The Bristol-Warren Regional School District is seeking local businesses interested in participating in the Kickemuit Middle School Career Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, from 8:30 - 11 a.m. The fair will be held in the school's gymnasium, 525 Child St., in Warren. The fair is for 8th Grade students only.

Businesses will be provided with a table to display any information relating to their respective professions, and any potential schooling needed. Businesses need at least one representative capable of speaking with students about the company. Take-away marketing materials are encouraged. 

For more information, please email fair coordinator Jared Vance, or Superintendent Dr. Mario Andrade.

Paper, Packaging and Panache has been a staple of downtown Bristol for over 20 years! Co-owners Linda Arruda and Susan Curtis met in a small business class during the winter of 1996 and the rest is history. With some encouragement from their professor, Susan’s love of creating greeting cards and a mutual need for a new adventure; Paper, Packaging and Panache was born. 

Since they first opened their doors the stationary industry has changed greatly. Influenced by advancing technology and more locations to buy greeting cards, from supermarkets to gas stations and seemingly everywhere in between, Susan and Linda knew they had to differentiate themselves. Inspired by her early years selling handmade greeting cards all over New England, Susan makes it a point to showcase local artists. They take pride in supporting local talent and providing aspiring artists the exposure many larger stores would deny. 

In addition to the changing stationary industry they have watched Bristol grow through the years. They’ve noticed a steady increase in tourist traffic especially in the warmer months. They note a lot of college students and their families come in and are amazed by the natural beauty found in Bristol and throughout the east bay of Rhode Island. 
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Paper, Packaging and Panache is the local go to place for greeting cards and invitations for all holidays, events, and occasions. They have also expanded their offerings over the years and specialize in children’s toys and clothing.  So next time you find yourself strolling around beautiful downtown Bristol, stop in, check out their impressive inventory, and do your part to support your local businesses. Tell them that the East Bay Chamber of Commerce sent you!

The Rhode Island Chamber Coalition has issued a House Bill advisory. Three bills being introduced by the House related to Labor and Labor Relations are scheduled for hearing and consideration this Thursday, Feb. 9 at the House Lounge at the State House.

Coalition Chairman Craven has asked that any witnesses (business owners who may be effected) submit a written testimony, providing 23 copies for the Coalition's use. Please mark your written testimony with the bill number. Email your testimony to Lesley Palagi. 

House Bill No. 5057
BY Bennett, Lima, Regunberg, Ranglin-Vassell, Hull
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGE {LC272/1} (Increases the minimum wage to ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) commencing July 1, 2017.)
01/11/2017 Introduced, referred to House Labor
02/02/2017 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

House Bill No. 5315
BY Walsh, Regunberg, Almeida, Maldonado, Ajello
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGE--GRATUITIES {LC1025/1} (Raises the minimum wage for tipped workers by fifty cents ($.50) per year commencing on January 1, 2018 until the tipped minimum wage is not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the regular minimum wage.)
02/01/2017 Introduced, referred to House Labor
02/02/2017 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

House Bill No. 5316
BY Morin, Walsh, Barros, Marszalkowski, Messier
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS – TIP PROTECTION {LC941/1} (Prohibits employers from receiving any portion of the tips given by customers to their tipped employees with limited exceptions for credit card service charges.)
02/01/2017 Introduced, referred to House Labor
02/02/2017 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration