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Centreville Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of New Full-Service Branch in Warren
Event featured ribbon cutting and charitable foundation grants to five local nonprofits.
Warren, R.I. (October 7, 2025) – Centreville Bank today celebrated the grand opening of its new, full-service branch in Warren, Rhode Island, located at 521 Main Street. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a community gathering, and the presentation of charitable grants from the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation to several local nonprofit organizations.
The Warren branch officially opened to the public on July 1, 2025, and serves as Centreville Bank’s second full-service branch in the East Bay. The branch builds on the bank’s presence in Warren through its Loan Production Office (LPO) at 951 Main Street, which continues to support the area’s lending needs.
“Our new branch represents our long-term commitment to Warren and the East Bay. It provides residents and businesses with access to the full range of Centreville Bank products and services, and it reflects the dedication of our team to delivering personalized, community-focused banking,” said Lee Merrill, EVP, Chief Lending Officer at Centreville Bank. “We are proud to strengthen our presence in this community and to be a partner in its continued growth.”
During the ceremony, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation presented grants to the following local nonprofit organizations: Women’s Resource Center, Bristol Rotary Charities, St. Mary Food Pantry, East Bay Food Pantry, and the Town of Warren.
“The Women’s Resource Center is honored to count Centreville Bank as one of our committed partners in ensuring that survivors in the East Bay have the support they need to achieve safety and healing. Centreville’s continued investment in the WRC demonstrates their commitment to the health and well-being of the communities they serve,” said Jessica Walsh, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center.
The Warren branch is led by Branch Manager Nancy Coelho and Assistant Branch Manager Kristi Aguiar, along with banking professionals Brenden Vadeboncoeur, Linda Moreira, and Shaelyn Ferreira, with additional support from Gina Helm, VP, Head of Residential Lending, and Paul Sousa, VP, Commercial Lender. The branch offers a full range of personal and business banking services, including checking and savings accounts, residential and commercial lending, online and mobile banking, and an ITM/ATM.
For more information about Centreville Bank’s products and services, please visit www.centrevillebank.com.


About Centreville Bank
Founded in 1828 and headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Centreville Bank is a full-service mutual bank with over $2.9 billion in assets and 23 locations throughout Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut. Centreville understands the unique financial needs of individuals, families and businesses and offers a wide range of personal banking and commercial banking products and services including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, mortgages, business loans and more. Centreville is committed to its employees and the communities it serves, always striving to help people make progress and achieve their financial goals. That is progress on purpose. Visit centrevillebank.com, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, or come into a branch or office to learn more.




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​At the East Bay Chamber, our Member Ambassadors are the friendly faces who go above and beyond to make new members feel welcome and engaged! 
They’re the ones reaching out to new members through our Buddy Program, attending Ribbon Cuttings to celebrate milestones, and making monthly well-check calls to keep members connected. Ambassadors are champions of our Chamber’s mission — building relationships, fostering engagement, and helping members maximize the value of their membership. 
Spotlight on Donna Linhares 
Chair, Member Ambassadors Committee 
Banking Manager, Webster Bank – Barrington 
 
Q: What is your professional background? 
I am currently the Banking Manager at the Webster Bank Barrington location, where I bring over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Throughout my career, I have provided a full range of banking solutions, including both deposit-based services and lending. My longstanding commitment to client relationships and community-focused banking has been the foundation of my success and continued service at Webster Bank. 
Q: Why do you volunteer as an Ambassador? 
As a Chamber Ambassador, I have the privilege of serving as a liaison between the Chamber and the local business community. I chose to become an ambassador because I am passionate about supporting economic growth, fostering strong professional relationships, and helping new and existing members feel welcomed and engaged. 
 
Being an ambassador means more than just representing the Chamber at events—it's about building meaningful connections, promoting local businesses, and contributing to a vibrant and thriving community. I take pride in playing a role that strengthens collaborations, enhances visibility for Chamber initiatives, and encourages active participation among members. 
Q: What’s a fun fact about you? 
Outside of my career, I take every opportunity to spend time with my family—especially enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping to name a few. Nature has always been our favorite way to connect and recharge together. 

​Interested in Getting Involved? 
If you love connecting people, supporting local businesses, and spreading positive energy — the Ambassadors Committee might be the perfect fit for you! 
Ambassadors volunteer just a few hours a month and make a big difference by helping strengthen our Chamber community. 
Learn more or join the committee: Email Donna Linhares at [email protected] 

As a psychotherapist, a trainer and yes fellow small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how important knowing how to implement the fundamental principles of motivation and commitment creates positive changes that start at the individual and transfers to the community around them. For small business owners in our community, fostering a committed and engaged team is critical for success not only for our businesses but our community as a whole. But how do we build commitment and increased engagement within ourselves and those around us? The key isn't focusing on external rewards as this could end up having the opposite effect. You need to be focusing on igniting an internal fire in the team you work with but also in yourself and your client base. The fuel for that fire is facilitating a supporting environment that meets their three fundamental psychological needs - Competency, Autonomy, and Relatedness (Ryan & Deci, 2017). By focusing on these, you can build a more resilient and dynamic team and a more loyal client base.

The first need is autonomy. This is the feeling of having control and choice over one decision and work. To quote the great Booker T. Washington, “Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him" Instead of micro-managing or utilizing external rewards or pressures, empower your employees and consumers to take ownership of their tasks or decisions. Allow them to decide how a product or service fulfills an identified need or how a project is completed, even if the end goal is fixed. This trust not only reduces your own workload but also signals that you value their expertise, experience and judgment. When people feel they have a voice, their sense of responsibility and commitment grows exponentially. Additionally, for your clients focus on supporting your client or consumers decision making process as to how a business relationship will benefit his or her needs. This fosters a sense to the consumer that the decision is one they identify personally with and that the relationship is more than merely a transactional one. 

Next is competence. This refers to the need to feel capable and effective. As a business owner, your role is to provide the resources, training, and constructive feedback necessary for your team members to succeed. Acknowledging their skills and celebrating their achievements—big or small—reinforces their sense of competence. Think of it like a personal trainer helping a client build strength; each small victory builds confidence for the next challenge. When your team members feel skilled and confident, they are more likely to identify with their success and push for excellence.  
How does this work for consumers? Well, consumers are people too you know, and have the same basic needs as everyone else. So your role is to allow the consumer to be an expert in his or her needs and utilize your expertise as a way to meet that need. This allows for the client and you to collaborate on a sale of a service or product that works best for the consumer - and you. This strategy builds a sense that they collaborated with you to find a product or service that best worked for them and have a connection with your company. 

Finally, there's relatedness. This is the need to feel connected to others and a sense of belonging within the group. For a small business, this is a significant advantage. By fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where team members feel heard and valued, staff are more likely to see themselves as part of a team and not just another cog in a machine. This  well run team-like atmosphere, think the New England Patriots circa 2007 - the team members want to be on the job not just for the pay but for each other. Simple actions like team lunches, celebrating birthdays, or creating a space for open communication can build strong bonds. But, mostly knowing how to connect genuinely is essential. Lunches, birthday celebrations etc can come off cheesy or condescending if it is not done with a genuine heart. When people feel they belong to a community, their commitment extends beyond their job duties to the well-being of the entire team.
As for consumers, relatedness is essential. The ability to relate at the human level with your product or service drives commitment. When a consumer enters into an environment that he or she feels a connection with - generally through genuine interactions - the consumer identifies a reason in developing a professional relationship with the company. This then drives a sense of belonging. Sense of belonging drives loyalty and trust and an intrinsic drive to maintain a relationship with your company. Remember, the key is genuine interactions. 
By intentionally addressing autonomy, competence, and relatedness, you are not just managing a business; you are building a team of intrinsically motivated individuals who are committed not just to some form of extrinsic reward system, but to a shared purpose. This is the foundation of true commitment and the engine of a thriving business.

Work Cited:
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.

401-203-5779
Licensed Psychotherapist and Trainer

(September 24, 2025): To support those facing housing insecurity and homelessness in Rhode Island, People's Credit Union recently partnered with twelve nonprofit organizations across the state for their 2nd annual Day of Purpose. All People's branches, including the Member Service Center, were closed on Thursday, September 18th, for employees to volunteer over 500 hours of their time. Employees also held a clothing drive where over 400 pounds of women's, men's and children's clothing were collected.


"At People's Credit Union, being a catalyst for positive change means using our resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference," said Sean Daly, Head of People's Credit Union. "At our second annual Day of Purpose, our team members once again put purpose into action, collaborating with community organizations that are helping fellow Rhode Islanders who face the struggle of housing insecurity every day."


“We were delighted to be a partner site again this year for People’s Credit Union’s second Day of Purpose,” said Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. “We‘re proud to stand with our friends at People’s in working to be catalysts for positive change in our community.”


“The MAE Organization for the Homeless was honored to partner with People’s Credit Union for their Day of Purpose. The energy and dedication of the volunteers made a real impact in helping us serve Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Collaborations like this remind us that when the community comes together, we can bring hope, dignity, and tangible support to our neighbors who need it most,” commented Tuni Schartner, Executive Director.


Partner organizations for People’s Credit Union’s 2025 Day of Purpose included:

Child & Family, Middletown - Volunteers conducted financial wellness workshops on basic banking, budgeting, and credit health for Child & Family clients who are participating in their Supportive Housing & Transitional Living programs. To learn more: Supportive Housing for Homeless Families - Child and Family.


Crossroads Rhode Island, Providence – Volunteers assisted with a pop-up shop to organize and distribute 3,450 essential items to Crossroads’ residents and shelter guests, creating a marketplace where clients can choose their own products. To learn more: Crossroads Rhode Island: Transitioning to a Low-Barrier Shelter That Focuses on Rapid Exits to Permanent Housing.


East Bay Community Action Program, Warren - At their East Bay Recovery Center location, volunteers helped host and serve a free community cookout for those facing the challenges of homelessness and housing instability. To learn more: East Bay Community Action Program- Coalition for the Homeless.
 
East Bay Community Action Program, Newport - Volunteers assisted in coordinating and organizing items for EBCAP’s clients, including putting together 100 care packages with personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Items for this activity were also collected at People’s branches during their Essentials Drive in August. To learn more: East Bay Community Action Program- Coalition for the Homeless
 
Haus of Codec, Providence - Volunteers helped to make updates to their Transitional Housing Facility by performing both indoor and outdoor maintenance activities that included power washing, window cleaning, painting, organizing resource pantries and clothing. To learn more: Haus of Codec Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing
 
House of Hope CDC, Warwick - Volunteers helped with a fall clean-up at House of Hope’s Warwick location, which serves individuals and families who have been unhoused or have experienced homelessness. To learn more: House of Hope CDC.
 
Lucy’s Hearth, Middletown - Volunteers helped with various projects, both outside and inside Lucy’s Hearth’s 24-hour emergency and transitional shelter, including organizing 2,100 cans of food and 35 bins of clothes for their donation room. To learn more: Lucy's Hearth.
 
MAE Organization for the Homeless, Cranston - To support individuals and families in need of assistance, volunteers helped coordinate and organize over 100 pounds of clothing, 35 personalized “outfit bags” for those in need. To learn more: MAE Organization for the Homeless.
 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLKCC), Newport - Participating in The Welcome Housetwo activities, volunteers created 100 kits of personal hygiene products, hats, gloves, and socks. Volunteers also helped serve lunch to 75 community members in need, providing nutritious meals to ensure they have access to a healthy meal and a friendly atmosphere. To learn more: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.


McKinney Shelter, Newport - Volunteers assisted in serving a hot, nutritious meal to 25 residents, as well as performing tasks to support the shelter’s upkeep. To learn more: McKinney Cooperative Shelter.
 
Newport Mental Health, Middletown - Volunteers assisted their Rhode Island Outreach (RIO) team in creating 121 care packages with nonperishable snacks, hygiene items, and socks for RIO to have on hand when they are out in the community engaging with 5 – 20 homeless community members every day. To learn more: Newport Mental Health RIO Program.
 
Thrive Behavioral Health, Providence & Warwick – To support Thrive’s homeless outreach team, volunteers put together 200 food snack packs to be distributed. Volunteers also helped sort and organize 500 items of donated clothing for Thrive’s year-round clothing closet. To learn more: Thrive Behavioral Health.
 
The Welcome House of South County, South Kingstown - Volunteers assisted with various indoor and outdoor projects at the shelter, including painting, installing kitchenette cabinetry, and cleanup of outdoor grounds. To learn more, visit The Welcome House.
People's Credit Union employees volunteering at their 2nd annual Day of Purpose.
ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION
Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Middletown, RI, People's Credit Union is a purpose-driven, member-owned, state-chartered, community credit union that serves as a catalyst for positive change in the community through its member engagement and community support. Known for its wide array of personal banking and business banking products & services, including personal, mortgage, and business lending, membership is open to all individuals. All deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information, visit peoplescu.com.


The demands of running a small business can often feel relentless, leading to ingrained stress responses and reactive behaviors. But what if you could literally "rewire" your brain to better handle these pressures, leading to a more structured and successful business? I assure you this isn't just wishful thinking; it's neuroscience.
Our brains are remarkably adaptable and when we utilize that adaptability we tend to thrive. But, what does adaptability really mean, what is a good measure for thriving and how do you get to the point where you can take advantage of the adaptability and begin thriving?
Well, first lets define what I mean by adaptability or better put psychological flexibility from a therapist’s perspective. Psychological flexibility is made up of two parts. The first part is simply being present to where you are and open to new situations and engaged in what you are doing. In other words, focus on what you are doing with the ability to be open to new experiences and strategies when they present themselves. The second part is the ability to control or modulate your behaviors/responses to match your goals and underlying values.  
Now, what does thriving really mean and look like? Well, generally in the mental and physical health arena thriving refers to a multidimensional state of positive health and well-being, characterized by optimal physical, mental, and social functioning, and the ability to achieve one’s full potential within one’s environment. In other words, the ability to balance life’s stressors and demands while living a life focused on one’s values and still being able to meet basic physical and psychological needs. 
Now, let's examine what it would look like if you were to bring these two concepts together in your life and be living as a thriving individual. Well, the first thing is that you would have clearly defined values that guide you in your day to day life and your goals would be sort of waypoints in your journey to living your values. Next, you would set boundaries (professional, personal, physical, intellectual and emotional) that are in alignment with your values and serve as a guide towards achieving your many goals (personal, family, financial, etc). Then, you would set daily, weekly, monthly and maybe even annual routines that would be in service of meeting your goals. 
To quote a conversation that I generally have with most of my clients when I go over these principles:
Client: ‘It sounds so easy when you put it like that!’
Me: ‘True, but the concept of building a rocket to transport a group of astronauts to land on Mars sounds easy on paper, as well’. 
The concept outlined does sound easy ‘on paper’ but it takes; hard work, identifying with the reason why you are doing the work and a healthy dose of self-empathy for when you find yourself off track. Remember, you didn’t get to the point where you had enough expertise in your trade to support you venturing out on your own overnight. It took years of hard work, focus and learning from piles of mistakes to get to this point of being able to open your own business. Through consistent practice, you can build the new neural pathways that foster resilience, creativity, and focused decision-making. This process, known as neuroplasticity, is directly influenced by our daily habits – both mental and physical. 
Some examples of simple daily rituals can make a profound difference. Beginning your day with five minutes of deep breathing can calm your nervous system. Taking a mid-day walk along the East Bay Bike Path can break mental blocks and spark new ideas. Establishing consistent sleep patterns can dramatically improve your cognitive function and emotional regulation. These aren't just "feel-good" activities; they are intentional actions that restructure your internal landscape, enabling you to approach your business with greater clarity, less reactivity, and more innovative solutions. Let's embrace habits that empower both your mind and your enterprise. Contact [email protected] or call 401-203-5779 to learn more.  


401-203-5779
Licensed Psychotherapist and Trainer

When you think about "physical fitness," you might picture intense gym sessions or rigorous training. But for small business owners, physical activity is far more than just about looking good or fitting into those jeans. It's a powerful, often overlooked, tool for business success. As someone who's worked in physical therapy, as a fitness trainer and mental health for nearly 20 years, I understand the profound connection between our physical and mental state and our ability to perform under pressure.

​Running a business demands energy, focus, and resilience. Long hours, critical decisions, and unexpected hurdles can drain even the most dedicated owner. Regular physical activity, however, can be a natural antidote. It reduces stress hormones, improves cognitive function, enhances mood, and boosts overall energy levels. That afternoon slump that often hits after a busy morning? A quick walk or a few stretches can often banish it, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day with renewed vigor. Additionally, have you ever noticed a time when you were struggling for hours, days or longer with a problem you seemingly could not solve and then had one of those “Ah Ha!” moments and the solution came when you were doing something completely unrelated to the problem? That's because when you are engaging your brain in different ways outside the constraints of the problem at hand - your mind becomes more creative and sees things from a broader perspective versus the hyper focused point of view that you were visualizing the problem from before. 

Remember, it’s not about becoming an Olympic athlete; it’s about training the body and mind to be a bit more flexible physically and psychologically. As humans, we need to challenge ourselves and experience the world around us from as many different perspectives as possible - again both physically and mentally. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to meet their consumers' needs in new and innovative ways differentiating themselves from their competitors. Thomas Edison put it perfectly when he quipped, ‘The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around.’ Edison was renowned for his ability to see problems differently and more creatively. 

Additionally, physically challenging yourself as well as mentally challenging yourself is important for building a sense of increased physical vitality and mental well-being. It allows us to focus on hard things that are rewarding and help to unhook the mind from the struggles, ruminations and annoyances of life that get in the way so many times of being present and enjoying the simple and most important things around us - family, friends and community. 
So, could you take a walk through the charming streets of Warren instead of another coffee break? Could you schedule a short, invigorating exercise session before your workday begins or join a local business owners running club (yes, this is shameless plug for the Wednesday morning running club that starts at the Barrington YMCA at 0630am)? These small commitments to your physical well-being translate directly into sharper thinking, better problem-solving, and increased stamina for your business. Let's make physical fitness a non-negotiable part of your entrepreneurial toolkit.

David Poland
https://www.bhpfitness.com/​
401-203-5779
Licensed Psychotherapist and Trainer​

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