Chamber Connections BLOG
Chamber Connections BLOG
People's Credit Union's Community Enhancement Committee coordinated the creation and sale of an employee cookbook. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook were donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Community Food Bank, and Hugh Minor, Director of Communications, met and received the donation in People's Middletown Branch. The total donation from the sales of the cookbook was $1,182.50. The donation allows the RI Community Food Bank to provide quality food to those in need. The organization relies on support from individuals, corporations, foundations and fundraisers to carry out its mission. The cookbook featured over seventy recipes ranging from salads and appetizers to main dishes and desserts. The cookbooks were sold to employees and Credit Union members throughout the months of December and January; close to 250 cookbooks were sold. "The People's Credit Union's Community Enhancement Committee is always looking for ways to make a difference and thought that sharing tried and true recipes with the community and being able to donate the proceeds to the RI Community Food Bank would be a perfect example of the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. "said Tiffany Costa, Chair of the Community Enhancement Committee. About People's Credit Union People's offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People's Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People's Credit Union visit peoplescu.com.
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The Rhode Island Chamber Coalition has you - and the government - covered. If you didn't get a chance to catch Gov. Raimondo's State of the State Address last Tuesday, below is a brief recap, brought to you by the Coalition.
While most RI citizens had already heard about her plan to provide RI students with two free years of college at a state college or university, many other issues were discussed in the Governor’s speech: 1) The budget maintains funding for the commerce programs “because they’re working” said the Governor. Companies are coming here and the local companies are making a decision to stay here. 2) “Our workforce is getting stronger.” People are learning new skills. The Governor pledges that her 2018 budget will include a program to “protect and expand” the State’s workforce training programs. 3) By the end of this year RI will be the first state in the country to offer computer classes to every secondary school student 4) Commitment to the environment – the Governor hopes to double the number of the people working in green jobs by 2020. “Let’s protect our natural resources and while we’re at it, put people to work.” 5) Raimondo asked for the legislature’s help to take on the opiod crisis in Rhode Island. She said it is not isolated in the cities, “it is all around us.” Last year funds were increased to help curb the addiction. She said that her budget will include the same funding this year plus money for rehab housing. 6) Minimum wage and Mandatory Sick Pay – The budget will increase the minimum wage to $10.50 per hour. “No one who works full time should live in poverty”. The budget includes a rate increase for home care workers as well. This group did receive an increase last year and the Governor is proposing another increase this year. Also, the Governor’s budget will require a mandatory sick pay for employees to cover an illness or the illness of a “loved one”. 7) The Governor’s budget includes investment in manufacturing initiatives for high school students, provides equipment improvement incentives and incentives to encourage hiring in manufacturing facilities. 8) The Governor’s budget will include a car excise tax reduction by at least 30% and put over $50 million back into the pockets of Rhode Islanders. She said she looks forward to a lively debate on this issue. 9) The 2018 budget will include money for secondary school students so that they can take the PSAT and the SAT for free Governor Raimondo finished her speech by saying, “We’re up for this… This is what people are expecting of us…Together we’re going to strengthen this state. We can do this.” BankNewport President and CEO, Sandra J. Pattie has announced that Monique L. Campeau, assistant vice president, lending compliance officer has been appointed the additional role of Community Reinvestment Act Officer. As a member of the Compliance & Risk Management team, Campeau will be responsible for coordinating and managing a quality control/assurance program for BankNewport’s lending functions, including commercial, residential, consumer and small business, in addition to validation of practices, procedures, policies, and guidelines to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and third party guidelines. As Community Reinvestment Act Officer, she will be responsible for developing, implementing and administering all aspects of the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act Compliance Program. Campeau joined BankNewport in June 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth and a Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts also in Dartmouth. Monique is a member of the Eastern Massachusetts Compliance Network. She is a resident of Warren, Rhode Island. About BankNewport Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. In addition, OceanPoint Insurance Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of BankNewport, offers a broad range of property casualty insurance products and a full array of financial services. With 15 banking offices and $1.4 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the oldest community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. Safe-Way Auto Sales Inc., in Bristol, has been officially Certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization for maintaining the right tools, equipment, training, and facility necessary to repair the participating Automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer's specifications. In achieving their Certification, Safe-Way Auto Sales Inc. is now an integral part of the most advanced repair capable and efficient auto body repair network in the world. Adding to the their credentials, Safe-Way Auto Sales Inc. is officially recognized by Assured Performance, FCA, GM, Ford, and Hyundai.
To become Certified and officially recognized by the various Automakers, Safe-Way Auto Sales Inc. passed the rigorous Certification process essential to help ensure a proper and safe repair of the new generation of advanced vehicles. Less than 5 percent of body shops across the nation are able to meet the stringent requirements to become officially Certified and recognized. The Certified network is made up exclusively of best-in-class collision repair businesses that have met or exceeded the stringent requirements of the Certification program. According to Safe-Way Auto Sales Inc. Owner, Joe Coelho, Jr., "We are thrilled to have achieved the Certification and automaker recognitions. This certification helps to let our customers know they are dealing with highly trained professionals that care about them and will assure that their vehicle is repaired right to ensure its safety and performance." The Certification criteria is based upon auto manufacturer requirements. These are critical to ensure the vehicle fit, finish, durability, value and safety following an accident. As new model vehicles are being introduced that use light weight high strength materials and advanced technology, a proper repair according to manufacturer specification is even more important than ever to ensure the passenger safety and proper performance of the vehicle. Auto manufacturers want to ensure that consumers have the option of Certified Collision Repair wherever they live, work, or travel. “Consumers need the confidence and peace of mind to know their vehicle is repaired by a shop that has what it takes to ensure the vehicle safety. Safe-Way Auto Sales Inc. is officially a Collision Care Provider™," said Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance Collision Care. "They represent the standard by which all other body shops are measured." About Assured Performance Collision Care™ Assured Performance Collision Care™ is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization specializing in the automotive collision repair market segment. Assured Performance works with the top automakers to identify, audit and promote collision repair providers that meet best-in-class business standards and the manufacturer’s requirements. Consumers can go to: www.assuredperformance.net or www.autobodylocator.com to find a list of Certified Collision Repair Providers. An Innovative Manufacturing Incubator and Commercial Makerspace is coming to RI. A group of business and community leaders are creating a place that will provide shared workspace, manufacturing and rapid prototyping equipment, tools, expertise and business development services to make things and grow businesses collaboratively.
Any individual, business or organization can participate no matter where you are located. TinkerBristol will provide affordable access to a wide variety of equipment otherwise unavailable to a single individual or small business, including everything from traditional metal, wood-working, and electronics tools to 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. Also available will be sewing, chemical-work, composites, and CAD stations. Dry, wet, and hooded work areas will be included. Rhode Island has a rich manufacturing heritage and is a center for excellence in marine trades, jewelry, clothing, and advanced composites among others. TinkerBristol organizers want to build on this made-with-skilled hands tradition and support a new generation of makers, thinkers and tinkerers; those who will start and grow businesses, those who will improve products and advance technology, and those who will learn and pass along skills. The plan is to create an innovative and collaborative environment that serves the Rhode Island community, which is why your feedback and participation is critical. Whether you are an entrepreneur or hobbyist, an established business or a start-up, a retiree or a teenager, this will be your home for making things. A place to meet and swap ideas. A place to tackle and solve problems. A place to create new products, launch new businesses, grow existing ones, teach new skills and create new jobs. If you had affordable access to shared space, equipment, and expertise, what would you make? Please take our Needs Assessment Survey at http://bit.ly/2jsyxGv - it is short and takes only a few minutes and is much appreciated! For more information about TinkerBristol, contact Todd Thomas, [email protected], or visit the website, www.tinkerbristol.org. The Emerging Leaders Program provides participants with the new knowledge, know-how and connections to help the grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Over 2,500 small business owners around the country have completed the program.
The program is free of charge and will run from March, 2017 to September, 2017. This innovative program is an intense seven month program that offers approximately 100 hours of training per participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced professionals and develop connections with their peers, city leaders, and financial communities. Program eligibility criteria include:
The emerging Leaders executive-level training series uses a copyrighted curriculum called the StreetWise Steps™ to Small Business Growth. The curriculum gives small business owners, an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through a combination of 1) executive education; 2) practical tips based on "real-life" business experience, and; 3) advice from business leaders that can be readily applied. Entrepreneurs will be in class for 40 hours of instruction time, taught by Interise, divided over 13 class sessions. Participants will also spend roughly 14 hours in CEO Mentoring Groups. The Curriculum cover has five modules that will be covered in class. Module 1: Business and Strategy Assessment. Module 2: Financials. Module 3: Marketing and Sales. Module 4: Resources- People, Accessing Capital and Government Contracting. Module 5: Putting it all together- Strategic Growth Plan Presentations. The average time out-of-class time commitment is three hours for each class, though some sessions demand up to six hours of preparation time. All the instructional approaches - classes, CEO Mentoring Groups and self -paced learning are interconnected and of equal importance. Classes meet roughly every other week during the evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. so as to not take the owner away from their daily business commitments. Click here to register and learn more about the program >> People's Credit Union proudly announces it has earned the highest 5-Star Superior rating from BAUERFINANCIALS, the Nation's Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm. People's Credit Union has earned and maintained this top honor for 100 consecutive quarters earning even higher accolades. People's Credit union is a "Best of Bauer" credit union for maintaining a 5-star rating for 100 continuous quarters or longer.
Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial, commends People's Credit Union for maintaining a strong capital position while fulfilling its commitment to solving the financial needs of its members. "People's Credit Union isn't pushing products or services on you that you don't need or want", says Dorway. "It is there to provide a service and fill a need, which it has been able to do seamlessly while maintaining its pristine health." "We are committed to providing our members with the highest level of service and the most convenient banking products possible. People's Credit Union is a local, friendly financial institution and our decisions are made right here, with this community's residents best interest in mind." commented Ellen Ford, People's Credit Union President and CEO. BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida the nation's leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution can pay for or opt out of a BauerFinancial rating. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by visiting bauerfinancial.com ABOUT PEOPLE'S CREDIT UNION People's offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People's Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People's Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com. By Beth Russell PR Team Member If you’re looking for a gift, daisy dig’ins is the place to go. Unique items can be found throughout the store. There are bath & body products, clothing, jewelry, home décor and of course beautiful flowers. It’s easy to lose yourself while admiring all the beautiful items on the shelves & on the walls. Lois Coppolino, a life-long resident of Barrington, opened the store in 1977. It started as a floral design store. In 1986 Lois and her husband, Lou built their own store. Lois prides herself on always listening to her customer’s needs. She offers quality products and each customer is greeted with a smile. In addition to the beautiful gift items, the store still operates the floral business, providing flowers for weddings or special occasions. In an effort to keep the inventory fresh and the sale items from taking up space, daisy dig’ins Off the Rack opened in Waseca Plaza last year. It began on a trial basis, but due to its overwhelming success, the store is now permanent. The store is stocked with All Sale items and like the main store, there’s a wide variety of items. After being in business for almost 40 years, Lois still loves what she does. The business has allowed her to use her creative skills and spend time with her customers, which she loves! By Beth Carter PR Team Member You may not think of Warren as a resort town but when you step into this store you feel like you are in the tropics. Owner Artiss Akarra has such breathtaking displays of color with his swimsuits and sunglasses that you almost feel the sand between your toes. Artiss is a 2000 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and started his business five years ago designing sunglasses. At first he only had three different styles but now has over 150 SKUs. All have the proper UV protection and come in a variety of colors and styles. In June 2016, he opened his store on Water Street which made the most sense being by the water. He also has a mobile boutique that he brings to events (usually in downtown Providence) to sell his items; it even has a dressing room! All the swimwear is produced in Brazil and it is very well constructed. Artiss creates themes for each collection and is currently showcasing his Miami Vice line. The fabric is high quality and includes bikinis, retro swimwear, and his very popular swim dress. Women of all ages will feel confident and beautiful no matter what design they choose. He also has recently introduced beach bags. Artiss wanted to create an experience for anyone who walks in his store. It goes beyond purchasing a swimsuit, bag or sunglasses. He also hosts a monthly "affair" which has been very successful. People come to meet new people but he also has had massage therapists and others to make a customer feel good even on the inside. Like the name implies, you will feel like part of a community. At this time of year you may yearn to be in warmer climate so come visit United Republic Affair. You will definitely get that beach feel and beyond. |
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