Beacon Bank in RI Collects More than 8,200 Children’s Books
Former BankRI partners with Books Are Wings for 16th consecutive year Beacon Bank in Rhode Island, formerly Bank Rhode Island, collected more than 8,200 new and gently used children’s books to support childhood literacy in its 16th year partnering with Books Are Wings in one of the nonprofit’s largest annual book drives. “This book drive is something our employees look forward to supporting every year and is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together to truly make a
People's Credit Union Names Kyle Jones Head of Wakefield Member Operations
Brings a Successful Track Record in Operations Management and Relationship Banking People’s Credit Union has announced the appointment of Kyle Jones as Head of Wakefield Member Operations, reporting to Shana Silveira, Head of Wakefield Branch. In this role, Mr. Jones will manage the activities and staff of the branch to ensure proper alignment with Credit Union goals and service standards, directly supervising day-to-day operational activities and driving member growth. “We’re
People's Credit Union Names Justin Lombardo Head of Portsmouth Member Operations
Experienced Relationship Manager Brings Proven Track Record in Driving Sales Growth People’s Credit Union has announced the appointment of Justin Lombardo as Head of Portsmouth Member Operations, reporting to Lori Marshall, Head of Portsmouth Branch. In this role, Mr. Lombardo will manage the day-to-day operational activities and staff of the branch to ensure proper alignment with Credit Union goals and service standards, enhancing both the financial growth and experience of People’s
Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation Highlights VITA Tax Assistance in First Round of 2026 Community Grants
Funding supported free tax preparation through United Way of Rhode Island alongside investments in housing, education, and health services. The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded charitable grants to 27 nonprofit organizations delivering essential services across Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut, including affordable housing and homeownership programs, workforce development and youth education, healthcare access, food security, and financial stability initiatives. A key focus of
Senesco Marine Launches and Christens Battery Steele for Casco Bay Lines
Senesco Marine today celebrated the launch and christening of Battery Steele, a 164-foot, double-ended ferry built at its North Kingstown shipyard for Casco Bay Lines of Portland, Maine. Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group, Battery Steele is a year-round ferry with capacity for 599 passengers and 15 vehicles, serving the route between Portland and Peaks Island. The vessel features a battery-powered propulsion system supplied by ABB, with primary charging at the Portland terminal and two Caterpillar C18
Roger Williams University Law Receives Historic $4 Million Gift
Roger Williams University School of Law Receives Historic $4 Million Gift from Mark Mandell to Establish Premier Trial Advocacy Center Transformational gift to launch a permanent program to train the next generation of elite trial advocates. Roger Williams University School of Law (RWU Law) is proud to announce the creation of the Mandell Trial Advocacy Center. The Center will be a permanent and sustained educational pathway whose purpose will be to train trial advocates. The Center will integrate
RI Spirits and Save The Bay Launch Special Edition Gin
RI Spirits and Save The Bay Launch Special Edition Gin Featuring Botanicals Foraged from Narragansett Bay’s CoastRhodium's Save The Bay Gin showcases hyper-local ingredients, with $5 from every bottle supporting bay restoration efforts Rhode Island Spirits, creator of the acclaimed Rhodium line of products, has partnered with Save The Bay to launch a distinctive gin that highlights the unique coastal flora of Narragansett Bay. To celebrate the vast biodiversity of Rhode Island, the team at RI Spirits
URI Research Foundation Launches URI Innovations as New Public-Facing Hub for Research Translation and Partnerships
URI Innovations positions the University of Rhode Island to expand industry collaboration and accelerate the path from discovery to impact. Continued growth in the University of Rhode Island’s research enterprise is driving expanded opportunities to translate discovery into technologies, ventures, and strategic partnerships. In response, the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation has launched URI Innovations, a new public-facing platform designed to strengthen research translation, deepen
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Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research
Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200
New JWU Degrees Prepare Graduates for Growing Careers in Health, Science, and Food Industries
Johnson & Wales University has announced an expansion of its academic portfolio with the introduction of new and enhanced programs in environmental science, sustainable food systems, food systems leadership and healthcare education. These additions underscore the university’s institutional commitment to preparing graduates who will serve as the next generation of leaders in addressing climate change, ecological health, food security, sustainable resource management and education. With the Fall 2027
BankNewport Announces New Merchant Services Partnership with Green PayTech
New offering launches April 1, 2026 BankNewport today announced a new partnership with Green PayTech to provide expanded merchant services solutions for business customers across Rhode Island and beyond. Through the partnership, BankNewport business customers will have access to payment processing tools designed to help streamline day-to-day operations, support cash flow management, and enhance the customer experience whether transactions take place in person, online, or on the go. BankNewport has long
More than $4 million in Scholarships Available through Rhode Island Foundation
At the time of year when colleges are sending out their financial aid packages, more than $4 million in scholarships is available through the Rhode Island Foundation. “Our scholarships help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem overwhelming,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “This support can make dreams come true, both for the students who receive it and for the donors who make it possible. The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these
Beacon Bank Invests $2.6 million in Local Nonprofits in 2025
Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $2.6 million in its communities in 2025 through grants to more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Vermont. “Giving back is more than a responsibility, it’s a long-term commitment to the places and people we call home,” said William Tsonos, president of the bank’s Rhode Island region. “Partnering with local nonprofits helps advance solutions rooted in trust, understanding, and
DiPrete Engineering Announces Promotion of Matthew Insana
DiPrete Engineering is proud to announce the promotion of Matthew Insana, PLS, into the firm’s Executive Leadership Program. Matt has been a valued member of the DiPrete team since joining the firm in 2004 and brings more than 22 years of experience in surveying, land development support, and project coordination across New England. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Hartford in 2000 and later completed a Geomatics Certificate from the University of Florida in
DiPrete Engineering Announces Promotion of Jonathan W. Sheppard
DiPrete Engineering is pleased to announce the promotion of Jonathan W. Sheppard into the firm’s Executive Leadership Program. Jon joined DiPrete Engineering in 2021 and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership potential, technical excellence, and commitment to the firm’s values. Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 2020 and joined the firm as a Project Engineer. As a Project Engineer, Jonathan works closely with engineers and project
DiPrete Engineering Announces Promotion of Louis Barone III to Project Manager
DiPrete Engineering is pleased to announce the promotion of Louis Barone III, P.E., to Project Manager. Louie has been an integral member of the DiPrete team, making significant contributions to the company's success. Louie earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 2015 and his Master’s degree in the same discipline in 2016. He joined the firm in 2021 as a Project Engineer. Since joining DiPrete, Louie has brought extensive experience in
What Goes in a Business Media Kit (And Why Rhode Island Owners Need One)
A media kit — sometimes called a press kit — is a curated package of materials that tells your business's story to journalists, advertisers, investors, and potential partners. When someone wants to write about your company, book you for a panel, or evaluate you as a collaborator, the media kit is the first thing they reach for. For businesses operating across Rhode Island's connected, relationship-driven economy, having one ready isn't a branding exercise — it's a basic credibility signal.It's Not Only
Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. Welcomes Alexandra W. Pezzello
AP&S is pleased to welcome Alexandra Pezzello as Senior Counsel. Alex joins the firm’s Banking and Financial Services, Business & Corporate, and Real Estate Groups. With significant experience advising clients across the full lifecycle of financing deals, Alex brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to helping clients navigate sophisticated transactions efficiently and effectively. Alex’s depth of experience and practical approach strengthen the firm’s ability to support clients across a broad
People's Credit Union Promotes Kayla Landry to Commercial Portfolio Analyst
Brings Significant Experience Building and Growing Commercial Lending Department People’s Credit Union has announced the promotion of Kayla Landry to Commercial Portfolio Analyst, reporting to Christie Jencks, Head of Commercial Lending. In this newly created role, Ms. Landry will complete credit analysis and oversee portfolio management, including annual reviews and branch referrals. “Kayla’s promotion not only supports People’s ongoing growth by strengthening our credit and portfolio management
Bristol County Savings Bank Opens Branch in Downtown Providence
Bristol County Savings Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Downtown Providence Branch with Ribbon Cutting, Open House, and $75,000 in Community GrantsCelebration at 5 Exchange Street reflects Bristol County Savings Bank’s commitment to Rhode Island Bristol County Savings Bank, with branch locations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, on Friday celebrated the grand opening of its downtown Providence branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open house, and $75,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations
Johnson & Wales University Announces 2026 Commencement Plans
More than 1,000 degrees to be conferred during two ceremonies on Saturday, May 2 Johnson & Wales University (JWU) today announced plans for its Providence Campus commencement exercises in May. The university will hold the ceremonies at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Saturday, May 2. The graduate studies ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the undergraduate ceremony at 2 p.m. “Every year, we look forward to celebrating the hard work and achievements of our graduates at our commencement
Meredith McDonough Named Trinity Rep’s Next Artistic Director
After a yearlong, nationwide search, Trinity Repertory Company has selected Meredith McDonough as the theater’s next Artistic Director. A director, educator, and arts administrator of over 25 years, McDonough will begin her tenure at Trinity Rep on Aug. 3, 2026. Partnering with Executive Director Katie Liberman, McDonough’s appointment marks the first time in Trinity Rep’s history that both of its executive leaders are women. “Meredith McDonough is a highly skilled director with an impressive resume
Navigant Credit Union Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Riverside Branch
Today, Navigant Credit Union is celebrating the grand re-opening of its Riverside branch, a key location for servicing local Rhode Islanders in the East Bay, located at 3 Crescent View Avenue, Riverside, RI. Navigant originally acquired the location through a merger with Columbus Credit Union in 2012 and has since re-vamped the building to better serve its members. To celebrate the grand re-opening, Navigant hosted a ‘Business After Hours!’ event in partnership with the East Providence Area Chamber of
RWU’s Gabelli School of Business Rises in 2026 Poets&Quants Rankings
The business school’s gains in academic experience and career outcomes reflect continued momentum in experiential learning and student success. Roger Williams University’s Mario J. Gabelli School of Business (GSB) posted notable gains in the 2026 Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business School rankings, with significant improvement in academic experience and continued progress in career outcomes. The rankings evaluate programs based on academic quality, career outcomes, and admissions data, along with
Amica Announces $6.5M in Community Giving
Amica Celebrates 2025 Philanthropic Impact; Highlights Nearly $6.5M in Support for Mission-Driven Nonprofits Amica, through its charitable arm, the Amica Companies Foundation, reinforced its long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by contributing nearly $6.5 million in charitable grants and sponsorships in 2025. Throughout the year, Amica provided over $4,650,000 in grants and over $1,800,000 in nonprofit sponsorships, supporting dozens of
University of Rhode Island Launches Updated, Online Blue MBA Program
Reimagined online “Blue MBA” will elevate global leadership in ocean innovationThe University of Rhode Island has officially launched a new version of the Blue MBA program. The reimagined two-year, part-time program focuses on advancing knowledge, solutions, and talent for tomorrow’s ocean economy challenges and opportunities. The online graduate program has been updated with flexibility in mind, while retaining its commitment to an interdisciplinary approach that prepares business leaders for their next
Preservation Society of Newport County Announces Deaccession Initiative
The Preservation Society of Newport County has announced a Deaccession Initiative to support the continued growth and care of its permanent collection. As a nonprofit cultural institution charged with educating the public on Newport County’s history through historical spaces and objects, the Preservation Society has built an important collection of fine art, decorative art, archives and material culture, much of which has been received through generous donations. The Preservation Society routinely
RISD Art Circle Teens Select Artwork for the Museum’s Permanent Collection
In a rare move that places young people directly within the institution’s collecting history, teens in the RISD Art Circle (RAC) have selected a work of contemporary art for accession into the permanent collection of the RISD Museum. Their selection, Críptido y Monedas V (2025) by Argentine artist Santiago Licata, has now been formally accessioned and becomes a lasting part of the museum’s holdings. “We wanted RAC teens to see themselves as people who can shape what a museum collects,” said
From Obscurity to Coverage: The Business Case for a Media Kit
A media kit is a curated collection of brand information, assets, and proof points that businesses use to communicate clearly with journalists, partners, and stakeholders. For companies of all sizes, it serves as a structured introduction to who they are, what they offer, and why they matter. In an era where attention is short and competition for coverage is high, a well-built media kit can make the difference between being overlooked and being featured.At a Glance A media kit presents essential brand
Building Smart Growth Foundations for Small Businesses in Greater Providence
Growth is a thrilling word for any small business owner. But expansion — done right — isn’t just about hiring more people or opening another location. It’s about building the kind of resilience and systems that make growth sustainable over the long haul in Rhode Island’s ever-changing business landscape.TL;DR To grow well, small businesses should focus on five key areas: clarity of purpose, financial discipline, operational scalability, legal structure, and community connection. Build systems before you
Streamlining Client Onboarding: Smarter Systems for Smoother Starts
Client onboarding is more than just paperwork and welcome emails — it’s the first real impression of how your service-based business operates. A clunky, confusing, or manual onboarding process can quickly undercut trust, while a smooth, structured one builds confidence, accelerates delivery, and strengthens loyalty from day one.The Quick Summary Before diving deep, here’s what you’ll take away: Streamlined onboarding is about clarity, automation, and communication, not just speed. Systems that
Redefine Success with These Powerful Digital Marketing Assets
In digital marketing, skillfully managing assets can be the key to success. Having resources like images, videos, and reports meticulously organized enables greater impact. The value lies not in simply possessing these assets, but in strategically using them to stay ahead. Mastering digital asset management streamlines workflows, boosts team productivity, and enhances security. Embracing best practices transforms disarray into efficiency and raw potential into measurable success.Building a Fortress: User
Boss Moves: How Adobe Acrobat Helps Women Entrepreneurs Get It Done
Being an entrepreneur is all about juggling, innovating, and growing—but what if you had a secret weapon to make it easier? Enter Adobe Acrobat, a powerful ally that streamlines your day-to-day, helping you work smarter while leaving more room for what truly drives your business forward. This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the ways Adobe Acrobat is empowering women entrepreneurs to elevate their hustle, simplify workflows, and realize bigger dreams. Acrobat AI Assistant: Check out
Turn Your Home into an Entrepreneurial Haven with Proven Tips and Best Practices
Transforming your home into a space that fuels entrepreneurial success is both an exciting and rewarding venture. By optimizing your environment for productivity and creativity, you can elevate your home into a hub for innovative thinking and business growth. A well-designed home office or workspace can help you maintain focus and balance while working on your entrepreneurial goals. Implementing effective strategies and best practices will ensure that your home supports your business ambitions without
