Tech support webinar: Creating an online presence in the food & beverage industry

Rhode Island's incredible restaurant community is doing its best to navigate the unprecedented situation brought on by the COVID-19 public health crisis. With dine-in service prohibited, many eateries have been forced to very quickly rethink their business models and get themselves set up to compete in an online marketplace. What does this process look like? What are the technological tools restaurants need to create an online presence? What are some red flags to avoid when working with delivery partners?

Supporting Our Small Businesses through COVID-19

A message from Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza For every business that is weathering the storm, there are some that may struggle to stay afloat. To help lighten the load during this time of uncertainty, we have announced a series of resources to support our local businesses. Effectively immediately, the Providence Business Loan Fund (PBLF) will provide up to $1.5 million in capital to Providence-based businesses impacted by COVID-19. These loans will be provided with zero interest for up to 12 months,

BankFive Appoints Anne P. Tangen President

Chairman Richard L. Lafrance has announced that Anne P. Tangen has been appointed as the President of BankFive effective April 6, 2020.  Mr. Lafrance said, “BankFive’s Selection Committee conducted a thorough search for the next leader of BankFive.  We have confidence that Anne’s knowledge, expertise, and experience makes her the one best suited to lead BankFive into this new chapter.  Anne is a Southcoast resident with strong ties to the community we serve.” “I am very excited to join BankFive“ said

Providence Journal Invites RI Businesses to Join Free Online Directory

From The Providence Journal:  With the outbreak of COVID-19, we are recognizing that our residents, visitors and businesses are struggling with many aspects of life and business that we used to take for granted. We at Gannett, as Providence Journal and Newport Daily News are here for all of you. Sharing information is key to getting all of us through this current situation and we are in a unique position to help our community with this information sharing. We are still delivering the Providence Journal

BankFive Promotes Three Banking Veterans, Two to Executive Management Positions

BankFive announced has announced the promotion of three seasoned banking executives, including two to executive management positions.Catherine Dillon has been promoted to Executive Vice President/Director of Marketing Sales and Business Development. She previously was Senior Vice President. Dillon works out of BankFive’s headquarters in Fall River, Mass. She has been with the Bank for five years. Her responsibilities include overseeing consumer deposits, retail branches, customer contact center, as well

LISC/Verizon Small Business Grant Application Goes Live: #PayItForward

Verizon has committed to an initial fund of $2.5 million with LISC [r20.rs6.net], with the potential of an additional $2.5 million to provide critical relief to small businesses and non-profits facing immediate financial threats. US Bank also has contributed another $500,000 to the fund.   Apply for the LISC Rapid Relief and Resiliency Fund by clicking here [r20.rs6.net]. The application process is now open and applications must be submitted by April 4 at 11:59 p.m. to be considered.   

New England Institute of Technology Donates Critical Personal Protection Equipment to Care New England

Dr. Douglas H. Sherman, Senior Vice President and Provost at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), announced that the university has donated assorted Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to Care New England for distribution to its member facilities throughout Rhode Island. These protective items, which face a shortage internationally, are also used by students in NEIT’s health sciences degree programs in Nursing and Surgical Technology.  The PPE donation includes 340 surgical gowns, 300 surgical

Zoo School - Bringing the Zoo to YOU

Let us bring the Zoo to YOU! Grab the kiddos for some wild educational fun with our favorite critters every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm EDT during our new Zoo School series. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our animals and explore a fun activity you can do at home.Click here to join the fun!

U.S. Chamber Releases Two New Step-by-Step Guides for COVID Employer Tax Credit, Disaster Loans

“Cheat Sheets” for CARES Act Relief Crucial to Keeping Workers on the Payroll and Businesses Afloat Small Business Emergency Loan Guide Updated with New Information; Spanish Version now Available The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released new guides for businesses of all sizes to secure relief under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.   “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is working with state and local chambers across the country to provide businesses with the information they need

CCRI Donates Thousands of Personal Protective Equipment Items to Support Rhode Island’s Healthcare Personnel

The Community College of Rhode Island has donated a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, announced the college’s Vice President of Academic Affairs Rosemary Costigan.   HEALTH has urged all manufacturers, suppliers and researchers to donate much-needed medical supplies in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has resulted in more than 217,000 positive cases nationwide and more than 500 in

Chamber Welcomes New Member: Beth Carter Enterprises

      E. Elizabeth "Beth" Carter As a Human Capital Leadership and Development Specialist, I have been successful in not only educating my audiences through my presentations, trainings, and webinars but I also inspire them to better understand themselves, those closest to them, and others they may encounter. I am also a Certified Executive, Career, and Business Coach who works with a wide variety of individuals in achieving more fulfilling lives, careers, and businesses. Some topics that I coach and

A Message from Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza

Thank you for your commitment to keeping each other safe and healthy during this time. I see neighbors finding innovative ways to support each other and it’s clear that Providence in every sense is a city of kindness. That creativity and sense of unity is particularly alive and well within our local business community. We must put our community’s health above all else and I know this means temporary challenges and difficult situations for our local businesses. There were many ‘non-essential’ businesses that

With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds

Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the capital they need. The CARES Act establishes a new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program. The Program will provide much-needed relief to millions

Verizon: We're here. And we're ready.

PBN: Amgen Foundation donates $500K to R.I. COVID-19 Response Fund

From Providence Business News March 31, 2020 Amgen Inc. and the Amgen Foundation contributed $500,000 to the Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund, created in early March by the United Way of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Foundation to help support nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The local donation is part of a $12.5 million effort by the biotechnology company to support needs across the U.S. and beyond affected by the outbreak. The response fund aids organizations that are offering direct

Cox is Committed to Keeping People and Communities Connected

PBN: R.I. Community Food Bank receives $100K from MetLife Foundation

From Providence Business News March 31, 2020 The Rhode Island Community Food Bank recently was the beneficiary of a $100,000 donation from the MetLife Foundation to help handle increased demand for food services in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. MetLife Foundation said food services are challenged in getting “shelf-stable” food into homes as quickly as possible. That emphasis is now heightened since vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, are advised to “practice social distancing,”

401Gives — Ready to Lend a Helping Hand?

During these unprecedented times, nonprofits need your financial assistance more than ever. TODAY, on April 1, you can help Rhode Island nonprofits by supporting 401Gives. 401Gives is Rhode Island’s 24-hour virtual giving day to support the nonprofits that help make our community a great place to live and provide vital services in times of crisis. Many nonprofits are stepping up during the COVID-19 pandemic and need funding to continue their work. We need your help to make 401Gives a success and raise

Green & Spiegel Attorneys Earn Approval of H-1B in Federal Court Hospitality Management is a “Specialty Occupation”

A Rhode Island restaurant group challenged a USCIS denial and won H-1B “specialty occupation” status for its General Operations Manager, an Indian national, in federal court.   On March 26, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy sitting in the District of Rhode Island issued a decision granting summary judgment in favor of a restaurant group, India House, Inc., and its employee Santosh Shanbhag. Santosh Shanbhag was granted H-1B status in a “specialty occupation” after being previously denied by

Daily Take Out Offered at Fire Works Catering

Daily Take Out Menus In our effort to continue to provide our customers with some of our excellent food amid cancelled meetings and postponed events we are proud to present our Daily Take Out Menus, which are available for curbside pick up. To place an order: Call: 401-831-9221 or Email: chefmark@fireworkscatering.net There will be a limited number available each day, so please order ahead. Credit Card or Venmo payment accepted. When you call or email to place your order, you will be given a pick up

Pot au Feu Online Ordering & Curbside Pickup

Get out of those Pajamas...Take off those sweats...Turn off Zoom...Order Online...Set the TablePut on something nice..Order a Romantic DinnerTake Your Life Back!!! Pot au Feu is takingorders for Curbside Pickup!! (Delivery Coming Soon!) Click to Order Dinner 5:30 - 7:30 Expanded Hours Coming Soon!  

New Tech Resources for Small Biz

If you need help with technology in order to minimize in-person interactions as a result of coronavirus, RI's leading tech businesses are volunteering free 45-minute remote support sessions. This help includes assistance with home technology, online meetings, e-commerce, remote working security, and more. ​Coaches with various specialties are available from Monday-Friday, 1 PM - 5 PM. Small businesses can sign up for a coaching session with the specialist of your choice here.Click below for more

Free Webinar: Innovation As an Antidote: RI’s Impact Entrepreneurs Respond to COVID-19

In this inspiring VIRTUAL weekly series, you will hear stories about how some of the state's leading impact entrepreneurs are innovating and adapting to address critical social challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis. Join us to learn about innovation and resources that can be useful to you, your family, and your community and to find out how you can engage and help. Most importantly, this series will highlight ways we are coming together as a community to make sure everyone gets the assistance they

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan Program

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Apply for the Loan Advance here.  

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers

From the U.S. Department of Labor: As provided under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Labor will be issuing implementing regulations. Additionally, as warranted, the Department will continue to provide compliance assistance to employers and employees on their responsibilities and rights under the FFCRA.Definitions “Paid sick leave” – means paid leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. “Expanded family and medical leave” – means paid leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave

Delta Dental of RI introduces emergency relief programs and donation efforts to help community navigate COVID-19 crisis

Responding to the significant impact the COVID-19 public health crisis has had on its participating dentists and the state of Rhode Island as a whole, Delta Dental of Rhode Island has introduced emergency financial relief programs and announced a series of donations to relief funds and nonprofit organizations across the state.Delta Dental of Rhode Island introduces emergency financial relief programs: Delta Dental of Rhode Island has implemented an emergency interest-free Advance Claims Payment Program

Elite Physical Therapy Introduces Telehealth

 Our commitment to the health and safety of you and your family. Elite Physical Therapy is Now Offering Telehealth!  All of us at Elite Physical Therapy are thinking of you and your family during this time and are sincerely wishing you well. Our group has been working hard behind the scenes and is happy to let you know that we have a Team of Physical Therapists now providing Telehealth Virtual Physical Therapy, so that we may be available for your Physical Therapy needs easily. We will work with your

PBN: Merchant named CEO of Taco

From Providence Business News, March 30, 2020: Cheryl Merchant has been appointed CEO of the Taco Family of Companies, owner and Executive Chairman John Hazen White Jr. announced on Monday. “During her time at Taco, Cheryl has proven herself a capable and talented leader,” said White in a statement.  “I feel confident that our company will continue to move in a positive direction under her leadership. This promotion demonstrates the full confidence and trust that the White family has in her.” Read the

Mayor Elorza Announces Additional Guidance Related to COVID-19, Extends State of Emergency through April 17

Additional Travel-Related Containment Measure Put in Place Thursday, March 26, 2020 PROVIDENCE, RI—Mayor Jorge O. Elorza signed an Executive Order today that extends all current restrictions and guidelines issued by the City through April 17th. This new Emergency Declaration supplements Executive Order 2020-1 issued March 12th in which the declaration of an emergency covered the period through March 30th. These restrictions and guidelines include:No gatherings of more than ten (10) persons within the

Relief for Rhode Islanders

A message from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, and Congress has put together a plan big enough to begin confronting it and reviving our economy.  There is only one way out of the cascading economic downturn we’re in and that is stopping the pandemic.  The bipartisan stimulus bill I voted for in the Senate yesterday will send significant resources directly to the Rhode Island hospitals on the front lines, where new stocks

Notice About Changes & Updates to the SBA Disaster Loan Website

A message from the U.S. Small Business AssociationPlease Note: There are some who are attempting to defraud people in need by sending emails and various other communications about their need to file for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) before a fictitious deadline. To be clear, 1. There is no immediate deadline for an EIDL application. 2. It does not cost anything to apply, get the papers together, etc. 3. There is no credit card is needed or required. If you get inquiries about this, please help

Connect Your COVID-19 Solution to a Global Marketplace

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MassChallenge, the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition, and our public and private sector partners have launched a worldwide survey to identify the startups with relevant or potentially relevant solutions that can help limit COVID-19's impact. The information shared in the survey will be used to connect innovators with frontline organizations and networks that can extend the reach and impact of their innovations.  Our shared purpose is to find and scale the breakthrough

Take a look inside the International Tennis Hall of Fame from your home

As we all adjust to spending more time working and learning from home, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is pleased to be able share a variety of fun ways you can stay connected to the sport you love with just a click of the mouse!Explore the Museum Collection from Home!Courting Fashion is an in depth look at the history of tennis fashion through the years.Tins, Cans, and Cartons offers an opportunity to explore more than 600 unique and colorful tennis ball containers in the museum collection.How did

Request from Care New England for Face Shields and Masks

Providence Chamber member Care New England Health System has reached out to us to inquire whether any of our members have a supply of face shields, N95 masks or regular masks (surgical masks and procedure masks).  They would be very appreciative of donations of the shields and masks or would be willing to purchase them.  They would have to be in their original packaging.  If you do have any, please be in touch with Ken Bettez at 401-230-2502.  Thank you very much for your consideration.

Skills for Rhode Island's Future Immediately Hiring: Honeywell in Smithfield, RI

Skills for Rhode Island's Future is Partnering with Honeywell to Help Fill Hundreds of Job Openings!     Assembler IIISmithfield, RIAPPLY  BuyerSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Compliance Test Lab TechnicianSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Inspector Level IISmithfield, RIAPPLY  Lead R&O Maintenance TechnicianSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Material HandlerSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Operations ManagerSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Production PlannerSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Production EmployeesSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Production SupervisorSmithfield, RIAPPLY  Sr.

Express Bridge Loan / Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide

Effective March 25, 2020, the U.S. SBA expanded program eligibility to include small businesses nationwide adversely impacted under the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Emergency Declaration issued by President Trump on March 13, 2020 (“COVID-19 Emergency Declaration”). Because the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration covers all states, territories, and the District of Columbia, eligible small businesses under the EBL Pilot Program include small businesses located in any state, territory and the District of

Here2Help HOTLINE I COVID19

We know there are more questions than answers about doing business in the time of COVID-19 — and we are all overloaded. At D&S, we want to share our expertise in this crisis and give back to our community. As of Monday, March 23, 2020 Duffy & Sweeney lawyers and paralegals will staff a FREEemail and call HOTLINE for use by clients, friends and small business owners struggling without the resources to get answers to general, business legal questions during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information

ABC6 Asks Businesses to Sign Up for “What’s Open” Initiative

ABC6 is helping the community during this difficult time with an initiative called “What’s Open” where viewers will be instructed by our newscasters on ABC6 TV to go to ABC6.com/What’s Open to find businesses that are open during this challenging time and to learn about what these businesses are doing differently for their customers to combat the Coronavirus. ABC6 is asking businesses that are still open to call them to fill out a brief intake form with the following information:  Name of

Stay Connected with Office Direct

Now is the time!  We hope this message finds you well and that you remain in good health.  We are monitoring the daily evolving impact COVID-19 is having on our community. The health and safety of our clients, employees, and community is our top priority.  This is a great time to think creatively and envision the potential of what could be.  With full remote capabilities we communicate daily with over 400 manufacturers and are able to share with you all of the amazing furniture,

Providence Journal: CVS to hire 50,000 to meet demand during virus pandemic

From Providence Journal on March 23, 2020 CVS Health announced on Monday that it is awarding bonuses to employees who are required to be at the company’s stores and centers to assist customers and patients in the coronavirus pandemic. The company is also embarking on an unprecedented program to fill 50,000 full-time, part-time and temporary jobs. “Our colleagues have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing essential goods and services at a time when they’re needed most,” said president

PBN: Stepping Up: Honeywell to ramp up Smithfield production of disposable respirators

From Providence Business News on March 22, 2020Honeywell plans to make millions of N95 disposable respirators in its facility in Smithfield, which is  expected to create roughly 500 new jobs.Honeywell will ramp up production of N95 disposable respirators in its facility here to help support the need for critical safety equipment in the United States due to COVID-19, the company announced Sunday.Honeywell said that it expects to hire approximately 500 workers and will begin recruiting, hiring and training

Drive-Thru Tent Rentals

CONNECT WITH US: 401-383-3631 Visit our Website. Email Us!   

Initiating Talent Exchange for Manufacturing Workers

Polaris MEP, RIMA and DLT are trying our best to support this evolving situation with manufacturing companies. The manufacturing employers are in a unique position: some are laying off, but others are hiring because they supply critical products into this new world landscape. We have a concept of connecting these two scenarios so it’s easy for a manufacturing company to find someone accustomed to work on a manufacturing floor. The web page below gives each company the ability to notify DLT about hiring

PBN: Tufts Health Plan Foundation announces $1M to help support elderly, vulnerable amid coronavirus

From PBN March 22, 2020 Tufts Health Plan Foundation has announced $1 million in funding for organizations that are helping older and vulnerable people amidst the new coronavirus pandemic. The money is to be spread to groups in Rhode Island, as well as Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut for use in helping with access to food, in-home support, transportation, medical supplies and other services. Read full article here. 

Partridge Snow & Hahn COVID-19 Advisory Group

COVID-19, is spreading throughout the United States. Despite the fact that the vast majority of the individuals who contract the coronavirus will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, COVID-19's impact on business and everyday life for the foreseeable future will be significant. Partridge Snow & Hahn has assembled a team of attorneys with diverse practice areas who regularly advise companies on how to handle these impacts from both a legal and business perspective. Alicia Samolis, Employment & Labor,

Support Local Restaurants and Workforces during COVID-19

During these complicated times we are happy to be able to support medical institutions and facilities with our lunch delivery service, ToGoBOX. Our no-contact delivery service uniquely offers employers and employees:1. Consolidated/same-time delivery 2. Individually packaged and labeled meals 3. Dedicated driver and designated meal pickup location 4. A diverse selection of locally owned restaurants Work at a nursing home, medical center, or hospital in the Providence area and think your office could

Grants for COVID-19 Response

Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island today announced that local nonprofit organizations at the forefront of COVID-19 response can apply for a COVID-19 Response Fund Grant; application information can be found here in Spanish.   The two organizations jointly established the COVID-19 Response Fund and in just a week the Foundation has raised over $3.3 million in initial contributions from many generous donors. For the current list of contributors please click here.    Contributions to

Regulatory Relief: Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus

Summary: The FDIC encourages financial institutions to take prudent steps to assist customers and communities affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (referred to as COVID-19). The FDIC recognizes that efforts to work with customers and communities affected by COVID-19 can be consistent with safe and sound banking practices and in the public interest. The FDIC issued a Statement on Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus and Regulatory and Supervisory Assistance.Statement

Trinity Rep Announcing Cancellation of Remainder of 2019-20 Season

Trinity Repertory Company announcesthat based on the recommendations and policies of local and federal officials and their own commitment to the health and well-being of their community, Trinity Rep has made the difficult decision to cancel performances of their upcoming productions Sweat and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. All performances of A Tale of Two Cities had been previously cancelled. Context & Conversation events co-sponsored with the Providence Public Library for each of these

PANDEMIC PROTECTION: Coronavirus and Business Interruption Insurance

By Robert E. Craven, Jr. and Nicholas L. Nybo on March 17, 2020   Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. As concerns regarding the spread and containment of COVID-19 (the “coronavirus”) grow, the specter of economic loss linked to the pandemic looms on the near horizon. Many businesses are already experiencing a loss in income and have incurred unforeseen expenses with cancellation of travel, postponement of events and work stoppages. Given the global ongoing outbreak, forward-thinking businesses may be

Chamber Members Stepping Up to Help Others

Bradford Soap Works of West Warwick is donating 70,000 bars of soap to Rhode Islanders that will be distributed through the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and Family Service of RI. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence is distributing Stop & Shop gift cards to people who need help buying food, and a COVID-19 Respond Fund has been set up by the Rhode Island Foundation and the United Way.

COVID-19 Immigration Updates from Green and Spiegel US LLC

By: Jonathan A. Grode (jgrode@gands-us.com) and Joshua Rolf (jrolf@gands-us.com) In less than three months, COVID-19 has gone from an underreported varietal of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to a global pandemic affecting international markets and municipal economies, local and national health systems, and interpersonal relationships, at an unprecedented and expanding rate. As the U.S. (and the rest of the world) continues to limit the free movement of people across our national borders and

A COVID-19 Guide for Rhode Island Employers from Littler

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has implications specific to Rhode Island employers. On March 9, 2020, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo declared a state of emergency. Four days later, on March 13, 2020, Governor Raimondo ordered all public schools closed for the week of March 16, 2020, and indicated she would revisit this order week-by-week.  Governor Raimondo made it clear that plans for “distance learning” may be put in place to keep students out of school in the upcoming weeks. In

Technology Tips from I-M Technology for Working from Home and Keeping Your Business Running

  Originally from I-M Technology’s Blog: https://www.i-mtechnology.com/2020/03/17/realigning-your-business-technology-amid-a-pandemic/As COVID-19 continues to spread around our region and state it’s important to look at what impact the measures being implemented by federal, state and local governments have had and will have on our businesses. The impact of the practice of social distancing and encouraging or mandating some of our types of businesses to close or modify operations cannot be ignored. The

Verizon Will Help Small Businesses and Customers Disrupted by Impact of Coronavirus

Verizon will waive late fees and keep residential and small business customers connected if negatively impacted by global crisis During this unprecedented period challenging the world’s health and economy, Verizon announced today, for the next 60 days, it will waive late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus. In addition, the company will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of

Visitation Suspended at Lifespan Hospitals

In light of local cases of COVID-19 and national and international instances of exponential spread of the disease, Lifespan hospitals are further expanding measures to minimize traffic and potential exposure in our hospitals, protecting patients and staff. Effective immediately, no visitors will be allowed in adult units at Lifespan hospitals. Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Bradley Hospital will have modified policies to allow for accompaniment by one parent. Newport Hospital maternity services will allow