SPLASH: The pool area completes the fresh design with new finishes, furniture and a stylized pattern on the building’s facade.

BEFORE

FACELIFT: The restaurant was upgraded to a modern appearance, accented by leopard-print seating and contemporary fixtures.

BEFORE

PAST THEIR PRIME: The old rooms had become outdated and in need of refurbishment.

8 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

NEWS BRIEFS | FOR STARTERS CVS to hire 15K in Q4 due to COVID-19, flu threats WOONSOCKET – CVS Health Corp. expects to hire 15,000 employees in the fourth quarter, the company said on Oct. 19.

Two-thirds of the hires will be for full- and part-time licensed pharmacy technicians at CVS Pharmacy locations. CVS said the new hires will help the company continue to respond to the needs of communities across the country during the fall and winter months when the incidences of COVID-19 and the flu are expected to increase. Other positions the company will fill include pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, member benefit case professionals and distribution center employees.

“By leveraging CVS Health’s innovation and technology, we can help get more Americans back to work from the convenience of their own homes, where they can contribute to the company’s ongoing efforts to help solve the country’s health care challenges,” said Jeffrey Lackey, CVS Health vice president of talent acquisition. n

UMass Dartmouth recognized for cybersecurity excellence

RIHA distributes blankets, PPE, heaters to restaurants

DARTMOUTH – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth announced Oct. 19 that it has been designated as a national center for academic excellence in cybersecurity, specializing in cyber research, by the U.S. National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The university said it received the classification because of its success in preparing students to address national cybersecurity challenges and for having advanced faculty research in the field.

This is the first time UMass Dartmouth has received the designation, which runs through 2025.

Last year, UMass Dartmouth signed an agreement with the U.S. Air National Guard’s 102nd Intelligence Wing stationed on Cape Cod to develop cybersecurity education and workforce training for base personnel and university students.

UMass Dartmouth also said it established a cybersecurity center for education, training and research in order to support industry and government partners’ needs. n

CRANSTON – The Rhode Island Hospitality Association on Oct. 14 launched its #BYOBlanket campaign to help restaurants in the state extend the outdoor dining season.

As part of the campaign, the association “distributed more than 12,000 blankets, thousands of hand warmers, 370 outdoor heaters and thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment,” according to a news release.

The hospitality association partnered with Ocean State Job Lot to purchase the blankets and hand warmers at a large discount using funds secured through the R.I. Commerce Corp.’s “Take It Outside” grant.

To receive supplies, restaurants had to have outdoor seating and sign up on the hospitality association’s website. Blankets and hand warmers were distributed based on how many outdoor seats restaurants have, while masks and sanitizers were distributed via request and recipients of outdoor heaters were chosen by lottery. n

Westwey Club opens in Turks Head Building

WESTERLY – The Washington Trust Co. continues to see deposits increase, in part due to federal forgivable payroll loans that some recipients still haven’t spent.

Washington Trust Bancorp Inc., the bank’s parent company, reported $4.3 billion in total deposits in its third-quarter earnings release. That represents a 4% increase over the prior quarter, and a 22.5% jump from a year ago.

Banks nationwide saw similar spikes in deposits, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data, due partially to their roles as lenders for the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

Up to half of the $2 million in PPP loans lent by Washington Trust still haven’t been taken out of borrowers’ accounts, according to Ronald S. Ohsberg, Washington Trust’s senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.

Ohsberg attributed the delay in spending approved loans to caution, as well as fear over misusing the funds amid ever-changing rules.

Amendments to the program give recipients until Dec. 31 to use the money. n

PROVIDENCE – Aurelius Coworks has opened Westwey Club, a coworking and flexible office space community, on the 11th floor of the Turks Head Building, the development company announced Oct. 19.

The completely renovated, 10,000-square-foot space features a mix of private office suites with open coworking spaces, conference rooms and convenient meeting areas.

“Providence is a city on the rise, is now a destination for creative talent and home-base for professionals who seek a high quality of life,” said Aurelius Coworks founder and CEO Thomas Nardacci in a statement.

“Our spaces blend the flexibility needed for cultivation of startups with co-location of seasoned professionals who want a better environment to work every day.”

The space is available for small businesses, startups, solopreneurs, remote workers and leaders in Rhode Island’s creative and startup economies. To schedule a tour, call (401) 244-7093 or email info@ westweyclub.com. n

Unspent PPP loans boost WashTrust Q3 deposits

2020 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY Changing Rhode Island With A Giving Heart

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Awards Ceremony New Virtual Event!

Celebrate the helpers - especially this year!

Join AFP-RI in a virtual toast to our 2020 National Philanthropy Day honorees

2020 Award Recipients Outstanding Philanthropic Citizens Charles & Linda Newton

Outstanding Philanthropic Business BankNewport

Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship Caroline Taylor, La Salle Academy

Presenting Sponsor

Amica Companies F

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Learn more about this annual event at

www.afpri.org. www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 9

FOR STARTERS | WHAT’S HAPPENING Doing business with U.S. Navy

MICROSOFT EXPERT: Abby Hanson will host a Tech Collective webinar on Nov. 10 to explain how to maximize the use of the Microsoft Teams platform.

COURTESY ABBY HANSON

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Learn how to use Microsoft Teams

THE NAVAL UNDERSEA Warfare Center Division Newport is hosting a virtual Industry Day series of webinars designed to explain and provide information and resources about how small businesses can engage in business with the U.S. Navy and Division Newport. The webinars, which will be networking opportunities with industry representatives, will be hosted in conjunction with the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Contract Management Association. Each day will cover different naval-related topics and systems, such as vehicles and defensive systems, undersea warfare electromagnetic systems, sensor and sonar systems, and corporate operations, among others. NUWC recommends signing into the webinar 20 minutes early to ensure connection to the webinar application.

OCT. 22-29, 1-3 P.M. Free Online webinars.

TECH COLLECTIVE is hosting a webinar to explain how to use Microsoft Teams using an interactive demo. Participants will learn the nuances of the platform and how to collaborate more effectively. The webinar will feature Abby Hanson, a Microsoft Teams and secure-collaboration expert at Ingram Micro Cloud in North Dakota who has 17 years of Microsoft experience working for partners, Microsoft Corp. and now Ingram Micro.

TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 10:10-10:40 A.M. Free Online webinar.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/cwb2db

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/nsrp1v

Adapt through an equity lens THE RHODE ISLAND STATE Council on the Arts is hosting a webinar to discuss how to pivot or adapt an art practice during the COVID-19 pan-

demic through an equity lens. Moderated by author, artist, activist and archivist Janaya Kizzie, panelists will include Lydia Pérez of Puerto Rican Institute for Arts and Advocacy, Jeannine Chartier of Arts Equity, Flavia Molea Baker of the R.I. Department of Education, and Silvermoon LaRose of the Tomaquag Museum. This interactive panel discussion will be hosted on Zoom.

MONDAY, OCT. 26, 10-11:30 A.M. Free Online webinar.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/lmftjp

Business essentials THE SOUTH EASTERN ECONOMIC Development Corp. and Dedham Savings, in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Town of Norwood Economic Development Committee and SCORE, are hosting a webinar to provide the fundamentals of planning, preparing for and financ-

Interested in having your business-related event included in What’s Happening? Contact PBN Researcher Cassius Shuman at (401) 680-4884 or Shuman@PBN.com.

PROFILES OF SUCCESS Profiles of Success is designed to help you promote:

Share your story

• An anniversary, accomplishment or milestone event • A new product line or service

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PROFILES OF SUCCESS 2020 CELEBRATING MILESTONES & ACHIEVEMENTS

• Uniqueness and competitive edge • Brand and image in the community • Your team of professionals www.pbn.com | PROFILES OF SUCCESS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | DECEMBER 2019

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To participate in this year’s edition, contact your Account Manager or Advertising@PBN.com | 401-680-4800 MATERIAL DEADLINE: November 20, 2020 10 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

PUBLICATION DATE: December 18, 2020

WHAT’S HAPPENING | FOR STARTERS ing a small business. The workshop is open to anyone currently in business, starting a business, or thinking about owning a business, as well as business assistance professionals who would like to learn more about SEED’s technical assistance programming.

Attendees will be provided with a free business plan guide and other materials and will be introduced to free and confidential business-assistance resources available to them locally and regionally.

TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 10-11 A.M. Free

TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 10-11 A.M. Free

Online webinar.

Online webinar.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/lyo7ph

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/h0vim2

THE RHODE ISLAND SMALL Business Development Center is hosting a webinar to review the fundamentals of marketing. Julie Loffredi, a counselor from the Small Business Development Center, will explain the basics of marketing. Loffredi’s presentation will cover a basic marketing overview; how to update your online presence and social media accounts to stay engaged with customers; how businesses are using email marketing to best communicate with their existing customers; taking steps to improve customer satisfaction for the long term; tools to boost virtual experiences; reviewing ways for customers to shop local online; understanding various marketing tools and platforms, including digital marketing; and tips for launching a marketing campaign to drive leads and sales.

THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 11 A.M. TO NOON. Free

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/qdu9je

Marketing your products online THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER is hosting a webinar to explain how to best market your products online.

Participants will learn how to craft a plan to drive online sales leading into the holiday shopping season, as well as be provided with marketing tips. April Keating, the founder of email marketing firm Cre8ve Content Co., will discuss how to plan for the holidays, how to execute your holiday plan and how to prepare for ongoing success after the holidays. Keating is an expert with Constant Contact products, a Master Certified Solution Partner, and a Constant Contact All Star Solution Provider.

THE RHODE ISLAND SMALL Business Development Center is hosting a webinar to explain the best way to use LinkedIn to augment sales and marketing strategies. Amanda Basse, a Small Business Development Center counselor, will show participants how to maximize their use of LinkedIn as a source to find information and resources to include in their marketing toolkit.

THURSDAY, DEC. 3, 11 A.M. TO NOON. Free

Get your biz in the media

Fundamentals of marketing

Online webinar.

LinkedIn training

THE RHODE ISLAND SMALL Business Development Center is hosting a webinar to demonstrate how to promote a business using the news media.

Julie Loffredi, a Small Business Development Center counselor, will show participants how to develop and implement a results-focused media strategy; understand the local media landscape and the basics of writing a press release; how to contact reporters; securing free media exposure; and measuring results. Loffredi will also explain how to best evaluate potential opportunities for free and paid media advertising to attract customers.

TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 11 A.M. TO NOON. Free

Online webinar.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/ke7d6p

Improving your credit THE CENTER FOR WOMEN & Enterprise is hosting a webinar to provide information and resources about improving credit scores. Participants will learn how to maintain a positive score and correct errors that might be included in a credit report in order to have the ability to make sound financial decisions.

TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 2-3:30 P.M. Free

Online webinar.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: rb.gy/j7kxha

UPCOMING PBN EVENT: The 2020 Fall Health Care Summit will be held virtually on Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. To register, visit PBN.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Advertising@PBN.com.

Online webinar.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3mTr4AN

Your company’s profile in this section features a two-page spread of text, photos and an info box highlighting your company’s vital statistics.

PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

PBN

PROFILES OF SUCCESS 2020 CELEBRATING MILESTONES & ACHIEVEMENTS

Look around.

What do you see?

People creating enterprise right here in Rhode Island.

Yet with today’s negativity maybe you think, “Why am I here?” Why not Boston, Virginia or growth cities like Atlanta or Austin?”

Then perhaps you smile and think, “Because I really, really like it here!”

You’re not alone.

YOU’RE YOU’REMAKING MAKING THINGS THINGSHAPPEN HAPPEN IN INRHODE RHODEISLAND ISLAND

RI Lighthouse Picture: Bonnie MacMaster Hawksley

One thing that keeps

Like you, they live in or near where they work.

As do their families, employees and maybe even customers.

Like you, we believe in Rhode Island. We believe in the idea that we can be a great place to live and work. That this place is a wonderful blend of approachable size, wonderful amenities, and yes…. opportunity.

www.pbn.com | PROFILES OF SUCCESS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | DECEMBER 2019

Island Chamber has had your back.

We take a whole system approach, focusing first on you, supporting your success with all the tools at our disposal. Then we include community.

So that your life and that of your employees and customers is as fulfilling as it can be.

Our community is a better place because the Chamber brings synergy to the activities of area

IN 2019 our focus on members included 125 opportunities for them to make new and productive contacts…. 48 in person and web based continual learning opportunities…. 14 fun events. We represented businesses in our efforts with the Chamber Legislative Coalition … exercised our right to speak out in defense of free markets… and found solutions to 427 specific member problems or concerns.

RHODE RHODE ISLAND ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK BANK

Rhode Island going is that, with all our challenges,

Sure, every day you face challenges galore.

businesses. Small actions multiplied across the

it’s a great place to live.

Finding staff; financing; learning how to compete

entire Chamber are having big impacts on quality of life and

in an environment that seems to change daily.

success in enterprise.

A beautiful Bay, rolling ocean waves, sandy beaches, fields and forests, businesses of all shapes and sizes,

Uncertainty.

We like finding resources we can share with you. When you

beautiful architecture. History. Food (some of the

But you work it every day.

most creative chefs live in this foody paradise). And

We believe in you and in your ability to create both

so close to everything.

Which benefits all of us.

But they’ll remember you long after you’re gone.

Our members are community leaders who believe

Neighborhoods you call home.

have a minute, invest in yourself and your company.

10 | DECEMBER 2019 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS ■ PROFILES OF SUCCESS | www.pbn.com

 

O O

LEGACY

If you like the ideas, please sharethe with your colleagues.

Agency, Infrastructure Bank’s mission was significantly expanded in 2015 to include energy,

mandate has significantly enhanced to Washington in August for the ‘I have a Dream Speech?’its ability to provide competitive financing to a broad variety of

 

• Ever see the movie, “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?”

HOW HOW WE WE WORK WORK

the same. They’ve told us.

S*** HAPPENS! And when it does, The Central RI Chamber responds. During floods we’ve found members pumps and generators. When phone lines went down, we’ve arranged for phones at the Chamber.

When the system bites back, we know who to call. And we’ll make the call. We work with FEMA, RI Emergency Management Agency, U.S. SBA, municipalities, nonprofits, and other members to help bring relief.

Visit www.centralRIchamber.com/brilliant and check out the following. riginally established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1989 as the Clean Water Finance brownfield and climate • Want to know how Martin Lutherremediation King got 500,000 peopleresiliency initiatives. The Infrastructure Bank’s expanded infrastructure-based projects.

(Pre internet and without a budget!)

successful companies and successful communities.

People might sometimes be slow to warm up.

| 1

And for the last 40 years, The Central Rhode

BUILDING COMMUNITY supports your success both personally and professionally.

Events like the Rocky Point 5K raised over $61,787 for community non-profits.

Movies in the Park has engaged and entertained over 10,000 area residents.

Our annual holiday activities have touched the lives of over 300 children.

Learn a key lesson from ‘Brownie Marketing’ in this story.

Rhode RhodeIsland Island STEP 1 Infrastructure Infrastructure Bank Bank • Know what you’re really selling? Hint: it’s probably not • Generally, we partner with communities and isisRhode RhodeIsland’s Island’s state agency tovideo identify viablemore. infrastructure what you think. Watch a this 13-minute to learn projects central centralhub hubfor for • Do your eyes deceive you? Here’s another short video that financing financinginfrastructure infrastructure

• The state agency determines project eligibility, might just change your while mind.the Bank determines financing structure improvements improvements for formunicipalities, municipalities, We salute you for doing what STEPyou 2 do! We believe in you and businesses, businesses,and and your ability to thrive in the years toand come. we’reagency constantly • The Bank its So partner work homeowners. homeowners.We We collaboratively borrowers prepare innovating to be there when you need us -with for another 40 to years. leverage leveragecapital capitalininaa project applications revolving revolvingAfter fund fundto tooffer offer all, it’s about your business, you community, your life. innovative innovativefinancing financingfor for STEP 3 Partner with a team who gets it…. an anarray arrayofofinfrastructureinfrastructure• Project applications are submitted to the partner based basedprojects projectsincluding including water waterand andwastewater, wastewater, PROGRAMS PROGRAMS COMPANY INFORMATION ADDRESS road roadand andbridge, bridge,energy energy 3288 Post Road It’s About Your Business, Your Community, and Your Life.

BROWNFIELDS REVOLVING efficiency, efficiency, brownfield brownfield Warwick, RI 02886-7131 Partner with a team who gets it...”

LOAN FUND remediation remediation andclimate climate Everything we do, we believe in building and strengthening WANT TO JOIN? and The Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund provides our community. We’re the stable and dependable partner you resiliency. resiliency.These Thesequality quality 401.732.1100 financing for the remediation of contaminated turn to for help or ideas. ofoflife lifeprojects projectsimprove improve brownfield sites to return these sites to CentralRIchamber.com We strengthen our community by providing predictable the the State’s State’s infrastructure, infrastructure, leadership. Plus you get all the familiar business benefits from productive use. business@centralrichamber.com networking to continual learning and marketing support. create createjobs, jobs,promote promote CentralRIchamber We’ll also take a stand… make a call… solve a problem… a economic economicdevelopment development CLEAN WATER STATE friend to turn to in tough times. We just happen to be called CentralRI REVOLVING FUND and andenhance enhancethe the your chamber of commerce.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is a environment. environment. program through which local governmental Jeffrey JeffreyR.R.Diehl DiehlBUSINESS units, quasi-public agencies 2019 and private www.pbn.com | PROFILES OF SUCCESS ■ PROVIDENCE NEWS | DECEMBER | 11entities Executive ExecutiveDirector Directorand and can access affordable, long-term financing for the Chief ChiefExecutive ExecutiveOfficer Officer completion of wastewater, stormwater and other water pollution abatement projects.

ry o t s r u o y Share

agency, which ranks all applications using a scoring criteria to produce a Project Priority List (PPL) STEP 4 • The Bank will strategize with prospective borrowers to determine the most efficient way to finance the project STEP 5 • The Bank makes periodic disbursements as the project proceeds in conjunction with site reviews conducted by our partner agency • Loans are repaid over time and the recycled funds are used to make additional loans

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program provides 100% long-term fixed rate financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to commercial and industrial buildings.

COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM LOAN PROGRAM The Community Septic System Loan Program provides interest free financing to homeowners for the repair or replacement of failed, failing or substandard septic systems, or to replace a cesspool with a septic system.

3030 YEAR YEAR ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY Officials Officialsbreak breakground groundto tomark markthe theconstruction constructionof ofWarren’s Warren’s Wastewater WastewaterTreatment TreatmentFacility, Facility,aaproject projectfinanced financedthrough through the theBank’s Bank’sClean CleanWater WaterState StateRevolving RevolvingFund.

Fund.

DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is a financing program through which RIIB makes low-interest loans to community public water systems, non-profit noncommunity public water systems, privatelyorganized water suppliers and local governmental units to complete drinking water infrastructure projects.

EFFICIENT BUILDINGS FUND The Efficient Buildings Fund makes lowinterest, long-term financing available to municipalities and quasi-public agencies for the completion of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

FACILITY PLAN LOAN PROGRAM The Facility Plan Loan Program provides financing to local governmental units for the completion of water pollution abatement project facility plans, and amendments to such plans.

MUNICIPAL RESILIENCE PROGRAM The Municipal Resilience Program (MRP) provides direct support to Rhode Island cities and towns to deploy a planning process which identifies the local climate change vulnerabilities and community strengths.

Upon successful completion of the planning process, municipalities will be designated as a “Resilient Rhody Municipality” which enables the cities and towns to apply for dedicated action grants to implement priority projects, which address the vulnerabilities uncovered through the initial phase.

RHODE ISLAND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND The Rhode Island Water Pollution Control

MUNICIPAL ROAD AND BRIDGE REVOLVING FUND The Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund is a program through which local governmental units can access below market, long-term financing for transportation infrastructure projects.

USExtruders, Extruders,aamanufacturer manufacturerof ofscrews screws US andextruders extruderslocated locatedininWesterly, Westerly,financed financed and theinstallation installationof ofaa210.4 210.4kW kWrooftop rooftopsolar solar the installationusing usingthe theCommercial CommercialProperty Property installation AssessedClean CleanEnergy Energy(C-PACE) (C-PACE)program. program.

Assessed

Providence ProvidenceWater Watercrews crewsreplace replaceaaresidential residential customer’s customer’slead leadservice serviceline. line.AAproject projectmade madepossible possible through throughthe theBank’s Bank’slead-pipe lead-pipereplacement replacementprogram. program.

8 | DECEMBER 2019 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS ■ PROFILES OF SUCCESS | www.pbn.com

COMPANY INFORMATION Our mission is to actively support and finance investments in Rhode Island’s infrastructure. The Infrastructure Bank does so through a variety of means, including the issuance of bonds, originating loans and grant making. Through its activities, the Bank fosters infrastructure improvements that create jobs, promote economic development and enhance the environment.

Revolving Fund provides financing for projects that reduce water pollution and may not meet the eligibility requirements of federal programs, such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

SEWER TIE-IN LOAN FUND The Sewer Tie-In Loan Fund provides interest free financing to homeowners wishing to connect their residence to a local sewer system and to properly abandon an existing septic system.

STORMWATER PROJECT ACCELERATOR The Stormwater Project Accelerator provides upfront capital for green stormwater infrastructure projects that will eventually be funded through state and local reimbursement grants.

2019 2019

ADDRESS

235 Promenade St. Suite 119 Providence, RI 02908 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

401.453.4430 riib.org info@riib.org

14 RIinfrastructure/ YEAR ESTABLISHED

1989

RI_InfraBank

www.pbn.com | PROFILES OF SUCCESS ■ PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | DECEMBER 2019

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PROFILES OF SUCCESS

AND AND WE’VE WE’VE GOT GOT YOUR YOUR BACK BACK

CENTRAL CENTRALRHODE RHODEISLAND ISLANDCHAMBER CHAMBEROF OFCOMMERCE COMMERCE

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 11

TRANSIT RIDOT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Audrey Lucas, a spokesperson for Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, said in an email “the governor is fully supportive of this vision and looks forward to continued public feedback.”

Providence Train Station

Providence Station Hub

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‘RIDOT is good at digging things. This is not their forte.’

The Providence Multi-Hub Bus System from the R.I. Department of Transportation would divide the central bus hub at Kennedy Plaza across three locations.

About a quarter of current bus routes would still end at Kennedy Plaza, while almost half would end at a new hub at the gateway to the I-195 Redevelopment District on Dyer Street. The final quarter of routes would be redirected to a new hub at the Providence Station.

State House ouse e

The Providence Multi-Hub Bus System unveiled in July splits up the main bus depot into three RABBLE-RIDERS hubs, keeping about one-quarter of the routes at Which stakeholders are driving this proposal – Kennedy Plaza and adding destinations at the and which have been left out – is at the heart of the Providence Station and a new hub on Dyer Street controversy. at the edge of the Providence Innovation & Design In presenting its proposal, RIDOT named a host District. of people and groups who have been privy to the Peter Alviti Jr., director of RIDOT, said the new process: Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and the plan takes the lessons learned from decades of disProvidence City Council, downtown business owncussion, data and false starts to create something ers, local developers, colleges and universities, and that meets its intended goals of improving ridera host of area business and neighborhood organiship, connecting different areas of the city and zations such as the I-195 Redevelopment District fostering economic growth.

Commission, The Providence Foundation, Grow “We’re at a point where it’s time to put the Smart Rhode Island and the RI Transit Riders. pencil down,” Alviti said. “We can discuss this for “It’s disingenuous to say that we’ve not been another decade and in 10 years, we will still be talkmeeting with the public on this issue,” Alviti said, ing about the same stuff.” adding that RIDOT has appeared at more than The clock is ticking down, with a $35 million 16 organizational and public meetings since it state bond for public-transit improvements sitreleased its plan. ting unused since it was approved in 2014. At the But critics, including some of the groups named same time, improving a languishing public-transit

by RIDOT, say their opportunity for input came too system will prove critical to achieving Gov. Gina late, and that they should have been consulted as M. Raimondo’s goal to power the state 100% with the plan was being developed instead of afterward. renewable energy by 2030.

“They seem to be working in the best interests But opposition to the latest busing proposal is of some of the downtown businesspeople, and mounting, with calls for RIDOT to scrap its plan that’s only one of the stakeholders,” said Patricia and start over in a process that offers better opporRaub, coordinator for RI Transit Riders. “A good tunity for public input. plan would bring together all the stakeholders.”

Whether the plan is a done deal is unclear.

Raub and others named Joseph R. Paolino Jr., a Alviti said transportation officials are open to former Providence mayor, as one “refining” the proposal, but he of the business owners who has also insisted that RIDOT was exerted undue influence. moving forward. Avedisian, Paolino, managing partner who supports the plan, quickly of Paolino Properties LP, was chimed in during a joint interamong a group of downtown view with Alviti that “nothing’s property owners who in 2019 ever a done deal.” sued to stop proposed improveBoth insisted that this proments to Kennedy Plaza, alleging posal has what its prior, failed they would hurt property values. predecessors lack in terms of Asked about claims that his planning, research and supprior opposition shaped the new port from Raimondo and key PATRICIA RAUB, proposal, Paolino, who supports “stakeholders.” Asked whether RI Transit Riders the plan as it stands now, said, “I the governor was open to hope my lawsuit has had some amending the plan as proposed, coordinator

NEW DIRECTIONS

SOURCE: R.I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PBN GRAPHIC/ANNE EWING

Rhode Island Hospital

effect. Where buses go in Providence is going to affect me, and I hope it’s going to affect me in a positive way. Riders are people that live and work in my buildings, so I want it to be good for them.”

Alviti emphasized the economic and businessdevelopment benefits of the new plan, which targets Boston commuters and companies looking to locate in the growing I-195 District as key sources of its new ridership.

“We’re not just looking at how we can better serve the people who ride [RIPTA buses] today,” Alviti said.

Whether attracting new riders comes at a cost to the 51,500 weekday riders already using the system depends who you ask. Raub and other riders insist that splitting the now-centralized hub at Kennedy Plaza across three locations will add time, money and transfers for current riders, many of whom have no other options. More than two-thirds of riders of RIPTA’s newly created Downtown Transit Corridor routes are low-income, and more than half are minorities, according to RIPTA. RIPTA analysis shows that only 1%, or 445 people, who ride RIPTA in downtown would have to transfer more often under its new plan. But that data is based on 2018 ridership and only accounts for riders who purchase transfer tickets, not those who transfer using the multitrip or monthly passes that regular riders tend to favor.

John Flaherty, deputy director of Grow Smart RI, questioned the data in a recent RIPTA board of directors meeting. His public-records request for access to the information used in the analysis was denied, which further points to lack of transparency in the process, he said.

Adding to his frustration is what he said seems like a repeat pattern in which RIDOT releases a plan without prior public input, only to be met with opposition.

ON THE MARCH: The R.I. Department of Transportation’s latest proposal to create a multi-hub bus system in Providence that would decentralize routes from Kennedy Plaza and add new hubs at the Providence Station and on Dyer Street near the Garrahy Courthouse has met with opposition. John Flaherty, deputy director of Grow Smart Rode Island, leads a protest march in September from the downtown bus hub to the proposed transfer locations.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

12 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

TRANSIT “We want to see improvements take place, we’re eager for those improvements,” Flaherty said. “But we’ve squandered the better part of the last two years with this process in which RIDOT develops something on their own and rolls it out to the public, only to get pushback.”

REROUTING Plans floated by RIDOT in recent years, including the tunnel idea and one calling for a central hub at the Providence train station, were also met with strong opposition. Whether it was public criticism that sank those plans is unclear – the Providence Station proposal relied heavily on private investment through a public-private funding formula that never materialized.

The series of transit plans pushed out by RIDOT in the last several years have left key groups in a position to react, rather than help craft what it believes to be a sustainable solution, said Cliff Wood, executive director of The Providence Foundation.

Pressed on what he believes is a better alternative to the current plan, Wood was hesitant to be specific. Instead, he said the “rational way” was to put all the options on the table and vet them publicly.

“I don’t want to see this rushed in a way that makes it a poor investment,” Wood said. “I really don’t think doing it in a way with more transparency would add that much time.”

The city of Providence also floated a proposal.

The 2018 Smart Transit plan called for a host of improvements across the city, including two new transit hubs at Providence Station and on Eddy Street at Rhode Island Hospital, with a dedicated, right-of-way “transit emphasis corridor” with frequent service tying the new hubs together along with the rest of downtown. It never came to ­fruition.

Asked what happened to the plan, Elorza said in an emailed statement that the city is working with RIDOT on securing more money that will improve its proposal. However, Elorza also said he supports the new multihub bus proposal, although he would like to see improvements made to the plans for the Dyer Street hub.

The Providence City Council, meanwhile, recently passed a resolution stating its opposition to the plan. The resolution cites “adverse impacts on ridership, connectivity and the overall user experience,” as well as a lack of intent by RIDOT

to “respond to the concerns raised by the local ­community.”

Alviti, however, pointed to changes since the plan was unveiled in July as evidence that RIDOT and RIPTA are taking public feedback into account.

The routes, though not released publicly, have been amended to minimize the number of transfers riders have to make, he said. RIDOT has also reexamined the feasibility of alternative locations for its Dyer Street hub, such as the Garrahy Courthouse garage or a series of nearby parking lots on Dorrance Street. Those locations were suggested in public feedback as better than the proposed Dyer Street site, which includes two unused buildings on about an acre of land owned by National Grid Rhode Island along the Providence River.

Alviti said private discussions confirmed that the suggested alternatives weren’t viable due to physical constraints of the properties, lack of interest from developers or property owners, or both.

Asked why these alternatives were not subject to public vetting, he said it would be a waste of time because the proposals were “doomed to fail.”

DYER DISAGREEMENT Turning the long-vacant National Grid site at the edge of the I-195 District into a bus depot may have consequences for nearby businesses and residents, too.

Sharon Steele, president of the Jewelry District Association and a vocal opponent of the latest proposal, said the plan shifts safety and aesthetic concerns with Kennedy Plaza to Dyer Street, creating the same problems for nearby businesses and residents. She also feared that people waiting to take buses from the hub would spill over into the nearby Providence Waterfront Park, diminishing the park’s intended use.

Steele also questioned if National Grid is onboard with the proposal. Ted Kresse, a spokesman for the utility company, acknowledged that National Grid has had “constructive conversations” with RIDOT and RIPTA for the proposal for a new bus hub.

The conversations led to a tentative long-term lease and operations agreement that calls for National Grid to invest its own money in redeveloping the buildings on the property for its own use, with the state paying for the transit-related features in and around the property.

‘We’re at a point where it’s time to put the pencil down.’

PETER ALVITI JR., R.I. Department of Transportation director

NEW STOPS: Peter Alviti Jr., director of the R.I. Department of Transportation, stands in Kennedy Plaza in Providence and explains where new bus stops are planned as part of RIDOT’s planned Providence Multi-Hub Bus System.

PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

PARK CONCERNS: Sharon Steele, president of the Jewelry District Association, stands in front of the proposed site for the Dyer Street bus hub.

She’s an opponent of the Providence Multi-Hub Bus System, in part because she believes that people waiting for buses at the Dyer Street hub would spill into the nearby waterfront park, diminishing the park’s intended use.

PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Exactly what the Dyer Street hub will cost is unclear, which also leaves the price tag for the entire proposal up in the air. A $35 million bond approved by voters in 2014 for “mass transit improvements” serves as the cornerstone funding piece, combined with a $12.5 million federal grant to upgrade the Providence Station, $7.5 million from Amtrak and $5.25 million from RIDOT, according to Alviti.

Although Alviti emphasized that the transit plan is an equal partnership and collaboration between RIDOT and RIPTA, it was RIDOT that published the plan, and RIDOT that will control the purse strings on the project. This has been another sticking point with opponents, who say RIPTA should be leading the project, given its expertise in public transportation.

“RIDOT is good at digging things,” Raub said.

“This is not their forte.”

But the project’s ties to rail improvements at the Providence Station make RIDOT a better fit to lead the project, Alviti and Avedisian said. RIDOT is also spearheading numerous transit-related improvements: the Pawtucket/Central Falls Commuter Rail Station and Bus Hub, a partnership with Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Amtrak to expand the express routes between Providence and Boston, and a redesign of the T.F. Green Airport station to accommodate regional Amtrak trains.

Meanwhile, RIPTA recently completed its longawaited Downtown Transit Corridor, a $17 million project offering high-frequency service with six stops in downtown. While bus ridership statewide has dropped dramatically since the pandemic hit, passenger numbers on the downtown corridor routes have rebounded more quickly, indicating a necessity for the new project, Avedisian said.

And the Rhode Island Transit Master Plan, which outlines $75 million in capital projects designed to bolster transit across the state over the next two decades, is on schedule for final adoption and implementation this winter, Avedisian said.

Of all these pieces that complete the puzzle of creating a robust transit system, updating and improving Providence’s bus system is among the most important, advocates and opponents of the current plan agree. Which only raises the stakes of the proposal.

“We need to move past this archaic, old kind of central bus hub concept to something beyond what your grandmother rode on,” Alviti said. n

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 13

ANOTHER LOOK | PBN.COM Report: Housing problem worsens

BY ALEXA GAGOSZ | Gagosz@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: A version of this story was first published on PBN.com on Oct. 16) PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island may have seen economic gains in 2019, but 2020 revealed the stark disparities in housing and economic security for safe and affordable housing, according to the 2020 Housing Fact Book released Oct. 16 by HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University.

Almost 40% of all Rhode Islanders are housing cost-burdened, meaning their household spends more than 30% of its annual income on housing costs, the report said.

The findings are based on data prior to the pandemic in 2019, but current midyear data was added to provide some insight into employment and economic challenges in Rhode Island this year. The report illustrates just how many Rhode Islanders are housing cost-burdened each year, a figure that has grown increasingly worse over time.

Indicators of race and ethnicity were new to the report this year and displayed how Black and Latino homeownership rates, at 33% and 29%, respectively, in Rhode Island were far below the national averages of 41% and 45%, respectively.

Black and Latino homeowners also experienced the highest rate of owner cost-burden, at 43% and 41%, respectively, compared with whites at 28%, according to HousingWorks RI’s findings.

“Year after year, the Housing Fact Book continues to show us housing that is affordable remains out of reach for many Rhode Islanders with the rate of housing cost-burden persisting,” said Stephen Antoni, HousingWorks RI advisory board chairman. “As Rhode Island strives to become an inclusive state, we must have state investment in housing, establish and practice good policy, and produce and preserve an affordable-housing supply that will provide opportunity for all Rhode Islanders.”

The rate of renters who are cost-burdened and severely cost-burdened increased across all incomes and races.

More than 80% of the lowest-income renters, who earn $12,765 or less each year, were housing cost-burdened. Severely cost-burdened, in which

TROUBLING SIGNS: Eighty-one percent of the lowest-income renters, who earn $12,765 or less each year, are paying more than 30% of their income for housing costs and 60% of these same households are paying more than 50%.

COURTESY HOUSINGWORKS RI

households are paying more than 50% of their income on housing costs, made up 60% of lowestincome renters.

Among households with a mortgage, 90% of households that earn $52,828 or less annually spent 30% of their income on housing costs and 54% spent more than half, based on 2019 data.

As COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having safe and affordable housing to eliminate congregations and be able to quarantine, if needed; nearly 2,700 men, women and children were seeking shelter in 2019.

Blacks, who make up only 6.5% of the Ocean State’s total population, accounted for 23.3% of the state’s homeless population. Latinos, who account for a little more than 15% of Rhode Island’s population, represented more than 20% of the state’s homeless population.

According to Brenda Clement, director of HousingWorks RI, housing instability and home-

lessness should remain a top priority for the state, especially with the pandemic.

“With the state’s per capita investment – at $20.45 in 2019 – the lowest per capita state investment in New England by half, and with only 187 long-term affordable homes produced in 2019, Rhode Island must act now and incorporate a line item in the state’s budget to prioritize housing for its residents,” said Clement. “The data continuously shows the negative impacts housing instability and homelessness can have on development and overall well-being, and Rhode Islanders need action.”

With the expansion of adding indicators through a lens of social determinants of health on housing, the Fact Book reported that nearly 75%, or 302,501 units, of Rhode Island’s housing stock was built prior to 1979, which could impact lead exposure, air quality and “weatherization,” and overcrowding. n

RIHub teams with Israeli startups

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: A version of this story was first published on PBN.com on Oct. 16) PROVIDENCE – Israeli tech startups looking to establish a United States presence will have a home in Providence, complete with a range of services designed to help grow their companies under a new program.

The Bridge to Israel program is the latest in a series of programs and services offered by RIHub, a startup incubator jointly founded by the state and a number of colleges and private companies.

RIHub has already signed agreements with three Israeli accelerator programs – IBM Alpha Zone, Hadassah Hospital Tech Accelerator and

Ben-Gurion University’s Oazis – to send graduates of the startup programs to Rhode Island to further grow their businesses, according to a press release.

“We are very excited that these great startup accelerators from Israel – a country known around the world as ‘Startup Nation’ – have chosen Rhode Island as their recommended choice for companies looking to land or expand in the United States,” said R.I. Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor in a statement. “RIHub … is already proving to be highly successful. Innovation is in our state’s DNA, and we’re pleased to see our ‘lively experiment’ continue with this exciting new announcement.”

One Israeli-based health care tech company, Profility, has already opened an office at RIHub, and anoth-

14 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Annette Tonti, managing director of RIHub, says an Israeli-based company has already opened at RIHub’s office in Providence.

PBN PHOTO/PAMELA BHATIA

er five Israeli companies are going through RIHub’s selection process to participate in its program, according to Annette Tonti, RIHub’s managing director. Whether and how many local employees these companies will hire has not been determined.

The launch of the program fulfills an agreement Gov. Gina M. Raimondo signed with Ben-Gurion University in 2019 designed to foster business ties and create an environment for international startups. The state in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island also gave $2.5 million in 2019 through its Innovation Campus initiative to RIHub and its partners for an innovation accelerator program that included IBM Alpha Zone.

RIHub began in 2019 in the Wexford Science & Technology Building at 225 Dyer St. n

CYBERSECURITY

Scammers exploiting passions over election

BY DAVID KLEPPER | The Associated Press

THE

EMAIL FROM A POLITICAL ACTION committee seemed harmless: if you support Joe Biden, it urged, click here to make sure you’re registered to vote.

But Harvard University graduate student Maya James did not click.

Instead, she Googled the name of the soliciting PAC. It didn’t exist – a clue the email was a phishing scam from swindlers trying to exploit the U.S. presidential election as a way to steal peoples’ personal information.

“There was not a trace of them,” James, 22, said. “It was a very inconspicuous email, but I noticed it used very emotional language, and that set off alarm bells.” She deleted the message, but related her experience on social media to warn others.

American voters face an especially pivotal, polarized election this year, and scammers here and abroad are taking notice – posing as fundraisers and pollsters, impersonating candidates and campaigns, and launching fake voter registration drives. It’s not votes they’re after, but to win a voter’s trust, personal information and maybe a bank routing number.

The FBI, the Better Business Bureau and cybersecurity experts have recently warned of new and increas-

ingly sophisticated online fraud schemes that use the election as an entry, reflecting both the proliferation of political misinformation and intense interest in this year’s presidential and Senate races.

“Psychologically, these scams play to our desire to do something – to get involved, to donate, to take action,” said Sam Small, chief security officer at ZeroFOX, a Baltimore, Md.-based digital security firm.

Online grifters regularly shift tactics to fit current events, whether they are natural disasters, a pandemic or an election, according to Small. “Give them something to work with and they’ll find a way to make a dollar,” he said.

Foreign adversaries such as Russia, China and Iran get much of the blame for creating fake social media accounts and spreading deceptive election information, largely because of efforts by groups linked to the Kremlin to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In many instances, foreign disinformation campaigns make use of the same tools pioneered by cybercriminals: fake social media accounts, realistic looking websites and suspicious links.

Online scams have flourished as so

STAYING ALERT: Harvard University graduate student Maya James received an email from a political action committee that seemed harmless: if you support Joe Biden, it urged, click here to check if you’re registered to vote. A little research indicated that it was a phishing scam.

AP PHOTO/ MICHAEL DWYER

‘These scams play to our desire to do something – to get involved, to donate.’

SAM SMALL, ZeroFOX chief security officer

many of life’s routines move online during the pandemic. The FBI reported that complaints to its cybercrime reporting site jumped from 1,000 a day to 3,000-4,000 a day since the pandemic began.

Now, the final weeks of a contentious election are giving scammers yet another opportunity to strike.

“Every election is heated, but this one is very much so,” Paula Fleming, a chief marketing officer for the Better Business Bureau, said. “People are more trusting when they see it’s a political party or a candidate they like emailing them.”

The FBI warned Americans this month to watch out for electionrelated “spoofing,” when a scammer creates a campaign website or email address almost identical to a real one.

A small misspelling or a slight change – using .com instead of .gov, for instance – are tell-tale signs of fraud, the agency said.

Investigators at ZeroFOX routinely scan dark corners of the internet to identify threats against its customers. This summer, they found a large cache of personal data for sale.

The data dump included the phone numbers, ages and other basic demographic information for thousands of Americans. What made the data remarkable was that it also contained partisan affiliation, the “cherry on top” for anyone interested in buying the material, Small said.

“Someone could use that to pretend to be a political action committee raising money, to try to get your personal information or your account numbers,” he said.

In 2018, scammers posed as employees from the nonprofit voting advocacy group TurboVote and phoned people in Georgia, Washington and at least three other states asking them to register to vote. The calls prompted complaints to state election officials, who issued a public warning.

“TurboVote doesn’t call. You’ll never get a call from us,” group spokeswoman Tanene Allison said of the organization that helped register millions of voters in 2018. “If you’re hearing something and you can’t verify the source, always check with your local election officials.”

Voters should be cautious of claims that sound too good to be true, fraud experts say. Before donating to any group that reached out by email or text, check their website or look to see if they’re registered as a charity or campaign. Does the organization have a physical location and phone number? Scammers often do not.

Beware of pushy pollsters or fundraisers, or emails or websites that use emotionally loaded language that makes you angry or fearful, a tactic that experts say plays on human psychology. And don’t reveal personal information over the phone.

“It is tricky because there are legitimate organizations out there that are trying to help people register to vote,” said Eva Velasquez, a former financial crimes investigator who now runs the Identity Theft Resource Center, based in San Diego. “But you don’t have to act in the moment. Take a few minutes and do a little homework.” n

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 15

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FOCUS | COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Could Mathewson St. see a renaissance?

BY ALEXA GAGOSZ | Gagosz@PBN.com

FOR

decades, most businesses have struggled to survive on Mathewson Street in downtown Providence.

Among the few long-term, successful businesses such as Hotel Providence, Cellar Stories Book Store and Blake’s Tavern, there are numerous empty storefronts, including a stretch of more than six between Washington and Weybosset streets.

Some of these spaces are nearly ready for a retailer to move in, while others need an extensive overhaul to make them appealing.

Before the pandemic arrived in March, real estate developer Cornish Associates LP launched the renovation of three historical buildings along Westminster Street, including the Lapham Building, which also has a storefront on Mathewson Street. The $44 million restoration project continued through the public health crisis, as did another Cornish development – the construction of the new Nightingale apartment building at 100 Mathewson St. But the pandemic has delayed at least one other project along Mathewson – the former Rialto Theater at 119-227 Mathewson St., once the site of

a church, and then a vaudeville theater before it became the Rialto in 1919.

Concrete stadium-style benches remain on the vacant second floor, a reminder of the building’s previous life.

In recent times, the street-level stores have held a Chinese restaurant, a news stand and a high-end sneaker store. All are gone, leaving behind dilapidated spaces that stand in stark contrast to the elegant appearance of the neighboring Hotel Providence.

“Mathewson Street may be one of the most struggling landscapes of downtown,” said Joanna Levitt, the commercial leasing manager for Cornish. “The buildings that are empty there have been that way for ... some time now.”

But the Rialto Theater building’s owner, Seth Shapiro, envisions reverting the property he purchased for $780,000 in February 2019 back to one of its original purposes: a performance space. He said he wants to turn the first floor into a bar and restaurant while upstairs will become a “mini House of Blues” that could fit approximately 300 to 500 people, he said.

“There were all these great little venues in downtown back in the ’80s, ’90s

SEEKING TENANTS: Daniel Feiner, left, and Michael Volpe are vice presidents at MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. and brokers for the vacant storefronts at 183-185 Mathewson St. in Providence, pictured, which are ready for tenants.

PBN PHOTO/ RUPERT WHITELEY

‘Every time you bring in a ... business venture, it’s going to add vibrancy.’

DANIEL FEINER, MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. vice president 18 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

and early 2000s,” said Shapiro. Many small performance venues have since been renovated into condos, Shapiro said. “I feel like there isn’t anything like that anymore in the downtown area.”

Reawakening the theater, which has been listed on the Providence Preservation Society’s “Most Endangered Properties” list, would add vibrancy to a down-and-out stretch of downtown. “If we get a quality tenant or establishment in the Rialto, I think it will help spark development for the others,” said Shapiro.

Perhaps not just on Mathewson but throughout downtown, which has several projects that are finishing construction but have empty groundlevel areas. Levitt said Cornish is speaking to prospective tenants for the commercial space of its newly finished Nightingale building, a five-story building that filled a parcel that was once the parking lot for the Providence Journal.

At 170 Mathewson St. – the 922-square-foot renovated storefront of Cornish’s Lapham Building that faces Mathewson – a food and beverage company is expected to move in as soon as agreements are finalized.

Levitt would not yet identify the company.

The Rialto building is nearly a shell of a building, with plaster and concrete walls but without electricity or heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It’s a big project that will cost well over $1 million, said Shapiro.

Daniel Feiner and Michael Volpe, vice presidents at MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc., are the brokers for 183-185 Mathewson St., two 800-square-foot spaces ready for tenants, either as separate spaces or one combined space. The price, Feiner said, is negotiable, but he is hoping for a retailer to go inside.

“It’s quiet in downtown right now, but it’s a very good location,” said Feiner, noting its proximity to the Providence Performing Arts Center, Ellie’s cafe and Latin American restaurant Berrí. “Every time you bring in a new concept or business venture, it’s going to add vibrancy to the neighborhood.”

That space has been empty for nearly three years. The ground floor of a building across the street is vacant, too.

Daniel Park, property manager of Parks Realty Investment Co. LLC, said he has an 850-square-foot space at 182 Mathewson St. – a three-story clapboard building constructed in 1870 – for $1,700 a month that has been deserted since a shoe consignment store left in March.

Revitalizing the neighborhood is important to Shapiro, a lifelong Rhode Islander. The Rialto is a passion project of his after he was one of the owners of The Strand Ballroom & Theatre on Washington Street from 2000 through 2013. To him, filling vacant spaces such as the Rialto will be the first step in a post-coronavirus era to help stabilize the economy.

“There’s enough condos in Providence right now,” said Shapiro. “We need to start focusing on why people moved here in the first place.” n

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE | FOCUS DRIVE-THRUS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

physical space and, if they’re lucky, using a back entrance or window to facilitate handoffs for takeout service.

Given the pandemic and health concerns about interior space, more customers want a contact-free option for their food – whether they choose a fast-food restaurant or a traditional, sit-down one.

In Rhode Island, brokers say they’re being asked to identify locations that have drive-thrus or the potential for them. It’s a tough search, said Michael Giuttari, president and founder of MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. “You can’t find them,” he said.

So, restaurants are creating them.

One of his clients is Plant City Providence LLC, the vegan food emporium that opened last year in Providence with three levels of dining. Despite the pandemic, the restaurant is doing well.

This year, it’s expanding with several new locations in Rhode Island.

All of them will have drive-thrus, according to Giuttari.

In September, Plant City received permission from officials in Middletown to add a drive-thru window for a new location at 619 Main Road. The former Papa Gino’s restaurant had been vacant since 2018. Plant City has hired Vision 3 Architects, of Providence, to help it transform the former pizza restaurant to its image.

Kevin Casey, vice president of sales for Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal, said he’s getting more inquiries from restaurateurs who want to decamp from their traditional spaces

‘The restaurant business is full of ... people who figure out how to get it done.’

PAUL CONFORTI, Red Stripe owner

with a lot of interior space – and get into smaller footprints with a driveup.

But other than a few empty standalone banks, there isn’t much space out there for that, he said.

Across the state, restaurant chains are competing for what’s available.

In Warwick, Giuttari said two restaurant companies were interested in a single property last month.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries purchased the site at 63 Airport Road, the former 4Corners Coffee location.

“They bought it for the drive-thru,” he said.

The other competitor, regional pizza-restaurant chain PieZoni’s, preferred to lease the building and the owner wanted to sell, Giuttari said.

Cities are also seeing requests for drive-thru additions and expansions.

In Providence, a Burger King franchise in September received permission from a city board to add a second drive-thru lane for its restaurant in the Valley neighborhood, at 445 Promenade St. Given the pandemic, restaurants are all looking for space for contactfree service and social distancing.

Eateries that can make that work have a better chance of survival in a health crisis that has hit the industry particularly hard as many customers are avoiding interior rooms where diners aren’t wearing masks.

Red Stripe, a popular new-American-style restaurant in the Wayland Square neighborhood of Providence, created its own version of a drivethru window for customers who want takeout with limited contact.

The restaurant has a back entrance with enough space to allow cars to drive in. Patrons call the restaurant from the car when they arrive, and the order they placed online is run out the back door.

The restaurant, which is not allowed to use its bar because of COVID-19 restrictions, has turned that surface into a staging area for takeout.

Before the pandemic, takeout accounted for less than 5% of the restaurant’s sales, said owner Paul Conforti. Now, 25% of Red Stripe’s sales are made through the back door.

To limit cross-traffic, he’s closed off that back door for customer access. Only restaurant workers use it.

During dinner hours, there is a minirush for takeout.

“We reacted quickly because the customers communicated with us that this is what they wanted,” Conforti said. He expects that portion of sales to only increase in the winter, when he is no longer able to provide CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

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FOCUS | COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

sidewalk dining, or open his front windows.

“The customer has spoken that they’re looking for this capability,” he said.

His restaurant would not work with a traditional drive-thru, with an ordering feature, because the Red Stripe kitchen cooks to order.

But he appreciates that others, such as Plant City, are making that work.

“The restaurant business is full of entrepreneurs and people who figure out how to get it done,” he said.

Many restaurants, even those lacking drive-thrus, have been able to make use of windows for takeout to facilitate contactless service, and cities are providing them with that flexibility, said Dale Venturini, the CEO and president of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.

She cited as examples Basta on Broad, on the Cranston side of Pawtuxet Village, and Tallulah’s Taqueria LLC, in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence.

“Several restaurants have been creative because the cities are allowing them to be creative,” she said. n

TAKEOUT: Red Stripe in Providence is a city neighborhood restaurant that doesn’t have a drive-thru, but it has converted its back door into something approximating one. General Manager Mike Marchezzo delivers an order to Bill Heindel, of Providence.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

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FOCUS | RHODE ISLAND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRMS | FOCUS RHODE ISLAND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRMS (ranked by total square footage handled in 2019) (ranked by total square footage handled in 2019) Compaany | Website Owners/Principals

Address Phone

Total R.I. SF leased Total R.I. SF sold Total R.I. SF handled

1 2019: 1

CBRE Inc. | cbre.us/people-and-offices/affiliate-offices/providence Mark Tassinari, managing director; Alden M. Anderson, senior vice president and partner

1 Financial Plaza, 15th Floor Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 331-0350

1,128,582 679,532 1,808,114

200 Frenchtown Road, North Kingstown: 228,088 SF 20 Business Park Drive, Smithfield: 209,088 SF

2 2019: 2

Hayes & Sherry Real Estate | hayessherry.com Peter C. Hayes; Karl F. Sherry, founders and partners

146 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 273-1980

773,696 532,107 1,305,803

1600 Division Road, West Warwick: 94,809 SF 550 Waterfront Drive, East Providence: 100,000 SF

2020 rank

CLOSER LOOK Largest Lease in 2019 Largest sale in 2019

Total square footage handled in 2019:

4.9 million LIST RESEARCHED BY Cassius Shuman

3 2019: 3 4

2019: 4

MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. | mgcommercial.com Michael Giuttari, president

365 Eddy St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 751-3200

359,085 705,959 1,065,044

85 Garfield Ave., Cranston: 62,000 SF 111-115 Dupont Drive, Providence: 76,660 SF

Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal | sreari.com Thomas O. Sweeney, principal

1 Turks Head Way, Suite 850 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 331-9300

36,869 261,792 298,661

72 Pine St., Providence: 5,934 SF 100 Park Place, Pawtucket: 35,524 SF

5 2019: 5

Capstone Properties | capstone-properties.com Paul E. Griesinger, president and co-owner; Chris Greenman, senior vice president and co-owner

180 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 454-4660

135,823 66,511 202,334

20 Thames St., Newport: 57,935 SF 101 Dexter Road, East Providence: 28,520 SF

6 2019: 7

Jones Lang LaSalle | joneslanglasalle.com James Tierney, regional director

1 Post Office Square Boston, Mass. 02109 (617) 531-4100

123,793 NA 123,793

One Financial Center, Providence: 35,544 SF NA

7 2019: 6

Olympus Group Real Estate | olympusgrouprealestate.com Richard J. Amato, president, principal broker; Ed Webb III, principal; Gregory E. Micallef, principal

151 Broadway Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 751-9606

66,500 10,000 76,500

310 Bourne Ave., East Providence: 25,000 SF 851 Main St., Warren: 10,000 SF

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

UPCOMING LISTS Providence-based Employers, Rhode Island Employers (Oct. 30); Chief Financial Officers (Nov. 6) WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4884 or write to Shuman@PBN.com.

FOCUS | BRISTOL COUNTY COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRMS | BRISTOL FOCUS COMMERCIAL (ranked by total square footageCOUNTY handled in Bristol County in 2019) REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRMS (ranked by total square footage handled in Bristol County in 2019) 2020 rank

1 2019: 1

Compaany | Website Owners/Principals

Address Phone

Total Bristol County SF leased Total Bristol County SF sold Total Bristol County SF handled

CBRE Inc. | cbre.us/people-and-offices/affiliate-offices/providence Mark Tassinari, managing director; Alden M. Anderson, senior vice president and partner

1 Financial Plaza, 15th Floor Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 331-0350

649,672 977,149 1,626,821

CLOSER LOOK

Largest Bristol County lease 2019 Largest Bristol County sale 2019

305 Forbes Blvd., Mansfield: 254,050 SF 72 Elm St., North Attleboro: 292,849 SF

Total square feet handled in 2019:

1.8 million LIST RESEARCHED BY Cassius Shuman

2

2019: 2

Jones Lang LaSalle | joneslanglasalle.com James Tierney, Market Director

1 Post Office Square Boston, Mass. 02109 (617) 531-4100

63,243 NA 63,243

1133 County St., Taunton: 57,600 SF NA

3 2019: 5

MG Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. | mgcommercial.com Mike Giuttari, president

365 Eddy St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 751-3200

25,000 10,000 35,000

749 South Washington St., North Attleboro: 25,000 SF 346-354 County St., Fall River: 10,000 SF

4 2019: 4

Capstone Properties | capstone-properties.com Paul E. Griesinger, president and co-owner; Chris Greenman, senior vice president and co-owner

180 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 454-4660

7,225 24,106 31,331

1074 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Swansea: 7,225 SF 21 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth: 15,000 SF

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

UPCOMING LISTS Providence-based Employers, Rhode Island Employers (Oct. 30); Chief Financial Officers (Nov. 6) WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4884 or write to Shuman@PBN.com.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 21

| FOCUS RHODEISLAND ISLANDBUSINESS BUSINESSAND ANDINDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL PARKS (ranked by acreage) FOCUS | RHODE PARKS (ranked by acreage) Park name | Website Address

Acreage

Representative occupants

Highway access

CLOSER LOOK

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

2,021 1

Dominion Diagnostics, Edesia, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Hayward Industries, Hexagon Metrology, Ocean State Job Lot, Toray Plastics (America) Inc.

Route 403 to Route 4 to Interstate 95

Total acreage:

The Centre of New England Centre of New England Boulevard Coventry, R.I. 02816

504

Applebee's, BJ's Wholesale Club, Champion Window, Cracker Barrel, Home Depot, Neighborcare, Super Wal-Mart

Interstate 95

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

503

Fidelity Investments Inc.

Route 7 to Interstate 295

The Pettaconsett Industrial Park & Howard Industrial Park Intersection of Route 37 and Pontiac Avenue Cranston, R.I. 02910

494

Alex & Ani LLC, Golfer's Warehouse, McLaughlin & Moran, Pepsi Co., Siemans, Swarovski North America, Tasca, WJAR-TV NBC 10

Route 37 to Interstates 295 and 95

2019: 5

West Warwick Industrial Park Route 2 at Interstate 95 West Warwick, R.I. 02893

403

Amtrol Inc., Arpin Van Lines, Astro-Med, Cardi's Furniture, Cox Communications, Uncas International LLC

Interstate 95

6 2019: 6

Highland Corporate Park | edf-ri.com Highland Corporate Drive Cumberland, R.I. 02864

270

Cintas, CVS Health Corp., Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, The Hart Co., Tiffany & Co., TriLiteral, Numark, Tedor Pharma, Coty, Bayer Consumer Healthcare

Route 99 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

Burrillville Commerce Park | needsinc.com Broncos Highway Burrillville, R.I. 02830

250

Asiago Foods, Daniele Foods, Alashan Cashmere Co.

Route 102 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

2019: 8

Richmond Commons Kingstown Road/Route 138 Richmond, R.I. 02898

249

NA

Route 138 to Interstate 95

9 2019: 9

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

239

Dean Warehouse Services, Dream Big Gymnastics, Electro Standards Laboratory, Federal Electronics, Frito Lay, Penske, Pro Equipment Rentals

Route 14 to Interstate 295

10 2019: 10

Commercial Way Commerce Area Waterman Avenue/Commercial Way East Providence, R.I. 02914

233

Anco Tool and Die, Aramark, Don-Mar Creations, D3 Inc., IlluminOss Medical, M&G Materials Handling Corp., Signature Printing, Wood's Heating Service

Interstate 195

2019: 11

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

230

AMF Cranston Lanes, Clean Care of New England, Harold Glass, Leonard Valve, Ocean State Job Lot, PriceRite, Scott Brass, Silver Spring Auto Body, TYCO

Interstate 95

12 2019: 12

East Bay Industrial Park Tupelo Street Bristol, R.I. 02809

215

C&C Fiberglass Components, Covalence Specialty Adhesives, George Patton Associates, Halls Spars & Rigging, Jade Engineered Plastics, TxV Aero Composites

Routes 114 and 136 to Interstate 195

Tiverton Business Park Route 24 at Fish Road Tiverton, R.I. 02878

172

Longplex Family Fitness & Sports Center, Tiverton Power (Emera)

Route 24 to Interstate 195

2019: 14

Lakeside Commerce Park Green Earth Avenue and Shun Pike Johnston, R.I. 02919

171

A. Duie Pyle, Ballard Truck Center, D'Ambra Construction, FedEx Distribution, Pick N Pull Automotive Recycling, Sims Metal Management

Interstate 295

15 2019: 15

Westminster Industrial Park Catamore Boulevard East Providence, R.I. 02914

159

(add)ventures, Brown Medicine, DSM NeoResins, Nordson EFD, PEP MicroPEP, Santander Bank, Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc., WPRI-TV CBS 12

Route 6 to Interstate 195

Highland Corporate Park Woonsocket | edf-ri.com Park East Drive Woonsocket, R.I. 02895

150

American Cord and Webbing, Colony Hardware, CVS Health Corp., Hanna Instruments, Parkinson Technologies, Sumr, Technic Inc., KKM, Aalberts

Route 122 to Route 99 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

Northwoods 1301 Atwood Ave. Johnston, R.I. 02919

150

American Arbitration Association, Dassault Systemes, New York Life, Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara

Route 6 to Interstate 295

2019: 18

Slatersville Industrial Park | needsinc.com Industrial Drive North Smithfield, R.I. 02876

140

Comtorgage, CVS Health Corp., Mondelez Global, New England Truck & Auto Shine

Route 146 to Interstates 90 and 295

19 2019: 19

Narragansett Industrial Park Narragansett Park Drive East Providence, R.I. 02916

113

AM Source, AP Navitus (American Printing), Bacon Construction, Contech Research, Hasbro Inc., Kaufman Sales, Thomsen Food Services, Parker Construction

Route 1A to Interstates 195 and 95

North Central Industrial Air Park | edf-ri.com Wellington Road Lincoln, R.I. 02865

108

Bullard Abrasives, General Cable, Orion, Stackbin, Materion Technical Materials

Route 123 to Routes 116 and 146 to Interstate 295

2019: 21

Huntington Industrial Park Niantic Avenue Cranston, R.I. 02907

107

Alliance Security, Auto Rust Technichians, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Graybar Electric, Lang's Bowlarama

Route 10 to Interstate 95

22 2019: 22

Dexter Road Manufacturing Center Dexter Road East Providence, R.I. 02914

100

AccuCare Supply, Aspen Aerogels, Coast Modern Construction, East Side Construction, The Fence Specialist, Gripnail Fastening Systems, Impco

Interstate 195

City Centre Warwick 2 | citycentrewarwick.com Post Road and Jefferson Boulevard Warwick, R.I. 02886

100

Hospitality, retail, recreational, restaurants, office

InterLink and Interstate Routes 95 and 295

Melville Marine District Stringham Road off Route 114, West Main Road Portsmouth, R.I. 02871

97

Cay Electronics, Hinckley, Hunt Yachts, New England Boatworks, Newport Dinner Train, Ocean Link, Portsmouth Yacht Refit Center, U.S. Sailing Association

Route 114 to Route 24 to Interstate 195

Aquidneck Corporate Park John Clark Road and Valley Road Middletown, R.I. 02842

80

BankNewport, Hood Sailmakers, Lang Naturals, McLaughlin Research, Rite Solutions, SEA Corp.

Routes 138 and 114 to Route 24 to Interstate 195

Woonsocket Industrial Park | edf-ri.com Fortin Drive Woonsocket, R.I. 02895

60

CVS Health Corp., Flock Tex, Holiday Inn, Tasca Chevrolet, Ace Endico

Route 122 to Route 99 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

Burrillville Industrial Park | needsinc.com Route 100 Burrillville, R.I. 02859

60

GS Inc., La Cantina, Lockheed Window Corp., Matrix Power, Daniele Foods

Route 44 to Interstates 295 and 395

2020 rank

1

2019: 1

2

2019: 2

3

2019: 3

4

2019: 4

5

7

2019: 7

8

11

13

2019: 13

14

16

2019: 16

16

2019: 16

18

20

2019: 20

21

22

2019: NL

24

2019: 23

25

2019: NL

26

2019: 24

26

2019: 24

1 Includes a golf course and four public beaches.

22 OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | Development PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | Centre www.pbn.com 2 On |Dec. 16, 2013, the Warwick Station District was re-branded as City Warwick.

8,564 LIST RESEARCHED BY Cassius Shuman NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

UPCOMING LISTS Providence-based Employers, Rhode Island Employers (Oct. 30); Chief Financial Officers (Nov. 6) WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4884 or write to Shuman@PBN.com.

NL = Not listed last year.

FOOTNOTES j Includes a golf course and four public beaches.  On Dec. 16, 2013, the Warwick Station Development District was re-branded as City Centre Warwick.

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ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS FIRMS (ranked (rankedbybynumber numberofofregistered registeredarchitects) architects) ARCHITECTURAL 2018 rank

1 2017: 3

2 2017: 5

2 2017: 2

4 2017: 1

4 2017: 5

4 2017: 4

7 2017: 7

8 2017: 8

9 2017: 10

Architectural Firm Principal(s)

Website

Registered architects Total staff Recent projects

Address Phone

Vision 3 Architects vision3architects.com Keith R. Davignon; David R. Prengaman, principals

225 Chapman St. Providence, R.I. 02905 (401) 461-7771

14 34

Cranston: R.I. Attorney General Customer Service Center; Warwick: Ortho Rhode Island Medical and Surgical Center

Union Studio Architecture & Community Design unionstudioarch.com Donald W. Powers, founding principal; Douglas P. Kallfelz, principal and managing partner

140 Union St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 272-4724

DBVW Architects dbvw.com Douglas Brown; Michael Viveiros; Martha Werenfels, principals

(rankedbybyacreage) acreage) RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL PARKS (ranked CLOSER LOOK

1 2017: 1

2

13 23

Newport: Hammett's Wharf Hotel and Waterfront master plan; Providence: Westminster Street buildings rehabilitation

128

111 Chestnut St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 831-1240

13 32

NA

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette

Northeast Collaborative Architects LLC ncarchitects.com Synfoni Bailey-Green; John D. Scheib Jr.; Andrea T. Baranyk; Sean Donadio, principals

2 Marlborough St. Newport, R.I. 02840 (401) 846-9583

10 16

Newport: Innovate Newport; West Warwick: Lippitt Mill

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

LLB Architects llbarch.com Kathleen A. Bartels; R. Drayton Fair; Christian J. Ladds, principals

161 Exchange St. Pawtucket, R.I. 02860 (401) 421-7715

10 25

Providence: Lincoln School STEAM Hub for Girls, Rhode Island College Gaige Hall renovations

RGB Inc. rgb.net David L. DeQuattro, managing principal

50 Holden St. Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 272-1730

10 26

Portsmouth: Portsmouth DOT Facility; Richmond: Chariho Alternative Learning Academy; Tiverton: Tiverton Schools

2017: 4

3 2017: 2

B

Brewster Thornton Group Architects LLP brewsterthornton.com Mary Dorsey Brewster, founding partner; Nathaniel J. Ginsburg; Barbara J. Thornton; Patrick M. Connors, partners

2018 rank

Total no. of registered architects:

4 2017: 3

5 2017: 5

6

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.

2017: 6

7 2017: 7

8

NL = Not listed last year.

150 Chestnut St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 861-1600

8 18

Bristol: Rhode Island Veterans Home, Roger Williams University Engineering Labs; South Kingstown: URI Bliss Engineering building

Saccoccio & Associates Inc. sa-architects.com Mark Saccoccio; Steve Guglielmo, principals

1085 Park Ave. Cranston, R.I. 02910 (401) 942-7970

7 11

Narragansett: Quest Montessori School; Providence: Rhode Island College Welcome Center

Kite Architects Inc. kitearchitects.com Albert Garcia; Christine M. West, principals

1 Central St. Providence, R.I. 02907 (401) 272-0240

6 10

Charlestown: Charlestown net-zero beach house; Providence: Room + Works II, South Street Substation

FOOTNOTE  Former principals J. Michael Abbott, Jeffrey D. Bianco, Glenn R. Gardiner, Ray Giolitto and John K. Grosvenor were named principals-of-counsel by the firm on Jan. 1, 2018.

2017: 8

9 2017: 9

10 2017: 10

11 2017: 11

9 2017: 9

11 2017: 11

12 2017: 12

12 2017: NL

14 2017: 12

14 2017: 12

16 2017: 16

16 2017: 16

16 2017: 12

16 2017: 16

16 2017: 16

16 2017: 16

n|e|m|d architects inc. nemd.com Mehdi Khosrovani, president; Joanne O'ConnellFoster; Sean Greene, principals

1 Virginia Ave., Suite 202 Providence, R.I. 02905 (401) 435-3532

6 19

Cranston: Roosevelt Benton Building, Virks building; East Providence: University Orthopedic Medical Center

Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates Inc. smma.com Jennifer Howe; John Scott; Nick Koulbanis, principals

275 Promenade St., Suite 275 Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 421-0447

5 15

Providence: Gilbane Inc. corporate headquarters, Providence College Ryan Center for Business

Edward Rowse Architects Inc. edwardrowsearchitects.com Edward A. Rowse, president

400 Massasoit Ave. East Providence, R.I. 02914 (401) 331-9200

4 14

Central Falls: Blackstone Valley Community Health Care; Providence: Frank J. Licht Judicial Complex window restoration

86 Weybosset St. Providence, R.I. 02903 1 (401) 680-6699

ZDS Inc. z-ds.com Eric Zuena, managing principal

Ed Wojcik Architect Ltd. edwojcikarchitect.com Edward F. Wojcik, principal architect

1 Richmond Square Providence, R.I. 02906 (401) 861-7139

12 2017: 12

13 2017: 13

14 2017: 14

15 2017: NL

4 10

NA

3 9

NA

16

3 10

Jamestown: Jamestown Fire station remodel and addition; North Smithfield: Planet Fitness

18

16 2017: 17

2017: 15

Aharonian & Associates Inc. John A. Aharonian, owner

arch-eng.com

310 George Washington Highway Smithfield, R.I. 02917 (401) 232-5010 204 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 830-0835

2 3

2017: 16

DUAL LLC thedualstudio.com Ian Baldwin; Jonathan F. Bell, principals

2017: NL

Burgin Lambert Architects Inc. williamburgin.com William L. Burgin; Robert H. Lambert Jr., principals

150 Bellevue Ave. Newport, R.I. 02840 (401) 847-3339

Blount Bennett Architects Ltd. bbaltd.com George A. Bennett Jr., president, secretary and treasurer

865 Waterman Ave., Unit B East Providence, R.I. 02914 (401) 431-1922

2 4

Bristol: Colt Farm Stone Barn restoration; Jamestown: Private residence; Providence: Multiunit housing at 189 Angell St.

JMBA+ Architects jmba-architects.com Joseph M. Booth, president; Rob Smith, vice president

47 North Second St., 4th floor New Bedford, Mass. 02740 (508) 999-6220

2 7

Boston: Kelly Field House; Foxborough, Mass.: Kennedy Donovan Center Headquarters; New Bedford: Port Society Complex

3SIX0 Architecture 3six0.com Kyna Leski; Christopher Bardt, principals

146 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 421-4360

2 5

Providence: Brown University Jonathan Nelson Entrepreneurial Center; Woodstock, Conn.: Woodstock barn conversion

2 7

19

NA

20

NA

2017: 18

21 2017: 19

22 2017: 20

23 2017: NL

24 2017: NL

GMI Architects Gary L. Graham

gmiarchitects.com

412A Thames St. Bristol, R.I. 02809 (401) 396-9898

2 6

24

Middletown: Specs Eyecare; West Haven, Conn.: Yale Health and Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospital

2017: NL

Park name Address

Website

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

Acreage 3,207 B

GOLF COURSES COURSES (ranked (rankedby byUSGA USGA rating) slopeslope rating) GOLF

Representative occupants

Highway access

CLOSER LOOK

Dominion Diagnostics, Edesia, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Hayward Industries, Hexagon Metrology, Ocean State Job Lot, Toray Plastics (America)

Route 403 to Route 4 to Interstate 95

Total acreage:

The Centre of New England Centre of New England Boulevard Coventry, R.I. 02816

504

Applebees, BJ's Wholesale Club, Champion Window, Cracker Barrel, Home Depot, Neighborcare, Super Wal-Mart

Interstate 95

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

503

Fidelity Investments

Route 7 to Interstate 295

The Pettaconsett Industrial Park & Howard Industrial Park Intersection of Route 37 and Pontiac Avenue Cranston, R.I. 02910

494

Alex & Ani, Golfer's Warehouse, McLaughlin & Moran, Pepsi Co., Siemans, Swarovski North America, Tasca, WJAR-TV NBC 10

Route 37 to Interstates 295 and 95

West Warwick Industrial Park Route 2 at Interstate 95 West Warwick, R.I. 02893

403

Amtrol, Arpin Van Lines, AstroNova, Cardi's Furniture, Cox Communications, Uncas International LLC

Interstate 95

Highland Corporate Park Highland Corporate Drive Cumberland, R.I. 02864

270

Cintas, CVS Health, Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, The Hart Cos., Tiffany & Co., TriLiteral

Route 99 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

Burrillville Commerce Park Broncos Highway Burrillville, R.I. 02830

250

Asiago Foods, Daniele Foods, Alashan Cashmere

Route 102 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

Richmond Commons Kingstown Road/Route 138 Richmond, R.I. 02898

249

NA

Route 138 to Interstate 95

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

239

Dean Warehouse Services, Dream Big Gymnastics, Electro Standards Laboratory, Federal Electronics, Frito Lay, Penske, Pro Equipment Rentals

Route 14 to Interstate 295

Commercial Way Commerce Area Waterman Avenue/Commercial Way East Providence, R.I. 02914

233

Anco Tool and Die, Aramark, Don-Mar Creations, D3 Inc., IlluminOss Medical, M&G Materials Handling Corp., Signature Printing, Wood's Heating Service

Interstate 195

1 2017: 1

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

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.

119_123designconstructBOL19.indd 121

4 4 2017: 4

6 2017: 7

FOOTNOTE  Includes a golf course and four public beaches.

6 2017: 7

AMF Cranston Lanes, Clean Care of New England, Harold Glass, Leonard Valve, Ocean State Job Lot, PriceRite, Scott Brass, Silver Spring Auto Body, TYCO

Interstate 95

East Bay Industrial Park Tupelo Street Bristol, R.I. 02809

215

C&C Fiberglass Components, Covalence Specialty Adhesives, George Patton Associates, Halls Spars & Rigging, Jade Engineered Plastics, TxV Aero Composites

Routes 114 and 136 to Interstate 195

Tiverton Business Park Route 24 at Fish Road Tiverton, R.I. 02878

172

Longplex Family Fitness & Sports Center, Tiverton Power (Emera)

Route 24 to Interstate 195

Lakeside Commerce Park Green Earth Avenue & Shun Pike Johnston, R.I. 02919

171

A. Duie Pyle, Ballard Truck Center, D'Ambra Construction, FedEx Distribution, Pick N Pull Automotive Recycling, Sims Metal Management

Interstate 295

Westminster Industrial Park Catamore Boulevard East Providence, R.I. 02914

159

(add)ventures, Brown Medicine, DSM NeoResins, PEP MicroPEP, Santander Bank, Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, WPRI-TV CBS 12

Route 6 to Interstate 195

Highland Corporate Park Woonsocket Park East Drive Woonsocket, R.I. 02895

150

American Cord and Webbing, Colony Hardware, CVS Health, Hanna Instruments, Impreglon U.S., Jeweled Cross, Parkinson Technologies, Summer Infant

Route 122 to Route 99 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

Northwoods 1301 Atwood Ave. Johnston, R.I. 02919

150

American Arbitration Association, Dassault Systemes, New York Life, Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara

Route 6 to Interstate 295

Slatersville Industrial Park Industrial Drive North Smithfield, R.I. 02876

140

Comtorgage, CVS Health, Mondelez Global, New England Truck & Auto Shine

Route 146 to Interstates 90 and 295

113

AM Source, AP Navitus (American Printing), Bacon Construction, Contech Research, Hasbro, Kaufman Sales, Thomsen Food Services, Parker Construction

Route 1A to Interstates 195 and 95

Bullard Abrasives, General Cable, Orion, Stackbin

Route 123 to Routes 116 and 146 to Interstate 295

108

Huntington Industrial Park Niantic Avenue Cranston, R.I. 02907

107

Dexter Road Manufacturing Center Dexter Road East Providence, R.I. 02914

100

Melville Marine District Stringham Road off Rt. 114, West Main Road Portsmouth, R.I. 02871 Burrillville Industrial Park Route 100 Burrillville, R.I. 02859 Woonsocket Industrial Park Fortin Drive Woonsocket, R.I. 02895

6 9 9 2017: 9

9 2017: 9

12 2017: 12

12 2017: 12

12 2017: 12

12 2017: 15

16 2017: 15

16 2017: 15

18 2017: 19

19

Allianence Security, Auto Rust Technichians, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Graybar Electric, Lang's Bowlarama

Route 10 to Interstate 95

AccuCare Supply, Aspen Aerogels, Coast Modern Construction, East Side Construction, The Fence Specialist, Gripnail Fastening Systems, Impco

Interstate 195

97

Cay Electronics, Hinckley, Hunt Yachts, New England Boatworks, Newport Dinner Train, Ocean Link, Portsmouth Yacht Refit Center, U.S. Sailing Association

Route 114 to Route 24 to Interstate 195

20

60

G.S., La Cantina, Lockheed Window Corp., Matrix Power

Route 44 to Interstates 295 and 395

20

60

CVS Health, Flock Tex, Holiday Inn, Tasca Chevrolet

Route 122 to Route 99 to Route 146 to Interstate 295

2017: 21

20 2017: NL

2017: NL

2017: NL

20 2017: NL

1 Former principals J. Michael Abbott, Jeffrey D. Bianco, Glenn R. Gardiner, Ray Giolitto and John K. Grosvenor were named principals-of-counsel by the firm on Jan. 1, 2018.

www.pbn.com | BOOK OF LISTS ■ PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JANUARY 2019

3 2017: 3

2017: 4

2017: 4

230

North Central Industrial Air Park Wellington Road Lincoln, R.I. 02865

1 2017: 1

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette

2017: 9

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

Narragansett Industrial Park Narragansett Park Drive East Providence, R.I. 02916

8,384

2018 rank

| 121

12/26/18 2:45 PM

PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 22, 2021

Golf Course Website Club Manager

Address Phone

USGA slope rating USGA course rating Length of course (yds.)

PGA Golf Professional Public or private

Amenities

Newport National Golf Club | newportnational.com Robin Hyson, general manager

324 Mitchell's Lane Middletown, R.I. 02842 (401) 848-9690

139 74.1 7,244

Andrew Farrea, head golf professional Semi-private

Bar, carts, clubhouse, facilities, lounge, membership, pro shop and restaurant

Norton Country Club | nortoncountryclub.com Scott Humphrey, general manager

188 Oak St. Norton, Mass. 02766 (508) 285-2400

139 73.1 6,546

Kevin Altham, PGA golf professional Semi-private

Banquet facilities, bar, carts, lessons, meeting facilities, pool, pro shop, restaurant

Fall River Country Club | fallrivercc.com Donna Blaker, general manager/club controller

4232 North Main St. Fall River, Mass. 02720 (508) 677-9828

136 71.7 6,304

Don Daley, head golf professional Private

Bar, carts, clubhouse, facilities, memberships

Newport Country Club Mike Sullivan, clubhouse manager

280 Harrison Ave. Newport, R.I. 02840 (401) 846-0461

135 75.4 7,075

Barry Westall, head golf professional Private

Clubhouse, driving range and function rooms

Wannamoisett Country Club | wannamoisett.com Ed Hadfield, clubhouse manager

96 Hoyt Ave. East Providence, R.I. 02907 (401) 434-1200

135 72.8 6,732

Brad McCluski, head golf professional Private

Banquet facilities, bar, clubhouse, lounge, pool, restaurant and tennis

Ledgemont Country Club | ledgemontcc.com Joe Ruggiero, owner

131 Brown Ave. Seekonk, Mass. 02771 (508) 761-6600

134 73.4 6,801

Troy Pare, head golf professional Private

Clubhouse, function rooms, golf and tennis leagues, restaurant and swimming pool

Rhode Island Country Club | ricc.org Kevin Callahan, clubhouse manager

150 Nayatt Road Barrington, R.I. 02806 (401) 245-5700

134 73.4 6,734

Kyle Phelps, head golf professional Private

Clubhouse, halfway house, locker rooms, pro shop, squash, swimming pool and tennis

Shelter Harbor Golf Club | shgcri.com Gerry O'Callaghan, general manager

1 Golf Club Drive Charlestown, R.I. 02813 (401) 322-0600

134 74.3 7,032

Dave Tiedemann, head golf professional Private

Carts, fitness center, nine-hole short course and restaurant

Point Judith Country Club | pointjudithcountryclub.com Toni Owens, clubhouse manager

150 Windermere Road Narragansett, R.I. 02882 (401) 792-9765

133 73.2 6,691

David Marcotte, PGA professional Private

Driving range, practice areas, equipment rentals, function rooms, clubhouse, lockers

Quidnessett Country Club | quidnessett.com Philip Santomaro, general manager

950 N. Quidnessett Road North Kingstown, R.I. 02852 (401) 884-1100

133 73.6 6,935

John Del Bonis, head golf professional Private

Clubhouse, driving range, equipment rentals, function rooms and practice areas

Segregansett Country Club | segregansett.com Kym O'Sullivan, function manager

85 Gulliver St. Taunton, Mass. 02780 (508) 824-9110

133 73.3 6,713

Rob Baxter, head golf professional Private

Driving range, function facilities, practice facility, restaurant and lounge,

Fenner Hill Golf Club | fennerhill.com Mike Farrell, president

33 Wheeler Lane Hopkinton, R.I. 02832 (401) 539-8000

132 71.4 6,636

Jay Thompson, director of golf Semi-private

Carts, senior discounts, bar, lounge, clubhouse, restaurant, memberships

Meadow Brook Golf Club | meadowbrookgolfri.com Kelly Hendrick, club manager and co-owner

163 Kingstown Road Richmond, R.I. 02898 (401) 539-8491

132 75.4 7,468

NA Public

Breakfast and lunch, carts, full bar, longest public course in R.I., pro shop

The Carnegie Abbey Club | carnegieabbeyclub.com Harper Silbey, general manager

125 Cory's Lane Portsmouth, R.I. 02871 (401) 682-6000

132 72.5 6,675

Ed Kirby, director of golf Private

Clubhouse, deep water mooring, equestrian center, golf lodge, sailing, spa and tennis

Triggs Memorial Golf Course | triggs.us Karl Augenstein, general manager

1533 Chalkstone Ave. Providence, R.I. 02909 (401) 521-8460

132 72.3 6,522

Robert Tramonti, PGA director of instruction Public

Carts, clubhouse and practice range

Cranston Country Club | cranstoncc.com Tom Palmer, director of golf

69 Burlingame Road Cranston, R.I. 02921 (401) 826-1683

131 74 6,914

John Simmons, head golf professional Public

Banquet facilities, clubhouse, driving range and lessons

Whaling City Golf Course | whalingcitygolfcourse.com W/F Management LLC, facility manager

581 Hathaway Road New Bedford, Mass. 02740 (508) 996-9393

131 73 6,780

Greg Dennehy, PGA professional Public

Bar, practice facility, restaurant

Valley Country Club | valleycountryclub.net Melodi Caruso, general manager

251 New London Ave. Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 821-1115

130 72.5 6,673

Chad Spencer, head golf professional Private

Clubhouse, driving range, dining rooms and special event facilities

Alpine Country Club | alpinecc.com Ron Woods, general manager; Joshua A Bennett, director of membership

251 Pippin Orchard Road Cranston, R.I. 02921 (401) 943-2670

129 73.2 6,864

Naomi Nesenoff, director of golf Private

Agawam Hunt | agawamhunt.org Joshua Helm, assistant general manager/controller

15 Roger Williams Ave. East Providence, R.I. 02916 (401) 434-0980

128 69.8 6,156

Norman Alberigo Jr., head golf professional Private

Crestwood Country Club | crestwoodcc.com Joseph Moniz, club manager

90 Wheeler St. Rehoboth, Mass. 02769 (508) 336-8582

128 71.5 6,603

Greg Rounds, head golf professional Private

Banquet facilities, bar, carts, driving range, outdoor dining area, pool and restaurant

Potowomut Golf Club | potowomut.com Kellie Galvin, director of food and beverage and events

439 Ives Road East Greenwich, R.I. 02818 (401) 885-8700

128 70.6 6,380

Seth Force, PGA professional Private

Ballroom, golf shop, practice greens, restaurant and bar

Warwick Country Club | warwickcc.com Kevin Hanrahan, general manager

410 Narragansett Bay Ave. Warwick, R.I. 02889 (401) 739-0550

128 72.3 6,453

Matt Walsh, head golf professional Private

Banquet/wedding facilities, bar and grille, children's summer program and tennis

116 | JANUARY 2019 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS ■ BOOK OF LISTS | www.pbn.com

104_118realestateBOL19.indd 116

39%

CLOSER LOOK

Re-ranked by longest courses

1

130_146hospitalityBOL19.indd 141

••••••••••

Meadow Brook Golf Club Length of course (yards): 7,468

2

Newport National Golf Club Length of course (yards): 7,244

3

Newport Country Club Length of course (yards): 7,075 LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists.html for more information.

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NL = Not listed last year.

Clubhouse, driving range, equipment rentals, function rooms and practice areas Dining facility, driving range, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, swimming pool

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 23

IT’S PERSONAL Batchelder receives SBA award ADAM BATCHELDER, a U.S. Marine veteran, is the recipient of the 2020 Rhode Island Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2006, while Batchelder was serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, he enrolled at Johnson & Wales University and earned his bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. After working as an executive chef and food-service director, he started his own food truck business called Smoke & Squeal BBQ. From 2017 to 2019 the business saw an increase in net profits of more than 200% and expanded into a full-service company.

What was your reaction to being selected as the recipient of the 2020 Rhode Island Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year award?

I had mixed emotions being selected. Because of the COVID outbreak, my business was hit extremely hard, as were my peers in the industry. There were points … that I did not even know if I would be in business to accept it. This year has been very challenging and because of that, I have made it my No. 1 goal to show why I earned this award.

Every veteran knows complacency kills, so adapting to the changes and finding ways to overcome has become my temporary business model.

What has led to your business growth and expansion?

Smoke & Squeal has been lucky to expand as much as it has, and I would [attribute] it to the fact that we are constantly reinvesting into our business to match demand. When I developed the business plan three years ago and presented it to Navigant Credit Union, I was asked if I could really stick to the business growth plan I had created. Thanks to business support groups, [such as] the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, I have stayed on track with each expansion.

How has the coronavirus impacted your life personally and professionally?

This pandemic has tested my resolve. I am working 10 times harder for 10 times less; however, I will not give up. The virus was the first challenge that affected us, starting back in March. We lost almost every wedding and major event that we had booked the previous year. Just as I got a handle on the losses, I was then challenged on skyrocketing meat prices, jumping at one point by 240%. Knowing how this virus was not just affecting me, I made the choice not to raise my prices or charge fees on my customers. I feel that we are judged more in life not by what we do when times are good but how we respond when our backs are against the wall.

Why do you feel that it is important to donate to charitable organizations?

Staying involved in the community is a major priority. Operating as a veteran-owned business, I do my best to always support any veteran-led nonprofit. In the past three years, I have had the honor to donate to worthy groups [such as] Operation Stand Down Rhode Island and Saddlebags for Soldiers. Ensuring your community is successful will help you to succeed when times are tough because your community will always remember. Right now, times are tough for everyone. Food banks and other nonprofits are feeling the effects because people are restricting their budgets.

These are essential tools that many depend on, and more are depending on them every day. n

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IT’S PERSONAL MACKAY’S MORAL | HARVEY MACKAY

Valuable sports lessons I RECENTLY ATTENDED a virtual panel presentation in Minneapolis about women in sports that highlighted the important benefits of participation.

One of the panelists cited a study that discovered nearly 90% of women in C-suite positions have a sports background. The moderator, Mary Jo Kane, a retired professor in the School of Kinesiology and the former director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, both at the University of Minnesota, asked the four panelists what role sports play in developing this executive skill set.

Everyone mentioned mental toughness and resilience, which translate to all aspects of life, especially business.

Mental toughness is persevering through difficult circumstances, conditioning your mind to think confidently and being able to overcome frustration. Athletes must be in tiptop physical shape, but if they don’t prepare themselves mentally, they will never become champions.

Mental toughness needs to be exercised to grow and develop. Get out of your comfort zone by taking on new tasks, and then seek out other duties to test your determination.

As for resilience, nearly all the successful people I know have dealt with defeat, slumps, failures, change and adversities of every nature. The reason they are successful is they had the confidence and courage to face those setbacks and find a way to overcome them.

The panelists also discussed teamwork, goal setting, hard work and the importance of having mentors.

“Sports teach you about wins, losses and failures,” said Pam Borton, CEO of PBP Consulting Group and former head coach of the women’s basketball teams at the University of Minnesota and the University of Vermont. “As a coach, you have to build highly skilled teams. You learn how to hire, fire and recruit. All these skills are transferrable to business.

As leaders, you learn how to help people and enhance people skills.”

Laura Day, executive vice president and chief business officer of the

Minnesota Twins, said she learned to “surround herself with champions – both men and women. You also need to be comfortable with change.” She said she is curious by nature and has an insatiable desire to learn.

Day added: “Culture is important because you can thrive in an organization that shares your values.”

Lisa Lissimore, associate director of the Minnesota State High School League, said you learn a lot from winning and losing. Sports gave her the confidence she needed because she had a complex about being tall and skinny growing up. Sports also allowed her to work with a variety of people.

Julie Manning, executive associate director of Gopher Athletics at the University of Minnesota, said she learned grit from competing in sports.

“You stay in there when you get knocked down. You have to perform under pressure with calmness. There

Mental toughness ... [needed] to grow and develop.

is always a sense of urgency, but you must remain calm.

“Sports teach you to solve problems. For example, if you have a bad tee shot on the golf course, you have to think about how to get out of that situation. Sports also builds consensus. You learn to strive to get better every day,” Manning added.

Day also talked about “feeding your dreams. Tell your daughters and granddaughters to stay positive. Trust yourself. Many people are willing to help, so don’t be afraid to ask them.”

Borton also mentioned the importance of being role models for your children and to provide support and encouragement. “Everyone needs positive reinforcement,” she said.

“We need to make visions of possibilities available to young women,” Lissimore said. “You can do a lot of things if you put your mind to it.”

Mackay’s Moral: Training for sports is good training for business and life. n Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times best-seller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.” He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com. | SPONSORED CONTENT |

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE MANUFACTURING Amanda Whaley has been appointed to the position of National Sales Manager of the Torayfan® Division at Toray Plastics (America), Inc. Whaley most recently served the company as the division’s Senior Accounts Manager. In 2017 she was appointed to the position of Key Accounts Manager, following two years of service as Product Manager.

Prior to that, Whaley served as a Torayfan Sales and Marketing Analyst, a position she held for two years.

Whaley joined Toray in 2012 as a Cost Analyst in the Accounting Department.

MANUFACTURING

MANUFACTURING

Franco Chicarella has been appointed the Director of Sales of the Torayfan® Division at Toray Plastics (America), Inc. Chicarella had been the division’s National Sales Manager since 2013 and had also served as its Business Manager. Chicarella joined Toray in 2000 as an engineering intern and signed on full-time in 2001 as a Process Engineer in the Lumirror® Division. In 2010 he shifted back to the Torayfan Division as a Product Manager.

Toray Plastics (America), Inc., has promoted James Ota to the position of Sales Representative in the company’s Torayfan® Division.

Ota had most recently served Toray as a Sales and Marketing Analyst in that division, a position he had held since 2017. Ota joined Toray in 2016 as a Process Control Management Engineer after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in chemical engineering and a concentration in biology. In 2015 he was a URI chemical engineering intern in the division.

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 25

IT’S PERSONAL GUEST COLUMN | JOHN GRAHAM

Reading the CEO ARGUABLY, THE BIGGEST MISTAKE many job applicants make is focusing on possible advancement, benefits, working conditions and pay. Obviously, each one plays a role in making a job decision. But taken together, they pale in comparison to scrutinizing the one person perched on the top rung of the ladder, the one called CEO, president or owner.

No matter how near or far you may wind up from the corner office, the decision-maker, the one who calls the shots, affects your destiny.

This could seem like a questionable exercise when millions of workers are unemployed or underemployed. At a time like this, checking out the person at the top may seem absurd when all an applicant needs is a job.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the culture fostered by a leader can make a difference when it comes to your future, no matter where you are on the company hierarchy.

To see where this is going, here are eight CEO scenarios to help get a “reading” on those at the top.

Rearview-mirror thinker. Looking to the past as the guide to the future may seem incomprehensible given where life and the economy are today. Yet, there are those who view their role

from a rearview mirror, clinging to past successes when challenges were more manageable.

Talks one way, acts another. There are those who use all the right words, the ones you want to hear when you’re looking for a job. This makes it easy to be tripped up since the individual’s actions go in another direction, telling a totally different story.

Always suspicious. You are left walking on egg shells, fearful, stressed and worried you will say or do something that will set off the executive’s paranoia. Such conditions stifle creativity, restrain open and honest discussion, and inhibit a collegial environment.

Stubbornly confident. Organizations, including businesses, are often attracted to a confident leader. But some exude too much confidence.

In times of crisis, that doesn’t work.

What can keep overconfidence under control, suggests Leon Eisenstaedt in a Financial Poise blog, is repeatedly asking the question, “What do you think?”

All-knowing guide. Then there are those at the top who act as if having all the answers is the way to demonstrate their competence. When making appropriate decisions depends on data support, they lean on “going with their gut,” which Annie Duke, a former professional poker player, says in a Knowledge@Wharton conversation, “Your gut is not a decision tool. It’s not reliable, no matter how reliable you think it is.”

Indecisive decision-maker. This executive’s indecisiveness drives everyone nuts. As plans are left up in the air, the pressure builds. It isn’t until circumstances force the issue that decisions are made, leaving everyone

A leader can make a difference when it comes to your future.

scrambling to get the job done.

Phony optimism. There are two options when something goes wrong, be transparent or cover it up. The former works, while the latter doesn’t.

Even so, some chief executives put a happy face on anything they perceive to be negative or troublesome. They do it for one reason; they don’t believe people can pull together and solve problems in crises. Rather than allaying fears, fake optimism only creates distrust, confusion and low morale.

Self-serving self-view. There are top executives whose picture of what it means to be in their position requires exaggerating their expertise, knowledge and skills, while undervaluing those same assets in those around them.

All this may come across as overly critical. If your goal is landing a job, it’s easy to justify or ignore a top person’s “limitations.” Even so, the eight CEO scenarios come with a warning: “Be careful! May be harmful to your career.” n John Graham of GrahamComm is a marketing and sales-strategy consultant and business writer.

Contact him at jgraham@ grahamcomm.com.

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26 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

IT’S PERSONAL GUEST COLUMN | XUELI WANG

Easing the jump to university ELIZABETH HAS ALWAYS wanted to be a doctor. While a high school senior, she was hoping to achieve her dream through attending the state’s main university campus, but she was put on a waiting list.

A friend talked her into taking a path less traveled, by starting out at a local two-year college and then transferring to the state university.

She spoke with her academic adviser at her community college about the ins and outs of transferring and explored options through her dream university’s transfer connections program. What really made a key difference, though, was a meeting with an adviser from her dream university during her first year at her two-year college.

The adviser was from the psychology department, the major into which she was hoping to transfer.

“She told me about what I’m doing so far and what I have to do yet before transfer,” said Elizabeth, who was already struggling to manage diabetes and a hectic schedule. Elizabeth left that meeting and worked hard to improve her GPA based on the adviser’s recommendation.

Dominic, an aspiring engineer, did something similar. While enrolled at a

two-year school, he met with some of the professors at the four-year school that he hoped to attend. A cousin who attended the university introduced him to the professors.

“They really helped get me familiarized with what life is like over there and what classes will be like,” Dominic said.

Two years after they started at their two-year colleges, both Elizabeth and Dominic successfully transferred into their desired majors at a fouryear university. Their experiences are not just anecdotes. They exemplify the larger findings from my study on community college students who hope to transfer to a four-year university.

My research team followed about 1,670 first-year students who started at two-year colleges in fall 2014 in a Midwestern state. Seventy-three percent of those students wanted to transfer to a four-year university.

We kept in touch with these students through 2019 as they shared with us their experiences and stories of being drawn closer to or pushed away from their dreams of transferring to a fouryear university.

Part of what we found is that when students connected during their first term with advisers or professors at the school where they wanted to transfer, they were more likely to transfer.

In fact, the probability of transferring for students in my study who do this is 38%, compared with 23% for students who don’t connect with anyone at the school where they want to transfer.

This finding is important because, nationally, while nearly 80% of community college students set out to transfer to four-year schools, only 25% actually do.

For years, community colleges carried most of the burden, or blame, when it comes to advising prospec-

[Transfers] ... should be seen as individuals with talent.

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tive transfer students, and four-year institutions have been left out of this discussion.

But whether a student ultimately transfers or not is shaped by both community colleges and four-year institutions.

Some may think these findings show the importance of students taking the initiative to reach out to the college they want to attend. But I would argue that it’s important that four-year colleges be more intentional about helping community college students transfer. Specifically, I think that officials at four-year colleges should treat community college students as prospective four-year college students. I also believe that they should reward advisers and faculty who take a more active role in the transfer process.

Transfer students should be seen as individuals with talent and a contribution to make through the transfer pathway. They are more than ­numbers. n Xueli Wang is a professor of higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Distributed by The Associated Press.

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PBN ­M ARKETPLACE To place a marketplace ad, contact Linda Foster 401-680-4812 | Foster@PBN.com | Advertising@PBN.com www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 27

OPINION EDITORIALS

RIDOT must do more to prove new city bus plan is right one

RIGHT PLAN? Critics say the R.I. Department of Transportation needs to consider more changes to a proposed downtown Providence transit plan for buses.

PBN FILE PHOTO/ ELIZABETH GRAHAM

R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. is right when he says state and Providence officials have spent too many years spinning their wheels trying to come up with a new downtown transit plan for city buses.

No matter what proposal is settled on, it is certain to have critics. But those critics are sure to be much louder and garner more community support when they aren’t allowed to weigh in before a final proposal is adopted.

As this week’s cover story reports, that’s what’s adding considerable fuel to the fire of opposition to the state’s Providence Multi-Hub Bus System proposal unveiled in July.

The new plan keeps about one-quarter of the routes at Kennedy Plaza and adds destinations at Providence Station and on Dyer Street. Easing congestion at Kennedy Plaza is a good thing, particularly for downtown businesses.

But opponents of the Dyer Street hub fear it will exacerbate already challenging pedestrian and bicycle safety issues in the area, among other concerns.

While the state presented its proposal to community groups, it did so as a mostly finished product. That’s left those groups understandably frustrated.

Alviti, however, says RIDOT has listened to feedback, made changes and privately reexamined alternatives to Dyer Street, finding they are not feasible.

For the project to move forward, RIDOT and its partner, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, need to show at a public hearing why critics are wrong.

After years of false starts, the state needs to do more to prove why this proposal is different from its failed predecessors. n

Target all with voter outreach The state this year took what Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea described as a tailored approach to voter education – for the first time targeting immigrants with green cards in a voter-registration mailer.

About 34,000 legal immigrants received the mailer before the Oct. 4 registration deadline. Prior to this year, the state sent out a single postcard to unregistered residents with a driver’s license. This year, the state sent out two versions, including the new one alerting those residents that if their citizenship status has changed, they might be eligible to vote.

While it is certainly good to encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to do so, should a state office be targeting specific groups of potential unregistered voters? If so, then why not try to do the same for college students, for example, and others?

Cost is one reason, though a case can be made expanded outreach is worth the expense.

If it is, then taxpayer money should be used to target as many potential voters as possible, rather than just one group. n

Read even MORE business news on PBN.com

POLL CENTRAL EXECUTIVE POLL

Maintaining resilience Has your company focused on a long-term survival plan?

Yes: 87%

What problems are you facing that threaten survival? (Select any that apply) Uncertain markets and demand: 38%

No: 13%

What has your company done to implement the plan? (Select any that apply) We are focusing on earnings margins and revenue: 38% We are employing advanced technologies: 25% We are focusing on new markets: 25% We are exploring innovation: 13%

Information overload and supply-chain constraints: 38% We are not facing any major problems: 38% Issues associated with government policy and regulations: 25% Complexities related to technology and operations: 25%

Are you confident in the resiliency of your company?

Yes: 100%

We have not addressed long-term planning: No: 0% 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.

PBN.COM POLL

Is your company prepared to handle a cyber­ attack or related efforts by cybercriminals?

OCT. 9-15 Yes, we have protected our data and network and have insurance to cover theft

14%

Yes, though I am not sure if we have or need insurance

No, my employer has never shared such a plan with everyone on staff

14%

0%

No, we don’t have the information technology staff to handle anything like that

I don’t know

43%

29%

Do you plan to spend Thanksgiving with only the people you live with, as Gov. Gina M. Raimondo suggested, or with a larger group?

THIS WEEK’S POLL:

•W ith a slightly larger group that includes only relatives or close friends • I plan to spend Thanksgiving as usual but we’ll follow social distancing guidelines • I don’t know To vote, go to PBN.com and follow the link on the home page

28 | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

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OPINION OPINION

A call to take rhetoric to action NEIL D. STEINBERG GUEST COLUMN

Be positive, look forward and take rhetoric to action. For several years I have asked many to embrace this mantra. Given the uncertainty and challenges related to ­COVID-19, it seems more important than ever. Inequity has too long existed and has been exacerbated and highlighted by the pandemic and accompanying economic downturn. Members of our community are held back relative to education outcomes, health results, and significant gaps in income and wealth creation. We want a better future for Rhodes Island as a whole, and this is the moment to make changes that will truly make a difference.

That’s why the Rhode Island Foundation has committed $8.5 million over three years to both lead and strengthen efforts throughout – and with – the community that are focused on diversity, equity, access and inclusion – with a first focus on racial equity.

This commitment is on top of the foundation’s traditional yearly grant-making across many nonprofit sectors.

As the largest funder to the nonprofit community, and the state’s 104-year-old community foundation, one of our core values is to address the underlying causes of inequity and eliminate disparities. While the foundation’s grant-making, civic leadership and fundraising efforts have been informed by that value for years, now is the time to focus on it more publicly and with clear commit-

ment and conviction.

The first aspect of this multiyear, multimillion-dollar commitment will be the launch of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative. One effort of the initiative will be to identify, cultivate, mentor, and seek access and opportunity for individuals who identify as Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous, and Asian, from across sectors to help build a pipeline of future leaders in established positions of influence throughout the state.

At the same time, we will continue to work with our staff and board to take our internal focus on equity to a higher level.

We also plan to listen to, and learn from, members of Rhode Island’s diverse communities about potential ways to best allocate the new resources we’ve committed.

This is our way of taking rhetoric to action.

We cannot just talk about our values, our intent, our plans, our wishes and our vision for a state that embraces cultural, racial and ethnic diversity. Instead, with this action and financial commitment we will work with the community to truly address the underlying issues that have evolved over centuries into systemic barriers to equitable access, opportunities and wealth-building.

At the same time, we will continue to focus on implementation of the long-term plans for education and health released earlier this

This is the moment to make changes that will truly make a difference.

year by the dedicated, experienced planning committees that we’ve convened and led over the last two years. A focus on equity, high achievement and reducing disparities by addressing social determinants is at the heart of each plan. And we will continue to provide funding and support for small business and job-training efforts, a vibrant arts and culture sector, and basic support to the state’s most vulnerable populations.

So, what do we ask of you? Join us.

In all honesty, for decades I have seen and heard many companies and many organizations move to hire a director of diversity, announce internal training, form affinity groups, adopt the local school, commit to diversifying staffs and boards, state values and goals – all of which is well-intentioned.

Few have made real investment in our community. We are still polarized when we need to come together, radicalized when we need to promote respect of and for all. Lamenting protests and violence, when together we need to get at the underlying causes of each.

Facing widening income and equality gaps, when we should be investing to close the gaps and lift up the entire community.

To those who have recognized, either over time or more recently, the importance of all of this, I’m hopeful that you, too, will step up with real meaningful commitments and investments in the community. Send me an email or try a phone call and we are glad to help as we move forward with this significant commitment to a better future for ALL in Rhode Island: being positive, looking forward and taking rhetoric to action. n Neil D. Steinberg is CEO and president of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Student visa proposal could hinder U.S.

DAVID L. DI MARIA

GUEST COLUMN

In an effort to crack down on international students and scholars who overstay their visas, the Trump administration is seeking to implement a new set of rules that would make it more difficult for them to remain in the U.S. Among other things, the proposed rules would require students and scholars from certain countries to leave within either two or four years. This would be irrespective of whether they’ve completed their degrees and research. Only those who could prove a “compelling” reason to stay longer would be allowed to do so.

But the rule comes with a steep price tag.

It would also undermine America’s interest in attracting talent from abroad and, ironically, it would do little to curtail the problem of visa overstays that it purports to solve.

Which of the two new proposed maximum time limits – two or four years – would apply would depend on various criteria. Currently, these students and scholars are admitted for “duration of status,” which means they may stay for as long as their academic endeavors require, as long as they follow the terms of their visa.

Federal data shows it takes four years and four months, on average, to complete a bachelor’s degree. In fact, only 44% of firsttime, full-time students attending a four-year institution in 2012 completed a bachelor’s degree within four years. For international

students, 52% graduate within four years.

That means nearly half of all international students take more than four years to finish college.

The uncertainty over whether or not a degree could be completed within the time limits set by the proposed rule would further weaken the ability of the U.S. to attract global academic talent.

While a key argument used to justify the proposed changes is that people who overstay visas may endanger national security, the government estimates that just 1.52% of all international students and exchange visitors overstay.

While the proposed rule would add additional caseloads to an already overwhelmed government agency, it may do little to prevent overstays.

In June, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it faced a $1.2 billion shortfall. Over the next decade, the Department of Homeland Security estimates the cost to implement the new rule will be as high as $2 billion.

DHS predicts the higher-education sector will lose $93 million during the first year of the rule and roughly $30 million each year thereafter because of staff time spent on training, implementation and supporting petitions for longer stays.

In the end, I believe the economy will lose billions should the new restrictions further

accelerate the decline in international enrollment.

Consider the rise of other nations in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology.

This has serious implications for economic and national security. Specifically, the most scientifically and technologically advanced nations tend to dominate global market share in innovative industries, as measured by leading companies, exports and foreign direct investments. They also have the most advanced military capabilities, ranging from autonomous unmanned vehicles to hypersonic and directed-energy weapons.

Additionally, some nations are using the current political climate to lure foreign talent away from the U.S. International students play a critical role in helping the nation excel in science and technology.

While many international students leave the country after earning their degree, those who choose to stay provide a source of high-skilled talent that ensures our country remains globally competitive in science and technology. n David L. Di Maria is associate vice provost for international education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Distributed by The Associated Press.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | OCTOBER 23-29, 2020 | 29

ONE LAST THING Lead the charge toward change

Scott Fraser CEO and president, Rhode Island Health Care Association Scott Fraser is CEO and president of the Rhode Island Health Care Association, a trade group representing 64 nursing homes in the state.

STEPPING

into this role 22 months ago, no one could have imagined that helping members navigate a pandemic would be part of the job description. But of course, this is where we find ourselves.

I have been incredibly impressed with the devotion of our nursing home employees, of every job description. They come to work every day, putting their own health at risk, with the ultimate goal of caring for and protecting our residents. If needed, administrators and owners have donned personal protective gear and worked on the floors caring for our most frail and vulnerable fellow Rhode Islanders.

This flexibility will be helpful as we move

forward. With COVID-19, there is no playbook. Guidelines for caring for our residents, treatment of the illness, protecting our staff and visitation restrictions all have evolved, and sometimes changed dramatically, over the months. In essence, you find yourself going in one direction, then the science or guidelines change, and you need to alter your course.

As a leader, it is up to you to head up that charge in a new direction and to rally your staff to follow. We all like structure, but the structure of most everything has been tossed out the window this year.

As leaders, it is up to us to communicate that this is OK and that we will navigate these changes together, and that it is very important to support one another as these changes take place. n

PBN FILE PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

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BUSINESS

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