The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host a “Coffee with the Candidates” series this summer, bringing incumbents and candidates running for governor and lieutenant governor together with members of the local business community for casual coffee hours.
Organized by the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, the series will take place at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m., beginning July 16 and continuing into September.
“The Greater Newport Chamber is committed to ensuring our members have meaningful opportunities to engage directly with the leaders who want to represent them,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, president and CEO of the chamber. “These conversations give candidates the chance to hear firsthand about the issues facing our business community while providing our members with valuable insight into the priorities and vision of those seeking elected office. An informed business community is essential to a strong local economy and healthy democracy.”
The confirmed schedule begins with lieutenant governor candidate Sue AnderBois on July 16, followed by lieutenant governor candidate Xay Khamsyvoravong on July 23, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos on July 30, lieutenant governor candidate John Loughlin on Aug. 6, Gov. Dan McKee on Aug. 13 and lieutenant governor candidate Cindy Coyne on Aug. 20. The series then turns to the gubernatorial race, with candidate Helena Foulkes on Aug. 27, candidate Aaron Guckian on Sept. 3 and candidate Ken Block on Sept. 10.
The chamber said more dates may be announced. Registration is available at newportchamber.com/events, and questions can be directed to Kate@newportchamber.com.
One of the state’s largest business advocacy organizations, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce has served the region for more than 100 years and represents nearly 1,000 members and more than 50,000 employees.
