After years of sustained growth, including six contract awards with the potential of hundreds of millions of dollars in new business, Rite-Solutions has appointed two new Vice Presidents. Susan Borden, a Portsmouth resident, was promoted to VP of Human Resources. Dan Raposo. a Tiverton resident, is the new VP of Corporate Infrastructure & Standards. The […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inBusiness, Real Estate
Historic Martha’s Vineyard hotel, The Kelly House, acquired by a Boston-based real estate private equity firm
Martha’s Vineyard, MA – One of the 5 oldest hotels in the United States has a new owner and operator. Boston-based real estate private equity firm Blue Flag Capital, part of Blue Flag Partners, today announced that it has acquired The Kelley House, a historic 57-room boutique hotel on Martha’s Vineyard. Blue Flag Capital is partnering with […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
City of Newport, Town of Middletown each receive $75,000 grant to help businesses ‘take it outside’ this fall
The City of Newport and the Town of Middletown have each been awarded $75,000 from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help local restaurants “Take it Outside” this fall. The two municipalities were among 41 awarded intermediary organizations that will use the funds to cover the cost of purchasing items such as chairs, tables, heat […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
$3 million awarded to municipalities, chambers of commerce, intermediary organizations to help businesses ‘Take It Outside’
Governor Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced recipients of awards totaling more than $3 million to help businesses Take It Outside. The awardees, which include municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, and other intermediary organizations, will receive funds to encourage and increase outdoor commerce in an effort to reduce the transmission rate of COVID-19. The 41 […]
Posted inBusiness
Neon Marketplace opens second store location on Aquidneck Island
Neon Marketplace announced today the opening of its second store location at 3302 East Main Road in Portsmouth. Neon Marketplace, a proprietary brand of Procaccianti Companies, opened its first store at 533 E. Main Road in Middletown earlier this year. “Our family has been in the convenience store business for decades and it’s truly exciting […]
Posted inBusiness, Real Estate
Former Cluny School sells for $1.6 million
The former Cluny School and its surrounding property, located at 75 Brenton Road were sold on September 25, 2020, for $1,600,000, according to records available through Rhode Island’s statewide MLS database. This is the second time that the property, which includes 2 buildings on a 4.63 acre parcel, has sold since the school closed in June […]
Posted inBusiness
BankNewport names Newport resident Kate Sanderson-Upham Vice President, Branch Sales Manager at EG Location
BankNewport today announced that Kate Sanderson- Upham has been promoted to Vice President, Branch Sales Manager for the East Greenwich branch located at 1000 Division Street. In her position, Kate is responsible for branch operations, customer service, and team development. “We are proud to announce Kate’s promotion to Vice President,” said Amy Riccitelli, BankNewport Senior […]
Posted inBusiness
Over 1,000 small businesses receive Restore Rhode Island Grants, funds still available
Rhode Island Commerce today announced that over 1,000 Rhode Island small businesses have already received Restore Rhode Island grants totaling nearly $9M. Over $1.5M of the money already dispersed has gone directly to minority owned enterprises. “We’re pleased that over 1,000 businesses have already received funding through the Restore R.I. grant program,” said Rhode Island […]
Posted inBusiness
‘Tech Boosts’ program from Cox Communications seeks nominations for $30K in grants to local nonprofits
Despite the important work nonprofits and community organizations do in the communities they serve, many are lacking the modern technology tools needed to perform their missions to the fullest. To bridge this technology gap, Cox Communications today announced the call for nominations for its “Tech Boosts” program, which awards grants to nonprofit groups committed to […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
With only weeks to go until Election Day, Yacht Club “Soda Pop Poll” delivers an update
By David Dadekian, Eat Drink RI Yacht Club Bottling Works, The Official Soda and Water Company of Rhode Island, is releasing some preliminary results from this year’s Soda Pop Poll, and depending on your taste in candidates, the results may be shocking. You might cry, “FAKE NEWS!” but as of mid-September, Donald’s Big League Punch holds a commanding 52% lead over Joe’s […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government, News
Restore Rhode Island Grant Program to expand on September 22
Rhode Island Commerce today announced that the Restore Rhode Island grant program expansion will launch tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22. This new round will feature expanded program eligibility, an updated application process with reduced documentation for all applicants, and other new program features. In the seven weeks since the program began receiving applications, nearly 900 Rhode Island small […]
Posted inBusiness, News
CCRI awarded $4.6 million in federal TRIO Student Support Services grants
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) today announced that it has been awarded three, five-year, federal TRIO Student Support Services grants from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $4.6 million. The grants will allow CCRI to provide enhanced academic and other support services to approximately 540 low-income, first-generation students and/or college students with disabilities […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government, News
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce partners with CCRI Division of Workforce Partnerships to provide free virtual courses
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce today announced that they and the Community College RI Divisions of Workforce Partnerships (CCRI) have formalized a partnership that will bring valuable programming to the businesses of Greater Newport. The Chamber’s partnership with CCRI was created to educate and empower local entrepreneurs and business owners by providing enriching skill-specific […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
Governor Raimondo announces that $1 million is available in grants to help businesses continue to ‘Take It Outside’
Governor Raimondo today announced during her weekly press briefing that her administration has made $1 million in available funding to assist businesses and organizations interested in participating in the state’s Take It Outside initiative. The Take It Outside initiative is a statewide effort to encourage and increase outdoor activities for all Rhode Islanders in an […]
Posted inBusiness
EMMA Acres named Rhode Island’s 2020 ‘Outstanding Dairy Farm Of The Year’
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced EMMA Acres in Exeter has been named Rhode Island’s 2020 Outstanding Dairy Farm Of The Year by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee, of which DEM is a member. “This awards program shines an important light on the value of dairy farming to our state, and […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Business owners encouraged to apply now for grants through Restore RI Grant Program
This story was sponsored by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. The Restore RI Grant Program is still open for applications, meaning funds are still available for business owners. Most small businesses are eligible for grants of $2,500 to $15,000 and are strongly encouraged to apply. The following table shows the maximum grant amount a […]
Posted inBusiness, News
BankNewport’s Wendy Kagan, a Newport resident, honored as one of Banking New England’s 2020 ‘Leading Women in Banking’
BankNewport announced today that Wendy Kagan, Executive Vice President and Director of Employee and Community Engagement, has been recognized by Banking New England as one of the “Leading Women in Banking” in 2020. Kagan, a resident of Newport, is one of 13 honorees, who were nominated by readers. “To be recognized alongside so many accomplished and dedicated women in the banking industry […]
Posted inBusiness, Health & Fitness, Things To Do
Hotel Viking reopens Spa Fjör, fitness center, and pool facilities after extensive renovations
Today, Hotel Viking unveiled their extensive renovations to Spa Fjör, its 1,100-square foot fitness center and the 720 – square foot pool. Hotel Viking says in a press release that the investment further demonstrates their “commitment to wellness, with updates including refurbished facilities, new equipment, and design elements, and a refreshed spa menu featuring innovative treatments and […]
Posted inBusiness
CCRI offering free Dental Assistant and Patient Support Specialist training programs
The Community College of Rhode Island, in collaboration with R.I. Department of Labor and Training, today announced that it is accepting applications for its new Workforce Dental Assistant and Patient Support Specialist Training Programs. These initiatives, according to a press release from the school, are designed to prepare students to gain employment within the medical […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Giusto will open on September 8th at Hammetts Hotel
Newport, RI – Giusto, the first independent restaurant concept from Chef Kevin O’Donnell, today announced its grand opening will take place on Tuesday, September 8th. A Rhode Island native with almost two decades of experience at celebrated restaurants in New England, New York, Italy, and France, Kevin’s homecoming fuses his talent and creativity to bring […]
Posted inBusiness, Things To Do
Newport Car Museum still wowing visitors during unprecedented times
By Barby MacGowan, on behalf of Newport Car Museum The Newport Car Museum intended to unveil some new cars this summer; however, those plans came to a screeching halt in March when the State of Rhode Island mandated the shutdown of Museums and other businesses during early stay-at-home stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Museum, […]
Posted inBusiness
Sprout CoWorking announces partnership with Ocean State Shields
Source: Sprout CoWorking, LLC Sprout CoWorking is proud to announce a new partnership with theRhode Island company Ocean State Shields (OSS). Sprout CoWorking locations in both Warren and Providence, RI will provide headquarters for one of Rhode Island’s fastest growing start-up companies currently launching a portfolio of non-toxic antimicrobial barriers and products in response to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business
Record Store Day Returning Saturday August 29
As you may have heard, vinyl records have made in resurgence in recent years, after almost becoming obsolete in the digital world. Buying records is especially helpful these days as a source of revenue for artists who are unable to tour. Record Store Day is an annual event that celebrates the vinyl record album every […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Restore Greater Newport tracks COVID-19’s economic impact
Source: The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, Restore Greater Newport and Connect Greater Newport. 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 […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Giusto names Executive Chef, General Manager & Beverage Director
Giusto, the first independent restaurant concept from Chef Kevin O’Donnell, has been abuzz as locals and visitors alike eagerly await its late summer grand opening. A Rhode Island native with almost two decades of experience at celebrated restaurants in New England, New York, Italy, and France, O’Donnell’s homecoming fuses his talent and creativity to bring […]