News & Media
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a continued partnership with The Pell Center at Salve Regina University for the Politics & Pancakes quarterly series in 2026, sponsored by Bally’s Corporation.
At the first event of the series, taking place on Thursday, February 12th, guests will hear from Governor Dan McKee as he discusses his budget and overall policy agenda for the 2026 legislative session. For each event, tickets include admission and a full buffet breakfast. Guests will enjoy hearing from the keynote speaker as well as networking with members of the local business community.
“The Politics & Pancakes series provides a critical opportunity for our business community to engage directly with state leadership on the elements of the state budget that will shape day-to-day operations and influence hiring decisions across our region. With major investments and policy choices on the table, these conversations allow employers to better understand what’s ahead, ask informed questions, and share real-world perspectives on how proposed budget priorities will affect their ability to grow and create jobs. We’re grateful to the Pell Center and Bally’s Corporation for supporting a forum that elevates meaningful dialogue between policymakers and the business community,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
“Bally’s is pleased to sponsor this informative series that seeks to foster greater dialogue and partnership between the public and private sectors,” Craig Eaton, President, Rhode Island Operations and Corporate Secretary “We are grateful for the leadership of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce in convening this series, and to the Governor and state elected officials who will participate.”
“Convening members of the community to engage with public officials, to learn, and to educate is at the heart of what the Pell Center at Salve Regina University does. We’re delighted to continue this partnership with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and thank them for their continued leadership bringing business- and political-leaders together.” said Jim Ludes, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Salve Regina University
The Politics & Pancakes series is dedicated to bringing government officials and leaders to the area for speaking programs and panel discussions on issues of importance to the local business community. Each year, the series welcomes the Governor, members of the General Assembly, members of the Congressional Delegation, and others to speak on policy issues impacting Rhode Islanders.
The Pell Center is located at 518 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Free, onsite parking is available. Advanced registration is required and can be made at NewportChamber.com/events. Questions and group reservation requests can be sent to Kate@newportchamber.com
ABOUT THE GREATER NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest business advocacy organizations, whose mission is to connect, innovate, enhance, and advocate for the businesses of Greater Newport. As a trusted and reliable institution for over 100 years, the Greater Newport Chamber is a vibrant collective body of the greater Newport business community with nearly 1000 members representing over 50,000 employees. The Chamber works to create valuable strategic partnerships, promote strong economic growth, diversity, and prosperity to serve its members and the Greater Newport region.
ABOUT THE PELL CENTER
The Pell Center at Salve Regina is a multidisciplinary research center focused at the intersection of politics, policies and ideas. Dedicated to honoring Sen. Claiborne Pell’s legacy, the Pell Center promotes American engagement in the world, effective government at home and civic participation by all Americans.
ABOUT BALLY’S CORPORATION
Bally’s (NYSE: BALY) is a fast-growing national brand with 20 casinos internationally including 1 retail casino in Newcastle, UK, 11 states across the US, along with a golf course in New York and a horse racetrack in Colorado, and holds OSB licenses in 13 jurisdictions in North America. It also owns Bally Bet, a first-in-class sports betting platform, and Bally Intralot S.A. (ATSE: INLOT). As a global, entertainment-focused, omni-channel leader in retail and online gaming, Bally’s serves over 11 million domestic and 20 million international customers through its loyalty programs.
With 11,500 employees, its casino operations include approximately 17,700 slot machines, 630 table games, and 3,950 hotel rooms. Bally’s also has rights to developable land in Las Vegas at the site of the former Tropicana Las Vegas.