Chamber Connections BLOG
Chamber Connections BLOG
his Week’s Cybersecurity Tip of the Week, provided by PacketLogix IT Security Tip: What the heck is an AUP…and why do you want it? With so many access points, from cell phones to laptop and home computers, how can anyone hope to keep their network safe from hackers, viruses and other unintentional security breaches? The answer is not “one thing” but a series of things you have to implement and constantly be vigilant about, such as installing and constantly updating your firewall, antivirus, spam-filtering software and backups. This is why clients hire us – it’s a full-time job for someone with specific expertise (which we have!). Once that basic foundation is in place, the next most important thing you can do is create an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and TRAIN your employees on how to use company devices and other security protocols, such as never accessing company e-mail, data or applications with unprotected home PCs and devices (for example). Also, how to create good passwords, how to recognize a phishing e-mail, what websites to never access, etc. NEVER assume your employees know everything they need to know about IT security. Threats are ever-evolving and attacks are getting more sophisticated and cleverer by the minute. This e-mail series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need training and a good AUP in place. If you’d like our help in creating an AUP for your company, based on best practices, call us at 401-227-2695 or email nikki@packetlogix.com . You’ll be glad you did. Thanks for your Time and Consideration Terrence Boylan, CEO
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Washington Trust’s Sandra Mazo Appointed to Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide Westerly, R.I. August 10, 2023 – The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust,” “the Bank”) today announced that Sandra Mazo, Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS # 269909), has been appointed to the Executive Committee for the Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide. Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Sandra was nominated by United Way of Rhode Island, where she has been a member of Women United since 2019. “We are exceptionally proud of Sandra and her efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities through her work here at the Bank and as a member of the Women United Global Leadership Council,” stated Edward O. ‘Ned’ Handy, III, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Adding, “Sandra has been active in the local community, both personally and professionally, and will be a tremendous representative for our State at the national level.” Members of the Women United Global Leadership Council serve a three-year term, and the group is also represented on United Way Worldwide’s Board. Following a rigorous nominations process, Mazo was selected for her experience, commitment to Women United, and a deep investment in the mission of United Way. Locally, Mazo helps to drive impact work in our communities through volunteering and advocating for efforts that improve early childhood education, health, and economic mobility. Along with her standing as a member of Women United with United Way of Rhode Island, Sandra is part of the organization’s Young Leaders Circle, which she joined in 2016. “Serving on a global advisory board where she can mobilize fellow women leaders and advocates around key United Way issues is an incredible and well-deserved opportunity for Sandra,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island president and CEO. “We were excited to nominate Sandra for this leadership position and know she will passionately present Rhode Island’s needs, share ideas, and most importantly, inspire change.” Mazo has more than 30 years of lending experience and is responsible for developing and maintaining mortgage lending relationships throughout the Rhode Island market. Prior to joining Washington Trust, Mazo worked at RIHousing, helping families navigate the home buying process. She is an Affiliate Member of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors and Kent Washington Association of Realtors, Professional Women in Building, National Association of Real Estate Professionals (“NAHREP”) Providence Chapter, and a DEI Committee Member for the Rhode Island Association of Realtors (“RIAR”). # # # ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST® Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and one of the Northeast’s premier financial services companies. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ: WASH). Additional information on Washington Trust can be found at washtrust.com. ABOUT UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram. foce_com_ma_18039_23-590__sa__initial_2023_08_07.pdf Disaster Field Operations Center East Release Date: Aug. 7, 2023 Contact: Michael Lampton (404) 331-0333 Michael.Lampton@sba.gov Release Number: 23-590, MA 18039 SBA Working Capital Loans Available in Massachusetts for Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Rain and Flooding ATLANTA- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that federal Economic injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Massachusetts for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses due to rain and flooding occurring on July 9-16. The declaration includes the primary counties of Berkshire, Bristol, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Worcester; and the contiguous counties of Middlesex, Plymouth and Suffolk in Massachusetts; the contiguous counties of Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland and Windham in Connecticut; Cheshire and Hillsborough in New Hampshire; Columbia, Dutchess, and Rensselaer in New York; Bristol, Newport and Providence in Rhode Island; and Bennington and Windham in Vermont. “When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities, affected by the same disaster,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4 percent for small businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 18039. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 1, 2024
This Week’s Cybersecurity Tip of the Week, provided by PacketLogix IT Security Tip: The Top 10 list for keeping your mobile phone secure 10 easy tips to mobile phone security: 1. Lock your device with a PIN or password, and never leave it unattended in public 2. Uninstall apps you don’t use 3. ONLY download apps from trusted sources 4. Keep your phone’s operating system updated 5. Install antivirus software 6. Use your phone’s “find me” feature to prevent loss or theft 7. Cover the camera with a camera sticker when not in use 8. Back up your data 9. Encrypt the data if you have sensitive info stored on it 10. Don’t click on links or attachments from unsolicited e-mails or texts Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! For a very limited time, at no cost to your company, we will conduct a dark web scan looking for your company’s hacked credentials for sale on the dark web. Contact Nikki Manalansan at 401-227-2695 or nikki@packetlogix.com for us to start your dark web scan today. SAM – “School Attendance Matters” Initiative
IT Security Tip: NEVER use the same password twice
A complex password is a necessity, but hard to remember. And with so many websites requiring a password these days, users often reuse the same password again and again with different sites. BAD idea. When a big company gets hacked (like LinkedIn, for example), the criminals post and sell the username, e-mail, password and confidential information in that account. Since many people reuse the same password, hackers will try that e-mail and password combination across multiple sites, including Amazon, PayPal or other sites where you might store credit card information. Remember, they aren’t doing this manually. They have highly sophisticated software to automate ALL of this. If you want a better way of storing and organizing UNIQUE passwords, we recommend our password management software. The bottom line is that no matter how much of a pain it is, it is very important to have different passwords for each online account – and make sure they are TRULY unique, not just with a “1” or an “!” as an extra character. Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com For a very limited time, at no cost to your company, we will conduct a dark web scan looking for your company’s hacked credentials for sale on the dark web. Contact Nikki Manalansan at 401-227-2695 or nikki@packetlogix.com for us to start your dark web scan today. Thanks for your Time and Consideration FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 2023 Forbes Selects Washington Trust to the Best-In-State Banks 2023 List Recognized as Best Bank in Rhode Island by Independent Consumer Survey Westerly, R.I. – The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust”; “the Bank”) today announced that the Bank has been selected to the Forbes list of Best-In-State Banks 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on June 20th, 2023, and can currently be viewed on the Forbes website. Washington Trust was one of 137 unique banks across the United States selected for the Forbes list. “We are proud to be recognized by Forbes as the Best-In-State Bank in Rhode Island,” stated Edward O. “Ned” Handy III, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Throughout our 222+ year history, Washington Trust has been a community partner that provides trusted financial advice and personalized solutions to our customers. This honor reflects the value our customers place in us.” Forbes and Statista identified Best-In-State Banks 2023 based on two sources:
ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST® Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and one of the Northeast’s premier financial services companies. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ: WASH). Additional information on Washington Trust can be found at washtrust.com. # # # By Amanda LaRose, Owner, LCSW/LICSW, CIMHP What is the Integrative Wellness Program at Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness? Wellness is about physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness presents the standard of its vision of Wellness through its Integrative Wellness Program. Our Integrative Wellness Program aims for well-coordinated care among different providers under one roof, by bringing conventional and complementary wellness approaches together to care for the whole person. In addition to our popular stand-alone services: Counseling, Yoga, Acupuncture, Herbalism, Dietary Consult, and Massage Therapy, our Integrative Wellness Program provides Foundational, Enhanced, and Comprehensive levels of service to clients who wish to experience an encompassing journey on their path to wellness. At Rhode Island Oak Counseling and Wellness, we promote healing and growth using client-centered treatments and evidence-based interventions. We use a model of wellness that includes attending to six key points of wellness: Counseling: This addresses the mental and emotional side of healing. By talking with an objective, licensed professional, clients are able to gain awareness, and develop coping skills that can help reduce symptoms and improve psychological well-being. Client Testimonial: "I have had the opportunity to experience multiple counselors to find the best fit. It’s helped me pull the physical health wellness into mental health and put them together to get the most benefit and more quickly. There are many layers to wellness. The difference over three months in my anxiety is an incredible improvement.” Client Testimonial: “ The therapist has been a life saver, I was able to establish a rapport with her quickly. She helps me get to the root of what is bothering me and how to help myself. “ Acupuncture: This involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. Common benefits include reduced stress, reduced back and neck pain, relieved joint tension, reduced pain in hands and arms, headache relief, enhanced mental clarity and increased energy. It can also provide relief from insomnia, anxiety, depression and migraines. Client Testimonial: "Acupuncture was something I was a little nervous about because I hadn’t done it but the acupuncturist helped me feel comfortable to get the treatment and to open up to talk about my experience with it." Client Testimonial: “Acupuncturist is a gentle soul and you feel like you are stepping into a cradle and being so comforted.” Massage Therapy: Massage therapy at Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness is provided by licensed professionals who are trained to determine problem areas which focus on the soft tissue — the muscles, tendons and ligaments that move and support your body. Our integrative wellness approach uses therapeutic massage to complement other therapies you may already be receiving, or as a stand-alone therapy, to treat a particular area of your body. During a massage therapy session, you can expect our licensed therapists to manipulate the soft tissue of the body by using varying degrees of pressure in order to release knots and tension. After your session you will notice reduced stress, relaxation, improved circulation, released tension, and improved sleep patterns. Of course, results will vary depending on each client. Client Testimonial: “The Massage Therapist is the best I have ever had. She fixes everything.” Dietary Consult: Learn how proper nutrition, and consuming bioavailable food sources impacts daily life; explore how potential changes in diet can have a positive impact on physiology and psychological well-being. Yoga: Our bodies are meant to move. Research has demonstrated time and again the important relationship between physical activity and wellness. We are fortunate to have an amazing Yoga Studio at our Wellness Center. Yoga helps the physical body by increasing flexibility, muscle strength and tone, maintaining a balanced metabolism, reducing weight, aiding in cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury. A recent publication by the Harvard Medical School noted that yoga can boost your mood by lowering levels of stress hormones, increasing the production of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, and bringing more oxygenated blood to your brain. Client Testimonial: "I love the yoga classes here! They are varied and great for all levels, and the convenient sign up process and location are wonderful." Client Testimonial: “A lot of the stuff that I am doing in yoga here, it is more gentle and I can even do some at home, so my mobility has increased.” Herbalism: Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs for promoting health and preventing and treating illness. In terms of its general benefits, they can be restorative, support the body and allow for a natural first port of call for minor ailments without immediately reaching for conventional drugs in a world where we are all more mindful about over use. Methods of consumption: herbal teas, skincare routine, essential oils, herbal steam inhalation when you have a cold; Or adding particular herbs and spices to foods for their healing properties. Herbology products in wellness programs are a good way to introduce herbology into your wellbeing. Conclusion No matter our current situation, we crave wellness. Being Well fulfills our lives and centers and balances us in the present. Often times, this is easier said than done but there are practices which can help us cope, and our Integrative Wellness Program has been known to do just that. At Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness, we are trained to integrate our Wellness Services together in such a way that focuses on healing, balance, and growth and sets you on a path to Wellness. Client Testimonial: "Breathing helps me be more mindful in the present moment. When I’m stressed I take a deep breath without even thinking about it. I have developed confidence in the Integrative Wellness Program treatment, and want to do it because it makes me feel better.” Client Testimonial: “I would love to refer others so they can get support to come up with a plan for how to get to where you want to be and have all the services in one center. To learn more, please visit our updated website: https://rioakcounseling.com/integrative-wellness/ Email: admin@rioakcounseling.com Phone: (401) 366-2426 Facebook: RIOakCounseling Instagram: @rioakcounseling Address: Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness, 2984 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871 This Week’s Cybersecurity Tip of the Week, provided by PacketLogix IT Security Tip: Be VERY careful of what you put in any e-mail Never forget that e-mail constitutes a legal record and can be admissible in legal actions, not only in the courtroom, but in the court of public opinion. People sue peoples for all kinds of silly reasons. Family members get into disputes, couples get divorced, consumers sue merchants and vendors can pursue delinquent clients. Whenever a lawyer is looking for damaging evidence, one of the first things they’ll ask for are e-mail records – and deleting them does NOT save you. Just look at what happened to Hillary! E-mail is also not private. Employers have the right to monitor employees’ work e-mail; and if you e-mail anything to a “friend,” you have no legal right to prevent them from posting it or forwarding it. So before you hit “send,” take a minute to make absolutely certain your e-mail doesn’t contain something you don’t want public. Pretend your boss/parent/spouse/religious leader/kids are copied on every e-mail you write. Better yet, pretend your worst enemy is…then edit before you hit “send.” Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com For a very limited time, at no cost to your company, we will conduct a dark web scan looking for your company’s hacked credentials for sale on the dark web. Contact Nikki Manalansan at 401-227-2695 or nikki@packetlogix.com for us to start your dark web scan today. Thanks for your Time and Consideration Terrence Boylan, CEO Media Contact: Erin Read; 401-440-8350; eread@polarismep.org
IMAGES: Video stills, BUPPY PETS logo, Hope & Main logo, Polaris MEP logo Rhode Island Food Business Ecosystem Featured as “Heroes” Video Produced by National Institute of Standards & Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Latest installment of “Heroes of American Manufacturing” series celebrates RI dog treat maker BUPPY PETS ® , culinary incubator Hope & Main, and Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center Polaris MEP Providence, RI – May 15, 2023 – Three Rhode Island businesses have been featured in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) video series, in an episode that spotlights the state’s food business ecosystem. Culinary incubator Hope & Main and MEP Center Polaris MEP share their story of working collaboratively to support dog treat manufacturing business BUPPY PETS as it scaled production. The “Heroes of American Manufacturing” video series celebrates the small and medium-sized manufacturers succeeding in the U.S. with the help of their local MEP Centers. Rhode Island takes its first turn in the national spotlight in the latest video in the series. “The hero of this story is actually a trio of partners,” said Matt Watson, Polaris MEP Center Director. “It reflects the unique way Rhode Island helps its food and beverage businesses succeed, with private and public partners all working together to lift up manufacturers.” Viewers will be introduced to BUPPY PETS (www.buppypets.com), launched by Warwick resident Lauren Ruggiero to offer 4-ingredient sharable treats inspired by snacks people love. The entrepreneur joined the business incubation program at Hope & Main (www.makefoodyourbusiness.org), a Warren, RI, non-profit which jumpstarts early-stage food manufacturers. Hope & Main partners with Providence-based Polaris MEP (www.PolarisMEP.org) to support their members with training on efficient production, continuous improvement and beyond. After Ruggiero was connected to Polaris MEP project manager Nathan Bonds, she said the company was able to reduce costs and increase productivity. Lisa Raiola, President and Founder of Hope & Main, said that the video captures the spirit of how the incubator and Polaris MEP work together to develop and scale food businesses. “The Buppy Pets story is a powerful way to illustrate our shared mission of a thriving and diverse food economy in Rhode Island.” The video is currently featured on the NIST website at https://www.nist.gov/mep/mep-national-network/manufacturing-videos # # # -- Alison Mountford (she/her) Director of Marketing & Communications Hope & Main 415-652-7473 |
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