-
Friday, January 13, 2023'Staff are burning out': How a workforce crisis is affecting healthcare in Greater Newport
'Staff are burning out': How a workforce crisis is affecting healthcare in Greater Newport Zane Wolfang Newport Daily News NEWPORT ― The Newport County Community Healthcare Collaborative held a Zoom discussion with legislators on Tuesday, Jan. 10 to discuss policy and priorities as the healthcare industry emerges from the pandemic and manages what industry leaders are calling a workforce crisis. Child & Family CEO Marty Sinnott, who has chaired the NCCHC board for the past year, opened the meeting by
Monday, January 09, 2023Majority of area businesses report ‘great and growing’ operations
Sixty percent of surveyed storefronts in Newport and Bristol counties said they are thriving despite a scarce workforce, historic inflation and shortages with supply chains. The report by Connect Greater Newport, which is a public-private partnership launched in 2018 to support the region’s economic development, was released Dec. 28. The data was collected in October when representatives on behalf of the nonprofit organization visited 60 businesses in Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Middletown, Newport,
Monday, January 09, 2023Survey: Greater Newport businesses growing, but inflation, housing concerns remain
NEWPORT — More than half of local businesses report growing sales and stable employment in a new survey by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, though inflation and a lack of workforce housing are significant concerns for many. The survey, held in late October and released this week, includes responses from 60 businesses in Barrington,…
Tuesday, August 16, 2022Newport's workforce housing is shrinking, but a study is underway to address the issue
Newport's workforce housing is shrinking, but a study is underway to address the issueSavana DunningNewport Daily News NEWPORT — As the availability of workforce housing for residents in Newport and Bristol counties continues to shrink, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce has started studying ways to address the issue for years to come. "We were able to put together a proposal that was funded by the van Beuren Foundation to take a look at workforce housing and develop a plan," said Erin
Thursday, July 21, 2022Greater Newport Region Continues Economic Recovery Economic Pulse data shows a tight labor market and increasing wages
For immediate releaseJuly 21, 2022 Greater Newport Region Continues Economic RecoveryEconomic Pulse data shows a tight labor market and increasing wages Newport and Bristol County, RI – Connect Greater Newport, the regional economic development division of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, released its June monthly Economic Pulse data which shows the following:Regional unemployment sits at 2.1% - a historically low level. Over 2,200 more people were employed in May 2022 than before the pandemic
Wednesday, June 15, 2022Affordable housing for seasonal workers hard to find
Affordable housing for seasonal workershard to findAmid expectation of a robust summer season, Newport and other communities are worried they won’t be able to attract employees into a market where finding affordable seasonal housing is at best difficult, and in some cases nearly impossible, and where wages lag behind neighboring states.by Frank ProsnitzJune 15, 2022Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com Amid expectation of a robust summer season, Newport and other communities are worried they won’t
Sunday, May 15, 2022They’re Cruisin’ On In
They’re Cruisin’ On In By Newport This Week Staff | on May 12, 2022FacebookTwitterEmailMessengerCopy LinkSMSShare The Silver Cloud, the seventh cruise ship of the season, visited Newport on May 11. The ship brought approximately 250 guests to explore the island. “We are excited to welcome back cruise ships to Newport,” said Evan Smith, Discover Newport’s president and CEO. “This milestone represents a strong sign of recovery for the travel industry. These valued cruise passengers shop at our retail
Tuesday, May 10, 2022People's Credit Union & Shopping Local
Shopping local is a big part of boosting our economy and helping smaller stores! People's Credit Union has teamed up with Shop Greater Newport and The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to offer our shop local gif cards! Purchase your gift card today in the lobby of Innovate Newport at 513 Broadway, Newport RI.SHOPGREATERNEWPORT.COM and PEOPLESCU.COMWatch the Studio 10 interview with Marketing Manager, Courtney Hunter, People's Credit Union, and Executive Director, Erin Donovan-Boyle, Greater Newport
Monday, May 02, 2022Rhode Island Inno Approved: Here are the May events you need to know about
Rhode Island Inno Approved: Here are the May events you need to know aboutInnovate Newport will host a bluetech innovation series this month.Innovate NewportBy Dana Forsythe - ContributorMay 02, 2022, 02:31pm EDT We at Rhode Island Inno have established a curated calendar of statewide goings-on we think readers will enjoy — all in one spot. They range from networking events to innovation showcases. Look for new events every month, and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s more (or less) of a type of
Friday, February 11, 2022Greater Newport Chamber to welcome Governor Dan McKee to Newport
Greater Newport Chamber to welcome Governor Dan McKee to NewportFebruary 9, 2022 1:55 pm Ben Brown Read the original article here. NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) – The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host a Government Affairs Forum on Thursday, March 10. Governor Dan McKee will talk to guests about his Fiscal Year 2023 budget, AARPA funds and his public policy priorities for this session. “We are thrilled to be able to host this important event for the broader business community of Greater
Thursday, February 10, 2022Jumpstarting the Blue Economy
Opinion: Jumpstarting the Blue EconomyBy Rep. Deborah Ruggiero and Erin Donovan-Boyle Read the original article here. There’s no better place to build and grow Rhode Island’s blue economy than Greater Newport. Growing a sustainable blue economy is an economic development strategy that attracts talent, creates jobs in coastal communities and leverages our strong defense, marine trades, manufacturing and high tech industries. The uniqueness of Narragansett Bay’s ecosystem and physical infrastructure is
Thursday, January 20, 2022Town seeks to spend its fed aid cash
Town seeks to spend its fed aid cashAmbulance, water system fixes top listBy ohtadmin | on January 20, 2022 | Read the original article here Jamestown is slated to receive $1.63 million in federal stimulus aid through the American Rescue Plan, and the administration is proposing to use that money for public safety and the municipal water system. “If we use the money just the way we use the taxpayers’ money, and if you follow the metrics that we already do, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Town
Friday, January 14, 2022Innovate Newport announces international competition to spur blue tech industry growth
Innovate Newport announces international competition to spur blue tech industry growthSavana Dunning | The Newport Daily News NEWPORT — Innovate Newport’s latest effort to grow the area's tech startup industry will pit companies from greater Newport and Israel in a Blue Tech pitching competition. The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and Innovate Newport announced a BlueTech Startup Competition as a side event to coincide with the Blue Innovation Symposium starting Feb. 22 at Middletown's Wyndham
Tuesday, December 14, 2021Newport’s shortage of affordable housing for Hispanic and Latino workers could hurt local economy
Newport’s shortage of affordable housing for Hispanic and Latino workers could hurt local economy As home prices skyrocket around Newport, many of the Hispanic and Latino workers who power the city’s economy are having trouble finding an affordable place to live.The Public’s Radio Newport Bureau has recently been working on a series of stories digging into how the housing market has put undocumented families in a particularly vulnerable position on Aquidneck Island. Reporter Antonia Ayres-Brown
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
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 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
