SAIL TO SUCCESS - A Salute To East Bay Business
Congratulations to the top 10 businesses in the East Bay that demonstrated a unique vision, innovation, best business practices and outstanding contributions to the community and organizations
We recognize COVID-19 has affected businesses across the East Bay in a variety of ways, resulting in new innovations and adjustments to business models, as businesses and entrepreneurs find new ways to make a difference, and we want to celebrate 10 of these businesses!
We recognize COVID-19 has affected businesses across the East Bay in a variety of ways, resulting in new innovations and adjustments to business models, as businesses and entrepreneurs find new ways to make a difference, and we want to celebrate 10 of these businesses!
BankNewport
Founded in 1819 Bank Newport 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. We believe in the personal banking experience
March 2020, just before the onset of COVID-19, 35 employee volunteers from BankNewport and OceanPoint Insurance participated in a meal-packaging project with the United Way of Rhode Island. In just two hours, our team packaged 12,000 meals for local food pantries.
As the pandemic grew in March, the Bank’s Community Fund Committee redirected its grant funds to extend immediate financial support with grants totaling $250,000 to the Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund, and a $100,000 grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. In addition, more than $79,000 in sponsorship funds earmarked for nonprofit fundraising events were released to help meet their immediate needs. OceanPoint Insurance also contributed $2,500 to the COVID-19 Response Fund at the United Way.
Whatever the cause, BankNewport employees are there to lend a hand, guided by core our values: we CELEBRATE individuality, we EMPOWER creative problem solving, we INVEST the time to know our customers, communities and employees and we COMMIT to serving the financial needs of Rhode Islanders
BankNewport
6 Gooding Ave., Bristol, RI 02809
330 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806
323 Market Street, Warren, RI 02885
www.banknewport.com
Founded in 1819 Bank Newport 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. We believe in the personal banking experience
March 2020, just before the onset of COVID-19, 35 employee volunteers from BankNewport and OceanPoint Insurance participated in a meal-packaging project with the United Way of Rhode Island. In just two hours, our team packaged 12,000 meals for local food pantries.
As the pandemic grew in March, the Bank’s Community Fund Committee redirected its grant funds to extend immediate financial support with grants totaling $250,000 to the Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund, and a $100,000 grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. In addition, more than $79,000 in sponsorship funds earmarked for nonprofit fundraising events were released to help meet their immediate needs. OceanPoint Insurance also contributed $2,500 to the COVID-19 Response Fund at the United Way.
Whatever the cause, BankNewport employees are there to lend a hand, guided by core our values: we CELEBRATE individuality, we EMPOWER creative problem solving, we INVEST the time to know our customers, communities and employees and we COMMIT to serving the financial needs of Rhode Islanders
BankNewport
6 Gooding Ave., Bristol, RI 02809
330 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806
323 Market Street, Warren, RI 02885
www.banknewport.com
Bookkeeping Towne
While we are all going through this tough time, I was so glad I decided to open a virtual bookkeeping business – it helped with being virtual at this time. The time I had to reflect on my business at this time was a blessing in disguise. I was able to work with a website designer, content creator, business advisor & accounting coach. If it wasn’t for this pandemic I wouldn’t have been able to spend that time with those professionals that have helped my business in a better state. I spent time adding new services to my business which include sales tax management, payroll management, Tax preparation, Advisory Services, Benchmarking & financial reviews.
My business is more than just a bookkeeping business – it will help small businesses profit and grow by 10-20%. I can help businesses attain that by reviewing their cash flow, minimizing their expenses & helping with getting their time back. Yes, I have tried to be involved in community events – I had my own first anniversary networking event in March of 2020 and I also hosted a Monthly Mingle with the East Bay Chamber of Commerce in June 2020. I also attended other events hosted by the East Bay Chamber. I am so thankful for the East Bay Chamber – they not only help me with my business but they help out so many others. I am always trying to promote other small businesses on my Facebook page and LinkedIn page. I absolutely love helping other small businesses.
Bookkeeping Towne
1275 Wampanoag Trail, Suite 3B
East Providence, RI 02915
www.bookkeepingtowne.com
While we are all going through this tough time, I was so glad I decided to open a virtual bookkeeping business – it helped with being virtual at this time. The time I had to reflect on my business at this time was a blessing in disguise. I was able to work with a website designer, content creator, business advisor & accounting coach. If it wasn’t for this pandemic I wouldn’t have been able to spend that time with those professionals that have helped my business in a better state. I spent time adding new services to my business which include sales tax management, payroll management, Tax preparation, Advisory Services, Benchmarking & financial reviews.
My business is more than just a bookkeeping business – it will help small businesses profit and grow by 10-20%. I can help businesses attain that by reviewing their cash flow, minimizing their expenses & helping with getting their time back. Yes, I have tried to be involved in community events – I had my own first anniversary networking event in March of 2020 and I also hosted a Monthly Mingle with the East Bay Chamber of Commerce in June 2020. I also attended other events hosted by the East Bay Chamber. I am so thankful for the East Bay Chamber – they not only help me with my business but they help out so many others. I am always trying to promote other small businesses on my Facebook page and LinkedIn page. I absolutely love helping other small businesses.
Bookkeeping Towne
1275 Wampanoag Trail, Suite 3B
East Providence, RI 02915
www.bookkeepingtowne.com
Bristol Total Fitness
Closing due to COVID 19 was one of the hardest decisions that owners Geoff and Michael Morin had to make in their 18 years of business. The BTF team worked tirelessly cleaning and disinfecting each room from top to bottom. Every piece of gym equipment was disinfected, ductwork ws cleaned, and the entire interior was painted. As the days became weeks, the staff reached out to many of the members just to check in with them to make sure they were safe and healthy. During re-opening, staff have been extremely diligent with following the RI State guidelines. Safety protocols are in place to keep members and staff healthy. The facility has been spot-checked four times by the Dept. of Health and the Dept. of Business Regulations and received A+ ratings! With the uncertainty of the virus, BTF owners wanted to make sure that the members felt comfortable and safe coming back to the gym and if they weren’t, they offered a $0 freeze until Dec. 31st, 2020 (regularly $5 a month). Many took advantage of this offer but the majority of our members have come back to the gym. They understand the importance of supporting small businesses.
Bristol Total Fitness
685 Metacom Ave., Bristol RI 02809
www.totalfitnessclubs.com
Closing due to COVID 19 was one of the hardest decisions that owners Geoff and Michael Morin had to make in their 18 years of business. The BTF team worked tirelessly cleaning and disinfecting each room from top to bottom. Every piece of gym equipment was disinfected, ductwork ws cleaned, and the entire interior was painted. As the days became weeks, the staff reached out to many of the members just to check in with them to make sure they were safe and healthy. During re-opening, staff have been extremely diligent with following the RI State guidelines. Safety protocols are in place to keep members and staff healthy. The facility has been spot-checked four times by the Dept. of Health and the Dept. of Business Regulations and received A+ ratings! With the uncertainty of the virus, BTF owners wanted to make sure that the members felt comfortable and safe coming back to the gym and if they weren’t, they offered a $0 freeze until Dec. 31st, 2020 (regularly $5 a month). Many took advantage of this offer but the majority of our members have come back to the gym. They understand the importance of supporting small businesses.
Bristol Total Fitness
685 Metacom Ave., Bristol RI 02809
www.totalfitnessclubs.com
East Bay Community Action Program East Bay Community Action Program successfully worked to meet critical health and basic human needs in the East Bay during this past year. During the pandemic EBCAP provided a safety net for hundreds of individuals. Through telephone and video, the organization responded to increasing needs for behavioral health support, emergency dental care, and telehealth care from their health centers. The agency has provided emergency food, and personal care items to hundreds of families in need in the East Bay, often in partnership with other community organizations. EBCAP health centers in Newport and Riverside joined in the effort to expand COVID-19 testing. This effort was key in making testing available for people in/near their city/town of residence.
East Bay Community Action Program
19 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
www.ebcap.org
East Bay Community Action Program
19 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
www.ebcap.org
Grace Barker Health
Grace Barker Health’s (GBH) greatest success to date is its record of zero deaths and zero cases of coronavirus among the residents in its care. GBH was one of the first to implement the use of technology such as FaceTime, Skype and Zoom to allow residents to communicate with their family members, they were also allowed to wear clear face masks to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing residents during in-person visits. Grace Barker’s heroic staff and compassionate leaders treat every resident it cares for like family, and should be honored as one of the best local businesses in the East Bay.
Grace Barker Health
54 Barker Avenue
Warren, RI 02885
www.gracebarkerhealth.com
Grace Barker Health’s (GBH) greatest success to date is its record of zero deaths and zero cases of coronavirus among the residents in its care. GBH was one of the first to implement the use of technology such as FaceTime, Skype and Zoom to allow residents to communicate with their family members, they were also allowed to wear clear face masks to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing residents during in-person visits. Grace Barker’s heroic staff and compassionate leaders treat every resident it cares for like family, and should be honored as one of the best local businesses in the East Bay.
Grace Barker Health
54 Barker Avenue
Warren, RI 02885
www.gracebarkerhealth.com
Highlander Charter School
Highlander is fortunate to be part of the amazing East Bay Community where our middle and high school is located, over 90% of our students’ families live at or below the poverty level. We were able to provide food above and beyond what was available through the state school lunch program which was limited, with amazing community donations and some small grants we were able to provide soup, fresh vegetables and fruit to our families. There were times during the early part of the pandemic that we were feeding 150 students, plus their parents each day! The ability to provide nourishment helped families focus on their child’s education during distance learning.
Highlander Charter School
360 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
www.highlandercharter.org
Highlander is fortunate to be part of the amazing East Bay Community where our middle and high school is located, over 90% of our students’ families live at or below the poverty level. We were able to provide food above and beyond what was available through the state school lunch program which was limited, with amazing community donations and some small grants we were able to provide soup, fresh vegetables and fruit to our families. There were times during the early part of the pandemic that we were feeding 150 students, plus their parents each day! The ability to provide nourishment helped families focus on their child’s education during distance learning.
Highlander Charter School
360 Market Street
Warren, RI 02885
www.highlandercharter.org
Michelle Hughes, CPA
Over this past year our firm has had many small successes, even through difficult times. During March and April of 2020, while many small businesses were struggling with shut-downs, and maintaining employees, our office was able to increase hours and accept new clients during these trying times. The demand for tax and accounting services was heightened by new tax legislation and the need for interpretation of the Acts put into place by congress. As we continue to work through remote access with limited office hours, we strive to ensure the ongoing safety of our staff & clients.
Over the recent months, our firm has helped many small business clients navigate their way through the ever-changing PPP loan process and the CARES Act passed by Congress on March 26th. We educated our clients about best practices regarding the handling of their PPP funds. This includes techniques for tracking their spending, which may increase their ability to obtain 100% loan forgiveness depending on how they choose to spend their funds. As the process continues, over the next few months, we will continue to be by their sides assisting in the forgiveness application process and with 2020 budgeting and bookkeeping. One of our goals is to help them navigate this process as smoothly as possible and come out on top despite a downturn in the overall economy
Michelle Hughes, CPA
654 Metacom Avenue, Suite 3
Warren, RI 02885
www.mhughescpa.com
Over this past year our firm has had many small successes, even through difficult times. During March and April of 2020, while many small businesses were struggling with shut-downs, and maintaining employees, our office was able to increase hours and accept new clients during these trying times. The demand for tax and accounting services was heightened by new tax legislation and the need for interpretation of the Acts put into place by congress. As we continue to work through remote access with limited office hours, we strive to ensure the ongoing safety of our staff & clients.
Over the recent months, our firm has helped many small business clients navigate their way through the ever-changing PPP loan process and the CARES Act passed by Congress on March 26th. We educated our clients about best practices regarding the handling of their PPP funds. This includes techniques for tracking their spending, which may increase their ability to obtain 100% loan forgiveness depending on how they choose to spend their funds. As the process continues, over the next few months, we will continue to be by their sides assisting in the forgiveness application process and with 2020 budgeting and bookkeeping. One of our goals is to help them navigate this process as smoothly as possible and come out on top despite a downturn in the overall economy
Michelle Hughes, CPA
654 Metacom Avenue, Suite 3
Warren, RI 02885
www.mhughescpa.com
OPT Physical Therapy & Foot Orthotics
OPT Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine remained open throughout the pandemic and implemented free programs to help keep our community strong during this challenging time.
We have been able to safely provide in-clinic physical therapy services to the residents of the East Bay who have required essential care. Additionally, we implemented tele-health for those who preferred remote care.
OPT’s physical therapists know the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues due to inactivity. At the launch of the “stay at home order”, our team quickly developed three free virtual programs to help keep people active.
OPT Physical Therapy & Foot Orthotics
652 Wood St., Bristol RI 02809
236 County Rd., Barrington, RI 02806
851 Main St., Lower Level Warren RI 02885
https://WWW.OPT-RI.COM
OPT Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine remained open throughout the pandemic and implemented free programs to help keep our community strong during this challenging time.
We have been able to safely provide in-clinic physical therapy services to the residents of the East Bay who have required essential care. Additionally, we implemented tele-health for those who preferred remote care.
OPT’s physical therapists know the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues due to inactivity. At the launch of the “stay at home order”, our team quickly developed three free virtual programs to help keep people active.
OPT Physical Therapy & Foot Orthotics
652 Wood St., Bristol RI 02809
236 County Rd., Barrington, RI 02806
851 Main St., Lower Level Warren RI 02885
https://WWW.OPT-RI.COM
Tap Printing
Tap PrintingIn 47 years of business, this year has been the most challenging. Tap Printing remained open normal hours to assist customers with Fedex package returns and to offer printing, copying, finishing and shipping services as needed in our community. To help businesses, such as restaurants, we printed “throw away” menus at half price for the initial order. We have been successful in providing several restaurants those menus without a high cost. Other reopening established businesses that have come in our door, were offered 45 day payment terms on regular printing, working to help businesses get back on their feet
Tap Printing
628 Metacom Avenue, Unit 6
Warren, RI 02885
www.tapprint.com
Tap PrintingIn 47 years of business, this year has been the most challenging. Tap Printing remained open normal hours to assist customers with Fedex package returns and to offer printing, copying, finishing and shipping services as needed in our community. To help businesses, such as restaurants, we printed “throw away” menus at half price for the initial order. We have been successful in providing several restaurants those menus without a high cost. Other reopening established businesses that have come in our door, were offered 45 day payment terms on regular printing, working to help businesses get back on their feet
Tap Printing
628 Metacom Avenue, Unit 6
Warren, RI 02885
www.tapprint.com
The Perfect Sweet Shoppe
We were incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to stay open during the COVID shutdown, as we are seen as an essential business.
We adapted our business model to include ease of take-out and pick-up by joining local food delivery services, such as, UberEats, DoorDash and GrubHub. We also upgraded our website to make it as easy as possible for our customers to order from us and choose curbside pick-up. In May we added ice cream to attract the people using the bike path. During a time like this, the community reaction has been AMAZING!! We LOVE our customers; we LOVE our community; we LOVE what we do and we are SO PROUD of what we have built in this humble little town,
The Perfect Sweet Shoppe
16 Joyce St., Warren RI 02885
www.theperfectsweet.com
We were incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to stay open during the COVID shutdown, as we are seen as an essential business.
We adapted our business model to include ease of take-out and pick-up by joining local food delivery services, such as, UberEats, DoorDash and GrubHub. We also upgraded our website to make it as easy as possible for our customers to order from us and choose curbside pick-up. In May we added ice cream to attract the people using the bike path. During a time like this, the community reaction has been AMAZING!! We LOVE our customers; we LOVE our community; we LOVE what we do and we are SO PROUD of what we have built in this humble little town,
The Perfect Sweet Shoppe
16 Joyce St., Warren RI 02885
www.theperfectsweet.com
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Navigant Credit Union, BankNewport, I3 Broadband
Farmer & First, CPA;s, John Andrade Insurance Agency , Wood's Heating Service
A.N. Nunes Agency, George C. Lima Funeral Home, Michelle Hughes, CPA., RE/MAX River's Edge Real Estate, Ramada Banquet and Conference Center
Farmer & First, CPA;s, John Andrade Insurance Agency , Wood's Heating Service
A.N. Nunes Agency, George C. Lima Funeral Home, Michelle Hughes, CPA., RE/MAX River's Edge Real Estate, Ramada Banquet and Conference Center