​Golfers played through the rain at our Annual Golf Tournament at Swansea Country Club on Monday, July 29th. Despite the weather, everyone enjoyed the event! Thank you to all our Sponsors, and those who participated!
Photos by Devon McWilliams Photography

Machine Operators
 
Different Shifts Available:
Shift
Days
Hours of Work
# of hours per shift

EVE
Mon - Thurs
2:30 PM to 12:30 PM
10

FSD
Fri - Sun
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
12

FSN
Fri - Sun
6:00 PM to 6:00 AM
12

Position Summary:                                        
The position is accountable to operate manufacturing equipment within TPI RI Automotive facility.  The associate will follow the specific work instructions to operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner.  The associate will complete these tasks with a high attention to detail, while meeting all quality and daily production target requirements. 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Machine - Associates working on manufacturing equipment will be responsible for the manufacturing output of materials produced at the defined machine with acceptable quality levels per operations targeted goals.  This includes communication to supervisor and other associate team members for materials and supplies needed to perform job. 
•   Teamwork- Effectively work with team members to complete described production tasks related to successful machine operation and performance. All associates will communicate and coordinate work activities during the shift.  All team members will help each other complete the production requirements at given machine process while working in a safe and efficient manner.
•   Hand Tools- Use small, powered hand tools, utility knives, sanders, scissors, scrapers, fixtures and tape measures and other tools required to perform job to specifications.  All hand tools will be properly stored in designated places to ensure they can be easily found at the beginning, and during the shifts. Responsible for communicating gaps to supervisor regarding tool storage. Maintains and proposes process improvements to supervisor to align with 5S methodology on manufacturing floor.
•   Work Instructions- Accountable to follow precise work instructions that have been prepared by our process engineering teams.  It is the accountability of each associate to follow these instructions precisely and communicate to supervisor when there are gaps in the instructions.  All autonomous maintenance activities will be performed by the associate as described in work instructions.  
•   Personal Protective Equipment- Accountable daily to wear; (a) safety glasses; (b) full upper closed toed shoes; (c) other PPE as required by defined work area.  
•   Safety- Each duty will be performed by associates being aware of their surroundings and ensuring their work is completed without injury to self, others, and equipment.  Each person will take the accountability to maintain their work area free from non-conforming items and unapproved items in the direct work area.  Unsafe acts or conditions will be reported to the supervisor or shift leader. 5S practices will be followed by all associates.
•   Production Standards- It is the associate’s accountability to ensure that we comply with company lunch and break times to be efficient with the production time allocated to our schedules.  Associate will complete all required documentation as described on work instructions.  Working on pace and accurately is key to meet our customers’ expectations delivered each week.
Education/ Skills/ Experience:
•   High School Education- High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•   Technical or Vocational Education Desired-   Training beyond high school in auto-body repair, painting and composites materials.  Experience operating small machines and using hand tools.
•   Manufacturing Experience- 2 years previous manufacturing experience operating machine(s) and performing to a high level of equipment performance.
•   Mastery of Basic Skills- Reading, writing, math, listening to others, following instructions, written and oral.
•   Eye Hand Coordination- Ability to load and unload materials in designated machine locations.
•   Maturity- Committed to mastering the machine operation.  
Training Requirements Desired:
•   Safe work practices and ISO 9001 quality standards and/ or quality methods.
•   Vocational classes in manufacturing.
•   Knowledge 5S methodology in manufacturing environment
Physical Skills and Abilities:
•   Ability to lift 25lbs to 50 lbs.
•   Ability to constantly stand, bend, climb, reach, kneel, walk, push, and pull over a 12-hour period.
•   Ability to work with different types of chemicals in a safe manner.
 
Warehouse Associate
 
The Warehouse Associate moves materials within the warehouse and production facility and performs warehouse and other support tasks. The schedule for this position is Monday to Friday (8:00am -4:30pm).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives orders in ERP and Bar-Coding computer systems.
• Verifies packing slip to goods received for accuracy and monitors expiration dates, if applicable.
• Issues materials to jobs/production/prototypes
• Stocks and replenishes materials and supplies.
• Performs outbound shipping
• Performs daily monitoring of bins and racks and communicates low inventory items to buyer or manager
• Uses equipment to track, monitor and verify products for distribution.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Operates powered industrial equipment.
• Works safely.
• Performs weekly cycle counts of warehouse items.
•  Performs other duties as required.

 Education/ Skills/ Experience:

• Prior Warehouse experience
• Experience operating powered industrial equipment 
• Fork truck driving/loading/unloading/material handling experience and proficiency required.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Ability to maintain safe work environment.

 Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. while pushing, pulling lifting, bending and stooping and using lifting techniques and move loads.
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, kneeling, and crouching.
•  Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus
•  Ability to hear safety horns, pre-shift announcements and use a two-way radio.
• Ability to work in a safety sensitive environment (operation of powered industrial equipment and heavy foot and conveyance traffic throughout the facility); moving conveyors, heights; maintain awareness of surroundings at all times and quick reaction time to hazardous conditions are necessary.

 Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.

 

 Control – Change Analyst
 
Position Summary:                                       
The Control/Change Analyst plays a vital role in driving the efficient implementation and maintenance of QMS through effective change management and document control practices. The position is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and streamlined documentation throughout the organization. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail will be crucial in facilitating smooth transitions during change initiatives while upholding the integrity and accessibility of vital documents. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the entire document lifecycle, managing the creation, review, approval, revision, and distribution of all QMS and Engineering documents.
•  Controls the numbering, sorting, filing, storing and retrieval of both electronic and hard copy documents produced by technical teams, projects or departments.
• Issues controlled copies of documents and maintains master lists to track revisions and distribution.
•  Maintains electronic and paper copies of controlled documents and records.
• Assures current revisions of external documents. 
• Performs regular audits of documentation and recordkeeping practices to identify and address any discrepancies.
• Maintains and files raw material certificates of conformance.
• Creates quality related documents as required by customer.
• Identifies and analyzes potential changes, collaborates with stakeholders to identify opportunities within the QMS, assesses potential impacts, and develops comprehensive change plans.
• Designs clear and concise transition protocols to ensure smooth adoption of new procedures and policies. 
• Monitors and evaluates change performance, tracks progress, identifies and addresses roadblocks, and measures the effectiveness of implemented changes to optimize future initiatives. 
• Creates, maintains, and updates Bills of Material (BOMs) in Oracle
• Tracks and manages BOM changes through a change control process.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve BOM-related issues and implements changes in a timely and efficient manner.

Education/Skills/Experience 

• Two-year degree and/or equivalent experience in Quality/Change Management
• Solid understanding of ISO-based QMS and document control principles
• Experience with change management methodologies and implementation strategies.
• Proven ability to write clear, concise, and accurate procedures and work instructions.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and document management software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. 
•  Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
•  ISO auditing experience, preferred.

 
Physical Demands and Work Environment 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.

 
Senior CNC Programmer
 
Position Summary
The Senior CNC Programmer is responsible for programming, operating, and maintaining computer numeric controlled (CNC) equipment. Works closely with the Engineering team to produce prototype (first run), production composite parts, and manufacturing tooling and fixtures.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sets up and able to operate 3, 5, and 7-axis machines; extensive knowledge in fixturing and part setup.
• Reads engineering drawings, specifications and interpret customer requirements.
• Creates 3-7 axis tool paths utilizing CAD/CAM software.
• Understands speeds and feeds and is able to edit G & M code from CNC controller.
• Determines methods, tooling, feeds, speeds and all necessary requirements for manufacturing of parts.
• Understands GD&T for correct part holding, fixture sequencing and order of operations.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes for layup, trim, and assembly of composite hardware.
• Determines methods, cutter types and cutting parameters depending on a variety of materials (composites, epoxies, steel, aluminum, etc.) and design specifications.
• Works with process engineers on planning of manufacturing process to ensure that quality and design objectives are achieved.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems for example, with machines, tooling and program malfunction. 
• Ability to identify composite damage. 
• Monitors machine operations and adjusts as necessary to maintain quality and productivity. 
• Trains new employees to operate CNC machines and programs.
• Works closely with engineering teams to provide crucial input on design for manufacturability. 
• Openly communicates with engineers, management, and other team members.
• Willing and able to train and learn new CNC software as needed.
• Able to manage multiple projects in different stages of development.
• Can work independently with vendors to seek out solutions.
• Willing to travel as needed to execute training on new equipment or software.

Education/ Skills/ Experience:

• Engineering or engineering technology degree and at least 7 years of CNC programming experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous CNC experience working with composite materials preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• CAM programming with Mastercam preferred.
• Manual machining experience a plus.
• Ability to utilize standard inspection tools to verify parts meet print specifications (including but not limited to calipers, micrometer, Height Gauges etc.)
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles is beneficial.
• Knowledge of design techniques, engineering principles, mechanical processes
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment - collaborate and assist team members.

 
Physical Skills and Abilities:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time, potentially working across shifts at times.
• Stamina to occasionally work 50+ hours/week to support plant performance.

 
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy

Production Supervisor
 
Oversee the day-to-day operation activities including direct supervision of associates.  Daily planning, organizing, directing, motivating, problem solving and continuous improvement on the shop floor. Assure assigned team is meeting objectives in the areas of safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Daily supervision/leading of Manufacturing Associates
• Influence safe associate behavior; set expectations for following safety procedures and safe behaviors.
• Perform as a working member of the team as necessary to meet production targets, set the pace/
• Demonstrate work methods and ensure that team members are trained to complete all tasks
•  Assign work to associates and monitor both efficiency and quality of their work
•  Ensure all work procedures are followed
•  Manage vacation and time off requests for the team
•  Ensure that the payroll records are accurate for team members via i.e. Labor Tracker
•  Deliver and participate in disciplinary activities with Human Resources
•  Participate in the interview/selection of team members
•  Attend and participate in shift hand off meetings
•  Fairly and consistently promote, enforce and reinforce all company policies
• Conduct associate performance reviews in a timely manner
• Lead team in the application of lean manufacturing tools, including 5S, Visual Management, 7 Forms of Waste, Continuous Improvement (Kaizen), Poke Yoke, and Root Cause Corrective action
• Ensure that team boards are completed accurately and on time and that metrics are utilized to develop corrective actions and drive continuous improvement.

Education/ Skills/ Experience:
Two-year degree in supervision, management, business, or a related area and 3 years of supervisory/management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in Lean manufacturing preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, engagement and mentoring skills
• Enthusiastic and possess the ability to motivate others
• Ability to maintain excellent attendance record
• Analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Be seen as the best source of credible information for their associates and respected by other associates.
• Managerial skills:  technical, motivate, communicate, conflict resolution, conceptual, diagnostic

Physical Demands:

• Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time.
• Potentially working across all shifts at times with the stamina to work 50+ hours per week to support plant performance.
• Work in an industrial environment where there will be exposure to elevated high heat and humidity, fiberglass dust, and hazardous chemicals.
• In a safety-sensitive, demanding, detail oriented, deadline driven environment that requires simultaneous handling of multiple priorities. 
• Lifting and carrying up to 25-50lbs.
•  Use of manual, electric, and pneumatic hand tools.
• Standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, squatting, ladder and stair climbing and occasional crawling, twisting, and lying.
• Reaching and repetitive manipulation of hands for simple grasping, pushing, and pulling.
• Wearing of personal protective equipment including, but not limited to safety glasses, gloves, protective garments, and respirators. 

 
Production Manager
 
The Production Manager is directly responsible for plant manufacturing operations on all production shifts.  The main focus is to drive performance in the manufacturing processes through continuous improvement to deliver and sustain profitable growth.  The fundamental task is to directly lead and manage the operation of the value stream, develop strategy, and provide direct supervision of Production Supervisors and indirect supervision of lead operators and production associates. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs all activities related to operations and production in accordance with the business plan and the strategic goals of the Company and business unit. 
• Collaborates with colleagues to achieve safety and environmental performance objectives.
• Collaborates with site leadership to set short- and long-term production goals and meet key performance indicators (KPI). 
• Directs and manages overall production plan for the operation.
• Collaborates with functional/support managers on the determination of materials, space, equipment and personnel needs as well as the development and implementation of processes, procedures, assignment and execution of functional responsibilities, and determination of budget and costs constraints.
• Communicates the Company's strategic goals and vision for site. 
• Evaluates performance against production goals and adjusts allocations of resources (e.g., personnel, equipment, materials) as needed to optimize quality and amount of equipment, machinery and components produced, market share of customers, quality of services provided, and cost-efficiency of operations. 

• Reviews and analyzes reports of key business performance data, collaborates with management team on operations, and maintains knowledge of current market trends and best practices for region and industry.
• Engages the team in supervising day-to-day operations.
• Provides strategic guidance and resources to troubleshoot highly complex issues related to departmental operations and customer service.
• Supports or leads Operational Excellence/Lean improvement projects.
• Develops and leads the implementation of operational initiatives in support of Lean Six-Sigma manufacturing (e.g., department utilization improvement, process capability enhancement, customer satisfaction, employee involvement). 
• Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency.
• Sets and communicates standards, deploys resources, and achieves clear and measurable performance expectations for the operation.
• Trains and ensures all assigned employees are aware of and comply with company, government, and customer policies, procedures, and regulations. Works with subordinate managers and supervisors to maintain a positive, motivated workforce.

 
Required

• BA or BS degree in a technical discipline; and 8 to 12 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in automotive experience preferred.
• Previous IATF 16949 and/or ISO14001 experience preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team, generating results with general/minimal guidance from management.
• Green Belt Certification preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with professional presentation and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively apply MS Excel and other analysis tools to real-world problem-solving.
• Must be flexible, innovative and comfortable in setting own priorities.
• Polished presentation, business acumen and facilitation skills
• Good understanding of Lean manufacturing principles
• Experience with high volume operations
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Change Agent experience.

Automation Engineer
 
The Automation Engineer works within the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team in the development and implementation of automated systems within the production process. Works alongside manufacturing and tooling engineers and collaborates across functional departments to determine existing automation capabilities and future opportunities. Our ideal candidate has a master's degree in engineering with a focus on automation, mechanical, electrical engineering, or relevant field. 

• Program, simulate and implement multi-axis robotic or machine path programs. 
• Design or specify automated systems. 
• Develop detailed automation implementation plans. 
• Evaluate through simulation singular processes through to full factory layouts. 
• Implement sensor technologies. 
• Develop or update specifications for automated systems. 
• Develop tests plans and lead validation efforts. 
• Define equipment acceptance criteria and evaluate results. 
• Identify areas of opportunity for automation solutions. 
• Model, simulate, evaluate, and propose automation solutions. 
• Conduct research, analyze, and evaluate information. 
• Generate and report detailed time studies. 
• Propose standards for automated systems. 
• Implement standards and best practices. 
• Create maintenance plans and procedures. 
• Perform safety analysis and risk assessments. 
• Research and develop new technologies. 
• Support trouble shooting efforts on automated systems. 
• Represent engineering in site and companywide efforts related to Industry 4.0

Education/Experience:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.. 
• Capability in machine path programming, simulation, optimization, and implementation with multi-axis or robotic systems. 
• Capability in scripting and Capability in CAD. 
• Solid understanding of automation equipment. 
• Experience with automated machine cells. 
• Ability to quickly understand automation equipment. 
• Strong analytical and creative thinking skills. 
• Strong problem-solving skills. 
• A desire to continually upgrade technical knowledge. 
• Proven ability to perform problem analysis and problem resolution. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work with vendors, customers, and employees. 
• Is informed of the latest automation technologies. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time, potentially working across shifts at times.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.
Senior Process Engineer
 
Develop and implement optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards; recommend and implement improvements to production processes, methods, and controls; coordinate manufacturing launch for new or revised composite products.

• Refine and troubleshoot our processes for molding, trimming, assembling, and finishing composite parts – working with our production staff.
• Prepare and maintain clear work instructions and accurate bills of materials.
• Implement the manufacturing launch of new/revised products.
• Recommends build and design changes to improve quality and reduce cost.
• Leads approved design and or manufacturing approved changes driven by internal and customer needs.
• Works directly with customer engineering and quality to support design and improvement projects.
• Influence others based on engineering and data to revise methods and design for quality and cost initiatives.
• Design and manage procurement of required fixtures and jigs to produce product safely and ensure repeatable quality.
• Proven experience driving root cause corrective actions to drive to zero defect production.
• Collaborate and mentor other engineers and associates in the design and manufacturing process.
• Work with production associates to understand process, identify opportunities to improves, and communicate proper methods and techniques.
• Ability to utilize Solid Works to interpret 3-D models and drawings, design fixtures and jigs.
• Takes a leadership position in ensuring the QMS systems are being followed and adhered to all required quality standards including IATF16949, ISO9001, and customer specific requirements.
• Program our Eastman CNC cutter to optimize our material patterns.
• Consult with our tooling engineers on the design of molds, jigs and fixtures.
• Collaborate with our sourcing team and our composites lab to qualify new materials.

 
Education/Skills/Experience:

• B.S. degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering or Engineering Technology required.                        
• Minimum 5 years related experience required (composites experience preferred).
• Experience with Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar programs.
• Experience with ISO 9001 / IATF16949 quality standards and/or quality methods desired.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects with a focus on safety, quality, cost, and attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal & communication skills for working with co-workers, vendors and customers.
• Ability to adapt and apply problem solving skills.
• A bias for action, and the drive to succeed as a team player in our fast-paced setting.
• Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time, potentially working across multiple shifts

 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time, potentially working across shifts at times.
The work environment includes a balance of time in both an office setting and manufacturing setting.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions required by this role. The following conditions may be present: The manufacturing floor requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye hearing, respirator, and skin protection.  Accessing work environments may include use of stairs, staging, and ladders.  The composite manufacturing environment is subject to varying levels of temperature, humidity, dust, and smells.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kate Murphy
Regan Communications
401-808-4649
[email protected]
 
MG Commercial Real Estate Sold to Longtime Partners
George Paskalis and Leeds Mitchell IV
Outgoing President & Founder Mike Giuttari to stay on as President Emeritus
 
Providence, RI - July 15, 2024 – MG Commercial Real Estate, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage company located at 365 Eddy Street in Providence, Rhode Island, has been purchased by the firm’s two long-time partners, George Paskalis and Leeds Mitchell IV, from Mike Giuttari, the firm’s president and founder. 
“We are so proud to announce our purchase of MG Commercial,” said George Paskalis, “I have spent the majority of my career learning this business from Mike, one of the most talented and experienced people in this industry. Starting this new chapter with Leeds is an honor and I am looking forward to the future of MG Commercial.”
The sale was completed on June 28, 2024 for an undisclosed amount. Giuttari, who has been in the commercial real estate business for 38 years, will stay on at MG Commercial as president emeritus.
“In our combined 44 years of experience at the firm, George and I have had the great fortune of working alongside Mike as we built one of the largest portfolios in the region,” added Leeds Mitchell IV.  “We are committed to a seamless transition as we advance the business into the next generation, leveraging our strong reputation, talented brokers and unparalleled client service.”
Founded in 1998, MG Commercial is the number one independent commercial real estate firm in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts and is consistently rated in the top three commercial real estate firms by Providence Business News.
“I am so proud of the success MG Commercial has seen since I founded it 26 years ago,” said Mike Giuttari, president emeritus.  “This transition is of course bittersweet, but I am happy to be leaving the firm’s legacy in the hands of George and Leeds, who have been instrumental in our growth for more than two decades. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities to continue this trajectory well into the future.” 
Considered one of the top industrial specialists in the region, George Paskalis has been a commercial real estate broker for 25 years.  His notable recent transactions include the sale of a 245,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Cumberland, RI for $7.45M to the Okonite Companies, the sale of a 116,000 square-foot warehouse facility in East Providence, RI to Future Foam for $4M, and the sale of a 108,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in East Providence, RI for $5.8M to an investment group. He has also recently completed the following lease deals: 46,400 square feet of warehouse space in Pawtucket, RI to the USPS, 45,000 square feet in Cumberland, RI to Reeb Millwork, and 65,000 square feet in Johnston, RI to Pure Haven.
Paskalis has been a member of the Rhode Island Building Owners Association, where he served six years as a Board Member and President; the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce; and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. He holds the SIOR designation (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors®), a professional symbol of the highest level of knowledge, production, and ethics in the commercial real estate industry, and is President-Elect for the New England SIOR Chapter. Paskalis holds a degree in economics from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.  He resides in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
Leeds Mitchell IV joined MG Commercial in 2004, with a primary focus on office sales, leasing and investment sales throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. His clients have included Lifespan, John Hancock Financial Services, Morgan Stanley, Schneider Electric, Ameriprise Financial, Rockland Trust, Bristol County Savings Bank, Securitas Security Services, Rhode Island Medical Imaging, Roger Williams University, Canon Business Solutions, The New England Institute of Technology, UnitedHealthcare, Nabsys, and Upserve (formally Swipely).
Mitchell’s exclusive listings include the 150,000 square-foot Summit Executive Park, 120,000 square-foot Gateway Center and the 120,000 SF Metro East Office Park in Warwick, RI for Michael Integlia & Company; the 100,000 square-foot Airport Professional Park in Warwick; the 60,000 square-foot Lincoln Corporate Center in Lincoln and the Grey Ledge Business Park in Smithfield.
A graduate of the Providence Country Day School, Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Hobart College. In 2011, Providence Business News named him as one of their prestigious 40 Under Forty and in 2015, he was the honored recipient of the Robert W. Holmes Scholarship given by the New England Chapter SIOR. Mitchell is also a member of Leadership Rhode Island’s 2015 Lambda II class. In 2019, he received the SIOR designation.
Mitchell is a past trustee of the Paul Cuffee Charter School where he chaired the Plant and Property Committee, serves as treasurer of the Pacific Club of Nantucket, is president of the Rhode Island International Sailing Association, and is an active member of the New York Yacht Club.  Mitchell is also past president of the Business Exchange Club of Rhode Island and a former trustee of the Providence Preservation Society. He currently resides in Barrington, Rhode Island with his wife and two children.
About MG Commercial Real Estate
MG Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage company, selling and leasing commercial real estate and consulting for a wide range of clients including landlords, tenants, individuals, investors, and institutions. Since 1998, the MG Commercial team has advised, brokered, and facilitated all forms of commercial real estate negotiations in Southern New England, providing a strategic advantage not only for local advisors, clients, companies, and organizations, but for any business nationwide seeking expert counsel and commercial real estate results.
This depth of hard-earned knowledge in addressing the specific leasing, purchasing, and marketing needs of MG Commercial’s clients – and its approach to partnering with clients – has made them an invaluable resource.
With more than 125 years of combined experience, MG Commercial’s brokers and agents have personally advised, brokered and facilitated thousands of commercial real estate transactions in Southern New England and has been regularly ranked the #1 Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firm by the Providence Business News and the Top Leasing Firm, Top Sales Firm, Top Office Leasing Brokers, Top Retail Leasing Brokers, Top Industrial Leasing Brokers, and Top Sales Brokers by CoStar. For more information, visit www.mgcommercial.com.

​Final 2024 Legislative Wrap-up
In this last 2024 edition of Advocacy in Action, we provide you with a list of bills that have become law in 2024, along with the effective dates of the new laws.  Your Chamber was very engaged, tracking just over 400 pieces of legislation, and providing testimony on many of them verbally or in writing.  This year is an election year.  We encourage you to register and to vote in the September 10th Primary (early voting begins August 21st) and in the November 5th General Election (early voting begins October 16th). Thank you for reading this publication each week and for responding to “Calls to Action” when asked.  We will see you at the next Chamber event!
 
New Laws Passed During the 2024 Legislative Session
Labor Issues:
Employee Retirement Program - S.2045 as amended/H.7127 as amended – Public Law Chapters 351 and 350 create the RI Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program within the Treasurer’s office.  The Treasurer may engage a third-party entity to administer the program.  Any company with more than 5 employees that does not have an existing retirement program for employees must allow those employees to participate in the State program by establishing a payroll deduction and deposit arrangement on behalf of each employee that chooses to opt in to the program.  The effective date is tiered.  Once the program is created, the Treasurer’s office must provide all necessary information to businesses.  Within 12 months of the creation of the program, all companies with 100+ eligible employees (that do not have another retirement program offered to employees) must offer this option to employees.  Within 24 months, companies with 50+ eligible employees must participate.  All companies with 5+ eligible employees are required to offer the program within 36 months of the implementation date of the program.  The laws specifically states that this program is a State program; therefore the employer has no legal liability for the performance of the program sponsor nor for an employee’s decision to opt in or out.   An employer that provides an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a defined benefit plan or a 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), simplified employee pension (SEP) plan, or savings incentive match plan for employees (SIMPLE) plan, or that offers an automatic enrollment payroll deduction IRA, is exempt from the requirements.  The link to the Public Law is not yet available.  The final version of the bill can be viewed at:  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2045aa.pdf
 
Temporary Caregiver Benefits - S.2121 SubA as amended/H.7171 Sub A as amended – Public Laws Chapters 333 and 332 make changes to the state’s temporary caregiver insurance (TCI) benefit law.  The TCI dependent’s allowance benefit will increase from $10 to $20 per month beginning January 1, 2025.  The law lengthens the benefit weeks available to employees from six weeks to seven weeks beginning January 1, 2025, and to eight weeks beginning January 1, 2026.  No change was made to the definition of eligibility for benefits.  The link to the public law is not yet available, however the final version of the bill can be viewed at:  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2121Aaa.pdf
 
Minimum Wage Study - S.2124 – Senate Resolution 235 creates an 11-member study commission to make a comprehensive study of Rhode Island’s minimum wage including a comparison and analysis of neighboring states practices and provide recommendations.  The commission, once named, will meet at the call of the Senate President.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2124.pdf 
 
New Poster Requirement for Businesses - S.2128/H.7058 – Public Law Chapters 196 and 195 require employers with 50 employees or more to display a poster containing information on veterans’ benefits available.  The Department of Labor and Training is charged with creating the poster and providing it to employers.  The new requirement takes effect January 1, 2025.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24196.htm
 
 
General Business Operation Issues:
Outdoor Dining - S.2028 SubA/H.7064 SubA – Public Law Chapters 4 and 3 require municipalities to allow outdoor dining.  Communities may place limits on capacity, adopt barrier requirements, ban outdoor dining from 10:00pm to 7:00am, enforce noise ordinances and building codes.  Otherwise, food service establishments may operate outside all year.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24003.htm
 
Customer Paper Receipts and Invoices - S.2278 SubA/H.7940 SubA – Public Law Chapters 92 and 91 add a new action to the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.  Beginning January 1, 2025, it is illegal for businesses to charge any fee to a person 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, statement, or invoice.  Anyone doing so, is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $500.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24092.htm
 
Data Privacy Requirements - S.2500 SubA as amended/H.7787 SubA as amended – Public Law Chapters 430 and 453 require any person or entity that processes personal data to (1) identify all categories of information the controller collects, (2) disclose such information in specific ways, (3) provide a customer with information relating to a process to exercise their customer rights, (4) disclose the purpose for processing the personal data, (5) publicly list the categories of personal data shared with a third party, and (6) provide a means to contact the controller. Entities that control or process personal data of not less than 35,000 customers or at least 10,000 customers and derive more than twenty percent (20%) of gross revenue from the sale of personal data are subject to additional disclosure requirements and must allow customers the right to opt out of the collection of personally identifiable information. There is an exemption for entities subject to the federal Gramm Leach Bliley Act. Language was also added to ensure businesses with rewards type programs can still collect the data needed to continue the programs. Any violation of this act would constitute a violation of the general regulatory provisions of commercial law and constitute a deceptive trade practice; however, no private right of action was included in the legislation.  This law does not become effective until January 1, 2026, giving the business community time to digest the many changes in the bill and to recommend further amendments next year.   The link to the public law is not yet available, however the final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2500Aaa.pdf
 
Arbitration Clauses - S.2671/H.7952 – Public Law Chapters 446 and 445 create new notice provisions and rights of a party to an arbitration that is not related to a collective bargaining agreement.  A party may serve notice of a demand for arbitration upon another party. If the served party fails to apply to stay the arbitration within 20 days of service, that party is barred from objecting that a valid agreement WAS NOT made or has not been complied with and loses the ability to assert a limitation of time claim in court.  The law includes a right to representation by an attorney during an arbitration.  If there are multiple parties seeking arbitration against a business, then the proceeding can be brought to court. In an employment or consumer arbitration, the drafting party of the clause (the business) must pay fees or costs to initiate an arbitration before the arbitration can proceed.  Mutual agreements to divide the cost is permitted.  The law also outlines penalties for a breach of agreement as well as court sanctions related to breaches. The law is now in effect.  The link to the public law is not yet available, however the final version of the bill can be viewed at:  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2671.pdf 
 
Business Filing Requirements - S.2739 SubA as amended/H.7424 as amended – Public Law Chapters 335 and 334 centralize the filing, administration, and regulation process of trade names (currently called an “assumed name”) to the secretary of state instead of the local city or town. This act would also require an annual renewal of the trade name for a fee of $20. Failure to complete this registration does not impair the validity of any contract and shall not prevent such person or from defending any suit in court. The law takes effect January 1, 2025.  The link to the public law is not yet available, however the final version of the bill can be viewed at:
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2739Aaa.pdf
 
Uniform Commercial Code - S.2781/H.7210 SubA – Public Law Chapters 66 and 65 provide amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code for emerging technologies. This 112-page law took effect June 10, 2024.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24066.htm
 
Taxation Issues:
 
Delinquent Tax Filings - S.3056/H.8055 – Public Law Chapters 150 and 148 allow the Division of Taxation to share certain information with the Secretary of State’s office.  If an entity fails to pay its business corporation taxes or fees, the Division can notify the Secretary of State and the Secretary can, after notice, revoke the corporate charter or authorization to conduct business.  The law takes effect January 1, 2025.   https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24150.htm
 
Taxation of S.3152 SubA/H.7927 SubA – Public Law Chapters 159 and 158 allow a financial institution to elect to be taxed under the combined reporting single sales factor test like many another multi-jurisdictional businesses in Rhode Island.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24159.htm
 
 
Government Economic Development Issues:
 
Economic Development Plan - S.2043 SubA/H.7246 SubA – Public Law Chapters 194 and 193 add climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal resiliency to the analysis of data of the strategic plan for economic development policy. This act would also change the number of members of the economic development planning council from 17 to 19 by adding the director of the department of environmental management and the executive director of the coastal resources management council.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24193.htm
 
Abandoned Property Publication - S.2992 SubA/H.7986 SubA as amended – Public Law Chapters 246 and 245 require each municipality to create and publish a list of all abandoned properties within the city or town.  The list must be placed on their websites starting April 2, 2025.  The law also makes changes to the procedure for the sale of abandoned property.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24246.htm
 
 
Industry Specific Issues:
 
Home Inspectors - S.2120 SubA/H.7015 SubA – Public Law Chapters 210 and 209 ban anyone, other than a licensed electrician, from testing wires, conduits and apparatus which includes fixtures, lighting, etc. This new law means, a potential buyer’s home inspector is no longer able to inspect switches, lights, or look at a panel to alert the buyer to potential problems.  However, there is conflicting law that states an electrical inspection may be undertaken by a home inspector.  The Department of Labor and Training will have to decide whether to rescind a home inspector’s license for conducting such inspections.  If the answer is yes, buyers, should they wish to have the dwelling’s electrical system included in an inspection, will need to hire a licensed electrician to perform the inspection – within the customary ten-day inspection period.  The law takes effect January 30, 2025.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24210.htm
 
Independent Contractor Filing - S.2472 SubA/H.7837 SubA – Public Law Chapters 198 and 197 clarify existing law.   The law calls for independent contractors to file annually with the Department of Labor.  A similar law passed last year and became effective January 1, 2024.  The court reviewed the statute and determined the language required further revision to clarify the intent of the Act.  This new law specifies that independent contractors must file annually for each client in order to be legally considered an individual contractor.  The process is simple.  To file DWC-11-IC form online, go to:  https://dlt.ri.gov/workers-compensation/independent-contractors  If you are a company that hires independent contractors, the Chamber encourages you to verify the form has been filed.  The link to the public law is not yet available, however the final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2472A.pdf
 
MBE Bonding Requirements - S.2902 as amended/H.7057 SubA – Public Law Chapters 229 and 228 allow the state chief purchasing officer to waive the bonding requirement for a certified minority business enterprise (MBE) or women owned business enterprise (WBE) prime contractor or subcontractor on a public works project for up to $250,000.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law24/law24229.htm
 
 
 
Governor vetoes bills:
 
The Governor vetoed two bills of particular interest to the business community.  To override the veto, the legislature must come back into session (anytime prior to the beginning of the 2025 session) and garner a 3/5 affirmative vote in both the House and Senate.  At this time, no session has been scheduled.
 
S.2436 SubA/H.8059 SubA – Acts Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act.  These bills ban the use of most non-compete clauses.  Rhode Island’s existing law that passed in 2019, places limitations on the use of noncompete agreements such as their duration, geographic scope or limiting their use with lower-wage workers.  As drafted, H.8059 SubA and S.2436 SubA could result in the need to rewrite thousands of contracts in the state of Rhode Island impacting employers of all sizes.  Both bills extend the prohibition of the use of noncompetes to all employees unless it is signed in connection with the purchase and sale of a business.  The bills do allow an employer to enter into an agreement with an employee “not to share any information, including after the employee is no longer employed by the employer, regarding the employer or the employment that is a trade secret, customer lists, including the names, addresses, identities of customers, or future business plans.”  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/SenateText24/S2436A.pdf https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/HouseText24/H8059A.pdf
 
Still In Limbo:
 
Decarbonization of Buildings - H.7617 SubA was amended from its original form to a comprehensive study to be conducted by the EC4 committee.  It was passed by the Senate in concurrence but has not been transmitted to the Governor yet.  The committee is charged with collecting data on buildings – public and privately-owned – with 25,000 square feet or more.  Information to be collected includes:  1. A summary of the State's building sector emissions using the best available data on what is known about the energy use intensity and emissions from large buildings;  2. An inventory of properties that would be subject to benchmarking and building performance standard requirements, including building type and size; 3. A summary of the best available data on current energy sources for large buildings, including delivered fuels such as oil, coal, and propane, natural gas, grid electricity, district energy systems, and on-site renewable energy; 4. The estimated costs pertaining to expected retrofits, alterations, and repairs that may be required to comply with the benchmarking program standards; 5. Identification of the State agency or agencies with relevant roles and responsibilities to develop and implement benchmarking and performance standards for large buildings; 6. An estimation of the staff and other resources, and associated annual budget, needed to develop and implement benchmarking and performance standards for large buildings; and 7. A recommended timeline for establishing and implementing benchmarking and performance standards for large buildings.  The original bills banned building permits for new or renovated buildings unless those building are designed to be all-electric ready or all electric, depending upon the building.  S.2952 SubA as amended does not match the final version of H.7617 SubA.  It was not turned into a study, although many of the data collection points from the House bill are contained in the Senate version.  S.2952 SubA retained the requirements to switch new large buildings and renovated buildings to electric-ready status.  The final fate of H.7617 SubA is unclear.