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Robot-assisted surgeon performs a first in R.I. | 8

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Job training center to give northern R.I. a boost

BY CASSIUS SHUMAN | Shuman@PBN.com

THE WORKFORCE IN SOUTHERN Rhode Island got a helping hand in getting crucial training when the state opened the Westerly Education Center four years ago. Since then, thousands of people have taken courses and have been hired by nearby employers such as General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Now the northern end of the state is about to get the same t­ reatment.

State higher education officials have started construction on what had been tentatively called the Northern Rhode Island Higher Education Center in downtown Woonsocket, a workforce development program that could provide a pipeline of skilled

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EXPANDING REACH PC president looks to market Friars’ brand on national level

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: This is the first installment in an occasional series of interviews with the state’s new wave of higher education leaders.)

ONE LAST THING

Daniel P. McConaghy Survive and advance | 30

The Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard stepped into the role of president at Providence College last summer, following 15 years as executive vice president. A native of Fall River and the son of a mill worker and a secretary, Sicard was the first in his family to attend college.

“Education was always important to them since they didn’t have the opportunity,” Sicard said. “My dad worked very hard to put me through Providence College. It was a real blessing.”

FULL-FLEDGED FRIAR: The Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Providence College several years before becoming a Dominican friar, eventually returning to PC as an administrator.

PBN PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

SEE SICARD

PAGE 12

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CONTENTS

PBN

COVER STORY EXPANDING REACH

PC president looks to market Friars’ brand on national level.................................................... 1

FOR STARTERS

400 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903

Franchisee: Jeffrey Kulas............................................................ 3 5Q: John J. Igliozzi Jr.................................................................. 4 Dining Out: Much-needed refreshment..................................... 5 Spotlight: Pease & Curren Inc................................................... 6 Something New: Feed the Cheeks............................................. 6 Hot Topic: How will states tax remote work?............................ 7 Health Matters: Robot-assisted surgeon performs a first in R.I......................... 8 Community Service: Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation............................. 9 What’s Happening......................................................................10 N.J.’s offshore wind plans facing some turbulence.................14 Another Look: Film tax credit program has problems............15

Main Phone: 401-273-2201 Subscription Services: 855-813-5805 President & Publisher: Roger C. Bergenheim 680-4848 | Publisher@PBN.com

5Q | 4

ADVERTISING

Advertising@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0270 Director of Sales and Marketing: Annemarie Brisson 680-4800 | Brisson@PBN.com Marketing and Events Manager: Donna Rofino 680-4832 | Rofino@PBN.com

IT’S PERSONAL People in the News................................................................... 25 Mackay’s Moral......................................................................... 26 Guest Column: Renee Collini................................................... 26 Guest Column: Peter George................................................... 27 Editorials and Opinion.............................................................. 28 One Last Thing: Daniel P. McConaghy.................................... 30

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

FOCUS: EDUCATION

Job training center to give northern R.I. a boost Construction has begun on an education center in Woonsocket that could provide a pipeline of skilled workers to employers in the state’s northern region................ 1

EDITORIAL

COMMUNITY SERVICE | 9

Persuading older students to finish what they started

Editor@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0670 Editor: Michael Mello, 680-4820 | Mello@PBN.com

State colleges and universities are offering incentives such as evening classes, scholarships and debt forgiveness to draw adult students and help them afford getting a degree............21

Managing Editor: William Hamilton 680-4826 | Hamilton@PBN.com

FOCUS: ENGINEERING

Web Editor: Chris Bergenheim 680-4886 | Bergenheim@PBN.com

Dam dangers remain, but awareness rises While repair and removal projects are underway to address some of the state’s unsafe dams, repairs are often costly and determining the owner of a dam can be a challenge......16

Copy Editor: Matt Bower, 680-4824 | Bower@PBN.com Special Projects Editor/Researcher: James Bessette 680-4838 | Bessette@PBN.com

After decades of work, light at end of CSO tunnel The Narragansett Bay Commission’s replacement of its century-old sewer and water runoff infrastructure below ground is nearing completion after more than 20 years of work.........19

(EDUCATION, NONPROFITS)

Staff Writers: Nancy Lavin, 680-4822 | Lavin@PBN.com

Lists

(ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FINANCIAL SERVICES)

FOCUS: ENGINEERING | 16

Engineering Firms......................................................................18 Colleges & Universities............................................................. 22 Computer Training Centers...................................................... 24

Mary MacDonald 680-4830 | MacDonald@PBN.com (HEALTH CARE, MANUFACTURING, REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT)

Cassius Shuman 680-4884 | Shuman@PBN.com

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED COMPANIES 10 Prime Steak and Sushi AAA Northeast

5 20

Narragansett Bay Commission

19

New Harvest Coffee Roasters Inc.

5

20

(GOVERNMENT, HOSPITALITY/TOURISM, WORKFORCE)

R.I. Department of Environmental Management

16 20

PRODUCTION

R.I. Department of Education

8

Ocean House

20

R.I. Department of Labor and Training

Chow Fun Inc.

5

Pare Corp.

19

R.I. Department of Revenue

Citizens Bank

21

Brown Surgical Associates

Community College of Rhode Island CVS Health Corp.

20, 21 20

7

R.I. Division of Taxation

15

Pease & Curren Inc.

6

R.I. Executive Office of Commerce

20

R.I. Film & Television Office

15

R.I. Office of Revenue Analysis

15

Preservation Society of Newport County

29 29

Farm Fresh Rhode Island

5

Preserve Rhode Island

Feed the Cheeks

6

Providence College

Fidelity Investments Inc. General Dynamics Electric Boat Governor’s Workforce Board

20 1 20

7

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

1

Renewable Resources Inc.

16

Rhode Island College

20, 21

Rhode Island Hospital

International Game Technology PLC

4

Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association

Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co. Ltd.

7

R.I. Department of Administration

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

R.I. Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner Southern Rhode Island Conservation District The Miriam Hospital

8

University of Rhode Island

16

Westerly Education Center

7

20, 21 8 20, 21, 25

Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association

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Providence Business News is published every two weeks by Providence Business News, 400 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 (USPS 002-254) (ISSN 0887-8226) Periodical postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to 400 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903.

FOR STARTERS Franchisee: Jeffrey Kulas Budget Blinds of Cranston | Cranston Pitch: Budget Blinds designs and installs blinds, shades, shutters and drapery for inside a person’s home.

Years in business: Two Number of employees: One Cost to obtaining franchise: $89,950 initial fee; $125,340 minimum investment

Before opening franchise: Kulas worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years.

Reason for opening franchise: After two decades working in corporate within the banking sector, Kulas got to a point where he wanted “to look elsewhere and do other things.”

“It was time to see what else is out there. I did a little bit of discovery on what other jobs I could get into to change things up. I came across franchises and looked into it a bit. Those connections led me to Budget Blinds.”

“We played it by ear a little bit [with the pandemic and safety protocols] and I said, ‘I’ll come out and put your CHANGE OF PACE: Jeffrey Kulas, franchise owner of Budget Blinds of Cranston, with his wife, Kelly, and his daughter, Danni, 5. Kulas worked in the banking industry for 20 years before opening his shades in. Let’s not be in the same room at the same Budget Blinds franchise two years ago because he wanted “to look elsewhere and do other things.” time.’ That was the confidence builder [for customers].

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO We could also handle 6 feet apart in sales consultations as well. I’m with one, maybe two people in a Franchise owners interested in being included “I think a lot of people were not spending house in any given time. It felt safer as we went in an upcoming Franchisee feature can contact money on those vacations and they said, PBN Researcher James Bessette at on. People appreciated the professionalism.”

‘Let’s put it toward the house instead.’ ” (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 3

FOR STARTERS

5Q: John J. Igliozzi Jr. President, Providence City Council

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

1

What are your top priorities as council president?

Priority No. 1 is stabilizing our finances – this means potentially issuing a pension obligation bond conditioned upon pension reform in union contracts; creating a sustainable, long-term vision for governance; and judicious investment of the $160 million American Rescue Plan funds Providence expects.

2

As the oldest serving member of the council, how do you intend to bridge the gap with younger, more progressive council members?

My approach to bringing unity to a divided council is to ground all our debates in the things we have in common – a love of Providence, a drive to make life better for our residents and a responsibility to the people who are counting on us to represent them. My goal is to magnify commonality while respecting each other’s differences.

3

PBN PHOTO/PAMELA BHATIA

Tax breaks to developers have been a controversial issue for the city. What is your take on the recent policy changes to the TSA program?

The tax stabilization [agreement] program has been incredibly successful since its inception. But like all economic development tools, the TSA program has adapted and adjusted over time. I’m grateful the City Council consistently had the foresight to support tax stabilization plans that encouraged and incentivized key projects – the Renaissance Hotel, IGT

[International Game Technology PLC], Waterplace Apartments, Capitol Cove, the new River House Apartments and the South Street Landing.

4

What more can and should the city do to rectify its long-underfunded pension fund?

Our main priority is to increase the funded rate and lower the unfunded liability. And because interest rates remain very low, we have a good opportunity to do this. The city should consider issuing an approximately $700 million-plus pension obligation bond, in tandem with unions agreeing to pension reform. This proposal would set forward a multiyear plan that is financially prudent for the city’s health and stability, and would result in a stronger pension system.

5

Your role on the council ends in January 2023 due to term limits.

Do you think this will inhibit your ability to accomplish your and the city’s goals?

No, I do not; I’m excited about the challenge. We have two annual budgets to adopt, a census to review, advising and planning how to optimally utilize the $160 million stimulus funds and a statistical property revaluation – all within the next 18 months – there’s a lot happening and a lot to achieve. n

Priority No. 1 is stabilizing our finances.

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FOR STARTERS DINING OUT | BRUCE NEWBURY

Much-needed refreshment IT IS SUMMERTIME, and your favorite restaurateur may be looking forward to a well-deserved vacation.

This usually happens every July.

Restaurants close for two weeks or longer. They post on their websites or social media that says they’re taking a few weeks off and look forward to reopening. Proprietors may reconnect with family in other parts of the country or the world, or they can recharge by discovering new flavors or legacy recipes. After the two weeks, the restaurant reopens with a refreshed staff and, in some cases, a refreshed space. Repairs or a point job might have been complete during the downtime.

A restaurant’s summer break was not breaking news before the pandemic. It was called a vacation, not a “pause.” The news trucks were not circling the block with live-shot reporters weaving a tale of drama and an industry on the ropes, just hanging on by its fingernails awaiting the next government solution.

Here in Rhode Island, there continue to be examples of owner-operated restaurants innovatively coming up with their own solutions to what will prove to be a temporary situation. At the Farm Fresh Rhode Island in the Valley neighborhood of Providence,

numerous food-service providers, many of whom have restaurant backgrounds, have collaborated on a unique space to provide food, beverages and shared service. Visionaries include New Harvest Coffee Roasters Inc., which has moved its coffee and spirits bar to the Farm Fresh Food Hub on Sims Avenue. It is interesting to note that New Harvest, which is making strides like a startup company, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Innovation does not always come with a shiny new building. The recent Providence Restaurant Weeks turned into a reentry celebration as the dozens of eateries statewide came together to welcome back guests. It required all hands on deck. At least one mainstay restaurant group – Chow Fun Inc., which presented its 10 Prime Steak and Sushi concept for Restaurant Weeks – had the marketing team on shifts as servers. The offerings were in keeping with the restaurant’s image, but with an eye toward the consumer who may need a little nudge to jump back into fine dining. One of the promotions was a buy-one-get-one filet mignon.

Many Rhode Island restaurant owner-operators continue to exceed customer expectations with a

A restaurant’s summer break was not breaking news before the pandemic.

A NEW HOME: New Harvest Coffee Roasters Inc. has moved its coffee and spirits bar to the Farm Fresh Food Hub on Sims Avenue in Providence.

COURTESY NEW HARVEST COFFEE ROASTERS INC.

fraction of the staff they employed before March 2020. Their passion, single-mindedness and gratitude for the ability to create and serve foods outweigh any trepidation about what is going on currently. That passion carries them past a mere bottom line.

Passion is why they got into business in the first place – and why businessminded partners are essential. The combination is appealing, delicious and satisfying on many levels. If you are making a return to your favorite restaurant, bring kindness and

a hug – and a generous tip. For the wait staff and chefs, think about how a dinner at a restaurant is a gift for many diners, be it a birthday or an anniversary. Of course, it may only be lunch, breakfast or dinner. But the show goes on. n Bruce Newbury’s radio show and podcast, “Dining Out with Bruce Newbury,” is broadcast on WADK 1540 AM and several radio stations throughout New England. Email him at Bruce@BruceNewbury.com.

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 5

FOR STARTERS SOMETHING NEW

SPOTLIGHT

HOMEMADE TOUCH: Husband and wife Mahran Izoli, right, and Nur Shahida Roslan are the owners of Feed the Cheeks, a specialty cookie shop, which started as a home business then moved to a Providence storefront during the pandemic.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Making cookies full time

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

LIKE ANY CARD-CARRYING millennial, Nur Shahida Roslan created an Instagram account to document her food and travel adventures.

She named the personal page “Feed the Cheeks” because, as her husband, Mahran Izoli, explains, “When she eats, she gets this moon face, her cheeks fill up.”

Fast forward to 2020, when the Providence couple was trying to come up with a name for their new cookie business. Nothing had quite the same ring as Feed the Cheeks.

What started as a side hustle out of their home after Roslan lost her job as a travel agent during the pandemic is now a bonafide business. The couple opened their Wayland Square storefront, complete with a neon sign offering a perfect backdrop for Instagram photos, in February. By June, they had hired eight employees and were looking for an off-site kitchen to ramp up production, while adding preorder and delivery.

Word of mouth and a savvy social media presence have been key to success; they haven’t spent a dollar on marketing, Izoli said. The tantalizing appeal of their signature “thicc” cookies, which weigh a whopping 6 ounces apiece and cost $4 each, helps too.

“I’ve never met a person who doesn’t like cookies,” Izoli said. n

FAMILY MOLD: Francis H. Curren IV, right, vice president of Pease & Curren Inc., a family-owned precious-metal refinement company in Warwick that works with jewelers, pawn brokers, medical offices and recyclers, watches as David Silva, manager/ operator, pours molten metal into a mold.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Refined over generations Company deals in molten metals

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

IT’S HARD TO SUM UP Pease & Curren Inc.’s business in a single word.

Much of the 40,000-square-foot building in Warwick suggests manufacturing: unfinished, concrete floors that vibrate as dozens of massive incinerators melt down jewelry, scrap metal and dental crowns into their original, pure metal forms. A giant ball mill – think of it like a kitchen blender on steroids – grinds up to 25,000 ounces of incinerated metals at a time, ensuring every single sample of ash from the batch is the same as the rest.

Then there’s the chemistry lab: surfaces covered with beakers and test tubes and an X-ray fluorescence device – one of two ways the company analyzes each sample for the exact breakdown of metals.

There’s also quite a bit of number-crunching: how much the company can pay the jewelers, manufacturers, dental offices and other customers for their gold, silver and scrap metal, and in turn, what the company expects to make selling the metal on the commodity market.

“We live on a small margin,” said Francis “Frank” H. Curren IV, the company vice president. “As a commodity, the value goes up and down, so we need to hedge the risk.”

Curren is not only the fourth of his name but the fourth generation

to work in the family business. An Aquidneck Island native, he started working for Pease & Curren in high school, mastering the intricacies of the company started by his greatgrandfather in 1916.

Inside a small conference room, a series of picture frames adorning the walls pay tribute to those early days: a photo of the original Allens Avenue building, a 1929 story published in The Evening Bulletin and a faded, handwritten ledger recording the first weights and returns of processed metals.

That long history makes the company stand out in an industry dependent upon trust and reputation, Curren said.

“We’re asking people to ship their most valuable commodities,

sometimes across the country, and not get paid upfront,” Curren said, though the company guarantees payment within five business days.

Despite his family ties to the business, Curren never felt pressured to follow in anybody’s footsteps. Instead, he went to law school, and worked for half a dozen years at Greater Boston Legal Services, helping low-income clients at risk of foreclosure. In 2018, he decided to “give it a shot” at Pease & Curren.

While managing day-to-day operations of a metal refinement business might seem an abrupt change from a career in legal services, Curren sees similarities.

He understands the finances from litigating complicated mortgage cases, for example.

Rather than making his case in the courtroom, he’s helping the sales team persuade clients to use their services. There are no contracts – a common industry practice – so the stakes are even higher. That pitch has also been made more difficult by Zoom-only meetings for most of the pandemic, though Curren hopes to resume travel for in-person interactions soon.

“It’s a lot easier to ship your gold if you’ve seen someone in a blazer face to face,” he said. “People still want to meet and have that ­relationship.” n

OWNER: Francis H. Curren III

EMPLOYEES: 17

YEAR FOUNDED: 1916

LOCATION: 75 Pennsylvania Ave., Warwick

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Metal refinement

ANNUAL SALES: WND

6 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

FOR STARTERS HOT TOPIC

How will states tax remote work?

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

AFTER FINALLY GETTING the hang of remote work, employers could face new headaches around tax policies for workers whose home offices had them working across state lines.

Many states adopted emergency COVID-19 policies giving employers a break on paying certain state business taxes for workers who were now working in a different state due to the pandemic. Rhode Island gave a pass to out-of-state companies on payroll, corporate income, and sales and use taxes during the pandemic for employees temporarily working remotely in the Ocean State. Rhode Island companies with temporarily out-of-state workers still have to withhold state income taxes; whether they are also exempted from other states’ taxes for their remote workforce depends on the other states’ policies around this “tax nexus.”

The tax exemptions are generally tied to the state of emergency; Rhode Island’s is set to expire in mid-August.

The state tax policy assumes these confusing, cross-state work situations will end when workers return to their offices – an assumption proving to be incorrect as a growing number of companies plan to make remote work

AUGUST 26TH

a permanent option.

The state hasn’t decided whether to extend or modify this emergencyrelated tax policy, according to Derek Gomes, spokesperson for the R.I. Department of Administration. The R.I. Department of Revenue was unable to provide data on how many companies or employees are affected.

Don’t count on states extending or making permanent their pandemic tax policies, said Alicia J. Samolis, partner and chair of the labor and employment practice at Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP in Providence. If anything,

the increasing number of out-of-state remote workers will make states step up their enforcement of tax nexus policies, Samolis said.

The added revenue for state governments still grappling with the financial hit of the pandemic is not to be discounted, said Laura Yalanis, director of tax services for Providencebased Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co. Ltd. Seeking to retain its state income tax revenue, Massachusetts said it would still apply payroll taxes to remote, out-of-state workers for in-state companies. New Hampshire, which has no income tax, sought relief to the Massachusetts policy in a legal appeal, but the U.S. Supreme Court in June declined to take up the case.

Yalanis described the interstate taxation rules as more of an administrative burden than a financial one

‘Is it worth the cost to comply, or can you find someone else locally?’

ALICIA J. SAMOLIS, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP partner

register now at PBN.COM

for individual employers. Rather than paying all taxes in one state, companies now have to split payments across the multiple states where their employers work.

However, that administrative burden can come with some costs, particularly for small businesses that might now need to hire a payroll company or legal counsel to advise them on the more-complex process, Yalanis said.

Still, companies appear more willing than ever to take on those complexities amid nationwide labor shortages.

“Employees have a lot of bargaining power right now,” said Russell J. Stevens, who serves as counsel on taxation law for Partridge Snow & Hahn.

While awaiting more clarification on how individual states would approach post-pandemic tax policies, Samolis advised employers to prepare by first taking stock of where their remote workers are located.

“I think a lot of companies might be surprised to learn that they have employees working elsewhere,” she said. “You need that information so you can make the decision: Is it worth the cost to comply, or can you find someone else locally?” n

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FOR STARTERS | HEALTH MATTERS

Robot-assisted surgeon performs a first in R.I.

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

WITH

the precision of slender robotic tools, Dr. Subhashini Ayloo can look inside someone’s abdomen with three-dimensional accuracy.

A small incision can be all she needs for major surgery. A specialist in liver transplantation and resection – the cutting and removal of diseased or damaged liver tissue – she joined Brown Surgical Associates in February and reached a milestone soon after.

For the first time in Rhode Island, Ayloo performed a robotic-platform hepatectomy, completing a liver resection using four tiny incisions. The procedure allows for a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. For cancer patients, it means they can move to lifesaving chemotherapy and other treatments faster.

Unlike conventional “open” surgeries that involve the opening of the abdomen through larger incisions, minimally invasive surgery with robotics allows patients to recover quickly. After several hours in a recovery room, many patients go home and begin chemotherapy treatment the following week.

“In my line of work, you’re not dealing with basic surgeries. You’re bringing in new skill sets and new technologies …

working with multiple teams,” she said.

For Rhode Islanders, the precision surgery on the liver, a critical organ, sends a clear message that major and complex surgeries are not necessarily an out-ofstate endeavor.

Following that first robotic procedure, performed on April 21, the patient has recovered nicely, Ayloo said.

“Looking excellent,” she said.

Ayloo has a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her medical degree and completed her surgical residency at Rosalind Franklin University Health System in North Chicago.

She completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at the State University of New York’s Upstate Medical University. She had a second fellowship in liver transplantation at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

She was recruited by Dr. William G. Cioffi, surgeon-in-chief of Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital who was building a team specializing in liver, pancreatic and biliary procedures.

While transplants of hearts and lungs are available in Boston, procedures for the liver and kidneys are available locally,

‘In my line of work, you’re not dealing with basic surgeries.’

DR. SUBHASHINI AYLOO, Brown Surgical Associates surgeon 8 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

TECH SUPPORT: Dr. Subhashini Ayloo sits with the da Vinci surgery system that helps her perform complex liver surgery. Ayloo joined Brown Surgical Associates in February.

COURTESY LIFESPAN CORP./ BILL MURPHY

and that program is growing and successful, he said. “I would put our outcomes above anyone’s,” he said.

Ayloo, who is board-certified in surgery, said she knew she wanted to be a surgeon and a specialist when she received her medical degree. Her interests led her to specialize in robotics and liver resection.

Ayloo uses the robotic-assist da Vinci surgery system, which allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with a precision and accuracy that might not be possible with human hands alone. The versatility of the technology allows her to see within a patient’s abdomen through small incisions using magnification and lighting. The liver can be moved around and elevated to allow her to reach a tumor. Multiple cameras allow the use of what is effectively three-dimensional viewing of the organ. Magnification can bring her 10 times the viewing power.

A nursing team to support her work is being created among professionals interested in the technology.

For patients, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are plentiful.

The incision during a traditional surgery has to be large enough to allow a surgeon’s hands to enter the body. That incision itself carries the danger of infection. “Most of the morbidity from the procedures comes from that incision itself. If you have a big incision, it means that afterward you have pain. You are not going to be breathing well,” Ayloo said Recovery is longer and, if the patient has cancer, that treatment can be delayed as a result.

In April, Timothy Webb became her second patient for the roboticassisted surgery.

Webb, a Warwick resident, had a small spot on his liver that his oncologist discovered after he was being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Webb’s doctor thought he would be a good candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, and Ayloo agreed.

After meeting with Ayloo and reviewing her credentials, Webb said he agreed that minimally invasive surgery was the way to go.

“The location of the spot wasn’t great, the way Dr. Ayloo described it,” he said. “With the assistance of the robotics, she had to sort of lift up the liver in order to get underneath it, which is where the spot was.”

Webb, who went home the night of his operation, has since moved on to treatment for his cancer and is doing well. He’s back at work at Citibank, and he credited the minimally invasive robotic surgery with the speed with which he was able to recover.

“Their confidence inspired confidence in me,” he said. During the procedure, Ayloo examined all around the abdomen with the robotic tools, looking for additional signs of cancer and found nothing.

Webb said Ayloo gave him a copy of her surgical notes following the surgery. He was impressed with the thoroughness of the document.

“A lot of it was over my head. I had to use Google a dozen times. But at the end of the day, she looked all over the place and found nothing,” he said. n

FOR STARTERS COMMUNITY SERVICE

Job Lot Charitable Foundation provides police with bicycles SMOOTH RIDES:

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation recently donated 26 new GenZe E222B electric bicycles, each one valued at $1,300, to the Narragansett and New Shoreham police departments to increase safety patrols in the two towns and other tourist destinations this summer. The Job Lot Charitable Foundation has supported numerous causes, including addressing hunger, homelessness, child care, health care and promoting learning, among other initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation distributed approximately $15 million in personal protective equipment to school systems, hospitals, emergency personnel and other health facilities. Pictured, from left, with the new bicycles are Narragansett Police patrolman Kyle Rooney, community service officers Kyle Sanderson and Michael Deprete, and patrolman Paul Boisclair.

Interested in having your business’s community-service project highlighted? Contact PBN Researcher James Bessette at (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.

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FOR STARTERS | WHAT’S HAPPENING Leveraging LinkedIn

MEETING UP: The Emerging Leaders Council and the Women’s Business Council will be part of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce’s Networking Pop Up event at the Black Sheep in Providence on July 27.

PBN PHOTO/JAMES BESSETTE

EDITOR’S CHOICE

SCORE RHODE ISLAND will hold a virtual workshop titled “How To Leverage LinkedIn for Lead Generation.” Attendees will learn about messaging templates, steps to better automate one’s outreach and 10 tips about LinkedIn. Mike Corso, founder and CEO of Roovio Digital Marketing, will lead the discussion.

TUESDAY, JULY 27, 1 P.M. Free

THE CENTER FOR WOMEN & Enterprise will hold a virtual workshop on how business owners can learn about the importance of wellness practices for themselves and their business and get to try out the practice(s) to use during the sessions. The workshop is part of a monthly program offered by the center.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 5-6 P.M. Free

Online.

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Membership orientation

Financial statements

THE SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a membership orientation to help Chamber members better understand and utilize the benefits provided to them as members. Coffee will be served at the event.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 8:30-9:30 A.M. Free

Building relationships with local business professionals THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a Networking Pop Up event with the Emerging Leaders Council and the Women’s Business Council. The ELC is an inclusive team of professionals whose mission is to engage and develop the next generation of business leaders. The WBC promotes the full participation and leadership of women at all levels in the workplace. The event will allow attendees to meet and build relationships with local business professionals.

TUESDAY, JULY 27, 5-7 P.M. $25/members; $35/nonmembers

Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 230 Old Tower Hill Road, South Kingstown.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/ypyvtaky

Black Sheep, 397 Westminster St., Providence.

Wellness practices

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/26a5a5mw

THE CENTER FOR WOMEN & Enterprise will hold a virtual workshop titled “Understanding Your Business Financial Statements.” Attendees will be provided with the tools necessary to understand income statements, balance sheets and statements of cash flow; all essential skills for operating a successful business.

Interested in having your businessrelated event included in What’s Happening? Contact PBN Researcher James Bessette at (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING | FOR STARTERS THURSDAY, JULY 29, NOON TO 1 P.M. Free

MONDAY, AUG. 9, 5:30-8:30 P.M. $10/members; $15/nonmembers

Online.

White Ash Cigar Lounge, 413 Central Ave., Pawtucket.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/ujz8aj8e

Share your commercial THE CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a LEADS Luncheon, hosted by Harbor Lights.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their “mini-commercial” to help others better understand what they have to offer, how it will benefit them and who people need to meet.

Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, flyers and brochures.

FRIDAY, JULY 30, NOON TO 1:30 P.M. $10/members; $25/nonmembers Harbor Lights, 150 Gray St., Warwick.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/5yu7hhnd

Seeking referrals RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS Networking will host a Cigar After Hours networking event, hosted by White Ash Cigar Lounge. The event is setup in a way to allow each person to tell everyone what they do and what type of referrals they are looking for.

Complementary cigars will be offered.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/ewewv32f

Meeting the mayor THE TAUNTON AREA Chamber of Commerce will host a Quarterly Q&A virtual event, featuring Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell. Attendees will receive an update on what’s currently impacting the city and have the opportunity to ask the mayor questions. Bill Roth, the city’s economic director, will also be part of the event taking questions.

TUESDAY, AUG. 10, 10 A.M. Free/members; $10/nonmembers Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/5kzrs85x

Work across boundaries THE TRI-TOWN Chamber of Commerce’s Human Resources Council will hold a virtual workshop titled “Cultural Diversity: Working Across Boundaries.” The discussion will focus on workplace diversity and how to grow cultural awareness within

your organization. Local corporate trainer Jen Vondenbrink will lead the discussion.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 11, 8-9 A.M. Free Online.

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Summer fun networking

THE GREATER PROVIDENCE Chamber of Commerce will hold its virtual Chamber Café networking session.

This event is designed for Chamber members to meet and make new connections, and grow established business relationships. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own coffee and breakfast to their work or home office.

THURSDAY, AUG. 12, 8:30-9:30 A.M. Free

THE CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a Summer Networking Series event at Revolution American Bistro. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and build business relationships with fellow professionals and entrepreneurs.

Safety protocols will be followed. The event is limited to 50 tickets.

THURSDAY, AUG. 19, 5-7 P.M. $25/members; $50/nonmembers

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Revolution American Bistro, 2190 Broad St., Cranston.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/yjv8kxwx

Redefining marketing POLARIS MEP will hold a virtual workshop in partnership with TribalVision titled “Marketing Redefined: Lead Generation with TribalVision.” The consortium has been proven to help manufacturers

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grow their top lines through strategic, smarter marketing. The session will explain the consortium’s benefits and structure.

THURSDAY, AUG. 19, 1-1:30 P.M. Free

INFO AND REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/3tnfm87e

UPCOMING PBN EVENT: The 2021 Healthiest Employers Awards program will be held virtually at noon on Thursday, Aug. 5.

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For sponsorship opportunities, contact Advertising@PBN.com.

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 11

NEW GUARD SICARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Sicard went on to earn an accounting degree and an MBA from Providence College and joined the Dominican priests when he entered the clergy.

Now 64, Sicard says he’s proud of the way PC came through the pandemic and looks forward to broadening its national reputation.

JOYFUL ENDEAVOR: Providence College President the Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard remembers being impressed with the Dominican friars when he was a PC student. It drew him to their community.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

You once worked for Fleet Financial Group. What led you to the decision to join the priesthood and become a college administrator?

Being a priest was something I always thought about, even when I was young. When I came to Providence College as a student and I met the Dominican friars, I knew I would eventually be a Dominican priest. But when I graduated from college, 21 years old, I was not ready to make that kind of commitment. I wanted to work for a few years. The week after I graduated, I started working at Fleet. I applied for the MBA program while I was working at Fleet. I thought I had to give this a shot. There was never any clear-cut sign from God that this was the right thing for me to do but a feeling I had inside myself for so many, many years. I worked six years at Fleet. It prepared me well for a lot of the work I’ve done for the Dominicans. It’s served me so well over the years. My life as a priest, I can’t imagine anything bringing me more joy than that. We have 40 Dominicans here at Providence College.

What are the Dominican priests known for?

The official name is the Order of Preachers.

We’re best known for preaching. What I like especially about the Dominicans is we’ve been in higher education for 800 years. St. Dominic founded the order, and he sent his friars to the best universities in Europe. I was so impressed with the Dominicans I knew here as a student, that I was drawn to their community.

You were appointed president last summer, succeeding the Rev. Brian J. Shanley. What did you learn in your first year?

When I took over from Father Shanley, it was a fairly easy transition. I felt I was well-prepared for the challenges that last year brought. The best thing we could have possibly done last year to address the pandemic was to be here, in person. For a place like Providence College, that teacher-student interaction is so important. And it became clear to us in 2020, when we had to send the class home after spring break, it was really disappointing to the students. It was a huge adjustment for them to study remotely. It became very clear to us early on that the students wanted to be on campus, and they preferred an in-person classroom experience.

The best thing we did was open in person. What I learned as a result of that ... was the commitment of our faculty and staff to making this work.

For that spring semester in 2020, everything was remote. And for the fall, maybe half of our classes were remote. All of the faculty was in agreement.

It was a lot more difficult to teach remotely than it is to teach in person. We had staff pitching in to do contact tracing and wellness checks on our students. I never saw the community pitch in as strongly as they did last year.

How has Providence College weathered the pandemic financially?

Our direct costs for [COVID-19] were $13 million. Capital expenses were almost another $800,000 [which was reimbursed by the federal government]. That was an enormous help to us.

But you have to look at the revenue we lost, too.

We sent our students home in the spring, and we

‘We want to create programs that are going to be interesting for students who are diverse.’ lost $11 million in room and board. We’ve had a positive operating margin every year. We were really careful. We cut back on a lot of expenses.

We were financially managed very, very well. One of the things I’m most proud of is we did not lay anyone off.

What goals do you have for the upcoming year?

We’re moving on past COVID. We mandated vaccines for all of our students. We feel we are keeping them safe, and it was the right thing to do. … We envision a pretty normal academic year [starting next fall]. One of the things I worked on in the year before I became president was a new strategic plan. It’s called PC200. We are in full swing. We are reintroducing a lot of the initiatives that were in PC200, especially the academic initiatives.

[PC200 is the 10-year strategic plan for the college that calls for an emphasis on the school’s value proposition, careful fiscal management and an evolving recruitment strategy that accounts for expected demographic shifts.]

Are you looking to hold hybrid classes next year or having all in-person classes?

We are looking at all in-person for our regular day school. We learned how to use technology better, but we also learned that most of our students want an in-person experience, and most of our faculty too. We are not allowing remote classes in the year. Continuing ed classes, some of those will be remote or hybrid.

12 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Providence College ranks consistently among the best regional colleges in the Northeast. Are you trying to broaden your appeal beyond New England or increase the size of the college?

We don’t want to get much bigger. I want to stay at about 4,000 students. But even to do that, we are expanding. We want to be nationally recognized as the premier liberal arts, Catholic college.

That’s a big part of our brand. Providence College is the only college in North America that was founded by and administered by the Dominican friars. That’s an important part of our brand. We want more national recognition. With that strong, Catholic liberal arts identity but with some really good professional schools, we are going to be appealing to a larger market. We’ve hired some additional admissions counselors – one in Chicago, one in San Diego – and we are trying to expand our reach. We’re a liberal arts college, we don’t want to change that identity. Our athletics program has put us on the map in many ways. But more important than that, we want our academic reputation to make us nationally recognized.

The statistics indicate the college has an 18% enrollment of students of color. Have you increased that over the past few years and what strategies are you using?

We’ve been trying. We had been going up. The pandemic put us back. Next year, the diversity number is about 17%. We want to create programs that are going to be interesting for students who are diverse, and right now there is a growing Catholic population of Hispanic students. We want to create programs that are going to draw them to us. As a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts college, we will be attractive to that demographic.

That’s important to us. We also, in addition to creating programs … are interested in providing as much financial aid as we can. We’ve had a couple of very generous donations this year. A $1 million scholarship is going to be directed toward diverse students, helping them to meet that gap.

Do you make use of your current student body in the recruitment effort?

A lot of our students come here because they

NEW GUARD know someone who came here and loved it. There is a lot of legacy families, who send their kids to PC. There is a lot of word of mouth. When people visit our campus, that’s when they fall in love.

That’s why the pandemic was such a challenge because we couldn’t have on-campus tours. But even with that, our applications were up by about 2% from the previous year.

How are you trying to ease the cost of financing higher education for parents and students? Tuition was $53,400 this year.

We’re trying to increase the number of Pell Grants we can give. We’re trying to increase the amount of institutional aid that we can give.

When we set tuition, we went up 3% this year for tuition, room and board. We have a list of overlap colleges – we all tend to compete against each other, and we are usually right in the middle of that list. We don’t want to fall too far below. We did that a while back. We were advised … that if you get too low, you are perceived as an inferior product. We did a huge tuition bump 10 to 15 years ago, and we’ve tried to stay consistent with our competitors.

Looking at national demographics, Generation Z is one of the smallest generations in U.S. history. How is this going to make maintaining enrollment a challenge?

We’ve been looking at demographic changes for a long time. We haven’t been as quick in expanding our outreach as I’d like to be, but we are getting there. That being said, I still think even if the demographics decline in the Middle Atlantic and the New England states, I think a place like PC is still going to be very attractive to a lot of students in this area. That doesn’t mean we don’t find it important to expand our national outreach.

WORK TO DO

While the number of students of color at Providence College has climbed since 2005, statistics indicate that the number has leveled off in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped, according to PC President the Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard. “We’ve been trying,” he says.

20%

3,912 3,998 3,966 3,938 3,825 3,898 3,852 3,810 3,866 3,843 3,897 3,989 4,026 4,139 4,143 4,100*

15% 10% *UNDERGRADUATE DAY ENROLLMENT -----■----- PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS OF COLOR

5%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 3,912 3,998 3,966 3,938 3,825 3,898 3,852 3,810 3,866 3,843 SOURCE: PROVIDENCE COLLEGE

center. And in the spring, we’re breaking ground on a new residence hall, a suite-style facility. We just issued new bonds as well.

You are known for business specialties, including finance, marketing and management. What other majors are students interested in at PC? Our biggest major for the incoming class is finance. The second is biology. Biology is always a big major for us. That’s one of our most popular

programs. Third is marketing and fourth, interestingly, is psychology. That’s one where we’re seeing a steady growth every year. People became more cognizant of mental health this year, especially during the pandemic.

How are you promoting the academic reputation of the college?

Return on investment is obviously very important to us, to students and their families. We have a high graduate rate. We have an excellent retention rate. We’re well above 90% for a retention rate, for all four years. Our reputation is really good.

For several years, Providence College has had a large number of Fulbright Scholars. How does the college encourage this? Do you identify students who have that kind of promise and are they being cultivated?

During the pandemic, you had to put some construction projects on hold. Have they resumed?

We are in full force this summer.

We’re completely redoing Raymond [Hall]. That’s a two-year project.

We’ll do about half of it this year and then finish next summer. We’re doing work on our science complex.

We added a new building about three years ago. We are in the third year of a five-year project to redo all of the existing buildings. We are going to break ground next summer on the Friar Development Center II, which will include a new career education

‘I never saw the community pitch in as strongly as they did last year.’

One of our faculty, a history professor named Darra Mulderry, has taken on the role of advising students with regard to the Fulbright program.

She’s worked hard to raise students’ interest in the program and then she mentors them.

Students at Providence College have often been criticized for offcampus behavior, such as large parties. How do you see the college’s relationship with the city?

And can you exert control over off-campus behavior?

CAMPUS MAKEOVER: The Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, Providence College president, stands outside Harkins Hall on the college grounds. Sicard says PC is in the midst of a five-year project to improve all campus buildings.

To a certain extent. We do everything we can. We’re a lot better than we were five or six years ago, when there were real tensions with the neighbors. I remember going to a neighborhood meeting … and we just got slammed. It has gotten better. We had a couple of big parties last year during the pandemic, and it couldn’t have made us look worse. I was really embarrassed by that. I certainly don’t want to make any excuses, but I think the kids were just so fed up with being inside. We require first-year, secondyear and third-year students to live on campus. So, it’s only the seniors who are allowed to live off campus. n

PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 13

CLEAN ENERGY N.J.’s offshore wind plans facing some turbulence

BY WAYNE PARRY | The Associated Press

OCEAN CITY, N.J. – New Jersey is moving aggressively to become the leader in the fast-growing offshore wind energy industry on the East Coast, but not everyone is blown away by those ambitious plans.

While the state’s Democratic political leadership is solidly behind a rapid build-out of wind energy projects off the coast – it has set a goal of generating 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2050 – opposition is growing among citizens groups, and even some green energy-loving environmentalists are wary of the pace and scope of the plans.

The most commonly voiced objections include the unknown effect hundreds or even thousands of wind turbines might have on the ocean, fears of higher electric bills as costs are passed on to consumers and a sense that the entire undertaking is being rushed through with little understanding of what the consequences might be.

Recreational and commercial fishermen have long felt left out of the planning for offshore wind, much of which will take place in prime fishing grounds.

Similar concerns have been voiced by offshore wind opponents in New England, France and South Korea, among other places.

Adding to the unhappiness is a bill passed by the state Legislature and awaiting action by N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy that, aside from granting them a public hearing, would remove virtually all control from local communities over where and how the power lines come ashore.

“They’re still learning about this, and we’re the guinea pigs,” said Rick Bertsch, who is active with a group of Ocean City residents opposed to three offshore wind projects already approved off their city.

Danish company Orsted A/S said in a statement that it is “fully committed to growing the New Jersey offshore wind industry sustainably. Our teams have held multiple open houses and are committed to meeting with stakeholders in the community to educate them on the countless economic, environmental and community benefits of offshore wind.”

The company, which has offices in Providence and owns and operates the Block Island Wind Farm, said it is committed to protecting the marine environment, and already has altered the planned layout of its turbines in one project after input from fishing groups.

Most environmentalists and some business groups strongly support offshore wind as a clean, renewable power source as the nation and the world try to transition away from burning fossil fuels. They say the wind farms will generate power that would otherwise be generated by burning coal or natural gas, helping to address climate change – and that the rapid pace of development is crucial to addressing climate change before it becomes irreversible.

Many of the opponents, particularly in floodprone Ocean City, say they believe climate change

WIND RESISTANCE: A lawn sign in Ocean City, N.J., opposing offshore wind turbines compares the size of the proposed turbines along the New Jersey coast with other structures such as the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty.

AP PHOTO/WAYNE PARRY

is real and that a warming planet and rising seas are threats that must be addressed.

And while many agree that continuing to burn fossil fuels will only make things worse, some opponents wish New Jersey would proceed more slowly and deliberately, learning as it goes.

Three projects capable of generating enough electricity to power 1.6 million homes have already been approved by state regulators – and many more are on the way. New Jersey plans to solicit additional projects every two years until 2028.

There will be about 285 turbines built for those three projects, the state says.

“Why push this through, trampling all over the rights and desires of the people, without fully hearing from all stakeholders, considering all the financial, ecological, socioeconomic consequences?” asked Suzanne Hornick, a leader of the Ocean City opposition. “It’s going to be an industrial site out there.”

She worries residential customers could pay much higher prices for electricity than they do now.

Orsted said the first New Jersey project would raise the average residential customer’s bill by $1.46 a month. The state says its second project would add another $1.28 to residential bills. Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind’s project would add $2.21 a month to residential bills.

The Block Island wind farm, one of two currently operating in the U.S., has had its growing

‘It’s going to be an industrial site out there.’

SUZANNE HORNICK, opposition group leader 14 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

pains, including a cable that was not buried deep enough in the sea bed that got loose and had to be reburied. Ratepayers are paying part of the cost through a surcharge.

Most of Ocean City’s council opposes the offshore wind projects, even as officials in many other communities embrace the technology as an environmental and economic boon. Last week, 110 elected officials from around the state signed a letter supporting what they call “responsible” offshore wind development.

One common criticism is visual pollution, the idea that the turbines will be visible from the shoreline and ruin pristine ocean views. Developers say the turbines, projected to be about 10 to 20 miles offshore, will be visible on the horizon under clear weather conditions, but less so during foggy or hazy conditions.

A residents group called Go Green and Unseen wants the turbines moved 35 miles offshore so they will be invisible from the shore.

And while many environmental groups support offshore wind, that support is not universal, nor unqualified. Clean Ocean Action, New Jersey’s leading ocean advocacy group, says it supports offshore wind but wants to see a demonstration project first, to study and learn from the results.

“These first proposals off the Jersey Shore are massive and total over 1.16 million acres – about the size of Grand Canyon National Park, and a law is pending to block communities’ concerns,” said Cindy Zipf, the group’s executive director.

“If we don’t get this right, we may learn too late that the ‘Great Offshore Wind Boom’ of the 2020s accelerated the ecological collapse of this ocean realm, the billion-dollar economies it supports and its ability to help buffer climate change,” she said. “To assuage the sins of our fossil fuel past, we must take care not to act recklessly, threatening the very goose that lays the golden eggs – our vibrant, giving ocean.” n

PBN.COM | ANOTHER LOOK Film tax credit program has issues

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: A version of this story was first published on PBN.com on July 15.)

PROVIDENCE – Not only is the state losing money on its motion picture tax credit program, but a majority of the companies that get tax breaks are not following state reporting requirements, according to Paul L. Dion, chief of the R.I. Office of Revenue Analysis.

Nine of the 11 companies that received tax breaks on in-state production costs between 2016 and 2018 – the most recent data available – did not submit at least one key form to the R.I. Division of Taxation, Dion told Providence Business News. These findings, part of an ongoing analysis of the tax credit program, echo a 2018 ORA report based on credits issued from 2013 to 2015 highlighting a multitude of shortcomings with the program, including the absence of certain details needed to fully evaluate its effectiveness.

The criticism comes amid a bump in state spending on the program. The recently approved state fiscal 2022 budget added $10 million for film tax credits for calendar year 2022, for a total allotment of $30 million.

Proponents of the program, which gives eligible companies tax breaks of up to 30% of production expendi-

tures made within the state, said the increased funding will help lure major companies to the state, generating jobs and local spending, as well as indirect boosts to local tourism.

While Dion did not dispute that there may be some indirect, unquantifiable benefits to the program, he highlighted the department’s 2018 report that said the state gets back 27 cents for every dollar spent on the credit. The report also highlighted “significant noncompliance” in data reporting requirements for the companies that get tax breaks.

Among the missing pieces for many is state form 8201A, which includes details on the number of employees, their wages and home states. Without these details, evaluating whether and how the program boosted local employment is difficult, if not impossible, Dion said.

“How do you do an assessment of a credit that 11 production companies use when only two of them provided information?” he said.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi in an emailed statement said he would “look into” the department’s report but did not respond to a followup question about compliance issues.

Steven Feinberg, executive director for the R.I. Film & Television Office, did not return multiple inquiries for comment.

Even with more-accurate data,

nesses – hotels, hardware stores, transportation companies – companies only report how many dollars they spend in any given industry, not the specific businesses that receive it, Dion said. That means there is no way to ensure the money is actually being spent in Rhode Island versus another neighboring state, or that small businesses are benefiting over national chains or corporations.

The state report specifically says the credit should not be increased without “significant changes” to the structure of the program.

It also states, “if the credit were to be made more generous to encourage usage, the net impact of the credit would be even more negative.”

While Dion stressed it was up to lawmakers to decide how to spend the state revenue, he said he wished his office’s recommendations regarding compliance were taken into account before money was added to the program.

“We make that recommendation for a reason,” he said. “I wish [lawmakers] had addressed that before they provided that money.”

Alan Krinsky, a senior fiscal policy analyst for the Economic Progress Institute, echoed his sentiment.

“Legislators are making decisions on how to spend revenue,” he said. “It’s up to them to make wise ­decisions.” n

NOT A BIG FAN: Paul L. Dion, chief of the R.I. Office of Revenue Analysis, says a majority of companies that have benefited from the state’s motion picture tax credit program have not complied with reporting requirements.

COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Dion remained convinced the program was a cost drain. A state analysis of the program shows that a majority of the jobs created by production companies are temporary, low-paying and often benefit the “above-the-line” talent like producers and actors who do not live in Rhode Island.

As for money spent on local busi-

Reach our region’s most influential business and philanthropic leaders. Share your message with key placement in the 2021 edition.

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FU TU R E RS

BOARD OF DIRECTO

ABOUT SKILLS FOR (SKILLSRI) RHODE ISLAND’S FUTURE

Ronald Arigo Amanda Bailey

REGIONAL PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES

nonprofit Future (SkillsRI) is a unemployed and Skills for Rhode Island’s opportunity by connecting down barriers to economic civic-minded employers. organization that breaks socially responsible, Islanders to jobs with underemployed Rhode the workforce skills gap y, SkillsRI works to close ven workforce intermediar Islanders into open A statewide, demand-dri d/underemployed Rhode ent, contributing growth, and move unemploye empowerm economic in RI, drive business of is a key driver of sustainable wage. SkillsRI that meet the demands positions that pay a of workforce services mobility. vitality through the provision Islanders achieve upward to the state’s economic and helping Rhode talent development local employers, fostering

Timothy Byrne Cindy Erickson Jenifer Giroux Susan Hannon David Himsey Jeffrey Lackey Rajani Mahadevan Amy T.M. Oakley

BREAKIN

John Sinnott Patricia A. Thompson Vera Tyagi Laurie White Jason Witham

Don’t miss out on the chance to have over 24,000 readers learn more about your mission.

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October 29, 2021

INDUSTRIES SKILLSRI SUPPORT

onal • Administrative/Professi Services l • Customer Service/Cal Center • Financial Services • Food Service & Hospitality • Information Technology • Healthcare • Human Services • Maintenance/Custodial • Manufacturing • Retail • Sales • Transportation

IC MOBILITY

TO ECONOM G DOWN BARRIERS

Nina Pande Marie Trzupek Lynch

CALLING ALL N O N- P ROF I T S I N RH OD E I S L A ND

for Rhode The mission of Skills is Island’s Future (SkillsRI) ven to create demand-dri to solutions for employers and get the unemployed to work. underemployed back workforce various Through we development initiatives, of vision our strive to meet transforming lives through t and meaningful employmen economic mobility.

30 Exchange Terrace Providence, RI 02903 i.com 401-680-5960 ❤ skillsforr

RHOD E ISLAN

opportunity by connecting barriers to economic d Future, we break down responsible, civic-minde At Skills for Rhode Island’s to jobs with socially yed Rhode Islanders their skills, resume and unemployed and underemplo each candidate to assess work one-on-one with team from initial employers. SkillsRI recruiters member of the recruitment partners. are paired with a dedicated than 100 employer career goals. Candidates with one of our more through to a job offer RI initiatives, a phone call all the way for multiple Real Jobs services meet recruitment and placement workers designed to SkillsRI also provides and skills training for provides targeted education statewide initiative that employers. the hiring needs of local and offers enhancement services SkillsRI provides career work a pipeline of talent, individuals to real-world And to further foster designed to expose internship programs l network. SkillsRI services high school and college develop a professiona and skills, soft and technical experiences, build both residents. to eligible Rhode Island are offered at no cost

I SUPPORTING SKILLSR

donations no cost. We rely on and hiring partners at offered to job candidates support of our public SkillsRI services are grateful for the generous and sponsors and are two options: organization, you have from our amazing supporters support our non-profit If you would like to and private donors.

Donate by Mail Future Skills for Rhode Island’s 30 Exchange Terrace Providence, RI 02903

Donate Online m/donate http://www.skillsforri.co

through meaningful Transforming lives omic mobility employment and econ Oricel M.

Accelerated CNA Training

Program

every guided me through “The SkillsRI staff and they truly cared step of the process, With the help of the about seeing me succeed. on a path to a better SkillsRI team, I’m now and I path of my dreams, future in the career state.” home in my get to make a difference

Honeywell

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 13 FTE 5 AmeriCorps VISTAs

very hands-on through“The recruiters were helped me find a role out the process. They the me, prepared me for that made sense for the notified throughout interview and kept me ly my life has complete then, Since process. changed.”

AAA Northeast

contacting SkillsRI, “If you’re hesitant about them to start by calling my suggestion is . about your concerns and asking questions and they aren’t selling They aren’t pushy, your focus is on turning you anything. Their reality.” a into hopes and dreams

Dana L.

Goetz Composites

William Fitzgerald Board President

Marie Ghazal CEO

Joshua B.

Cheri W.

for a month, and I love “I’ve been working here with a up every morning what I do. I wake with hope for a brighter positive outlook and I’m me that hope, and future. SkillsRI gave I to do something that thankful to be able son proud.” know will make my

Clinic’s mission The Rhode Island Free ive is to provide free, comprehens health medical care and preventive have no services to adults who cannot afford health insurance and serve as an those services; and to site for educational training professionals. aspiring health care

help us provide COVID-19. You can S HARDEST HIT BY s are on the front RHODE ISLANDER PROVIDE CARE FOR of color in urban communitie You can low-income adults. People nately and need healthcare. vital care to uninsured, suffering disproportio labs and pandemic. They are care, specialist services, lines of the COVID-19 a donation. Primary time. and follow-up care with this unprecedented provide COVID-19 Tests are essential during and behavioral health tests, medicine, dental, TO VOLUNTEER NOW. NAL, WE NEED YOU PROFESSIO RE IF YOU ARE A HEALTHCA today!

You can make a difference

GOALS

ANNUAL REVENUE of its The Clinic raises 100% budget $1.3 million operating patients from donations. Our With receive care at no cost.

Clinic this $1.3 million, the leverages over $6 million of goods more in donations year. and services each D YEAR ESTABLISHE The Clinic was established First Lady in 1999 by former The Clinic Stephanie Chafee. anniversary celebrated its 20th in 2019.

R SKILLS FO ND’ S RHO DE ISLA

TOP FUNDING SOURCES 32% Individuals 28% Corporations

FU TU R E 401.680.5960

www.SkillsforRI.com

FUNDRAISING / EVENTS

Test Site to make sure We are operating a COVID-19 volunteers who serve in time for the Clinic. serve and our This is a critical moment a test. The people we about how to pay for more than ever before! no one has to worry need your help now lines of this crisis. They is increasing every day. them are on the front and demand for care NEED! Founders’ Event Fundraiser, GET THE CARE THEY We canceled our annual MORE PATIENTS TO ALLOW WILL NOW DONATING RIGHT

OPPORTUNITIES

to Rhode Island adults effective health care Interpreters ing Clinic provides cost ls. We need Spanish VOLUNTEER: Our award-winn and dental professiona seek volunteer medical 700+ volunteers coordinate who need it most. We patients. Each year our We screen our to Spanish speaking Tests and follow-up. to help provide care and now, COVID-19 has increased demand including medicines, 11,000+ patient visits is our priority. COVID-19 safety at your If you volunteer, contact Sophie Silvia patients for COVID-19. information to volunteer, your help now. For more for care, and we need or 401.274.6347 x203. to deliver ssilvia@rifreeclinic.org and services. Our cost of donated medicine far less $1 donated into $6 per person per year, GIVE: We leverage every Islanders is just $500 by visiting our care to vulnerable Rhode donation go further your comprehensive health Make 47 ext. 329. average of $11,000. than the national estimated rifreeclinic.org or 401.274.63 Sam Lawrence at slawrence@ website or contacting

BOARD

40% Grants

President | Carrie William Fitzgerald, Board Vice President | Jeffrey Bridges Féliz, MPH, | Domenic Chase-Lubitz, Esq., Secretary | Caroline Troise, MD, Delmonico, Treasurer Gim, President Emeritus Medical Director | Mark Bjornebye, Esq. | Andrew MEMBERS: Jehanne | Jerry Fingerut, Dubois Davis, Esq. | Loree | Whitney Clarke | Michele MD | George Greer Rakatansky, MD | Philip Lederberg | Herbert Perroni Rizzuto, MD | Joseph

info@SkillsforRI.com

| OCTOBER 2020 BUSINESS NEWS ■ PROVIDENCE GIVING Guide 2020 www.pbn.com | om Guide 2020 | www.pbn.c NEWS ■ GIVING | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS 16 | OCTOBER 2020

NT

MISSION STATEME

Providence, RI 02907 655 Broad Street ❤ ic.org 401.274.6347 ❤ rifreeclin

| 17

Right on

mothers and babies, Chapter for helping of Dimes Rhode Island better.

Here’s to the March uninsured adults feel Free Clinic for helping and to the Rhode Island 20-326155 © 2020 United HealthCare EI20324405.0 9/20

Services, Inc. All Rights

Reserved.

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Contact your account manager or Advertising@PBN.com | 401-680-4800 www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 15

FOCUS | ENGINEERING

Dam dangers remain, but awareness rises

BY CASSIUS SHUMAN | Shuman@PBN.com

PLANS

to remove a deteriorating dam along the Pawcatuck River in Westerly and Hopkinton have riverfront residents in both towns upset that lower water levels after the dam is gone will dry out their wells and lower their property values.

The Potter Hill Dam, first built in the 1780s and rebuilt in the early 1900s, also illustrates a problem that public officials in Rhode Island have wrestled with for a long time: what to do with hundreds of dams that are relics of the state’s industrial past and are now in disrepair. Often, they are costly to fix.

Of Rhode Island’s 669 dams, 81 have been deemed unsafe, more than half of which would result in “probable loss of human life” if they failed, according to a report issued by the R.I. Department of Environmental Management in 2020.

In the case of the Potter Hill Dam, built to power a mill on the Westerly side of the river, the structure is classified as a low hazard.

But the nearby Wyoming Upper Reservoir Dam, a 300-year-old structure that crosses the Wood River in Hopkinton and Richmond, is a different story. The DEM has deemed it unsafe and a high hazard, and the state started repairs on the dam

on June 30 at the cost of $2.9 million. The work will be paid for through the $47.3 million Green Economy and Clean Water Bond approved by voters statewide in 2018.

With repair and removal projects underway, the situation with the state’s dams has improved. David Chopy, supervisor of the DEM’s Office of Compliance and Inspection, said there is more awareness of the need to maintain dams, and owners are becoming more active in making repairs without being required.

Still, the high number of unsafe highhazard dams remains a worry.

“I am concerned about the condition of the dams. I think we have too many in poor condition or unsafe condition,” Chopy said. “We need to do more work to get those dams up to the standard that is, in my mind, protective.”

Chopy said many of the dams are hundreds of years old and determining the owner can be challenging. The dams that pose the greatest hazards are inspected every two years, and the state issues a report annually. This year’s report is still being finalized.

Chopy said the state would be better off without most of the dams.

“A lot of these dams were put in place for a specific reason and that reason doesn’t exist anymore,” he said. “So, now

POINT OF CONTENTION: State Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy overlooks the Potter Hill Dam at the Pawcatuck River. The town of Westerly wants to remove the dam, but some residents in Westerly and Hopkinton are concerned about the aftereffects.

PBN PHOTO/ ELIZABETH GRAHAM

‘Removing the dam eliminates future maintenance and repair.’

LISA PELLEGRINI, Westerly director of development services 16 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

they’re just a liability.”

Westerly’s plans to remove the Potter Hill Dam are aimed at restoring the river to its natural condition, improving fish passage, reducing flood risk and increasing public access. The estimated cost: $1.7 million.

Westerly is expecting to receive $852,595 in grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration over three years. The town is also receiving contributions from The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District and the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association.

The Hopkinton residents near the Pawcatuck River are concerned that removal would lead to their wells drying up as the river level drops, while Westerly residents worry about flooding downstream, a loss of river frontage and reduced property values.

Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy, a Democrat who represents Hopkinton and Westerly, said the town of Westerly has its sights set on removal of the dam, as it moves to meet terms of the three-year NOAA grant agreement.

Kennedy said removal appears to be imminent, with the project slated for an October start date.

Part of the problem is half the dam is in Hopkinton and half of it is in Westerly.

Kennedy said Westerly officials held two public hearings on Zoom per the terms of the grant application but have not been open to further discussion. “The amount of input that people have had has been minimal on this.

It’s been ... frustrating,” he said.

Kennedy said estimates are that the river could drop between 2 to 6 feet, negatively affecting riverfront properties.

The current owner of the dam and mill property, Renewable Resources Inc., of Hopkinton, has expressed support for the dam removal. Kennedy said the mill building – abandoned in the 1950s – has become a hazard, slowly crumbling into the river.

Lisa Pellegrini, Westerly’s director of development services, said the town is reviewing public comments and determining its next steps, which may include additional studies. But she believes the removal of the dam is the best option.

“Partially removing or improving the existing dam would require continual maintenance of the dam,” she said. “Removing the dam eliminates future maintenance and repair – and returns the river to its natural state and that is always considered optimal.”

Since the dam removal project does not present the risk of loss of life, or any major economic impact, the DEM’s involvement is restricted to issuing permits, Chopy said. But, he added, if the dam is not removed, it will eventually fall prey to Mother Nature.

“If the town didn’t maintain it, eventually the dam would wash away,” Chopy said. “Nobody knows what storm is going to cause that to happen, but at some point, it will fail, and there will be flooding.” n

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 17

| FOCUS ENGINEERINGFIRMS FIRMS(ranked (ranked by number of local licensed professional engineers) FOCUS | ENGINEERING by number of local licensed professional engineers) CLOSER LOOK

Company | Website Principal(s)

Address Phone

Licensed engineers Nonlicensed engineers

2020: 1

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. | vhb.com Joseph T. Wanat, principal and Rhode Island managing director

1 Cedar St., Suite 400 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 272-8100

44 68

Civil, environmental, land development, planning, transportation

2 2020: 2

Pare Corp. | parecorp.com Larry Riggs, president

8 Blackstone Valley Place Lincoln, R.I. 02865 (401) 334-4100

30 30

Bridge, civil, dams, environmental, geotechnical, GIS, highway, marine, permitting, stormwater, structural, traffic, wastewater, water

3

Fuss & O'Neill Inc. | fando.com Shawn Martin, vice president and office manager

317 Iron Horse Way Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 861-3070

23 8

Brownfields, civil, environmental, hazardous materials, health/safety, land development, MEP, sustainable design

4

Wright-Pierce | wright-pierce.com John W. Braccio

10 Dorrance St., Suite 840 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 383-2276

21 6

Building design, civil, dams, electrical, GIS, mechanical, stormwater, water/wastewater

2020: 6

5

DiPrete Engineering | diprete-eng.com Dennis L. DiPrete, president

2 Stafford Court Cranston, R.I. 02920 (401) 943-1000

15 17

Civil and environmental regulatory permitting for landdevelopment projects throughout Southern New England

6 2020: 7

Woodard & Curran | woodardcurran.com Alyson Watson, CEO

33 Broad St., Floor 7 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 273-1007

13 22

Civil, environmental, instrumentation and controls, sewer and waste, utility, water

6

Steere Engineering Inc. | steereengineering.com Patricia Steere, owner and president

2350 Post Road, Suite 100 Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 773-7880

13 5

3D CAD modeling and rendering, bridge, contractor support, environmental, highway, NBIS bridge inspection, traffic

6

Gordon R. Archibald Inc. | graengs.com Joseph J. Giordano, president

200 Main St. Pawtucket, R.I. 02860 (401) 726-4084

13 4

Civil and environmental, public works and private development

6

Crossman Engineering | crossmaneng.com Steven Cabral, president

151 Centerville Road Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 738-5660

13 10

Civil, transportation, traffic, environmental, landscape architecture, permitting/site planning and land surveying

Thielsch Engineering Inc. | thielsch.com Vincent Graziano, CEO and president

195 Frances Ave. Cranston, R.I. 02910 (401) 467-6454

12 17

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, process, energy, metallurgical

C. A. Pretzer Associates Inc. | capretzer.com Michael J. Grafe, president

50 Freeway Drive Cranston, R.I. 02920 (401) 785-2690

6 5

Structural-engineering consulting firm

Creative Environment Corp. | cec-engineering.com Thomas Weiss and Steven Costa, principals; Frank Zaino, associate principal

195 Frances Ave., Building 2 Cranston, R.I. 02910 (401) 438-7733

5 18

Electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, security and telecommunication/data

Northeast Engineers & Consultants Inc. | northeastengineers.com Daniel Szymanski, president

6 Valley Road Middletown, R.I. 02842 (401) 849-0810

5 3

Civil, coastal, environmental, GIS, ISDS, land development, structural, survey

14

Paul B. Aldinger & Associates Inc. | pba-engr.com Paul B. Aldinger, president and chief engineer

860A Waterman Ave. East Providence, R.I. 02914 (401) 435-5570

4 1

Geotechnical engineering and groundwater hydrology

14

Bryant Associates Inc. | bryant-engrs.com Jeffrey C. Bryant, CEO

640 George Washington Highway Lincoln, R.I. 02865 (401) 722-7660

4 1

Civil, construction management, green building, mapping, permitting, structural, surveying, traffic

14

Millstone Engineering PC | millstoneeng.com Jeffrey C. Hanson, president

250 Centerville Road Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 921-3344

4 1

Civil, environmental, land development, planning, site, surveying and regulatory permitting

17

Joe Casali Engineering Inc. | joecasali.com Joseph Casali, president

300 Post Road Warwick, R.I. 02888 (401) 944-1300

3 3

Civil, site and geotechnical engineering

Arden Building Cos. LLC | ardenbuildingcompanies.com Robert Bolton, CEO

505 Narragansett Park Drive Pawtucket, R.I. 02861 (401) 727-3500

2 16

Electrical, fire protection, HVAC and plumbing

Trinity Engineering RI Peter DiSpigno, owner

11 Briggs Road Foster, R.I. 02825 (401) 500-2538

1 0

Electrical, fire alarm, generators, photovoltaic systems

2021 rank

1

2020: 14

2020: 5

2020: 8

2020: 8

2020: NL

10

2020: 8

11

2020: 11

12 2020: NL 12

2020: 15

2020: 17

2020: 15

2020: 17

2020: 19

18

2020: 21

19

2020: 21

Type of engineering

231

Total number of non-licensed engineers:

235

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

UPCOMING LISTS Aug. 6: Executive Recruiters, Executive Compensation in Public Companies, Staffing Firms; Aug. 20: Chief Security Officers, Cybersecurity Companies, Rhode Island CIOs, Rhode Island Law Firms.

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

NL = Not listed last year.

YEARS

130

PROMOTING THE MECHANICAL CONTRACTING www.nemca.org www.nemca.org 617.405.4221 617.405.4221 INDUSTRY FOR OVER @NewEnglandMCA @NewEnglandMCA 18 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Total number of licensed engineers:

ENGINEERING | FOCUS After decades of work, light at end of CSO tunnel

BY MARY MACDONALD | MacDonald@PBN.com

WHAT HAPPENS BENEATH the streets of Providence and surrounding cities is unseen by residents, but after heavy rainfall, the result always ends up in nearby rivers and Narragansett Bay. For decades, following storms, the street drains and sewers that are part of the city’s underground infrastructure had overflowed, discharging untreated water into waterways. A massive undertaking begun more than 20 years ago by the Narragansett Bay Commission, to replace its century-old sewer and water runoff infrastructure below ground, has entered a final phase.

In late June, the commission started construction of the third and final tunnel that will capture as much as 58.5 million gallons of this mixed overflow and retain it so it can be safely treated before discharge. The final phase of the Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program affects the Seekonk River, which flows into Narragansett Bay and includes communities such as East Providence, Pawtucket and Providence.

The planning for the program dates in the early 1990s. Officials say the first two CSO storage tunnels dug with massive boring equipment – one completed in 2008 and the second in 2014 – have been a huge success. The first tunnel has prevented about 1.1 billion gallons of wastewater from flowing into the bay before being treated, according to NBC. Tests have shown that pollution levels in the bay have dropped to the point that shellfish beds near Providence have been opened for the first time in decades.

But the Seekonk River remains a source of pollution, particularly after heavy rainstorms.

Upon completion, the third tunnel is expected to further reduce the frequency of closures of shellfish beds.

For the project engineers, the final phase marks the end of a long-term commitment.

They have designed the Pawtucket tunnel, a 2.2-mile-long, 30-foot-wide tunnel that will run below Pawtucket and Central Falls.

The $450 million construction project is being handled through a design-build contract that includes CB3A, a U.S.-based subsidiary of a French construction and engineering firm, and Massachusetts-based Barletta Heavy Division Inc. The tunnel is expected to be completed in 2027.

It will replace a system that now relies on piping that combines sewer discharges from homes and businesses and runoff from roads, buildings and other impervious surfaces, according to Jamie Samons, NBC public affairs officer.

“This was great technology in 1872, but in 1972, under the federal Clean Water Act, all of those became illegal,” she said of the original systems.

From an engineering standpoint, the challenge of the latest phase included finding cost savings that would not hurt the responsiveness of the new

DIGGING IT: Workers for the contractor CB3A start working on the main shaft of the combined sewer overflow tunnel that will run more than 100 feet below the city of Pawtucket. The shaft, located on School Street in Pawtucket, will be 60 feet in diameter and will allow a boring machine to be lowered in.

COURTESY NARRAGANSETT BAY COMMISSION/PETER GOLDBERG

system, according to Melissa Carter, a vice president at Stantec Inc., the Canadian company leading design and engineering on the project since 2014.

“The main challenge was trying to optimize the plan,” Carter said. With phase three, engineers examined earlier models and started revising the plan to try to minimize costs. “We really wanted to look at minimizing cost but getting as much out of the existing performance system as we could,” she said.

One of the results of those engineering changes was a decision to raise the final tunnel by 25 feet.

It will now run from about 115 feet to 155 feet deep, sloping to a pumping station that will then deliver untreated water to the Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Facility in East Providence.

To determine whether such changes would work, engineers used a digital modeling tool, called a digital twin, and went into the field to capture real-time data following storms. They were able to determine whether the modified system would work under various conditions.

Tunnel projects are always challenging, Carter said, because engineers can’t “see” underground.

To determine the conditions, the engineering companies involved in the project, including Pare Corp., of Lincoln, took deep-rock borings several hundred feet apart all along the proposed route “to

‘Even though it is a long-term project ... at the end of the day it’s very rewarding.’

try to characterize the rock as much as we can,” Carter said.

That process took about two years, according to Brandon Blanchard, managing engineer for Pare.

Providence is among many communities in the country that have embarked on the combined sewer overflow systems, Blanchard said. Similar efforts have been undertaken in recent years in Boston, in Hartford, Conn., and in New York and Philadelphia. Each system is unique, however, as the soil and setting conditions differ.

Before the first CSO tunnel was completed, Samons said, the Narragansett Bay Commission’s system had 75 to 150 sewer overflows a year. The goal of the program is to provide enough underground storage to capture the flow from a threemonth storm, one that could drop as much as 1.65 inches of rain in six hours.

“So the goal, at the end of the program, is we see only a few overflows each year,” Samons said.

When construction of the connection to the existing sewers begins, vertical shafts will be created using controlled blasts. But people above ground should not feel much of that, given the depth, Carter said.

A tunnel boring machine, with a diameter of 30 feet, will slowly drill through the earth to clear the space for the tunnel itself, continuously grinding the rock in front of it, Carter said.

The third tunnel will have a wide impact when completed, Carter said. “Not just to the environment but to the community,” she said. “Even though it is a long-term project and seeing the payoff is not going to be immediate, at the end of the day it’s very rewarding.” n

MELISSA CARTER, Stantec Inc. vice president www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 19

FOCUS | EDUCATION JOB TRAINING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

employees to large employers such as CVS Health Corp. and Fidelity Investments Inc. “Woonsocket is often underserved – its unemployment rate is typically at least one or more percentage points higher than the state average,” said Amy Grzybowski, the director of the Westerly Education Center who is also expected to direct the northern Rhode Island center. “It is an opportune spot, not only for the people but for the employers.”

The R.I. Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner is set to lease and build out a 14,700-squarefoot space on the third floor of a partially vacant building at 95-117 Main St. in Woonsocket that decades ago played a central role in the mill city’s commercial district.

The project will cost about $4 million to $5 million, which includes the cost of operating for the first year, according to Grzybowski. More than $2 million has been donated by private entities and anonymous donors.

The center, which will feature a mock CVS store, classrooms, computer laboratories, a customer service center and customized space for hands-on, industry-ready training programs, is expected to open in late 2021 or early next year.

The name of the center has not been finalized.

Grzybowski said the goal is to serve 500 people at the center in the first year, and enrollment is expected to grow after that.

“Rhode Island businesses, especially those located in northern Rhode Island, have had an urgent need for employees, and even more so now after the pandemic,” she said. “We will help transform the workforce there from some soon-tobe obsolete jobs, to more longer-term and lucrative career pathways.”

The Woonsocket center will follow the blueprint of the Westerly Education Center, which partners with private companies and the R.I. Department of Labor and Training to offer workforce development training and classroom space for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island.

The origins of the Westerly center can be traced back to a conversation between state Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro, D-Westerly, and developer Charles Royce.

“Out of the blue, he said, ‘You know what this town needs is a community college in downtown Westerly,’ ” Azzinaro said of his initial talk with Royce. “He’s a very educated-minded person, and he loves community colleges.”

Azzinaro liked the idea, thinking that a higher education center in downtown Westerly would complement Royce’s efforts to preserve the area’s character. Royce, one of the partners behind the rebuilding of the Ocean House in 2010, offered $2 million as startup funding. State leaders said they’d get on board if the facility included job skills training.

WORK SITE: Amy Grzybowski, future director of a planned higher education center in northern Rhode ­Island, visits the building in downtown Woonsocket that will be converted into the center by late 2021 or early 2022.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

General Dynamics Electric Boat, which employs thousands in North Kingstown, was identified as an employer needing to bolster its workforce, and the company signed on to develop a curriculum based on the skills it needed from workers. A new building was constructed on 2½ acres on Friendship Street in Westerly.

“What was born was the Westerly Education Center,” said Grzybowski, who has served as its director since 2017. She is also executive director of the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner’s R.I. Higher Education and Industry Centers.

Grzybowski said the Westerly center has delivered better results than anticipated, putting 6,000 employees into the workforce at Electric Boat over more than four years.

It’s hoped the Woonsocket postsecondary center, which has been in the works since 2018, will also unite employers with educators to bolster the regional workforce and its economy.

Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt said the center’s location in the commercial district is vital to bring back the city’s economy and its workforce, which had been hurt by the pandemic.

“We all know that for many years across the state and across the country that main streets

have been darkened. It’s not the 1950s and ’60s when things were bustling,” she said. “And our main street was challenged, like many others.”

Azzinaro agreed that these types of centers can be helpful in building a workforce decimated by the pandemic. “We have got to get people back to work. Everybody is looking for help. Everywhere you go, there is a sign on the door – help wanted,” he said.

The state’s public colleges will offer courses throughout the year in Woonsocket, ranging from general education to graduate level. GED courses will also be provided by a local education organization. Private businesses and organizations will be able to rent classrooms for training or meetings.

The Woonsocket center’s employer partners will be AAA Northeast, CVS and Fidelity. Its state partners are the DLT, the R.I. Department of Education, the R.I. Executive Office of Commerce and the Governor’s Workforce Board.

“What is neat about working for the office of postsecondary is we can kind of be the hotel of the higher ed workforce opportunities so that we can meet the demand of the employers,” Grzybowski said. n

‘It is an opportune spot, not only for the people but for the employers.’

AMY GRZYBOWSKI, R.I. Higher Education and Industry Centers executive director 20 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

EDUCATION | FOCUS Persuading older students to finish what they started

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

GRADUATING COLLEGE IS A MILESTONE for many, perhaps more so in a pandemic.

For Jennifer Vinalon, the diploma holds even more significance. Vinalon, 37, earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Rhode Island in the spring, making good on the plans she abandoned more than 10 years ago.

As a 20-something, she was unsure of her career path and left her bachelor’s program a few credits in after earning an associate degree at the Community College of Rhode Island.

It was only after a decade of working at Citizens Bank, being passed over for promotions or open positions because she did not have a bachelor’s, that she found the motivation and direction she needed to crack open the books again.

Vinalon is not alone. More than 130,000 Rhode Islanders age 25 and over started but didn’t complete college degree programs, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates from 2019, the most recent data available.

As lingering effects of the pandemic keep unemployment rates up and college enrollment down, many say the time to get adults back in the classroom is now.

Indeed, the state remains far below former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s goal of having 70% of the state’s adult workforce armed with a higher education degree by 2025. Right now, the number stands at 53%, according to data from the R.I. Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner.

‘Adult learners almost always have morecomplex lives.’

SARA ENRIGHT, Community College of Rhode Island vice president of student affairs

In his spring 2021 address, Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sánchez said expanded access for adult students is a top priority. A $5.9 million spending boost for RIC included in the fiscal 2022 state budget will be crucial to support additional night, weekend and online classes, as well as “infrastructure” such as after-hours financial aid advisers and child care, Sanchez said.

While enrollment figures for the upcoming fall semester were not available, Sanchez hoped that targeting adult learners could help boost the numbers, which were falling even before COVID-19.

The University of Rhode Island is also making a bigger effort to draw older students.

Since 2014, URI has helped students finish uncompleted degree programs through its Finish What You Started program, offering mentoring, scholarships and debt forgiveness.

Having helped about 575 students finish their degree programs in the last seven years, the university is looking for other ways to pave what can be a bumpy road for adults to return to or start a college education.

That means not just online or night classes but programs that can be completed more efficiently, such as two newly launched degree programs in URI’s Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies: a bachelor’s degree in general studies and the “learner designed major,” which combines any three minors into a bachelor’s degree.

“The idea is to allow students to take courses from a wider range of subject areas so they’re not locked into a formal program of study,” explained Jonathan Kroll, the college director.

While Vinalon opted for a more traditional communications degree, she credited the university for its

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 21

FOCUS ||COLLEGES COLLEGES&&UNIVERSITIES UNIVERSITIES

(ranked by number of full-time undergraduates, 2020-2021 academic year) (ranked by number of full-time undergraduates, 2020-2021 academic year)

2021 rank

1

2020: 4

2 2020: 1 3

2020: 2

School | Website President

Address Phone

Full-time undergraduates Other students

Total staff Full-time faculty

In-state tuition Out-of-state tuition

Community College of Rhode Island | ccri.edu Meghan L. Hughes

400 East Ave. Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 825-1000

16,084 13,499

971 815

$4,524 $12,804

CLOSER LOOK Year founded

1964

Re-ranked by oldest institutions:

1 University of Rhode Island | uri.edu David M. Dooley 1

Brown University | brown.edu Christina H. Paxson

35 Campus Ave. South Kingstown, R.I. 02881 (401) 874-2116

1 Prospect St. Providence, R.I. 02912 (401) 863-1000

12,711 4,960

3,109 1,122

$12,992 $30,496

1892

Brown University Year founded: 1764

2 6,605 3,343

4,709 1,508

$59,254 $59,254

Wheaton College Year founded: 1834 1764

3

Rhode Island College Year founded: 1854 2020: 5

4

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth | umassd.edu Mark Fuller, interim chancellor

285 Old Westport Road Dartmouth, Mass. 02747 (508) 999-8000

5,122 2,747

1,206 544

$13,833 $29,578

1895

5 2020: 3

Johnson & Wales Univeristy | jwu.edu Marie Bernardo-Sousa, president, Providence campus

8 Abbott Park Place Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 598-1000

4,622 1,077

814 456

$34,376 $34,376

1914

6

2020: 6

Rhode Island College | ric.edu Frank D. Sánchez

600 Mount Pleasant Ave. Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 456-8000

4,611 2,461

1,118 613

$9,277 $13,715

1854

2020: 8

7

Providence College | providence.edu Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard

1 Cunningham Square Providence, R.I. 02918 (401) 865-2487

4,098 723

622 480

$53,440 $53,440

2020: 9

8

Roger Williams University | rwu.edu Ioannis N. Miaoulis

1 Old Ferry Road Bristol, R.I. 02809 (401) 253-1040

3,828 1,404

1,193 455

$37,944 $37,944

1956

9 2020: 10

Bryant University | bryant.edu Ross Gittell

1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, R.I. 02917 (401) 232-6000

3,255 419

803 301

$45,966 $45,966

1863

10

1917

Bristol Community College | bristolcc.edu Laura L. Douglas

777 Elsbree St. Fall River, Mass. 02720 (508) 678-2811

2,681 3,577

934 118

$5,210 $10,154

1965

Stonehill College | stonehill.edu Rev. John F. Denning

320 Washington St. Easton, Mass. 02357 (508) 565-1000

2,509 33

313 183

$46,642 $46,642

1948

12

Salve Regina University | salve.edu Kelli J. Armstrong

100 Ochre Point Ave. Newport, R.I. 02840 (401) 847-6650

2,084 687

560 268

$42,220 $42,220

1947

13

New England Institute of Technology | neit.edu Richard I. Gouse

1 New England Tech Blvd.

East Greenwich, R.I. 02818 (401) 739-5000

1,843 2,031

250 126

$30,000 $30,000

1940

14

Rhode Island School of Design | risd.edu David Proulx, interim president

2 College St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 454-6100

1,736 491

755 617

$54,890 $54,890

1877

Wheaton College | wheatoncollege.edu Dennis M. Hanno 2

26 East Main St. Norton, Mass. 02766 (508) 286-8200

1,669 0

564 125

$57,700 $57,700

1834

2020: 11

11

2020: 12

2020: 13

2020: 14

2020: 15

15

2020: 16

1 David M. Dooley will retire in June; Marc Parlange will become URI's next president Aug. 1.

2 Dennis Hanno will leave as president later in the 2021 calendar year. A search for a new president is currently ongoing.

22 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

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

UPCOMING LISTS Aug. 6: Executive Recruiters, Executive Compensation in Public Companies, Staffing Firms; Aug. 20: Chief Security Officers, Cybersecurity Companies, Rhode Island CIOs, Rhode Island Law Firms.

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

FOOTNOTES j David M. Dooley retired in June; Marc Parlange will become URI’s next president Aug. 1.  Dennis Hanno will leave as president later in the 2021 calendar year. A search for a new president is currently ongoing.

EDUCATION | FOCUS

E-Newsletters RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW

on one of our daily e-newsletters

THE COMEBACK: Jennifer Vinalon returned to the classroom at the University of Rhode Island’s Providence campus 10 years after she stopped pursuing a bachelor’s degree. She graduated in the spring and was a commencement speaker.

MORNING CALL

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

­ rray of evening course offerings at a its Providence campus – allowing her to juggle a full-time job and caring for a sick parent and cutting her commute compared with the travel time to the main campus in South Kingstown.

Getting working adults back to school is often less about convincing them of the benefits, and more about removing the barriers to their participation, said Sara Enright, vice president of student affairs at CCRI. “Adult learners almost always have more-complex lives,” Enright said, naming child care or caregiving responsibilities, full-time jobs and, in some cases, transportation as some of these barriers.

Adult students have long been a focus at CCRI, much as they are at community colleges nationwide, Enright said. Asked if increased efforts by other state schools to attract adult learners posed competition, Enright said no.

Dean Libutti, URI’s vice provost for enrollment management, agreed.

“If we’re going to move the needle, it’s going to take a lot of players,” Libutti said.

It’s also going to take more finan-

cial incentives, administrators said.

A portion of federal stimulus funds awarded to CCRI via the state are being used to offer additional scholarships to adults who started but never completed a college degree.

The $4 million in stimulus funds will help an estimated 800 adult learners with COVID Recovery Finish Scholarships, according to Enright.

Continued hiring woes also offer an opening to persuade employers to consider tuition reimbursements to help their workers pay for school, said R.I. Postsecondary Education Commissioner Shannon Gilkey.

Vinalon was lucky that Citizens Bank already offered tuition reimbursement, which covered a portion of her degree in exchange for her continuing to work at the company.

Reflecting on her recently completed academic journey, Vinalon acknowledged that it was certainly not easy, but she felt proud of her success – she was commencement speaker for her class and the first in her family to earn a four-year degree.

“I really struggled academically,” she said of her previous time in college. “It was a big comeback for me.” n

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 23

FOCUS ||COMPUTER COMPUTERTRAINING TRAININGCENTERS CENTERS

(ranked by number of students enrolled in computer courses in 2020)

(ranked by number of students enrolled in computer courses in 2020) Center | Website CEO/President

Address Phone

No. of students in 2020

1 2020: 2

Providence Public Library | provlib.org Jack Martin, executive director

150 Empire St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 455-8005

1,000

2 2020: 6

New England Institute of Technology | neit.edu Richard I. Gouse, president

1 New England Tech Blvd.

East Greenwich, R.I. 02818 (401) 739-5000

772

3 2020: 6

Community College of Rhode Island | ccri.edu Meghan L. Hughes, president

400 East Ave. Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 825-1000

4 2020: 4

Systemetrics Inc. | systemetricsinc.com Norman H.G. Moore, president

95 Sockanosset Cross Road Cranston, R.I. 02920 (401) 275-2200

2021 rank

Certificate offered

Maximum class size Price of classes

Data analytics, data visualization, HTML/CSS, Javascript, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Office specialist

Yes

25 NA

3D drawing and modeling, AutoCad, Autodesk Inventor, ASP.Net, C++, C#, CISCO routers, cybersecurity, JAVA, networking, gaming programming, digital graphics, intermediate programming

Yes

15 NA

436

Basic and advanced Microsoft Excel; basic Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word

No

18 NA

91

Microsoft Access, Crystal Reports, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, QuickBooks, Microsoft Word

No

6 (4 with COVID restrictions) $140 to $199

Yes

12 $295 to $6,000

Yes

20 > $16,500

Courses offered

5 2020: 7

ONLC Training Centers | onlc.com Andrew Williamson, CEO; James Palic, president

1 James P. Murphy Highway West Warwick, R.I. 02893 (800) 288-8221

40

A+ AI Access, Acrobat Angular Animate, Alteryx AutoCAD, Amazon / AWS, Azure Business Intelligence, Cisco CISSP, Citrix Civil 3D, Cloud+ CND Google Ads and Analytics, Google Docs, Google Drive

6 2020: 8

MotoRing Technical Training Institute 1 | mtti.edu Edward Ring, president

1241 Fall River Ave. Seekonk, Mass. 02771 (508) 336-6611

31

Computer service technician, network installer: CompTIA A+ certification training, PCPro Test Out Certificate

CLOSER LOOK

Total number of students in 2020:

2,370 LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

UPCOMING LISTS Aug. 6: Executive Recruiters, Executive Compensation in Public Companies, Staffing Firms; Aug. 20: Chief Security Officers, Cybersecurity Companies, Rhode Island CIOs, Rhode Island Law Firms.

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

FOOTNOTE j Also known as MTTI.

1 Also known as MTTI.

YEARS 1986-2021

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24 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

IT’S PERSONAL Tracksdorf wins language award NIKO TRACKSDORF, a University of Rhode Island assistant professor of German and associate director of the German International Engineering Program, has received the Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture from the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages. The award recognizes an educator whose writings and teachings change the course of language education. Tracksdorf is the editor and co-author of the college textbook series “Impuls Deutsch: Intercultural, Interdisciplinary, Interactive,” which uses an inclusive approach to teaching language and culture.

What are your feelings in receiving the Nelson Brooks Award?

I was of course very honored and surprised. When we came up with the idea for the book, there were a lot of things we wanted to do differently than existing books. We used gender-inclusive language and nonbinary pronouns.

So, we were always wondering: What will be the reception if we use terms not yet widely accepted in Germany? Can we focus on serious topics like the experiences of Black Germans or the LGBTQ+ community? These are not topics discussed in most beginning-German language books. So, the award shows me how the series is perceived and gives me hope that this is the direction our profession is going – to be more inclusive and caring about equity and social justice.

What was the impetus in creating the “Impuls Deutsch” textbooks for German language study?

I wanted to create textbooks that looked at the interests of the students. Most programs are pretty inclusive in their upper-level courses where professors teach on very diverse topics. But in the lower levels, students are exposed to more boring material. Students come from very diverse disciplines and backgrounds, and we wanted to find stories that interested them and they could identify with,

while also accurately representing the full culture of the German-speaking world, including the groups that are left out of many books.

What will URI students learn through your textbooks and language study at the college level?

Obviously, they will learn the language and about the culture. When I say culture, I mean the various cultures of the German-speaking areas of the world. But the students learn also about themselves. If you learn what culture means, what stereotypes are, how a person’s way of thinking is shaped by how they are brought up, where they live and what their culture is, it makes you reflect on your own life, upbringing and culture.

You’ve also helped bring German to Cranston High School East in 2019. What drew you to wanting to establish such a curriculum there?

Baerbel Tully at Cranston East was the driver in all of this. She had a German club with a lot of students, but the school didn’t offer the language. The interesting thing is URI has the biggest German program in the entire country in terms of undergraduates majoring in the language, but the state only had one high school that had German. So, we wondered how can we change that. n | SPONSORED CONTENT |

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www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 25

IT’S PERSONAL MACKAY’S MORAL | HARVEY MACKAY

Build better habits A GUY WALKED INTO A sandwich shop and the server asked what he would like to order.

He said, “What do you have that’s good?”

The clerk responded that everything was good.

The customer then asked, “Do you sell things other than sandwiches?”

The clerk said, “Yes, we have salads, too.”

The customer added, “Great, I am so tired of sandwiches! That is all I ever eat!”

The clerk said, “What would you like?”

And the customer said, “I guess I’ll take a roast beef sandwich.”

Old habits die hard.

My friend John Maxwell got me thinking when he said: “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”

Most of your everyday routines are probably comfortable, and you’re probably doing OK with them. But imagine the dreams you could realize by mixing things up to achieve what you really want.

Another friend, Dean Graziosi, wrote a book called “Millionaire Success Habits,” in which the premise is that you can make “barely noticeable, small shifts in your daily routines by

nudging out those things that don’t serve you and replacing them with habits that create a path to wealth and abundance.”

First, you must decide what you want out of life. Too often we can define what we don’t want, but can’t really figure out where we want to go.

Once you do that, your path becomes clear as to what you need to work on.

When I think back on my career, I often changed my daily routine in order to realize what was important to me. When I was building my envelope-manufacturing business, I focused on selling the major accounts in Minnesota. When I wrote my first book, “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” I wanted to sell books and build my writing and speaking career. And with each new dream, I had to adapt.

I’ve always strived to be as productive as possible. I became a time management freak. I was among the first to install a car phone. I took a

speedreading course. I found that if I begin each day with a plan and prioritize what I need to accomplish, I procrastinate less.

I realized that by doing two things that I don’t want to do every morning, I can move on to more profitable things.

I continue to work at being organized because that’s always been a challenge. Wasting a minute here and there adds up to a lot of lost time trying to find things. Fortunately, I have a good staff that keeps me organized.

Another factor I’ve worked on is sleep. I always thought I wanted this message displayed on my tombstone: “He couldn’t sleep fast enough!” I was afraid of missing something. But over the years, I’ve relented and slept more. It has helped my energy and focus.

Leading up to the recent Super Bowl, I saw an article about quarterback Tom Brady and how he credits his high performance, even at age 43,

Breaking a habit also tends to involve a more consistent, conscious effort.

to getting quality sleep and lots of it.

Getting up and stretching for 15-20 minutes also helps me. I exercise for 60-75 minutes every single day, which also gives me energy and keeps me in shape. Eating healthy, starting with a good breakfast, is also helpful.

I eliminate disruptions as much as possible and return calls at the end of the day. I also reward myself when I accomplish a task.

These are all good habits that replace bad habits. That’s not always easy. Some studies suggest that it takes about 21 days to create a new habit or break a bad habit. However, according to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it can take 18-254 days to form a new habit. The study also concluded that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.

Breaking a habit also tends to involve a more consistent, conscious effort.

So, start today: Ditch your bad habits and focus on building better ones.

Mackay’s Moral: We build our lives each day with the bricks of habits we have. n Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.” He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com.

GUEST COLUMN | RENEE COLLINI

Risk to coastal economies surges AS THE SEA LEVEL RISES, it can be easy to miss the subtlety of higher water. It’s much harder to overlook saltwater more frequently flooding streets, impeding daily life and making existing problems worse.

The frequency of high-tide flooding along the U.S. coasts has doubled since 2000, and it’s expected to increase five to 15 times more in the next 30 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns in a new report released July 14.

I work with coastal communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico that are facing the risks of rising seas as they try to avoid preventable damages and costs, such as infrastructure failures and falling property values.

Information such as the NOAA report is critical to helping these communities succeed.

Last year, the U.S. averaged four days of high-tide flooding, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story – regionally, several areas saw far more. There were record-breaking numbers of high-tide flooding days in 2020 along the Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic coasts. The city

of Bay St. Louis, Miss., jumped from three days of high-tide flooding in 2000 to 22 days in 2020.

NOAA’s annual high-tide flooding report projects a national median of three to seven days of high-tide flooding this year, again with differences expected regionally. The western Gulf Coast, including Texas and Louisiana, is expected to see the most tidal flooding days, ranging between seven and 15 days. The northeast Atlantic is projected to have six to 11 days of high-tide flooding. The Pacific Coast is projected to be lower than the other regions.

High-tide flooding impedes the use of roads and increases wear and tear on stormwater and wastewater systems. The impact can seem minor, but as the frequency increases, these seemingly inconvenient flood days can have long-lasting impacts.

Already, areas at risk from sea level rise have seen decreases in property values, particularly where cities and homeowners haven’t taken steps to increase flood resilience. Insurance premiums are beginning to increase to reflect actual risk, and bond rat-

26 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

ings are increasingly being tied to the resilience efforts of communities.

It can affect tax revenues and erode community ties.

Sea level rise disproportionately impacts poorer, marginalized communities, and the impact of high-tide flooding has been no exception. People living in some of the most underserved coastal communities are facing increases in their insurance premiums because of the flood and storm risks, sometimes with more than 90% of the insurance policies in a single ZIP code projected to increase.

NOAA’s projections provide valuable foresight that can help local governments, property owners and other coastal stakeholders to act before the water rises.

Communities can upgrade their infrastructure, such as raising roadways and installing backflow preventers in stormwater systems, and modify building standards such as increasing freeboard – the distance required between the first floor and base flood level – or designating base flood elevations outside of current Federal Emergency Management Agency

flood zones to help prepare communities to withstand higher seas. Communities can also work with nature to preserve and restore coastal habitats that provide natural flood protection such as marshes and barrier islands.

Pensacola, Fla., is one example of a city being proactive. It recently completed a sea level rise vulnerability analysis to determine where high-tide flooding will begin to strain infrastructure, low-income neighborhoods, economic hot spots and critical facilities. The city was able to recommend where to prioritize action and what kind of action will be necessary to keep high-tide flooding from being costly or as damaging.

The message is clear: High-tide flooding and other more severe types of flooding have already increased with sea level rise and are expected to accelerate in the coming years. Communities have an opportunity to act now to reduce the impact. n Renee Collini is a coastal climate resilience specialist at Mississippi State University. Distributed by The Associated Press.

IT’S PERSONAL GUEST COLUMN | PETER GEORGE

Memorizing can be trouble I CANNOT COUNT how many times I have been asked, “Am I supposed to memorize my presentation?”

My standard – and slightly confusing – answer is, “No … and yes … but mostly no.” Confused? Let me explain.

Memorizing your entire presentation is not recommended, nor is it ­reasonable.

Sure, I get it. You assumed people memorize their presentations or once upon a time someone told you that is the way it is done. I assure you, it is not.

Memorizing a presentation verbatim, especially a long presentation, takes too much time and is nearly impossible. And when you couple this with the fact that most of us go about it in the wrong way to begin with, then the likelihood of your success is low.

If somehow you are successful at memorizing your presentation, it is going to be rather lifeless when you deliver it. The odds are high that your delivery will be monotone and lack changes in inflection, tone and pace.

But let’s say you are able to memorize it and learned to deliver it well.

Great, right? No, it is not, and here’s why: When it comes time to present your talk to your audience, your adrenaline will be coursing through

you, and you will not be as relaxed as you were when you were practicing in your living room. Consequently, you will forget a word, phrase or statistic. And that is when your brain will go into hyper mode, trying to locate what you forgot. Most often, it will not locate the missing data, and you will be lost. And when you get lost, you will get flustered or nervous, and that benefits no one.

So, what do you do? The answer is simple. You memorize three things: n Your attention-grabbing opening. n Your compelling conclusion. n The topics of the points you want to talk about in the body of your presentation.

Why these? Well, your opening and closing are usually the most critical elements of your presentation. The opening grabs your audience’s atten-

tion, and your closing calls them to action. Because of this importance, you want these portions of your presentation to be powerful – not necessarily long, but powerful. And since they are usually brief, they are easy to memorize.

And there is an additional benefit to memorizing your opening. Since you are likely to be most nervous at the start of your presentation, knowing what you are going to say and how you are going to deliver it helps ease your nerves.

This brings us to the points you want to make. When you develop your talk, you will flesh out your talking points. And by rehearsing your talk, you will get to know what you want to say about each of these points. But do not try to memorize every word. Simply remember the topic of each point,

You just have to remember the topics and deliver the essence of each.

and when it comes time to present, you just have to remember the topics and deliver the essence of each.

At this point, you might be thinking that there is something you need to memorize – long quotes or passages. Well, no, you do not. Because you are quoting what someone else said or wrote, of course you want to be exact.

And this is where a notecard comes in handy.

In large type, print the quote on the card. When it comes time to deliver it, read from the card. And this is essential: Be sure to practice this when rehearsing because, even though you are reading, you want to deliver it as originally intended.

As I wrap up, remember this – not having to memorize your entire presentation does not mean you do not have to rehearse it. Rehearsing is a key factor in the difference between someone who gets up and speaks to an audience and someone who connects with their audience and serves them well. Strive to be the latter. n Peter George is president of Peter George Public Speaking Inc. in Providence and specializes in helping attorneys and executives improve their public speaking skills.

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CONTACT Linda Foster 401-680-4812 Foster@PBN.com or Advertising@PBN.com www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 27

OPINION EDITORIALS

Federal pandemic aid can help now and in the future

LONG VIEW: Gov. Daniel J. McKee and other state Democratic leaders are focusing on long-term projects for the state’s $1.1 billion share of new federal pandemic aid.

AP FILE PHOTO/ STEVEN SENNE

While Rhode Island state leaders are focused on hoarding an estimated $1.1 billion in new federal pandemic aid, a different political dynamic is playing out in Massachusetts.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has been pressing the Bay State’s Democratic-led Legislature to spend some of that state’s $4.9 billion in anticipated aid on immediate needs.

According to The Boston Globe, Baker on July 20 told state lawmakers, “We can’t let this opportunity pass by to make these investments now,” citing substance abuse treatment, housing and workforce development among his priorities.

Massachusetts has set aside $200 million for Baker to spend now, though states have until 2024 to determine how they’ll spend American Rescue Plan funding.

So far, Rhode Island leaders have presented a mostly unified front in looking to save the state’s share for longer-term projects.

But as laudable as focusing on big-picture investments and intractable issues such as affordable housing is, state leaders should not be looking past the ongoing economic fallout from the pandemic. There’s enough money to do both.

Rhode Island must set aside a share of its federal pandemic windfall to ensure the state doesn’t repeat its history of being first in and last out of every recession. Workforce investments are needed now.

Efforts such as Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s newly announced $150,000 hotel rewards card program help but don’t go nearly far enough.

The state’s struggling hospitality industry needs more help than that and state leaders have the money available to provide it. n

R.I.’s new guard in higher ed The region is in the midst of a changing of the guard among higher education leaders.

Since 2019, five new college administrators have taken the helm of their respective schools in the Ocean State.

UMass Dartmouth is expected to name a new chancellor soon. And Wheaton College President Dennis M. Hanno has announced he’ll be leaving the school this year.

The changes are coming at a challenging time for many local schools still dealing with the financial and health effects of the pandemic.

What better time to meet this new wave of leaders, see what motivates them and what their post-pandemic plans are for their respective institutions?

This week’s cover story on Providence College’s president, the Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, is the first in a planned series of interviews with these new administrators.

Sicard spent six years working at Fleet Financial Group before becoming a Dominican priest and eventually returning to his alma mater and becoming president last summer.

The school, he says, “want[s] more national recognition” and has a plan to get it. n

POLL CENTRAL EXECUTIVE POLL

Post-pandemic operations Are there any aspects of your business operations implemented during the pandemic that will remain in place permanently?

Will your company’s office space be restructured in any way?

Yes: 83%

Yes: 33%

No: 67%

No: 17%

Unsure: 0%

Unsure: 0%

How will your company’s office be restructured?

What pandemic-related elements will remain in place? (Select multiple) Remote working: 83% E-commerce: 17% Other: 17% Our company will return to pre-pandemic operations: 17% Health/wellness checks: 0% Paid-time-off pools for employee needs: 0%

PBN.COM POLL

Is it fair to fire employees who refuse to return to the office full time? JULY 9-15 Yes, if employers decide their business would otherwise suffer

54%

Our company will no longer have an office: 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.

28 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

No, remote work options are here to stay

12%

18%

I’m not sure 1%

Decreased office space: 20%

Moving to a new location: 0%

14%

No, employers need proof of poor job performance or workplace violations

Our office space will not be restructured: 60%

Other: 20%

Yes, but only after the pandemic is over

Some economists think the pandemic-fueled national recession lasted just two months, ending in April 2020. Do you believe the recession has ended in Rhode Island?

THIS WEEK’S POLL:

• Yes, the economy is nearly back to normal • Yes, but some industries are still struggling • No, the recovery is just beginning here • No, Rhode Island is always “first in, last out” of recessions • I’m not sure To vote, go to PBN.com and follow the link on the home page

OPINION OPINION

Regionalizing R.I.’s pensions could save us

JOSEPH R. PAOLINO JR. GUEST COLUMN

There is no avoiding the disastrous consequences of Providence’s $1.2 billion unfunded pension liability. In fact, the argument could be made that the city is already suffering from those consequences, as we are unable to make the kind of budgetary investments that make a big difference for residents – things such as improved public safety, repaved roads and increased public amenities – in part due to the high cost of annual pension obligations.

In 1991, when I was mayor, the Providence pension system was funded close to 70%. It makes me sad to see how it has deteriorated throughout the past 30 years to where it now hovers at around 22% funded. I fear the situation will only get worse without decisive and thoughtful action.

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza should be applauded for taking on this challenge and trying to implement a solution. Some may disagree with his approach, but at least he has come up with a plan, which no one else seems to have done. His plan to issue a pension obligation bond for nearly $700 million is daring,

and he deserves credit for stepping up to the plate and trying to address the problem rather than kicking the can down the road for the next mayor.

However, I think there may be an alternative solution – one that not only benefits the city of Providence but the whole state of Rhode Island.

In 2010, the state pension system was facing a similar catastrophe. As general treasurer during this crisis, Gina M. Raimondo had the foresight to know that a difficult and likely unpopular decision made quickly and decisively would save a lot of money and difficulty down the line. She instituted pension reform and, despite being heavily criticized, the plan worked. The state’s pension fund is now secure and growing steadily.

Perhaps it is time to take that kind of step in Providence – to think outside the box and make a difficult but lasting change to secure our financial future indefinitely.

Mark Tracy, who served on the Providence Board of Investment Commissioners, recently penned an op-ed in Providence

I fear the situation will only get worse without decisive … action.

Business News that advocated for combining each of the 34 municipal pension systems into one central, state-run pension system.

This makes a lot of sense in my mind, as it would streamline all legal fees and financial consultant fees for all municipalities into one centralized body. It would pool resources of 34 individual communities into one large fund that could generate exponentially higher profits than currently possible. With this increased leverage and centralized control, the state could also access more favorable terms for pension obligation bonds like the one Providence is currently considering and possibly require less in borrowing. The ultimate result could mean less money owed, more money gained and a healthier pension system for every Rhode Island community.

As the system currently functions, we have individual cities and towns across the state consistently struggling to grapple with their pension obligations. It makes good sense to work together to secure a better financial future – not just for Providence but the state as a whole. This is the kind of regionalization that makes sense for Rhode Island. n Joseph R. Paolino Jr. served as mayor of Providence from 1984-1991 and was director of the R.I. Economic Development Corp. from 1991-1994. He is managing partner at Paolino Properties L.P.

Rebooting historic tax credit is the smart move

SCOTT WOLF GUEST COLUMN

A recent PBN article (“Textile mill renovations now paying dividends,” June 25) highlighted five mill-conversion projects in Rhode Island, former massive and abandoned industrial sites that are now contributing to our red-hot residential real estate market. Some of the projects aren’t even fully completed and yet there are waiting lists for tenants. This is a boon for our state’s economy – and our quality of place.

What do 4 out of 5 of these multimilliondollar renovations have in common? The R.I. State Historic Tax Credit. From 2001 to 2008, this program had been one of the strongest state incentive programs in the country, designed to spur the redevelopment and repurposing of historic commercial buildings, from large abandoned industrial sites to small “Main Street” properties – and everything in between. The program ceased being capitalized in 2008 but had a reprieve in 2013 with a modest recapitalization, which has been long since spent down. And despite the hiatus in state funding for this program, this tax credit since its inception has pumped just under $2 billion of private investment into our state’s economy.

The R.I. State Historic Tax Credit is also a powerful lever that attracts significant investments from federal programs, including the federal Historic Tax Credit, Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the New Markets Tax Credit, as well as from banks and other

private lenders and investors.

And, at a time when our shortage of affordable and workforce housing is at a crisis point, it is noteworthy that the R.I. State Historic Tax Credit has rehabbed buildings across the state that provide over 6,000 units of affordable housing.

According to a Place Economics study, prepared in 2018 for my colleagues Val Talmage at Preserve Rhode Island and Trudy Coxe at the Preservation Society of Newport County, the state’s historic tax credit has spurred rehabilitation of 326 historic buildings in 26 of Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities since 2001. Other key positive impacts of the tax credit documented in the study include: n Since 2001, tax credit rehabilitation projects have generated an average 965 direct jobs and an additional 739 indirect and induced jobs each year. n The rehabilitation of historic buildings using the tax credit has generated direct salaries and wages of $50 million, plus an additional $35 million in indirect and induced wages annually on average. n For every $1 the state invests in a tax credit project, $10.53 of economic activity is produced in Rhode Island. n The state of Rhode Island receives back nearly half of its historic tax credit financial commitments before the credits are even awarded.

There are even more benefits of the R.I.

We suspect there is significantly higher demand than this infusion will meet.

State Historic Tax Credit. The projects cited in the PBN article show how housing and retail and other commercial activities benefit. But think about this: Based on property valuation data from three Rhode Island communities, the assessed value of historic buildings rehabbed through the historic tax credit typically increases by 600% and sometimes by more than 1,000%. This is key to revitalizing communities and strengthening municipalities’ financial stability.

Additionally, many historic tax credit projects address major brownfields cleanup.

Repurposing abandoned structures and putting them back into active use also reduces pressure on public-safety agencies. Farmland and forestland are protected from development as housing and commercial alternatives are provided in existing buildings in already built-up neighborhoods. Downtowns see more activity because more people are living in these communities.

Kudos also to the General Assembly for passing a budget that includes $20 million in new funding for the R.I. State Historic Tax Credit program. We suspect there is significantly higher demand than this infusion will meet, but it’s an important reboot of a program that has paid dividends to our state for two decades, in the form of housing, community revitalization and breathing new life into vacant buildings that have served our economy and our communities for many generations.

For both revitalizing our state’s economy and protecting the state’s beautiful soul, the R.I. State Historic Tax Credit is a star. n Scott Wolf is executive director of Grow Smart Rhode Island.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | 29

ONE LAST THING

Daniel P. McConaghy R.I. Convention Center Authority executive director Dan McConaghy was named executive director of the R.I. Convention Center Authority in March after an eight-month stint as deputy director of the R.I. Department of Administration. Prior to that, McConaghy worked in real estate and construction.

Survive and advance

THERE’S

a popular phrase in the college basketball universe: Survive and advance.

It’s about using the tools you have to find a path to success, even when the circumstances are less than ideal. Rhode Island’s hospitality and tourism sector epitomized that mindset during the COVID-19 crisis. By repurposing our resources, adapting to the reality in front of us and trusting our respective teams, we as an industry have made it through the hard part.

Serving at the epicenter of the statewide COVID-19 response, the R.I. Convention Center Authority assembled more than 700,000 test kits, administered 257,000 COVID-19 tests, gave more than 500 patients a safe place to recover and dispensed nearly 120,000 vaccines.

We certainly weren’t alone. From restaurants and municipal leaders working together to quickly pivot to safe, consumerfriendly outdoor environments, to local theaters and cultural centers finding ways to entertain subscribers over Zoom, the entire industry showcased ingenuity and hard work in order to stay relevant during an exceptionally difficult time.

Now, as we continue on the path toward normalcy, it’s time for our industry to get back to what we do best, while keeping a keen eye on changes in consumers’ behavior. In a postpandemic world, this means we will have to provide morenimble meeting spaces, progressive services and state-of-theart facilities.

Business will not be as we once knew it, so it is incumbent on us to reimagine our services and tailor our offerings to our clients’ new needs. n PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

30 | JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2021 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

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