The 2026 Providence-Newport Ferry Season Starts Friday, June 12
The 2026 Providence-Newport Ferry is scheduled to start tomorrow, Friday, June 12 and run through Monday, October 12. Now in its 11th year, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) operates the ferry seasonally, with four daily roundtrips seven days a week. RIDOT began this popular ferry service back in 2016 to provide an alternative to automobile travel between Providence and Newport. To date, the ferry has carried 360,000 passengers. “We are delighted to again offer this service to Rhode
People's Credit Union Celebrates 18th Year Sponsoring the Newport Gulls' FANatic About Reading Program
For the 18th consecutive year, People’s Credit Union has partnered with the Newport Gulls by sponsoring the FANatic About Reading Program to promote the importance of reading for elementary school students on Aquidneck Island. The Newport Gulls collegiate athletes have been volunteering their time at local elementary schools to read books to children in their classrooms. As part of the program, players also hand out bookmarks and ask the students to read four books over the summer. Special this year,
People's Credit Union Lunch 'N Learn with Middletown Town Employees
People’s Credit Union recently held a Lunch n’ Learn for employees of the Town of Middletown. The workshop was conducted by Diane Crosby, Mortgage Advisor for People’s, and covered topics related to financial fitness, including understanding credit reports and scores, credit cards, and navigating the steps of a mortgage application. “We are excited to partner with the Town of Middletown to bring this type of education to the workplace. Our collaboration with the Town of Middletown continues to grow and
RWU Expands Blue Fellows Program for Second Year of Ocean Innovation and Student Research
The annual fellowship initiative grows from seven to 10 fellows, introducing new partnerships to advance ocean research and the blue economy. Roger Williams University (RWU) and its Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) have announced the second annual Blue Fellows Program. The new season brings more opportunities for students to engage in marine research and entrepreneurship in support of marine science and sustainable aquaculture, both on campus and with industry
Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal Announces their Relocation in Downtown Providence
Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal proudly announces the relocation of their downtown Providence office to 56 Exchange Terrace, Suite 310, located at the East Office Building of Union Station, marking the next phase in the firm’s growth within Rhode Island’s commercial real estate market. After 11 years at the Turks Head Building, the move reflects their evolution and continued commitment to operating from the center of Providence, where the business has maintained a consistent presence for more than a
Annual Cox Impact Day includes $120,000 Grants to Rhode Island Nonprofits
State and local elected officials joined Cox Communications employees at the Rhode Island Statehouse for the annual Cox Impact Day. This event is a celebration of the local nonprofits who provide valuable services and Cox’s commitment to build a better future for the next generations. The day celebrated Cox’s investment throughout the state of Rhode Island including but not limited to Cox Charities Community Grants, Cox Innovation Labs at local Boys and Girls Clubs, James M. Cox Foundation Grants,
Beacon Bank Partners with FeedRI to Fight Food Insecurity
A team of 17 colleagues at Beacon Bank partnered Friday with the nonprofit FeedRI to help fight food insecurity in the state by volunteering at its site in Rumford, Rhode Island. The group stocked shelves, sorted pallets of donations, bagged fresh produce and filled refrigerators and freezers at Feed RI’s Hope Market. All proceeds from Hope Market help FeedRI deliver up to 150 pallets of free food every month to nonprofit organizations and community groups. In all, 23 of Beacon Bank’s 145 branches
Beacon Bank among America’s Best Regional Banks for 2026
Beacon Bank has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best regional banks for 2026, receiving the highest possible rating of five stars. Beacon Bank was selected from more than 8,800 banks and credit unions across the country that are committed to powering local economies by supporting businesses, financing community projects and providing reliable access to everyday banking services. Results were based on a comprehensive research study that combined, among other metrics, financial
Beacon Bancorp Reports Strong 2025 Results, Growth Initiatives at 2026 Annual Meeting
At Beacon Bancorp’s Annual Meeting on May 12, 2026, Patrick J. Murray, Chairman of the Board of Bristol County Savings Bank, underscored that the Bank’s strong financial performance and enduring commitment to the communities it serves are grounded in its “Putting People First” culture. Held at the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a regional cultural landmark whose restoration and reopening the Bank was proud to support, the meeting also reflected the Bank’s longstanding investment in the
People's Credit Union Donates $5,000 to Good Dad Gang Charity Golf Tournament
Good Dad Gang x Sean Foley Invitational in Support of Annual Backpack Giveaway People's Credit Union has donated $5,000 as lead sponsor to the Good Dad Gang's annual golf tournament to be held on July 28th at Fall River Country Club in Massachusetts. World-renowned PGA golf instructor, Sean Foley, will serve as special guest and keynote speaker. "Good Dad Gang's backpack giveaway does something simple and powerful; it helps families thrive, and strong families build strong
Philip Fusco, P.E., PTOE Joins Pare Corporation as Vice President
Pare Corporation, a leading multi-disciplinary engineering firm, is pleased to announce that Philip M. Fusco, P.E., PTOE has joined Pare as Vice President in the Transportation Division. Fusco brings more than 35 years of experience as a professional engineer, project manager, and leader in the New England regional transportation market. Prior to joining Pare, Fusco served in leadership roles at multiple global engineering and professional services firms overseeing Civil, Highway, Traffic, and
Historic Storm Underscores Need as Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation Announces Latest Funding Round, Highlighted by Meals on Wheels Grant
Funding supports emergency food access, education, and community-based solutions addressing urgent and long-term needs.Meg Grady, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and Paola Fernandez, SVP, Community Development, Centreville Bank. The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded $562,000 in total giving in its latest funding round, supporting a broad portfolio of community-based organizations and college scholarships designed to strengthen long-term economic mobility, expand
Roger Williams University Welcomes Dr. Brian G. Williams as Interim President
Williams succeeds retiring President Ioannis N. Miaoulis, bringing decades of experience in student-centered leadership and university administration. Roger Williams University welcomes Brian G. Williams, D.M., into his new position today as Interim President of the university. Williams will guide the institution through the upcoming academic year while advancing key strategic priorities focused on student success, academic excellence, community engagement, and institutional stability. Williams brings
Citizens Expands Community Impact Across Rhode Island As Part of Broader Commitment to Local Communities
Bank commits $1.5 million to workforce development and $155,000 to financial education programs in Rhode Island as part of a broader commitment to Ocean State. Citizens today announced a series of community investments that reinforce its long-standing commitment to Rhode Island, spanning financial education, workforce development, small business growth, and housing stability. “Rhode Island is our home state, and we’re proud to invest here—not just with capital, but with our more than 4,000 colleagues
Bristol County Savings Conducts Employee Volunteer Day at Non-Profits in Rhode Island
Bristol County Savings Bank and its 300 Employees Support the Communities they Serve with BCSB CARES: Employee Volunteer Day The entire staff at Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB) donated their time and talents to area nonprofits last week during its fifth annual BCSB CARES: Employee Volunteer Day. The Bank closed all its offices, and more than 300 Bank employees, along with its affiliates, Bristol Wealth Group and Milestone Mortgage Solutions, spent the afternoon giving back at 18 different
For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Beacon Bank Announces Free Support for Visually Impaired Users at All Branches
Beacon Bank is pleased to announce free access at all branches to an on-demand service that connects visually impaired users to live, real-time guides who provide assistance through an app using the camera and microphone on the user’s mobile phone. The Aira Explorer service is available at the bank’s 145 branches, as well as for those who require additional assistance to access visual information in online banking and the bank’s mobile app. Among other things, it provides support navigating
BankNewport Appoints Tracy Bartucca as Vice President, Secondary Market Operations Manager
BankNewport is pleased to announce that Tracy Bartucca has joined the Bank as vice president, secondary market operations manager. In this role, Bartucca is responsible for providing oversight of secondary marketing operations, including loan delivery, investor compliance, pipeline management, and supervision of registration and post-closing staff. Prior to joining BankNewport, Bartucca spent 27 years with Main Street Bank in Marlborough, Massachusetts, where she held mortgage operations and retail
Providence Chamber Members Win $650,000 for Med Research
Rhode Island Foundation awards nearly $650,000 in seed funding for promising medical research Grants are intended to help emerging researchers advance projects to the point where they can compete for national funding The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded nearly $650,000 in seed funding to 26 promising medical research projects. The work ranges from improving patient adherence to GLP-1 based weight loss medications to training AI to accurately diagnose breast cancer. The grants
Portsmouth, RI Resident Appointed as New BankNewport Corporator
OceanPoint Financial Partners, Mutual Holding Company of BankNewport, Appoints Portsmouth Resident as New Corporator at Annual Meeting OceanPoint Financial Partners, MHC, the mutual holding company of BankNewport, announced the appointment of one new Bank Corporator during the organization’s annual meeting held on Monday, April 20, 2026. John JB (“J.J.”) Silvia, III, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, was appointed as a new Bank Corporator. Corporators play an essential role in promoting the mission and
Beacon Bank Invests Nearly $600,000 in Local Nonprofits
Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested nearly $600,000 in its communities through charitable giving and sponsorships to over 130 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Vermont from January to March. “Our commitment to giving back is rooted in the communities we serve every day,” said Will Tsonos, president of the bank’s Rhode Island region. “These partnerships help address real needs and build a stronger future and better quality of life for the people
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
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
