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Thursday, September 30, 2021Roadmap for a Stronger Newport Economy
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and Connect Greater Newport are excited to announce adoption of the first 10-year regional economic development strategy for Greater Newport that will serve as a roadmap to build a strong, competitive, and more resilient economy. Connect Greater Newport, the Chamber’s economic development division and a public-private partnership made up of regional stakeholders, developed the plan in consultation with representatives from municipal government leadership, private
Thursday, September 02, 2021Newport County's missing workforce isn't on unemployment, they're leaving the job market
Newport County's missing workforce isn't on unemployment, they're leaving the job market By Savanna Dunning, Newport Daily News Read the original article here. NEWPORT -- Angel Gonzalez has been looking for full-time employees since he first opened his Thames Street convenience store in May. When he did find staff, many quit shortly after, saying they found work elsewhere. “They know that they have so many options,” Gonzalez said. “If you go up and down Thames Street, you’ll find at least 15 spots
Tuesday, August 31, 2021Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce Selects Transamerica for Retirement Savings Plan
Click Here to read the Boston Business Journal's article on our new Retirement Savings Plan for Chamber members.
Wednesday, August 04, 2021Root Riders job program teaches Newport teens about food and much more
Root Riders job program teaches Newport teens about food and much moreSavana DunningNewport Daily News Read the original article here. NEWPORT — Bicycles with bags attached to the sides lean next to a tent, the table underneath it stocked high with greens and produce collected from community gardens. Three high schoolers, who helped grow the food by hand, sell what they have from their final harvest to Virginian visitor Dee Tokarski and her two granddaughters. “They approached me while we were
Wednesday, June 02, 2021Limited hours, reduced seating: R.I. businesses short-staffed as summer season begins
Limited hours, reduced seating: R.I. businesses short-staffed as summer season begins Newport businesses this summer are plastered with ‘Help Wanted’ signs. And business owners say the difficulty finding employees is particularly concerning in a summer destination like Newport, where businesses hit hard by the pandemic are relying on the next few months for an economic comeback.by Antonia Ayres-Brown The Public's Radio · Limited hours, reduced seating: R.I. businesses short-staffed as summer season
Thursday, May 27, 2021Minimum wage to reach $15 by ’25
Minimum wage to reach $15 by ’25Euer, Ruggiero support increase from $11.25Jamestown Press | By ohtadmin | on May 27, 2021 Read the original article here.The minimum wage in Rhode Island will incrementally increase to $15 an hour in 2025 under legislation signed by Gov. Dan McKee.McKee, a Democrat, affixed his signature May 20 amid pushback from GOP lawmakers who believe higher labor costs will kill small businesses.“This is an important step in the effort to help lift Rhode Island families out of
Thursday, May 20, 2021Broadband Issues Getting Full Attention
Broadband Issues Getting Full Attention By Newport This Week Staff | on May 20, 2021 Read the original article here.By Alex Malm When the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce Regional Economic Development Division surveyed businesses about the biggest challenges they faced, 62 percent had broadband on the top of the list. Now, the chamber is hoping to help with this issue by completing geographic information system mapping in the area. The chamber was recently awarded $50,000 from Commerce Rhode Island,
Tuesday, May 18, 2021Some R.I. businesses opt to continue requiring masks, as state loosens rules
Some R.I. businesses opt to continue requiring masks, as state loosens rules RI Public Radio | May 18th, 2021 | Read the original article here. As of Tuesday, businesses in Rhode Island can allow fully vaccinated customers inside without a face mask. But some business owners say they’re not ready to change their mask policies. India Kenyon, the owner of Cutie Curls Boutique in Newport, said she plans to continue asking customers to wear masks until a higher proportion of Rhode Islanders are
Monday, May 17, 2021Chamber of Commerce has a plan to address Newport County's internet problem
Chamber of Commerce has a plan to address Newport County's internet problem Newport Daily News | NewportRI.com Savana Dunning May 17, 2021 Read the original article here. NEWPORT — After listening to local concerns over internet inaccessibility, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is moving forward with an initiative that could result in better internet access for Newport County. “It really grew out of the fact that when COVID hit, so many more people were reliant on broadband, for education
Thursday, May 06, 2021Employee Shortage Hits Businesses Hard
Employee Shortage Hits Businesses Hard Newport This Week | Newport Now By Alex Malm Read the original article here. From West Main Road in Middletown to Thames Street in Newport, it’s hard to go to more than one or two businesses without seeing help wanted signs. “Everyone in the hospitality/ restaurant industry has been struggling to fill employment vacancies this year,” said Charles Holder, manager of Midtown Oyster Bar. Holder currently has about 30 jobs to fill between Midtown and the Surf
Tuesday, April 13, 2021The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce hired Isabel Marsh as Business Outreach Specialist working w
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce513 Broadway Suite 218Newport, Rhode Island 02840401.847.1600www.NewportChamber.com The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce hired Isabel Marsh as Business Outreach Specialist working with Connect Greater Newport April 13, 2021 Newport, RI- The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce has named Isabel Marsh as Business Outreach Specialist working with our Regional Economic Development division and the stakeholders of Connect Greater Newport. She
Tuesday, March 30, 2021Restore Greater Newport Calls on the General Assembly to Increase Funding for Real Jobs RI
NEWS RELEASERestore Greater Newport Calls on the General Assembly to Increase Funding for Real Jobs RI Newport, Rhode Island, March 30, 2021: Recognizing that critical jobs training programs will more ably allow the Aquidneck Island region to economically recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Restore Greater Newport, a coalition of business, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing and marine entities is calling on the General Assembly to increase funding for Real Jobs Rhode Island.Real Jobs RI is a program run
Monday, March 22, 2021Minimum wage debate hits Newport County
Minimum wage debate hits Newport CountySavana DunningNewport Daily News | Read the original article here. With many businesses in Newport County offering entry-level positions at minimum wage, a potential wage increase from the state legislature has left the business community with mixed feelings. In February, the Rhode Island Senate approved legislation that would steadily increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. As the bill now makes its way to the House, it has stoked conversation among
Thursday, March 18, 2021Restore Greater Newport Calls on the McKee Administration and General Assembly to Deploy the American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Rebuild our Economy
Restore Greater Newport Calls on the McKee Administration and General Assembly to Deploy the American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Rebuild our Economy Newport, Rhode Island, March 16, 2021: With the passage last week of the American Rescue Plan, Rhode Island state government is expected to receive $1.78 billion in direct payments. As was demonstrated in late 2020, during the allocation of CARES funding for economic development purposes, the partnership between state agencies and established groups,
Wednesday, March 10, 2021Restore Greater Newport requests state assistance to save the tourist season
Restore Greater Newport requests state assistance to save the tourist seasonby Ryan M. BelmoreRead the original article here. News Release Focusing on much needed recommendations for the region’s tourism industry, Restore Greater Newport, an organized coalition of business, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing and marine entities is once again calling on the General Assembly and the McKee Administration to immediately enact specific measures to save the upcoming tourism season and in so doing, minimize
Thursday, March 04, 2021Summer event planners in Rhode Island ask state for guidance
Summer event planners in Rhode Island ask state for guidance by AMANDA HOSKINS, NBC 10 NEWSWednesday, March 3rd 2021 Read the original article here.NEWPORT, R.I. (WJAR) — As some Rhode Island event planners work to setup large-scale events in the state in the summer of 2021, they are calling on leaders to give guidance.In the meantime, some groups are planning the traditional festivities with flexibility for rollbacks.Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erin Donovan-Boyle said last year
Wednesday, March 03, 2021“Next 90 Days Most Critical” - Newport Business & Tourism Leaders to McKee & RI General Assembly
“Next 90 Days Most Critical” - Newport Business & Tourism Leaders to McKee & RI General Assembly Tuesday, March 02, 2021 GoLocalProv News Team Read the original article here. A coalition of business, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing and marine entities is calling on the General Assembly and the incoming McKee Administration to "immediately enact measures to minimize the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and restore economic prosperity to the greater Newport region." According to Erin
Tuesday, March 02, 2021Hoping for a successful Newport summer? A group of tourism, business leaders have some ideas
Hoping for a successful Newport summer? A group of tourism, business leaders have some ideasSavana Dunning, Newport Daily News Read the original article here. Newport-area businesses leader are calling on state lawmakers to increase support and aid to small businesses in anticipation for the summer 2021 travel season. “We're aiming to develop short term and longer term efforts to mitigate the negative economic impacts of the coronavirus,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, executive director of the Greater Newport
Tuesday, March 02, 2021Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce issues statement on proposed minimum wage increase
Read the original article here. The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Erin Donovan-Boyle, and Board Chair, Joseph Pratt today issued the following statement regarding the proposed minimum wage increase. We write to share our concerns during a covid pandemic of the legislation to raise the minimum wage, specifically the increase proposed to take effect this year (October 2021). Members of the business community understand and appreciate the desire to improve wages in the
Thursday, December 17, 2020After 100 years, Greater Newport Chamber Continues Evolving
After 100 years, Greater Newport Chamber Continues Evolving Original article can be found here. Erin Donovan-Boyle, the current executive director and Bonnie Gomes, board chair of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by Meredith Bower) When the U.S. Navy abruptly announced in 1973 that it was pulling its Atlantic destroyer fleet out of Newport and closing the base, local officials were stunned. Just four years earlier, the Navy had forced the state to spend an additional $8 million to change
Wednesday, December 02, 2020Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to launch 'digital main street' ahead of Cyber Monday
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to launch 'digital main street' ahead of Cyber Monday Find the original article here. The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is launching an online directory to help small, local businesses compete with the online presence of big box stores during the holidays. As more shoppers are utilizing e-commerce for everything from groceries to Christmas presents, small businesses are feeling the pressure to update or maintain an online presence. Isabel Marsh, a
Thursday, November 26, 2020Newport businesses hopeful for big Small Business Saturday turnout
Newport businesses hopeful for big Small Business Saturday turnout Find the original article here. Despite the recent capacity limits and extra COVID-19 safety measures, Newport County businesses are feeling optimistic about Small Business Saturday. “It’s always been the locals who come up and shop on that Saturday to support businesses that are owned by locals,” said Jason Carbonneau, owner of Thames Street jewelry store Jason & Co. “I think it’s going to be better than ever, mainly because after
Tuesday, November 24, 2020Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce hiring Business Outreach Specialist
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce hiring Business Outreach Specialist Find the original article here. The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new member to join their dynamic team. The prime candidate would be an individual interested in advancing innovative models of business engagement and developing effective strategies for regional economic development. The position will support the Regional Economic Development Division of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and the
Friday, October 02, 2020Newport-Area Businesses Awarded Grants To 'Take It Outside'
Newport-Area Businesses Awarded Grants To 'Take It Outside'The first round awardees was announced this week. Original article can be found here.NEWPORT, RI — Nearly three dozen organizations across Rhode Island were awarded $3 million total in grants to help "Take It Outside" in the first of two rounds of funding from the state. In Newport and the surrounding communities, six organizations were awarded $340,000, along with $75,000 to the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.Newport officials encouraged
Thursday, October 01, 2020Newport, Middletown prepare to make taking it outside a little easier for businesses
Newport, Middletown prepare to make taking it outside a little easier for businesses The original article can be found here. NEWPORT — For local businesses and organizations hard-hit by the pandemic, survival for many meant moving operations outside. As the weather cools, anxieties have seemingly mounted. But 41 “intermediary organizations” across the state — including multiple Newport County organizations — are slated to benefit from a statewide grant program totaling over $3 million, Rhode Island
Thursday, September 17, 2020Small Businesses Finding It Difficult to Secure Grant Money
Small Businesses Finding It Difficult to Secure Grant Money Original Article posted by Newport This Week, can be found here. About $45 million in state grants remain available to small Rhode Island businesses that have been decimated by the pandemic. But getting the money to applicants via Restore RI has been a difficult process to untangle. The money is part of the $1.25 billion given to the state in the federal Cares Act. Of that, $50 million was set aside to be distributed to small businesses,
Tuesday, August 25, 2020Restore Greater Newport Tracks COVID-19’s Economic Impact
Restore Greater Newport Tracks COVID-19’s Economic Impact By Community Submission | on August 24, 2020 Reposted from Newport Now powered by Newport This Week. The original article can be found here. Restore Greater Newport is tracking COVID-19’s economic impact on the greater Newport region, to learn the needs of businesses and residents. A survey, designed to be taken monthly by local residents and business owners, will help to determine how people are participating in the local economy in the midst of
Tuesday, August 25, 2020Restore Greater Newport calls on businesses, residents to fill out survey to track COVID-19 impact
Restore Greater Newport calls on businesses, residents to fill out survey to track COVID-19 impact Reposted from The Newport Daily News. The original article can be found here. Restore Greater Newport is tracking COVID-19′s economic impact on the Greater Newport region, to learn the needs of businesses and residents. A survey, designed to be taken monthly by local residents and business owners, will help to determine how people are participating in the local economy in the midst of the global
Monday, August 24, 2020Commerce RI Accepting Round 2 of Small Business Grant Applications
Commerce RI Accepting Round 2 of Small Business Grant Applications Monday, August 24, 2020 GoLocalProv Business Team Reposted from GoLocalProv.com. The original article can be found here. Round two of the Restore Rhode Island Grant Program is now open and accepting applications. Of the $50 million of CARES Act funds available to small businesses less than $2 million has been awarded in RI. To learn more about how to apply, click here. Zoom Help Sessions: Led by members of the Commerce team, these
Thursday, May 14, 2020Greater Newport Chamber, Discover Newport announce task force to reopen region
The original Newport Daily News article can be found here. By Daily News staffPosted May 14, 2020 at 10:15 AM The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and Discover Newport jointly announced the formation of Restore Greater Newport, an economic recovery and resilience task force. It is a group of private, public, and government representatives working collaboratively, as a region, to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19-driven economic crisis. “We are focused on regaining economic prosperity
Friday, January 31, 2020New report names blue economy as major economic opportunity
Reposted from Providence Business News. The original article can be found: https://pbn.com/new-report-names-blue-economy-as-major-economic-opportunity/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=IGT+and+Twin+River+extend+the+olive+branch%2C+announce+joint+lottery+proposal&utm_campaign=Daily_2020_0130By Nancy Lavin January 30, 2020 PROVIDENCE – “The Ocean State” can be more than just a nickname for Rhode Island.It also represents a key part of the state’s future economic growth.A new
Tuesday, January 21, 2020Consultant will begin gathering input for plan on Newport’s North End development
Shared from Newport Daily News online. Click here for original story on NewportRI.com By Daily News staff Posted Jan 17, 2020 at 4:15 PM Updated Jan 17, 2020 at 4:33 PM The meetings are the first step in a public outreach effort designed to solicit and collect feedback from community members across the city to shape the future of Newport’s North End neighborhood. NEWPORT — As the moratorium halting development in the North End continues, work to draft the plan expected to guide the future of that
