RISBJ - Premier Issue

FREEPREMIER ISSUE

SmartBus LiveSafety Leads to Success

Rhode Island WelcomesStartup America

Speaker of the House

Gordon FoxTalks Small Business

Wishes at Work with theMake-A-Wish Foundation

of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Alex and AniA Vision of Positivity

®

town johnston chamber central rhode islandFEATURED:

Sell your product and services to millions of AAA members through ClubDeal - AAA’s online discount destination

With ClubDeal you can. . . • Align with a nationally recognized brand• Increase sales• Create exclusive offers for a captive audience• Control deal . . .all with NO out-of-pocket fees!

MEM.9932.11

Partner with AAA

Visit: www.clubdealformerchants.com Call: 401-868-2000 x2247

22Monster-Be-Gone

Beat The Boogieman

With Engagement Marketing!

By Adam Harvey

26Not On Twitter Yet?

Are You Kidding?

By Lisa Buben

33Finding The Cure For

Work SicknessPresenteeism Is Estimated To Cost

Businesses 60% Of The Total Cost

Of Worker Illness.

By Tim Sullivan

34The Five Senses For

Small Business SuccessWhat A Basketball Coach

Can Teach Sbos About How To Survive

And Succeed

By Aileen Mcdonough

Premier Issue | CONTENTS

36

43

44

20

10

05 From The Founder

06 Secretary Of State

09 Mind Your Own Brand

11 Choice Of Entity

13 Know Your Clients

14 Interview With Mayor Polisena

15 Networking And Workshops

19 SBA

24 Do You Have The Guts

25 Irs Online Tax Center

28 People Vs. Process

40 Langevin Works To Support

Innovation & Research

41 After The Recession

42 Selecting New Employees

46 GOLOCAL

50 Positive Business

51 Green Envy Eco Boutique

52 Get What You Want In 2012

53 Twss

55 Ava Anderson

56 Featured Chamber

58 Chamber Chat

60 Commercial Real Estate

61 Hitting Rock Bottom

64 1031 Exchanges

66 Directory

SmartBus Live

Startup America

Alex and Ani

Wishes at Work

Speaker of the House

4 RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Danny DeHoney, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CRPC®

Vice President

Call me today at (401) 824.2530

175 Hillside RoadCranston, RI 02920

401-824-2530

[email protected]

www.ameripriseadvisors.com/danny.p.dehoney

Brokerage, investment and �nancial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future �nancial results.© 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

I can help you reach your milestones and all the mile-pebblesI will take the time to listen to you and understand your dreams, then find the appropriate financial solutions that can help you reach your individual goals. Because every dream is personal, and needs a personal plan.

Gil LantiniPresident, Founder

Ralph CoppolinoVice President, Operations

Danny AngeliVice President, Business

Development

James Pardee JrCreative Director and Designer

Mike CasaleGraphic Designer

Aaron CadieuxVideo Production Manager

Staff WritersWendie TobinMelissa Black

Contributing WritersAdam Harvey

Aileen McDonoughAshley DeSimone

Dave LubelczykDennis Rebello

F. Moore McLaughlin, IVJeffrey Deckman

Josh FentonJim Wilkinson

Lisa BubenMichael Casey

Michelle GirasoleMike Giuttari

Patricia RaskinSteve Gareau

Tim Sullivan

Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/risbj

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/risbj

401 489 [email protected]

5www.risbj.com | volume one

Gil Lantini | FROM THE FOUNDER

fromthe founder

After months of hard work, dedication and feedback from you, the small business

community, it’s finally here. Welcome to the Rhode Island Small Business Journal!

We hope that you enjoy our free monthly publication as much as we enjoy bringing you

Rhode Island’s first true business resource. Before you begin to read about the local

success stories we’ve selected, the motivational articles we’ve provided and the great

advice from dozens of local Rhode Island experts, I’d like to share a little of our story.

The concept of RISBJ began in September 2011 when Ralph Coppolino, Danny Angeli

and I met to discuss ways we could help create a greater sense of community among

business owners statewide. As small business owners ourselves, we understand the

importance of small business and its role in the economy. By creating RISBJ, we feel

as though we are assisting in our state’s recovery. Our goal is simple: “To provide a

free monthly printed resource that speaks to the needs of the aspiring entrepreneur

and veteran small business owner alike, supported by regular radio, website, email

and social media conversations.” By helping support small business, we’re helping

to improve the quality of life in Rhode Island.

For our readers, we aim to be a true source of inspiration. Our magazine begins with

a Startup section for those thinking of going into business, or just starting out. We

hope this helps provide you with motivation, as well as the right tools and resources to

succeed. From there, we provide general small business articles which can be applied

to just about any business. From tax tips from the IRS to accounting, marketing, legal,

investing and customer service tips from several Rhode Island experts, RISBJ looks to

cover a wide variety of issues that every small business will face.

All of our content is provided by local Rhode Island experts. You will not find national

articles in RISBJ. Our expert columnists are part of the community and know our

state and business climate as well as you and I. You will also not find any negative

press or news in RISBJ. We will not be reporting unemployment numbers, layoffs or

scandals. We are 100% positive business 100% of the time. Our days are filled with

enough negative press from other news sources.

For our advertisers, we’re committed to your success. While most media channels

simply provide you with an ad, RISBJ becomes a partner in your business and

provides you with an integrated marketing program. We listen to your needs,

understand your market and put together a plan – not an ad. We effectively combine

print media with radio, web, social media and email. At the end of each month, all

RISBJ advertisers receive comprehensive reports highlighting the effectiveness of

their campaign online. We are results driven and want to be held to a higher standard.

This magazine is for you, the small business community. We’re dedicated to your

success and want to hear from you. Is there an article you’d like to see in an upcoming

issue? Do you have any suggestions for how we can improve? We want to know. Our

phones are always on and our office is always open. You’ll see us at grand openings,

networking events and presenting at workshops. We’re part of the community.

On behalf of our entire team, we hope you enjoy the premier issue of the Rhode

Island Small Business Journal.left to right: Ralph Coppolino, Danny Angeli & Gil Lantini


SECRETARY OF STATE | Ralph Mollis

Secretary of State MollisReminds RI Corporations That Annual Reports Are Due Soon

The beginning of the new year means tens of thousands of companies doing business in Rhode Island must file annual reports with Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

State law requires for-profit corporations to submit annual reports from Jan. 1 and March 1. More than 30,000 companies ranging from car dealers to mortgage companies to restaurants are subject to the requirement.

Thanks to improvements to the Secretary of State’s website, they can now file on-line. Every corporation has been assigned its own unique Customer Identification Number and Personal Identification Number in order to ensure security.

“Our customers have really embraced the upgrades we made. More than half the annual reports filed last year came over the web,” said Mollis. “We’re making it easier for companies to do

business in Rhode Island.”

They can also choose to file by mail or in person at the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division, 148 West River St., Providence, during normal business hours.

Failure to file an annual report can result in the revocation of a corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Authority. Those certifications provide them with the legal basis for conducting a variety of business-related activities in Rhode Island such as direct sales. In addition, state law includes fines for late filing.

At other times of the year, non-profit and for-profit corporations are also required to file annual reports with the Secretary of State.

“State law makes my office responsible for corporate record-keeping. I am committed to giving Rhode Islanders access to current and accurate information. The business community deserves credit for being my partner in this effort,” said Mollis.

Dear Rhode Island Small Business Journal Reader:

As Secretary of State, my goal is to help businesses grow. My office touches every company

registered to do business in Rhode Island - more than 60,000 in all.

My First Stop Business Information Center is one of the first government agencies that

entrepreneurs have contact with while starting up a new business. Owning and operating a

business depends upon overcoming many obstacles, including complying with all the

government regulations that pertain to your industry. We can help.

First Stop eases the challenges small business owners face by acting as a single source of

information about starting or expanding a business in Rhode Island. With just one phone call

or e-mail, you will receive a customized package with everything you will need including

all the federal and state regulations for your specific business needs.

In addition, First Stop will provide resources for networking and connecting with local

chambers of commerce and the government agencies that are dedicated to fostering

economic growth in Rhode Island.

Contact my First Stop Business Information Center at 401-222-2185 or

[email protected]. Whatever your dream, my office can help you accomplish

your goal.

Sincerely,

A. Ralph Mollis

Secretary of State

”“Whatever your dream,

my office can help you

accomplish your goal.

A. Ralph Mollis

Secretary of State

IMA

GE

CO

PY

RIG

HT

SE

CR

ETA

RY

OF

STA

TE A

. RA

LPH

MO

LLIS

’ PH

OTO

STR

EA

M


RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION• specializing in kitchens and baths• energy efficiency consultation• siding – windows – doors – roofing

COMMERCIAL BUILD-OUTS• professional offices• design consultation• renovations

Lead-SafeRemodelerLicense

RWLGeneralContractors.com RI/MA licensed

61 Arland DrivePawtucket, RI

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS40+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

CALL FOR AFREE REVIEWAND ESTIMATE!

General Contractors

Kevin A. LeBlanc, [email protected]

Cell (401) 641-1004

(401) 729-1200

Mollis posts the reports on his website. The public can search the database by the corporation’s name, location and type of business among other topics. There is even contact information for every company’s key contact.

“This transparency is consumer-friendly and ensures that the public has a place to turn for information about businesses,” said Mollis. “Filing annual reports shows their commitment to openness. And that can make people thinking of doing business with them more confident.”

The Secretary of State’s office works with every corporate entity registered to do

business in Rhode Island – 60,000 in all. The office also oversees

recording commercial liens and protecting corporate trademarks and provides advice to start-up businesses.

Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the

programs and services the Secretary of State offers

Rhode Islanders,visit sos.ri.gov.

Ralph Mollis | SECRETARY OF STATE


HOSPITALITY AVAILABLEAT THE DUNKIN’ DONUTS CENTER

SPORTING EVENTSCONCERTSMEETINGSSHOWS

401-680-4716 or [email protected]

Contact Providence Sports & Entertainment

Special Offer valid online and by phone only. Not valid at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office.

401-273-5000providencebruins.com


Mind Your Own Brand | STARTUPS

My wife and I recently had our second baby, and like all expectant parents we had to go through the often difficult process of picking a name. Choosing a name is one of the first big decisions you make for your child and it can have a large impact on their future. Anyone familiar with the 1980s movie The Sure Thing remembers the diatribe of John Cusack’s character in which he expresses his disgust for the name “Elliot” who will grow up to be “a fat kid with glasses who eats paste.” He then goes on to explain that “You gotta give him a real name. Give him a name! Like Nick….Nick’s a real name! Nick’s your buddy. Nick’s the kinda guy you can trust.”

Choosing a name for your company or product is as important as naming your child, so don’t take it lightly. First and foremost the name has to be unique. Growing up in classrooms filled with Davids, Johns and Jennifers, the one thing that set me apart was my last name. Speaking of my last name, that brings me to the next point. You have to be able to say it and spell it. I know first hand how having a name like Lubelczyk, which is both difficult to say and spell, can be a real pain. In this world of URLs, search engines, and online directories, being able to spell your company’s name is crucial unless you want to spend a lot of money registering all the misspellings of the name. Before you pick a name, make sure you can get the .COM because chances are if you can only register the .NET, the .BIZ or you have to put in a lot of dashes or an “e” in front of it, no one will ever find you...but they will find your competitor.

A name also has to fit the personality of the company now and the personality you want it to grow up to be. Unlike Little Rickey who can become Richard the CEO or Rick the Fireman, you are stuck with that name for a long time. So choose wisely. If you have to change it later, the costs both financially and in lost recognition will be massive. The longer you have a name, the harder it will be to change. Just ask KFC who has recently gone back to Kentucky Fried Chicken because despite massive amounts of advertising telling us that KFC was their name and it stood for “Kitchen Fresh Chicken”, no one really forgot that this company southern-fried their chicken.

Another thing to remember when picking a name is to avoid trendy names, names based on a fad, names that include current technology, or names that expire. Let’s face it, does

anyone get the latest electronic equipment at the Hi-Fi Shack or Computers 2000? I don’t know many people who still want to go to the Cineplex, the Roller Disco, or the Bowladrome. These all may have been great names “in the day”, but now they seem dated and irrelevant. So unless your company offers a retro theme or wants to forever stay in a time warp, avoid these names at all cost.

A popular naming trend is the use of only initials. This comes from the success of companies like GE, IBM and AT&T. But unless you’re a “Blue Chip” company, this is probably not a good idea. Not many people want to buy from EDP NOW nor do they see ABC Office Supplies as unique. I can’t even guess what ADSP Inc. sells. Finally, AAA Computer Repair may get you the first listing in the phone book but does it really differentiate your service?

My entire family had very strong feelings about what the baby should be called and your company’s stakeholders do too, therefore you must choose wisely. Always remember to consider if the name is appropriate, will people be excited about it, does it sound good, will people relate the name with the products or services you offer, and is it the type of company name people want to associate with. If all else fails, ask for help. There many good companies who specialize in developing the perfect name for your business.

For anyone who is interested, the baby’s name is Nickolas and even though John Cusack had very little to do with the name, I hope my son grows up to be a buddy, the kind of guy you can trust, not someone who eats paste.

Dave Lubelczyk Image Identity

www.imageidentity.com

by DaveLubelczyk

choosing a name foryour company or product is as

important as naming your child

MYOBHOSPITALITY AVAILABLEAT THE DUNKIN’ DONUTS CENTER

SPORTING EVENTSCONCERTSMEETINGSSHOWS

401-680-4716 or [email protected]

Contact Providence Sports & Entertainment

Special Offer valid online and by phone only. Not valid at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office.

401-273-5000providencebruins.com


The Startup America Partnership is based on a simple premise: young companies that grow create jobs. In fact, all of the net new jobs created in the U.S. in the last 30 years were created by companies less than 5 years old. As a core American value, entrepreneurship is critical to the country’s long-term success and the Startup America Partnership believes it’s time to step up our nation’s game.

The Startup America Partnership was formed in early 2011. While often confused with governmental programs, the Startup America Partnership is a private, non-profit organization with three main goals:• Provide valuable resources and connections to help

young companies grow • Support regional startup ecosystems throughout the country• Recognize startups as the drivers of our economy and

their founders as American heroes

ResourcesThroughout 2011, the Partnership has been focused on securing substantive resources that can help startups, rampups and speedups scale their businesses — pragmatic things that either reduce expenses or accelerate the speed of growth.

So far, there are more than $1 billion worth of commitments from dozens of partners to support the growth of startups in five key areas:• Expertise: Connect startups with training, mentors,

advisors and accelerators• Services: Provide startups with access to critical services

at reduced costs• Talent: Assist startups in recruiting, training and retaining

the people that can help them grow• Customers: Help startups through acquisition of new

customers and expansion into new markets• Capital: Highlight sources of capital available to startups

in various regions and sectors

In addition to the product and service focused offerings, Startup America Firms gain access to Connection Programs which provide unique opportunities to connect with thought leaders, major corporations (as partners or customers), customers, and more. Member firms also have access to an online national startup community, weekly webinar learning series and the Startup America Corporate Connections program. Finally, all Startup America Firms have the opportunity to be listed in

Donna HarrisManaging Director, Startup Regions

the upcoming National Startup directory, be promoted in the national blog and celebrated through social media channels.

Young, high-growth firms can join here to receive access to a personalized online dashboard: www.startuprhodeisland.org/get-registered

Local EcosystemsRecognizing that high growth companies need strong local support, Startup America is focused on driving vibrant regional entrepreneurial communities all over the country. All of the Startup America regions are grassroots, entrepreneur-led initiatives and serve as a rallying point to bring entrepreneurs and startups, local talent and universities, activities and mentorship, large companies and local government together to help startups grow organically in their hometowns.

Startup America is pleased to have Startup Rhode Island launching on January 31st. Through a partnership with the Rhode Island Small Business Journal, Startup Rhode Island will support the efforts of the state’s existing business resource centers such as the Small Business Development Center, the Center for Women and Enterprise, SCORE, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, SBA, the Rhode Island Small Business Recovery Program, and others.

In addition to supporting these organizations, Startup Rhode Island will work on supporting local universities by instituting programs to provide tools and guidance to students, faculty and alumni who want to start their own business ventures. Similar programs are currently running in Florida, Colorado and Massachusetts with great success. By creating new businesses at the collegiate level, we increase the chance of students staying in state after graduation, growing their business and creating jobs.

Startups are at the heart of the Startup America Partnership. The founders and their teams who strive to establish and grow their companies – creating amazing jobs along the way – are our American heroes. Join us as a startup, corporate partner, resource provider, regional leader or simply cheer startups on by tracking our progress.

Visit us at www.startupamericapartnership.org today.

Together, let’s Startup America!

STARTUPRHODE ISLAND

STARTUPRHODE ISLAND

STARTUPRHODE ISLAND

STARTUPRHODE ISLAND

STARTUPRHODE ISLAND


You’ve researched for hours, brainstormed for months, bounced ideas off family and friends and ran the numbers. You’re excited. You’re ready to launch your own business. Now what? Start with your plan, add advice from professionals, and sprinkle in some collaboration with your peers to lay the proper foundation for success your first year and many more to come. We hope that our monthly contributions in these pages will help you navigate your venture through its infancy and position yourself to realize the satisfaction and rewards of business ownership.

One decision you will face as a business owner is selecting the form of legal entity in which to conduct operations. While we’ll focus primarily on tax treatment in the discussion below, you’ll want input from a variety of perspectives – legal differences, insurance matters, investors and financing, etc. – so, be sure to get your team of advisors together when making this evaluation. Also, while this is an important decision, keep in mind that there is no one perfect entity type; so, if and when conditions change, your entity choice can be amended. Your goal is to make the most appropriate choice based on what you know today and conditions you expect over the next three to five years.

As a business, you have four general categories of entities to choose from: Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, Partnership, and Limited Liability Company. While each type has distinct operating characteristics, two critical areas are usually most important and override the others when making your selection: (a) the degree of liability protection provided to its owners, and (b) the tax treatment of each entity.

In general, Corporations and Limited Liability Companies provide their owners with liability protection while Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships do not. Consideration of state laws and the nature of the business operation, along with legal advice, will be necessary in evaluating this concern.When addressing the tax treatment of each choice, the goal is to select the entity that will deliver the least tax cost under your operating circumstances. Let’s take a look at the more significant tax attributes of these entity choices.

Corporations. Corporate entities come in two basic flavors – C-corporations and S-corporations - both established similarly under state law, with the difference being their treatment under income tax regulations. C-corporations are taxed on their income at the entity level, and their shareholders are also taxed at the owner level when that income is distributed to them. This double-taxation is often an obstacle to C-corp status being a favored choice. However, there are several other advantages that can make this the best selection.

A corporation that elects to be treated as an S-corporation along with its shareholders, is treated as a pass-through entity for federal income tax, and is generally taxed only once at the shareholder level. In exchange for this pass-through treatment, the corporation must meet a number of limiting criteria in order to be eligible to elect “S” status, which can make the election unavailable.

Sole Proprietorships. Since a sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, its owner is taxed on the businesses’ income and there are no separate tax filings.

Partnerships. A partnership’s income is taxed only at the partner level, similar to the pass-through treatment afforded to S-corporations.

Limited Liability Companies. LLCs are classified under the treatment elected by its managers and can be taxed as a sole proprietorship, treated as a partnership, or even file as a corporation eligible for “C” or “S” status. Some refer to the LLC as the “Swiss Army knife” in the entity choice selection process for its range of features.

In addition to this overview of income tax considerations, other factors such as compensation and benefits, treatment of losses, management structures, and other factors must be addressed. While it may look daunting, this choice can be successfully tackled with the assistance of your advisors, mentors, and maybe even some friendly advice from competitors!

Choice of Entity | STARTUPS

choice of entity

James D. WilkinsonCPA/CITPBraver PC



For anyone starting a new business or job, the future can be exciting, promising, and maybe a little bit scary. Most people just want to jump in, get going, and meet the challenges they see ahead of them.

But you need to carry out some basic steps that can form the foundation of your success first. It may seem time-consuming, but it’s nothing compared to the time you’ll consume just spinning your wheels, knocking on the wrong doors and pursuing the wrong relationships.

The time you spend up front is well worth it.

Doing The WorkEarly in my career, I was invited to join a company that was considering whether to continue offering its services in a certain area. An employee I’ll call “Mr. X” wanted me to help him answer this question.

I’d never worked in this part of operations before, but Mr. X assured me I was the right person for the job, and that he’d help me learn how to do it. It turned out to be an excellent opportunity because of how much I learned that I applied throughout my whole career. This was before many of today’s computer-based technologies were available, but the steps used today are much the same. Mr. X and I started by listing the tools we’d need, starting with maps of the cities and towns we’d canvass. Then Mr. X selected the geographic areas we’d start with, an important step. For example, consider transportation services – you

want to operate your services efficiently, so you need to plan the distance your vehicles travel for pickups and deliveries, in order to minimize traveled miles. Third step was to develop a form that we used to keep track of information about prospects – company name, address, product or service, and the name of the person making decisions on our service.

We gathered the other information on sales calls – such as who was actually in charge of making decisions on our service. It’s an important step, as could be that it isn’t the manager or department head who makes these decisions. You need to find out who really has “The Pencil” for signing purchase orders. You’ll be wasting your time and possibly company resources otherwise.

Compiling all this information was a big job, but worth it. Once our records were in order, and a call process set out, we were well prepared to contact the companies we had chosen as our best prospects. Mr. X and I proceeded to make those calls, and I must admit this was the best part of the process.

This time-tested preplan was a great success, increasing efficiency and adding revenue to the company’s bottom line, and to my own. I received many positive reviews from my managers.

When I reached the management position that Mr. X was grooming me for, I used the same preplan technique for all the salespeople I trained, and they were successful in moving upwards in sales or operations, or into business for themselves.

A Customer’s PerspectiveWhen I meet with people pursuing my business, I expect them to have a basic understanding of my company before they walk in the door. Most companies have websites, so it’s not hard to know what my company makes or the service we provide before the first visit. They should use this information to select the products or services my company may require and develop their initial presentation with a focus in areas where they believe their company can provide something to my company. This kind of preparation saves time for all of us.

Bridge-Building StepsThese days, it’s so much easier to compile information through the Web – corporate websites, using LinkedIn or Facebook to build an organizational chart for a prospective company. Just as Mr. X and I mastered the tools at our disposal – state-provided directories and maps – you need to be current with the tools available to you. You better believe that your competitors are using those tools too.

Resist the temptation to jump into calling your clients directly. You won’t know how to set priorities on your time, or who you should contact at the best priority companies. Do your pre-planning in a way that applies the principles in my story above. First pull together the resources you’ll need, then determine who are your most desirable customers, and then develop detailed information on each one. There will be prospects that are better suited to what you offer. Find out who they are – it’s time well invested.

An Often Overlooked Partof Growing Your New Businessby Steve Gareau

Steve Gareau Bridge Series Books

www.bridgeseriesbooks.com

Know Your Clients | STARTUPS


FEATURED TOWN | Johnston

When Mayor Joseph Polisena walked through the doors of Johnston Town Hall at the beginning of his term in 2007, there was plenty of work to be done. The new mayor realized a need for increased commerce in Johnston—a change that would revitalize the town and benefit the taxpayers. He knew that an influx of new businesses in Johnston would produce more traffic, which would increase revenue for existing businesses as well. Also, with progressive industry comes job creation--a cornerstone of Mayor Polisena’s plan for Johnston.

As the mayor’s tenure began, it was a time of transition for much of Johnston’s town government, which afforded Polisena the opportunity to assign a new team. He crafted an administration that shared his vision for Johnston: an environment that would be supportive of commercial growth in the community, to be welcoming and supportive to new small businesses, and willing to temper that commitment to industry in Johnston as to not encroach upon the residential neighborhoods in town.

One of the most basic changes implemented at Town Hall has made one of the most significant impacts to the growth of small businesses in Johnston. The staff has adopted a friendly, welcoming and helpful protocol as they assist business owners in the process of starting a business in Johnston or transitioning their pre-existing business to Johnston. What was once a daunting prospect, is now less intimidating. As a result, the town is approving several new business licenses each month.

“If a business owner visits, and is interested in starting a business or bringing their business to Johnston, we provide you with a packet of information and we sit down with you. The paperwork doesn’t sit on someone’s desk for weeks or months,” Mayor Polisena explained. Things get done. We understand that time is money for any business. I want people to know, if you are coming to Johnston, we welcome you with open arms. You have an open ear directly from the Mayor’s Office. That’s important. I don’t delegate.”

Polisena realizes that the success of small businesses in Johnston starts with the initial support from Town Hall, but they also profit from the existence and success of larger businesses and the traffic and visibility they generate. In the past few years, major franchises such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, TD Bank and, more recently, Ocean State Job Lot have come to Johnston, co-existing with smaller businesses, also new to Johnston, such as the new Brewed Awakenings, CardSmart, Borelli’s Bakery, Anytime Fitness and a few new local restaurants.

The mayor also recognizes and is dedicated to retaining key relationships with some of Johnston’s larger businesses that have an established history with the town. Companies such as BJ’s Wholesale Club and FM Global had considered moves at one time. He worked closely with these corporations to maintain positive relationships, contributing to their decisions to stay locally. Keeping crucial businesses in town supports revenue and employment rates for Johnston, but also supports other businesses in town, by keeping traffic brisk.

Looking forward, the mayor continues to be dedicated to economic advancement and expansion in Johnston. Stuart’s Plaza on Hartford Avenue is a major project that is currently underway. (Potential retailers are competing for that lease space.) Additionally, there are parcels of undeveloped commercial land in Johnston that are being surveyed for retail consideration. Mayor Polisena hopes for another supermarket in Johnston as part of the plan.

It’s an energizing season of transformation in Johnston. Things are starting to look different. New businesses and retailers are coming to Johnston, in part because of the commerce-friendly climate: one that provides support directly from Town Hall.

“Breaking from the past, building for the future.” It is a slogan that Joseph Polisena adopted in the early days of his mayoral campaign. They are words that serve as his compass today, guiding him in his administration as he continues to enrich and cultivate the business landscape of Johnston.

Left: Mayor Joseph Polisena at the Job Lot Grand Openingand above: at the Grand Opening of Anytime Fitness.

Town of Johnstoninterview with Mayor Polisena

by Wendie Tobin


2

3

3

out of the boxthinking lending

Capital for all the right reasons

THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

www.bdcri.com 401 351 3036

Just $125Per Month

401.885.5000www.defelicecenter.com

Best Practices= Lower Energy Costs

The power of negotiation... ...and market intelligence

Your Business Can Start Saving Today! It Is Time To Give Us A Call.

401-793-1002

www.bestpracticeenergy.com

Natural Gas and Electricity

Evaluating your insurance needs and securing the best available

pricing for you and your business.

Business. Home.Auto. Life.

Contact us for a quote or advice.

Call us at 401-351-3280www.johnstoninsuranceri.com

1343 Hartford Ave.Johnston, RI 02919

Point of Sale Solutions

We Install and Service Point of Sale Systemsfor any Restaurant or

Retail Business.Credit Card Services Available

Call 401-255-6522for more information

or visitwww.POSinetPOS.com

Effective BrandingRISBDCFebruary 2nd from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AMCost: Free with Registration10 Abbott Park Place, Providencewww.risbdc.org

How To: Explore EntrepreneurshipCenter for Woman & EnterpriseFebruary 3rd from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AMCost: Free with Registration132 George M. Cohen Blvd., Providencewww.cweonline.org

Chamber ConnectionsNewport County Chamber of CommerceFebruary 3rd from 8:00 AM to 9:15 AMRegistration Required35 Valley Road, Middletownwww.newportchamber.com

Networking Workshopsupcoming

COLOR KEY: Networking Workshops


“Established in 1939, the Executives Association of RI is our state’s oldest leads group. We are a reliablesource for leads, business, and contacts in Rhode Island, throughout New England, and around the world. We are partthe International Executives Association which represents nearly 4,000 member firms around the world. If you want a change from the traditional business card shuffle, consider getting to really know and formrelationships with other business execs in the state. Many referrals happen between and among our members. We are unique in that we are category exclusive, and the president or owner attends our weekly lunch meetings. We meet onTuesdays to exchange leads, learn more about each other’s business, and hear from outside speakers. If you are interested in membership, speak to a member noted here about the application process. As we say at “Execs”, can you afford not to belong? KevinKevin A. LeBlanc

Welcome to Rhode Island’s most successful business networking community...

Otrando, Porcaro & Assoc., Ltd. (Accounting)Greg Porcaro, CPAWarwick, RI, [email protected]

CC Media Partners (Advertising Agency)Cathy Corelli ChianeseProvidence, RI, [email protected]

Association Systems, Inc. (Association Management)Jack HutsonWarwick, RI, [email protected]

Law Office of Diana E. Pearson (Debt Collection)Diana E. PearsonEast Greenwich, RI, [email protected]

Parnagian & Marinelli, PC (Real Estate Attorney)Jason R. MarinelliWarwick, RI, [email protected]

Communications Unlimited (Business Installation/Service)Kevin RooneyWarwick, RI, 737-0800kevin.rooney@communicationsunltd.comwww.communicationsunltd.com

West Valley Inn (Catering)Debbie CorreiaWest Warwick, RI, [email protected]

Glacial Energy (Commercial Electricity/Natural Gas)David SpenglerNewport, RI, [email protected]

PC Troubleshooters (Computer Network Management)Lisa ShorrWarwick, RI, [email protected]

RWL General Contractors (Contracting)Kevin LeBlancPawtucket, RI, [email protected]

Music Express (DJ/Videography)Michael SarensonCranston, RI, [email protected]

Ruggieri Brothers (Flooring - Residential, Commercial)David RuggieriCranston, RI, [email protected]

Floral Express (Floral Gifts)Keri LussierCranston, RI, [email protected]

MIMER Energy New England (Geothermal Heating & Cooling Utility)Mark GordonWesterly, RI, [email protected]

Corporate Communications A/D (Graphic Design)James BorsteinCranston, RI, [email protected]

Radisson Hotel Providence Airport (Hotel & Meeting Facilities)Cheryl LaBancaWarwick, RI, 598-2100, ex. [email protected]/warwickri

S. Roberts Specialty Co., Inc. (Promotional Products)Francey NathanWarwick, RI, 921-5133www.sroberts-specialty.com

James O’Sullivan Insurance (Insurance, Life, Health & Disability)James O’SullivanWarwick, RI, [email protected]

Butler & Messier Insurance (Insurance, Personal & Commercial)David WhitePawtucket, RI, [email protected]

Navigator Investments, LLC (Investments)George “Chip” GreerProvidence, RI, [email protected]

Tapestry Communications (Marketing/Public Relations)Nancy ThomasCranston, RI, 447-8182nthomas@tapestrycommunications.comwww.tapestrycommunications.com

Capital City Financial Corp. (Mortgage Brokerage)Joyce WadbrookEast Providence, RI, [email protected]

Conlon Moving & Storage (Moving & Storage)James F. LapreySeekonk, MA, [email protected]

Office Concepts, Inc. (Office Furniture)Wayne MaguireEast Providence, RI, [email protected]

Custom Payroll Associates (Payroll Services)Becky PorcaroWarwick, RI, [email protected]

Arrest-A-Pest (Pest Control)Brent WyrostekWarwick, RI, [email protected]

Admiralty Realty (Property Management)Richard JaffeProvidence, RI, [email protected]

Butler Realty Group (Commercial Real Estate)Jeffrey Butler2915 Post Rd.Warwick, RI, [email protected]

Weichert Realtors – Cress & Co. (Residential Real Estate)Caroline CressmanEast Greenwich, RI, [email protected]

Travel Plus RI (Travel Agency)Donna McDonaldCoventry, RI, [email protected]

For more information and to meet our members visit us on the web at www.riexecs.com


Networking and Workshops | EVENTS

First Friday Coffee WithBuckley Heating and CoolingSouth Kingstown Chamber of CommerceFebruary 3rd from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM1632 Kingstown Road, Peace Dalewww.srichamber.com

Coffee ConnectionCentral RI Chamber of CommerceFebruary 7th from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AMCost: $5 Members / $15 Non-MembersThe Trudeau Center3445 Post Road, Warwickwww.centralrichamber.com

Out of the Box NetworkingFebruary 7th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PMCost: $5 Per PersonSequel Lounge178 Atwells Avenue Providence, RIwww.outoftheboxnetworking.com

Six Steps To Small Business SuccessDavid, J. Lucier, CPA, Inc.February 8th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AMCost: Free With Sign-Up875 Centerville Road, Warwickwww.rismallbusinessrecovery.com

Seminar: Facebook for BusinessNewport County Chamber of CommerceFebruary 9th from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AMRegistration Required35 Valley Road, Middletownwww.newportchamber.com

Ready, Set, Blog!RISBDCFebruary 11th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PMCost: $120.0068 South Main Street, Woonsocketwww.risbdc.org

Uncle Jay’s Monday Night NetworkingFebruary 13th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PMCost: $5 Per PersonTEMPLE Renaissance5 Avenue of the Arts Providence, RI

Annual DinnerNorthern RI Chamber of CommerceFebruary 15th from 5:30 PM to 9:00PMCost: $90 Per PersonTwin River100 Twin River Road, Lincolnwww.nrichamber.com

Business After HoursCentral RI Chamber of CommerceFebruary 15th from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMCost: $10 Members/ $25 Non-MembersPocasset Bay Retirement Living12 Old Pocasset Lane, Johnstonwww.centralrichamber.com

Four Steps to Explosive Business Growth in DifficultEconomicTimes:2-hourseminarCoventry Town Council ChambersFebruary 20th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM160 Flat River Road, Coventrywww.rismallbusinessrecovery.com

HowtoStartaProfitableSmallBusiness:2.5-hour seminarCoventry Town Council ChambersFebruary 21st from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM1675 Flat River Road, Coventrywww.rismallbusinessrecovery.com

Effective Business Plan Writing & Finance Boot Camp: 4-hour workshopCoventry Town Council ChambersFebruary 22nd from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM160 Flat River Road, Coventrywww.rismallbusinessrecovery.com

7

7

11

3

8

9

15

13

15

20

21

22

COLOR KEY: Networking Workshops


In Transition – Make Your Resume WorkCenter for Woman & EnterpriseFebruary 23rd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PMCost: Free with Registration132 George M. Cohen Blvd., Providencewww.cweonline.org

LEADS LuncheonCentral RI Chamber of CommerceFebruary 24th from Noon to 1:30 PMCost: $10 Members/ $25 Non-MembersNew England Tech1408 Division Road, East Greenwichwww.centralrichamber.com

Workplace FlexibilityGreater Providence Chamber of CommerceFebruary 29th from 8:00AM to 10:30AMCost: $25 for Members and Non-MembersCrowne Plaza801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwickwww.providencechamber.com

Social Media Marketing for Business:2 Hour SeminarCoventry Town Council ChambersFebruary 29th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM160 Flat River Road, Coventrywww.rismallbusinessrecovery.com

Business After HoursEast Greenwich Chamber of CommerceFebruary 29th : Time To Be AnnouncedCost: To Be AnnouncedBank Newport1000 Division Street, East Greenwichwww.eastgreenwichchamber.com

Event dates and times are subject to change. Please consult event websites listed for the most current information.

24

29

29

29

23

COLOR KEY: Networking WorkshopsEVENTS | Networking and Workshops


Resources to Underserved Communities | SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to providing access and opportunity to Americans who are – or who want to become – small business owners. For a variety of reasons, some communities are underserved when it comes to getting the tools they need to grow a business and create jobs. This includes minorities, women, veterans, and those in rural and urban areas.

The SBA Rhode Island District Office and its resource partners work hard to provide services to small businesses that need help. We have a vast network with proven experience, especially in areas with limited access to financial and technical assistance.

Our staff is familiar with the state’s unique small-business communities and how to meet their needs. In fact, many of our resource partners have bilingual or multilingual staff.

Our resource partners include the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University that provides training and business counseling for little or no cost. This includes the basics of starting a business and understanding more about topics like finances, marketing, production and management. Visit www.risbdc.org for a list of available training.

We also have the Center for Women & Enterprise, the SBA Women’s Business Center in Rhode Island. Visit www.cweonline.org to find out about their many programs and services targeted to women entrepreneurs. The Rhode Island SCORE chapter offers confidential mentoring services that match experienced entrepreneurs with the up-and-comers. Visit www.riscore.org to learn more about SCORE’s services and training programs.

Providing adequate services to underserved small businesses requires a crosscutting strategy that touches upon many policy and program areas.

In addition to these counseling efforts, access to capital is top on SBA’s agenda. Small firms require financing to grow, to hire new employees, and invest in the future.

SBA-guaranteed loans are much more likely than traditional small business loans to go to women and minorities. But unfortunately, there are still gaps in the marketplace.

For example, studies show that low-dollar small business loans are particularly important for economic development in underserved communities. While overall small business lending has started to come back after the recession, we still see a gap in this area.

That’s why we are piloting the Community Advantage program. For the first time, we opened up SBA’s most popular loan program to community-based, mission-focused lenders who have a high-touch approach. This includes Community Development Financial Institutions, SBA’s Certified Development Companies, microlenders, and others who keep at least 60 percent of their portfolios in underserved markets.

Community Advantage will let these organizations make 7(a) loans of $250,000 or less, and they can use streamlined paperwork to get the deal done.

Beyond these capital and counseling focused programs, we also help small businesses get linked up with the world’s largest customer – the U.S. Government. Working closely with other federal agencies, we help set aside nearly one-fourth of all federal contracts for small businesses, totaling nearly $100 billion annually.

This includes specific efforts targeted at service-disabled veteran-owned business, firms in historically underutilized business areas (HUBZone), minority and disadvantaged firms (8(a)), and women-owned businesses.

We will continue to find new ways – both at SBA and throughout the Administration – to put more tools in the hands of our job creators, including those in underserved communities.

by Mark S. Hayward | District Director U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA Commits Resourcesto Underserved Communities

financing to grow, to hire new employees, & invest in the future


In a world where the original Ben & Jerry’s may only be a memory trace for many young Americans, Alex and Ani is creating a deep offshore swell of waves prompting many to grab their organizational surf boards and join the team.

This movement birthed in Rhode Island appears to be the first positivity movement in jewelry to date. Not unlike Ben & Jerry’s or Tom’s Shoes, Alex and Ani’s momentum is in part due to its strong alignment with humanistic values.

Owner and designer Carolyn Rafaelian truly fuels this organizational spirit. As her personal calling, Rafaelian awakens the essence of team members by embodying the spirit of being human each day herself never seeming to lose sight of her guiding role. It is her life’s work to inspire her customers to relish what is unique and authentic about their selves.

Self-expression and autonomy are rich realities for us as humans. We want to move about as we decide where to eat, work and of course what to wear for clothing and jewelry. I call Alex and Ani products “love-identity” objects since the company spotlights our feelings and focus on connection.

When I first met Alex and Ani’s CEO, Giovanni Feroce, I was struck by his clear intention to bring a new standard industrialization code (or SIC) to Alex and Ani products. Feroce wanted a new SIC labeled “positivity energy.” Not only does he seek reclamation of American manufacturing, but he also considers this “mission” a requirement amidst the climate of economic uncertainty for most human beings today.

I couldn’t help but reflect on how the combination of Rafaelian and Feroce have ignited a spark heard around New England. Deeper, however, is my sincere appreciation for their ability to gel requisite talent to ensure that the collaboration and shared leadership is a practice, not a chant.

Belongingness is a key “pull” we have as humans, which is something Rafaelian and Feroce want to cultivate through this venture. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs notes that “belonging” is a pre-requisite to “feeling good” before a person reaches “actualization.”

by Dennis Rebelo

A Vision of Positivity Makes

Waves in the Ocean Stateand Beyond

alexand ani


Alex and Ani | SMALL BUSINESS

I know Rafaelian and Feroce are outlier humanists to be sure. I don’t know whether Rafaelian and Feroce ever studied Maslow, but it actually doesn’t even matter much now. Their plan is

“in action” and their keen sense of understanding what people need outside of the organization—such as self-expression—and inside the organization —making it a place where they can showcase their personal gifts, for example—gives more than just “hope.”

The story of Alex and Ani is still fresh. I equate this movement to reading a Harry Potter book for the first time. You may not know much about the main character, but you know his world is a bit magical, rich, and deep with connections and possibilities of what may be.

Alex and Ani is a positivity movement. Of course, the manufacturing requirement has prompted an expected 200 plus new jobs in Rhode Island alone during the next 18 months. As stores open internationally and Internet sales peak, know that recycled metals are used in the jewelry, the company’s products are made in the U.S.A., and the company’s greater purpose is to connect people. Each artfully designed piece of Alex and Ani jewelry is accompanied by a “meaning card” explaining the background and meaning intended behind each piece.

The culture inside the organization is amped. Charges of positivity make the plant and design areas as vibrant as Walt Disney Studios during its animation hey-day. There is a clear “feeling tone” amidst the folks at headquarters. Renee Levi, Ph. D., calls such wisdom at work “group magic.” I have felt this magic at Alex and Ani each time I visit or work with one of their leaders.

So when have you felt commitment, connection, and humanity lately? Have you considered how there may be a “movement” that can serve as a positive, wave-making machine for human potentiality? I think I’ve found one. Do yourself a favor, take a peek at their website and let me know if it is the “Charity by Design” or the “Path of Life Expandable Wire Bangle” that hits the mark for you. Chances are you’ll find what I discovered: that there are organizations out there establishing a systemically robust approach to marketing meaning-full work.

The story ofAlex and Ani is still fresh.

I equate this movement to reading a Harry Potter

bookforthefirsttime.

Dennis RebeloUniversity Business Consultants

www.universitypdc.com


SMALL BUSINESS | Monster-Be-Gone

Engagement marketing is a marketing strategy that employs many different channels of communication to reach out to new and prospective customers with an understanding that people are not passive receivers of messages. People today prefer to participate in a conversation with a brand and be actively engaged with it and that’s what engagement marketing tries to do.

In the digital age, customers have a tremendous amount of power over the information they receive. They’re wielding smartphones like mighty hammers of Thor. They’re loaded with a smorgasbord of apps and they can be standing in an aisle of your store, whip out a phone, and compare your prices to those of your competitors right then and there. They’ve got email, they watch videos on YouTube, and they have social media accounts. Clearly, people today have a lot of choices in terms of how they get their information and how they interact with a brand. So if you’re out there in as many places as you can think of, you’re going to catch them all eventually. Being everywhere also helps you establish a sense of omnipresence so that once you’ve got their attention, you’re hard to forget.

Social media marketing has grown to become an important marketing tool for most small businesses. In fact, many businesses that aren’t

Ifyou’relikemanysmallbusinessowners,youfindyourselfawakeatnight

worrying about how to attract new business and keep your current customers

coming back to you and not your competition. Well have I got a big ol’ can of

Monster-Be-Gone for you! You can attack that boogieman very effectively with

engagement marketing!

using social media at this very moment, should be seriously considering creating an account on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Social media isn’t going to go away, so it’s important to get on board and start learning how to use it efficiently and effectively. Besides, it’s a great way for you to be your charming self and engage your customers directly to establish that personal connection they’re looking for.

But social media isn’t the only way folks are reaching out to their customers. Lots of businesses are pursuing non-traditional ways of communicating as well. Some small business owners are creating their own “channel” on YouTube and find video sharing to be an effective way to meet up with customers. You can post customer testimonials, a tour of your place of business, or any number of things that might interest people. Fun, entertaining, and informative video is great for PR! Just keep production quality high so your videos are polished and professional looking.

Even though it’s very important, social media marketing isn’t a silver bullet and it should be seen as a complimentary tool in your marketing mix. Things like email and direct mail campaigns, print advertising and creating special events are other ways to help build relationships with customers.

Beat the Boogiemanwith Engagement Marketing!

Monster-Be-Gone!

by Adam Harvey

Adam HarveyGLAD WORKS

www.gladworks.com


MOVING BUSINESSESThe “Go To” Mover of Choice....

in the Southern New England Area.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION& A “FREE” ESTIMATE VISIT

GentryMoving.comRI: (401) 764-0646 MA: (508) 656-2786

CT: (860) 821-2150

Monster-Be-Gone | SMALL BUSINESS

Email is one of the most frequently used tools when

businesses seek to reach out to both current and

prospective clients. Isn’t emailoneofthefirstthings

you check when you start your day? Well, you’re not

alone! Most people are just like you, so email is a great way to reach out and grab

some eyeballs.

Being open to communicating with your

customers in new and innovative ways can do a

ton to help spur customer growth and repeat business. You’ll be able to rest a little easier since you know your customerscanfindyoujust

about anywhere.


SMALL BUSINESS | Fire 800,000 Customers

Do you have the guts that Netflix has? Are you up to firing some of your low-margin, want-everything-for-free type customers?

Netflix alienated a segment of its customer base last month by raising their prices. Last week, the results came in. The company didn’t shed the expected 600,000 customers, but 800,000. Well done Netflix!

That approaches the same population as Rhode Island. That must be a new record for a customer mass exodus. I heard Bank of America is jealous since it ticked off not quite that many with its recent ATM charge idea.

Now back to Netflix. Too bad Wall Street didn’t like the Netflix strategy, tanking the stock by 36 percent. Funny thing is, the company’s profitability rose 65 percent during the recent quarter. Private business owners drool at that level of profit increase, but Wall Street looks at it differently. Private business owners look at things long term and run a business to succeed. Wall Street looks for short-term gain.

It is still a challenging situation to fire customers. Only time will tell if Netflix lost those customers forever. Will they continue to spread bad press about Netflix? Will the spiral continue to a point of hurting the company long term?

Netflix still has 24 million subscribers, so it’s not crying just yet. The company is betting the farm on streaming video, and lost mostly DVD-by-mail customers. Pretty gutsy move.

Maybe it is time for you to shed your low margin customers and move onto greener pastures?

The ballgame is still not over for Netflix, and we can still learn as this move plays out. Blood is in the water and Netflix’ competitors know it. Management botched a spin-off of the mail-in business and the way they communicated price hikes was awful. The stock is down from $300 a share in April 2010 to $76 this week.

If you need to raise prices, do so with care; but don’t hesitate if the writing is on the wall that something needs to change. Be ahead of the curve.

Of course, the better alternative is to leverage technology, stay on the cutting edge, drive costs out, and pass on savings to customers by offering more value as you invest thoughtfully. Position yourself so customers seek you out for that new, innovative service, so you are able to drive up revenue and profit together. Wouldn’t that be a nice alternative? I know...easier said than done, but, there are businesses out there doing it.

Do You Have the GutsIt Takes to Fire800,000 Customers?

byMichael Casey

be ready for somefallout, but look at the big picture for the

long-term health of the business


IRS Online Tax Center | SMALL BUSINESS

It takes guts to raise prices, but be careful not to fall into the trap of not raising prices and watching your margins go in the tank.

Be careful holding onto low-margin customers just to feed the production line. Do not hold onto low-margin business, but instead look harder at selling to customers who appreciate your value and are willing to pay for it.

Planning for price increases can’t be stressed enough. Customers will know. Have a communication plan in place to explain it is coming, when it arrives, and after the fact.

Be ready for some fallout, but look at the big picture for the long-term health of the business.

Be careful not to take advice from those who are more concerned about their short-term gain vs. the health of your business. I worked for a publicly traded company and weird stuff happens for the wrong reasons. Be careful who gives you advice. Look for the motive behind it.

What can other businesses learn from all this?

If you’re a small business or a self-employed

individual who needs answers to tax questions,

educational materials, or tools to help you

run your business, check out the IRS Small

Business and Self-Employed Tax Center at

www.irs.gov/smallbiz.

This one-stop shop offers extensive resources

and online tools to help small businesses and

self-employed persons by providing resources

such as:

Small business forms and publications

Employer Identification Number

online application

Employment tax information – federal

income tax, Social Security and Medicare

taxes, FUTA and self-employment tax

Tax-related news that could affect

your business

Small business educational events

IRS videos for small businesses

A-Z Index for Business,

a fast way to find information

The site provides important tax information

for all stages of owning a business. Whether

you’re starting, operating or closing a business,

visit www.irs.gov/smallbiz for all your federal

income tax information.

continue on next page

••

•

•

•••

IRS Offers OnlineTax Center withTools & Resourcesfor SmallBusinessesand Self-Employed

TOO

LS &

RES

OU

RC

ES

1

2

3

4

5

Michael Casey Survey Advantage

www.surveyadvantage.com

by Peggy Riley


SMALL BUSINESS | IRS Online Tax Center

Is YourSmall Business

NOT OnTwitter Yet?

If you are a small business owner you are probably thinking who has time to tweet and what is a tweet?

According to Comscore, Twitter ranks right behind Facebook with 35.4 million unique visitors that spend an average of 24.4 minutes on Twitter.

Other stats show how Twitter currently has 100 million users a month, half of which log on every day and 55% of which log onto Twitter on a mobile device. Twitter is currently seeing 5 billion Tweets every 5 days. That’s 1 billion tweets a day!(I do highly recommend having a smartphone if you do not.)

Will your Tweet get lost? Not if you make the right connections on Twitter. To start I would recommend you begin using Twitter to learn it before you do any automation or use any extra services. That way you will become familiar and understand it.

Before starting your Twitter accountyou’ll need a few things:

Other resources available on the IRS website include a virtual small business tax workshop, video and audio presentations, a guide to IRS audits, and a tax calendar designed for small business taxpayers.

The IRS Video Portal: Tax Questions? Learn about tax topics through video and audio presentations on the IRS video portal. The video portal contains archived versions of live panel discussions, archived webinars, video clips, and audio archives of national phone forums.

IRS Audits Video Series:“Your Guide to an IRS Audit” takes the viewer through the steps of an audit from notification to closing. The video series is composed of scenarios that demonstrate the stages of each type of audit: correspondence, office and field. The scenarios address issues that are common to audits of small businesses.

Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop: The IRS Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop is an interactive resource to help small business owners learn about their federal tax rights and responsibilities. The workshop contains nine stand-alone lessons that can be selected and viewed in any sequence. The workshop is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any computer. It can also be ordered on CD.

Tax Calendar for Small Business Taxpayers:The Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed – Publication 1518 – is available online or as a printable PDF file. This 12-month calendar is filled with information on general business taxes, IRS and Social Security Administration customer assistance, electronic filing and paying options, retirement plans, business publications and forms, and common tax filing dates. Each page highlights different tax issues and tips that may be relevant to small business owners, with room on each month to add notes, state tax dates or business appointments. You can also download the tax events into your calendar or subscribe to the tax calendar events. The calendar provides the small business owner with a ready resource for meeting their tax obligations.

Lisa BubenFancy Scrubs

www.fancyscrubs.com


Not On Twitter Yet? | SMALL BUSINESS

Are You Kidding?Have your logo readyYou will need it in a small size and it should be a square. If you are having it made up it should be 73x73 pixels. If you have a square that’s larger, Twitter will size it down; no need to worry but you’ll need a square image.

A background imageor creative thought upYou can use any image as your tile image for the background or have one made up professionally.

Haveyourprofilecarefullyput togetherSo when others find you they’ll want to follow. You are allowed up to 160 characters and it can include your web address or your “about page” of your website.

Then you will be ready to set up your Twitter account.

Once you have your own account up you need to get some followers. What are some ways to do that? In the beginning, I would search by categories. For example, if you are a home remodeler you may want to follow realtors, mortgage brokers and people in your area locally. If you are not getting enough followers that way, I would start to use Twiends. There you can put in your interests, get points and users will follow you. You do need to have followers to Tweet to. You can import your email contacts and see who you know who is already on Twitter.

SO what is a Tweet?A Tweet is a message posted on Twitter with 140 characters or less.

What will you Tweet about? You should never just Tweet about YOU or YOUR business. That is called push Tweeting. I would not go above the 25% rule. 25% of your Tweets can be about your business, your offers, services, etc. Your own content from your blog would be another great thing to Tweet within that 25%. The rest of your Tweets should be Tweeting out others info, the realtors, the mortgage brokers and the locals. In time you may see they will Tweet out your stuff. It’s social! It’s helping each other out. You create relationships this way on Twitter.

How much time should you spend on Twitter? In the beginning, you should probably spend 15-30 minutes in the morning and another 15-30 minutes in the evening. Don’t give up. The early days may not show much of a return. What else should you know about Twitter? Twitter has its own language – here a few basics to get you started.

Hashtag - Looks like this “#.” It is used to show a topic and is created organically on Twitter. For example if you

are Tweeting about houses you’d use #houses - Someone may search for houses and find your Tweet.

@ - This symbol is used to call out users – you can thank users’ @username or send them a specific Tweet @username Good morning. If you use @ before the Tweet only they will see it, if you use it in the Tweet, everyone will see it.

Re-Tweet – or RT is Re-Tweeting someone else’s Tweet and is a very good thing to do. RT@username is how it would look. Or you can just hit the re-Tweet button. This can generate relationships with other tweeps on twitter. It is a good idea, though, to know what you are Re-Tweeting. I tend to read most of them unless I know the tweep very well and trust their Tweets. What is a tweep? A tweep is a Twitter friend or someone on Twitter.

Follow Friday – Is huge and Friday is a day not to miss on Twitter. Everyone is thanking their Twitter friends for help with a #FF or #FollowFriday hashtag. Customize yours for the most impact.

These are the very basics of Twitter - to learn more refer to my Twitter references.

Why do I recommend Twitter? We found it extremely helpful in our scrub business when we started out and our largest orders came via Twitter. I have truly made friends and forged relationships over the past 2 years via Twitter.

Happy Tweeting!

by Lisa Buben


SMALL BUSINESS | People vs. Process

Two of the most important and most challenging issues facing executives today are:

How to get more productivity and engagement from people who are already overworked and “over-processed.”

How to satisfy the demand of today’s worker to contribute more and to feel more engaged in the process.

Seeing these two challenges you may be asking yourself: “So what’s the problem? Management wants more from the employees and employees seem to want to give more.” At first glance it may not look like there is much of an issue here. But the fact is that these two questions are very much in play in business today in both the executive and the employee circles and both sides are frustrated.

Repeated studies have shown as much as 55% of the modern workforce is unengaged with another. So what’s the deal?

It’s a Matter of PerspectivesGive this test sometime in the near future:Ask the people who work with you a few questions. But first create a safe environment for them to be honest. Next include those who range from your peers to those who are in entry level positions who you manage. (Just make sure they are not too new to the organization.). Inform them that you are doing some preliminary research to better understand how you may be able to create a more productive workplace. This will give them an understanding as to why they are being asked to participate. Lastly, you can either ask the questions one-on-one, or in small comfortable groups of 2 or 3 participants.

Here are the questions:Do you feel you have more to contribute to the organization than your job responsibilities or management will allow?If given the opportunity would you be willing to contribute more to the organization in the areas you enjoy even if it required some extra effort or more time?What, or where, would you like to contribute that you feel would most benefit the organization?

Is Your Organization Designed Backwards

two

two

three

one

one

peoplevs process

by

Jeffrey S Deckman


People vs. Process | SMALL BUSINESS

I bet the answers you get backlook something like this:1. Of Course!2. Sure!3. Surprise!

If you set the stage properly many of the answers to Question #3 will not only surprise you but they could also prove to be very revealing. In many cases the answers to the third question will fall outside of their job responsibilities and will speak to their desire to use skills and talents which their jobs may not call upon and which you didn’t

know they possessed. They may also share some interesting ideas or insights they have

which you would otherwise not have heard.

What this brief exercise reveals is that management

and employees have very different perspectives on how

employees can and should contribute to the organization.

Management has a tendency to look at employees’ impact on the organization

based upon their responsibilities. On the other hand, employees view their impact based upon their capabilities, which is the combination of their responsibilities PLUS their abilities and interests.

Let’s explore this a bit.Management’s typical, and natural, perspective is that the employee can best contribute by following processes

and procedures; effectively carrying out their duties and responsibilities; by staying in alignment with annual company goals and by not

challenging the systems that are in place.

This is not to say that management does not want people’s ideas and contributions, but in the vast majority

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

edc_bbri_ad_final.pdf 1 1/13/12 12:55 PM

of cases they want that input coming forth through designed processes or chains of command. In other words management is most comfortable having employees contribute through a manageable process.

On the other hand the employee’s perspective is more geared towards being able to engage in more of a “free-range” environment. In fact studies have shown that as much as 60% of the work done in an organization occurs via informal employee networks that operate outside of org charts. This is not to say that people want anarchy, they don’t. What they want is OXYGEN. They want the room to breathe, to think, to create and to contribute outside of rigid structures that are designed to control everything.

People are naturally very creative and innovative. The problem is that from the time we enter school and long into our business careers we find ourselves in environments that pray at the alters of “Structure” and “Predictability,” instead of honoring and nurturing human creativity. Somehow through it all we lost sight that: “It’s about the people, stupid!” to paraphrase the Clinton campaign of 1992.

So from the employees’ standpoint they most value environments which respect their abilities and which afford them the opportunity to contribute, grow and have fun. But management wants to manage

the environment you must seek to

create is one which encourages natural

participation and exchanges and the

freeflowingofideas


its way to greater employee productivity and management is “in charge” and old ways die hard.

Then the challenge, in management’s view, becomes how it designs systems, or processes, which create freedom. Well, they can’t. Processes and procedures and rules and requirements simply do not promote an environment of innovation, contribution or collaboration. They stifle them. So maybe the time for a new paradigm is upon us.

If it’s Good Enough for Big Blueis it Good Enough for You?

I am reminded of the IBM commercial where people are lying down in a dark room, in perfect rows, in exactly the same position. Each of them has the same head rest and came together, for what I am sure, is a pre-planned session

scheduled during a pre-determined time. A man comes in, clicks on the light and asks, somewhat incredulously: “What are you doing?” The answer comes back in a young woman’s voice: “We are IDEATING.” “About what?” the man asks. “We don’t know yet.” she answers. To which the man rolls his eyes and says

“Good Luck.” He then turns off the lights and walks out of the room.

We all see this and we chuckle but do we really get the point? IBM is making fun of management that attempts to release human capabilities and innovation by creating structures and herding people into them. They are also making a very clear statement that this is no longer the way to run a company. More important though is that they are announcing that IBM sees the next horizon and, if you hire them, they will help you transform your organization into one that can operate in the 21st century.

Imagine that: Big Blue is actually poking fun at companies who still rely on structure and control to release human potential into their organizations. This is the same company that used to make tens of thousands of employees dress exactly the same way!

If you hadn’t believed there is an enormous management sea change taking place across American business today then seeing Big Blue poking fun at companies who use structures to release capabilities into their organizations should get your attention.

So Where Do We Go From Here?Clearly, management’s perspective and tendencies focus upon managing things. But we have seen how creativity and human potential is not bred or released though managed processes and structured systems.

FIND OUT HOW 60 CARRIERS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESSYOUR TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

Contact Jamie KuzmanManaging Partner

508-749-3549 - Direct401-378-0101 - Mobile

SMALL BUSINESS | People vs. Process


People vs. Process | SMALL BUSINESS

All the data shows, and my experience verifies, that releasing intellectual capabilities, latent talents and human potential into your organization is never about managing people. Rather it is always about creating environments.

The environment you must seek to create is one which encourages natural participation and exchanges and the free flowing of ideas. To accomplish that the environment must be designed such that people truly believe their thinking and participation is more highly valued than processes, rules, and procedures.

They must be given space to “IDEATE” on their own, in their own way and with those they self select. Then once they have come up with something of value and have vetted it thoroughly among themselves, or individually, it can be

brought forth into the organizational structures to determine if it has a place in the organization and, if so, how best to implement it.

So the idea is to create the space for the raw materials of creativity and innovation to be mined and refined. Then use the structures to process them and turn them into assets.

Once you begin learning how to create these environments and to work with a new set of priorities you can then overlay many of the same organizational structures, methods and metrics which you use today to insure the efficient utilization of these newly mined capabilities......but not before!

So the point is not to throw away highly effective and proven business processes. That would be crazy.

However, if you want to solve the dual challenge of getting more productivity from your people in a way they want to and contribute you will need to shift management priorities from processes to people.

If you successfully build these environments, the ideas, the energy and the profitability will come.

Jeffrey DeckmanCapability Accelerators

www.capabilityaccelerators.com

ONE RESOURCE for all your voice& data needs.Business Telephone& Voicemail SystemsSecurity Cameras & Access ControlStructured CablingComputer Network/Servers

With over 25 years of experience, CTI has successfully become the one technologyresource for hundreds of businesses. We are a one-stop one-resource technologyprovider. This makes your life easier to manage your IT budget and support costs.Experienced professionals that work together for you.

Are you Moving… Expanding… Upgrading?Call today for a free quote. Mention this ad and get 10% off.

401.737.5300 / www.computertelephone.biz


The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is excited to introduce our newest media partner,

GoGo Cast. This Rhode Island based organization is a leading on-demand, location based

digital media company providing real-time HD digital news, information and advertising

displays in hundreds of high traffic retail locations across the state. This partnership will

provide RISBJ with additional reach in the digital media market statewide.

GoGo Cast delivers direct-to-consumer advertising that enables retailers, brands, manufacturers, advertisers and promoters to reach highly targeted audiences, influence

brand choice and receive measurable results. With GoGo Cast's content network and commercial grade digital screens, advertisers can deliver messages that influence

consumer buying decisions at the right place, at the right time.

SEE YOUR PRODUCTS IN:

TEAMS UP WITH

JANUARY 13th, 2012

BREAKING NEWS: RISBJ has now teamed up with GOGO CAST

placement of your

products could go here

your ad

should be here

sample screen display

08:37 AM


Presenteeism | SMALL BUSINESS

Getting the most out your employees is a constant battle for small business owners in particular. Time lost due to employees coming to work with an illness is a condition called Presenteeism, a growing problem in all aspects of business today. Measuring the cost of presenteeism is not standardized because of the various factors that go into it including:

the type and severity of illnesses

varying wages for affected workers

importance of work performed by affected workers

thelevelofdisruptiontoworkflowfromlowerproductivityofaffectedworkers

It is understandable with today’s uncertain employment market that many employees feel the need to come to work in an effort to keep their job, and/or not lose wages if their employer doesn’t offer paid sick days. When employees come to work with contagious illnesses, they run the risk of making other employees sick as well, which compounds the problem. The increase in the incidence of preventable disease also contributes to presenteeism; there are several factors that contribute to this general decline in health and wellness of the population:

Increased levels of overweightness and obesity

Increasingly sedentary jobs and lifestyles

Poor diet

Alcohol and tobacco use

Insufficientsleep

Poor hydration

It is recommended that a business start with the simplest and lowest cost solution, putting an emphasis on increasing communication with all levels of the organization why the solution is being implemented, what is the expected outcome, how it will work, and how they can contribute to the program’s success. If the program is successful, then more sophisticated and comprehensive solutions can be considered.

Presenteeism is estimated to cost businesses 60% of the total cost of worker illness. There are several things that an employer can do to

alleviate presenteeism costs:

Recognize that there is a problem

Clearly communicate the policy of illness in the workplace to employees

Engage the workforce in developing illnesspolicies&makethemmoreflexible

Work to make the workplace less susceptible to germ spreading through

encouragement of hand washing and make hand disinfectants available

throughout the facility

Disseminate informationpromoting diet and exercise

Promote cessationof alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

Offer incentives for wellness promotion

FINDINGTHE CURE

FOR WORK-SICKNESS

Tim SullivanLife-Panelwww.well-track.com

byTim Sullivan


SMALL BUSINESS | The Five Senses

the five senses forsmall business success

I’ve been hearing an awful lot about Providence College’s new basketball coach lately. Maybe it’s because my husband is a Providence College alum and therefore highly invested in the day-to-day events of their athletic program. Maybe it’s because Coach Cooley has already attracted a top-5 nationally-recognized recruiting class for next year on the strength of his reputation and personality, in turn attracting the attention of the national sports press.

Either way, Ed Cooley is clearly not just an effective coach, but a great inspiration for those of us who plug away at our beloved small businesses. Here, I’ll share how five of Coach Cooley’s methods apply to the way we operate—the “five senses” we need to have in our businesses at all times.

A Sense of LoyaltyWhen most people talk about Ed Cooley, his sense of loyalty always comes up. As small business owners, we often work alone, but many people help us in our businesses: family, friends, colleagues, clients. A sense of loyalty is integral to our success—we won’t get far if we forget where we came from. Keeping in contact is not only good for the soul, it’s sound business practice—your next lead or project is more likely to come from someone you’ve worked with in the past!

A Sense of CommunityAt Midnight Madness, a huge event opening the basketball season, Coach Cooley took the stage for his first-ever official appearance before the Providence College community and spoke these words: “How ‘bout our hockey team?!” It turns out that the hockey team had won a game win against Boston University. Right at that moment, Coach Cooley let everyone know he isn’t just about basketball. He is about all sports, all students, and all the successes of the Providence College community. We, too, need to cultivate this sense of community. We have to look up from our laptops once in a while. When we’re working to stay afloat in a tough economy, it’s easy to forget there’s a world beyond us. When your business is a part of the community, people sit up and take notice.

A Sense of StandardsBecause he is about excellence, there are a few things Coach Cooley is not cool with, especially when it comes to his team. Like lateness. Bad grades. Sloppiness. He requires his team members to meet him for breakfast at 7:30 every morning so he knows they’re up and ready for their morning classes. A sense of standards means you give your best and that you expect the best of others. You value yourself and others by expecting the best. The sense of standards applies to clients, too—you deserve to work with clients who share your values, because that’s why you struck out on your own in the first place, right?

A Sense of FlexibilitySome celebrated coaches are wedded to their styles, but Coach Cooley is quoted as saying, “There’s not one way or one style—we want to have a winning style.”

Flexibility is a must in the SBO environment. I’ve held staff interviews in my driveway while my home office was going haywire from a power surge and I’ve gotten clients at the playground with kids in tow. But this level of flexibility means to seek others’ perspectives and ask for advice, work with different personalities to get the job done well for our clients. It’s what we need to thrive as small business owners: a flexible style that allows for many styles to come together.

A Sense of HumorCoach Cooley asks a lot of his team, but he does so with caring and humor. A sense of humor is essential to keeping our spirits up, because it’s not easy for us SBOs. We make up half the business that gets done in the U.S., but we’re still treated like the little guy.

There is only one Coach Cooley. Few of us are lucky enough to have someone to jolt us out of bed for a motivational breakfast. That’s why at the end of the day, these five senses are essential to keeping our small business alive and well—and scoring the three-point shots that remind us why we love this crazy SBO life in the first place.To read the full version of this article,go to www.risbj.com/five-senses.asp

what a basketball coachcan teach SBOs about how to

survive and succeedby Aileen McDonough

Aileen McDonough3am Writerswww.3amwriters.com


Our Guarantee...New England Credit Card Systems Merchant Services will provide you with six months offree statement fees if we are not able to save your company money on your existing charge card services.

Call Us Today For Your No-Obligation, Cost Savings Rate Analysis.

Toll Free:1-877-585-0033Email: [email protected]

www.newenglandccs.com



SafetyLeadsto Success

ANeedIdentified

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Al Cardi

and a few local Rhode Island businessmen

began hearing word of the need for on-

board school bus surveillance cameras

during a time of increasing chaos, looting

and unrest in Louisiana. It prompted a

conversation about what happens outside

the body of a school bus. Was there any

monitoring equipment present and was it

even necessary?

continues on page 38

by Wendie Tobin


The entrepreneurs did some homework and discovered that, statistically, every school bus in the United States is illegally passed once daily. In the state of Rhode Island, that equaled 1,400 violations. (On a larger scale, New York has 50,000 school buses on the road every day.) They weren’t content to just rely on national reports. They reached out to bus drivers in the community who confirmed the findings. Drivers expressed great frustration at the number of violations they witnessed, the inability to record details such as license plate numbers, car descriptions and locations of trespasses while managing their primary responsibility of driving and keeping the children manageable and safe. Clearly, there was a great need for a traffic management system, yet there was none on the market.

SmartBus Live Gets Rolling

The team at SmartBus Live came together, first drafting a business plan that made sense. In Rhode Island, 131 police-witnessed stop arm violation citations were issued in 2007 – a stark contrast to how many violations were actually occurring, based on national surveys and the field research. Ticketing more drivers would increase revenue to the towns that SmartBus Live hoped would participate in their program, but most importantly, more citations would increase awareness to the drivers and increase safety for schoolchildren who were entrusted to bus transportation every day.

Recognizing the budget constraints that every town faces, the company developed a structure in which the entire system – equipment, installation and live monitoring – would be provided at no cost to the school committees that elected to participate.

Once SmartBus Live had developed their product, they drafted a law that was passed through Rhode Island legislation allowing each city and town to utilize the SmartBus Live traffic management system in their fleet of buses.

SMARTBUS LIVE | Safety Leads to Success

greatest danger tochildren is during the boarding

and exiting process


SmartBus Live Takes Off And Looks To The Future

Johnston was the first town in Rhode Island to participate in the SmartBus Live program, in August of 2008. Since then, Providence, East Providence, Westerly, Burrillville and Portsmouth have joined, as well as the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District. Providence has funneled $200,000 in funds, generated from SmartBus Live, back to their school department. The program has been hugely successful, expanding through eight states and under consideration in a dozen more.

School buses are the safest vehicles on America’s highways. The greatest danger to children is during the boarding and exiting process, due to daily stop arm violations. SmartBus Live began the way many startup companies do. A few friends started talking and a concept began to take shape. They saw a need to make the community safer for school-aged children and found a way to achieve it without imposing the cost on school department budgets that couldn’t bear the expense. The success can be seen in the numbers. Since the program’s inception in 2008, there has been a 2570% increase in stop arm violation citations, a residual income in excess of $200,000 to participating communities, and the most impressive bottom line indicator: safer bus boarding and exiting for the children of SmartBus Live monitored buses. For more information, please call 888-723-3009 or visit their website at www.smartbuslive.com

How SmartBus Live Works

Seven cameras, powered by an on-board computer system, are installed externally and internally on the buses. They communicate with a server located at SmartBus Live’s Providence office. Staff members closely monitor all activity during busing hours on 46” television screens. A new hire is added to the staff per every six buses that have the system installed, supporting Smart Bus Live’s commitment to job creation in Rhode Island, and also ensuring vigilant “force multiplier” coverage.

Because interior surveillance is part of SmartBus Live’s system as well, school administrators frequently contact the company to review video when addressing disciplinary situations. Regarding stop arm driving violations, when an infraction occurs, the monitor will tag the video. It is then uploaded to SmartBus Live’s server and website. From there, the person who witnessed the violation will sign an affidavit. The video is GPS time-, date- and location-stamped.

Subsequently, a police officer will securely log onto the server and review all the recorded infractions SmartBus Live has captured and will be given an option to accept those that appear to be valid violations. From there, the officer will use their resources to locate the contact information of the registered owner. A citation will be issued which SmartBus Live mails with a photo evidence page, a copy of the witness-signed affidavit, and an instructional page that directs the violator to SmartBus Live’s website where the driver is able to watch video of their infraction, pay their ticket, or receive information on how to contest a ticket in court. SmartBus Live provides a CD of all recorded infractions to citizens who choose to contest their citations in traffic court.

Safety Leads to Success | SMARTBUS LIVE

The SmartBus Live program has been well-receivedin this community and I would recommend it to other municipalities in an

effort to enhance the safety of our children.Joseph M. Polisena, Mayor of Johnston, Rhode Island


SMALL BUSINESS | Support Innovation and Research Funding

LangevinWorks to Support

Innovation Research

Funding for Small

Businesses

The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, recently signed into law by President Obama, includes full funding for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, created to support research and development by small companies working on scientific and technological advances. Ocean State companies received $5.5 million in SBIR funding for 20 projects in 2010 alone, with 13 relating to the defense industry.

Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin, who has emphasized SBIR’s contributions to the state, was a lead advocate for maximizing the resources available for the program in the NDAA, which determines funding for the defense sector. Langevin worked on the legislation as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and by serving on the conference committee that reconciled differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. He applauded the legislation’s recognition of the program’s value to the economy.

“We cannot have a full economic recovery unless we recognize that small businesses are the main driver of job creation and we must ensure they have the opportunity to innovate and expand,” said Langevin. “I am especially pleased that we were able to include long-term funding for SBIR in this year’s legislation, ensuring the program will be in place for six years, in contrast to the short term funding provided by past defense authorization bills. This initiative has provided great benefits to Rhode Island and I encourage companies looking to finance new research and development, whether in or outside of the defense sector, to see if this program can help them.”

Program grants range between $100,000 and $1 million. Over the past 4 years, RI has had more than 50 awards worth approximately $20 million. Companies in any industry can find more information through the program’s website, www.sbir.gov, and by calling Langevin’s office at 401-732-9400.

800 590 5401

81 Western Industrial Drive

Cranston, RI 02921

www.ritelephone.com

all in onevirtual phone solution

let’s talk about

byJonathon Dworkin


AFTER THE RECESSION:Threats Opportunitiesfor Entrepreneurs

After the Recession | SMALL BUSINESS

Unfortunately few operating businesses are immune to the effects of the recent credit crunch. As the threat of possible inflation and rising prices continues, oftentimes available credit will tighten. Small business owners may be left to restock inventories with less liquidity. This effect can quickly snowball and cause serious liquidity and credit problems. Keeping lines of credit open and maintaining an additional cash buffer may ease the pressure a bit. Business owners can also look for loans from less traditional sources. A permanent life insurance policy, for example, provides death benefit protection, but can build equity in the form of cash value you can borrow against should you need to.[1]

OPPORTUNITY:Retirement Contribution Tax DeductionsMany business owners are so certain they will be able to fund their retirement through the sale of their business that they don’t bother to make any other retirement plans. The reality is, a sale might not be easy and there are attractive opportunities for current tax deductions through qualified retirement plans.

Traditional plans remain popular and include IRAs, 401(k)s, SEPs and SIMPLEs. They allow employers to take a tax deduction on contributions. The 412(e)(3) plan may allow certain small business owners to make potentially higher initial tax deductible contributions. You should consult your tax or legal advisor prior to establishing a qualified retirement plan.

OPPORTUNITY:Increased Unemployment Results in Larger Employee PoolFor employers looking to bring on new employees, the down economy may actually benefit their business. Increased unemployment has flooded the employee pool with more highly qualified candidates than ever before. Employers shouldn’t overlook potential candidates because of the stigma of having been laid off. The job market presents the opportunity for small business owners to attract and retain big business talent at small business costs. It may also be wise to hire commission-based employees, often known as “pay for performance.” Employers will find an increasing number of qualified individuals that may have never considered commission-based compensation before, willing to give it a try.

This educational third-party article

is being provided as a courtesy by

Jonathan P. Matrullo, MBA, LUTCF,

New York Life Insurance Company.

For additional Information on the

information or topic(s) discussed,

please contact Jonathan P. Matrullo,

MBA, LUTCF at (401) 276-8788

or www.jonathanpmatrullo.com.

Neither New York Life, nor its agents,

provides tax, legal, or accounting

advice. Please consult with your

professional adviser for tax, legal, or

accounting advice.

1The cash value in a permanent policy

is accessed through policy loans,

which accrue interest at the current

rate, and cash withdrawals. Loans

and withdrawals will decrease the

available death benefit and cash value.

800 590 5401

81 Western Industrial Drive

Cranston, RI 02921

www.ritelephone.com

all in onevirtual phone solution

let’s talk about


SMALL BUSINESS | Selecting New Employees

Are you looking to expand your Small Business by hiring new employees for professional positions? If so, you are likely to receive numerous resumes once people find out that you are hiring. How do you begin to sort through all of the resumes? Perhaps, the first point to remember is that a resume is a sales pitch designed to show you that the applicant understands what you need and is the best prepared person to deliver it for you. Thus, the resume is like any other form of advertisement. The successful applicant’s resume conveys the appropriate content to convince you that they are the best qualified one for your business. Fortunately, resumes may be read relatively quickly. Indeed, some professional human resource people who look through numerous resumes only need to spend seconds on each one.

When I review a resume I check to be sure that the applicant conveys that:• They understand their potential employer’s business• They have explained their previous job relevant

accomplishments• They have shown that their job relevant accomplishments

have prepared them to be the best qualified employee for the potential employer’s business

• They are interested in doing the work

A good resume will ROAR, much as a lion will ROAR. Once you look at the resume it will command your attention. A quality resume will have two key attributes. It will be:• Results Oriented. The body of the resume will tell you

about the applicant’s job relevant accomplishments in previous jobs, at school, as a volunteer, and/or a leader in civic and community organizations.

• And Relevant to you. The resume will begin with a clear statement which shows the applicant understands your business, what you need to have done, and it bridges the relevant experiences in the body of the resume with your business needs. The statement will also convey the applicants interest in doing the job you need to have done. Alternatively, some applicants may include this in a separate “cover letter” rather than on the resume.

You might quickly set aside resumes which:• Contain a general statement explaining the applicant’s

needs rather than your needs. For example, a recent graduate states: Looking for an entry level position to increase my sales ability.

• Describe an applicant’s job responsibilities, rather than their accomplishments. For example, a cashier lists their assigned tasks: count money in cash register. run customer items over scanner and place items in bags

are they Results Oriented And Relevant?

Do Your Applicants Resumes ROAR

Selecting New Employees For Your Small Business:by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro

continues on page 65


Small Business Can Thrive | SMALL BUSINESS

These actions help to put Rhode Island on the map as a place that incentivizes people to start and expand businesses. In addition, set the stage for a major burst of development in the new Knowledge District by establishing the I-195 Redevelopment Commission.

In 2012, I am committed to building on these achievements, as well as the package of laws enacted in 2010 that focused on making it easier to do business in Rhode Island. That means looking at fire code regulations that have been a source of frustration for many business owners, as well as other regulatory reform that can help reduce costs especially for our small businesses, who can little afford to absorb them in any economy, let alone this very tough economy.

It also means continuing our investment in and strengthening our public education system towards providing a better educated workforce. This goes all the way from early childhood education, in which we’ve just won a national Race to the Top grant, through continuing our K-12 reform and also working to make public higher education more affordable and accessible. It also means strengthening job retraining programs to help the thousands of unemployed Rhode Islanders develop the skills they need (and our businesses need them to have) to rejoin the workforce.

I welcome the input of the small business community on all issues of importance in our state.

Please contact me with any ideas, questions or concerns at [email protected].

Ever since I worked as a young man in the Carvel Ice Cream shop in the Mount Hope neighborhood in Providence, I have had an understanding of the important role that small businesses play in our state. Small businesses provide a majority of Rhode Island’s private sector jobs, and they are also poised to continue as the engines or growth in our state’s future.

The General Assembly worked in 2011 session to provide a more supportive environment for small business in our state. Significantly, we passed a budget for the 2012 Fiscal Year that closed a $300 million gap, with substantial changes to human service programs, ended longevity raises for state employees, and made a variety of other spending cuts across state government – ultimately reducing the structural deficit over the next five years by 42.5 percent as compared to the Governor Chafee’s budget, while also avoiding the major expansion of the sales tax that he proposed. We then built on this achievement by passing landmark pension reform that will save the state more than $3 billion.

Gordon D. FoxSpeaker, Rhode Island

House of Representatives

A STATEWHERESMALLBUSINESSCANTHRIVEby Gordon D. Fox


FEATURED NONPROFIT | Make-A-Wish Foundation®

While philanthropic giving may not be top of mind for Rhode Island small businesses during these challenging economic times, the benefits are significant. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Rhode Island relies on businesses and individuals to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. A partnership with the Foundation not only brings hope, strength and joy to a deserving child, but helps businesses reach their corporate social responsibility goals and boost employee morale.

This effort is exemplified by the Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants of Rhode Island Fundraising Campaign, now in its second year. Last year, twenty-nine Rhode Island Physical Therapy clinics and schools joined together to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation. Coordinated by Kevin Silvia of Performance Physical Therapy, the campaign has raised over $8,200.00.

“I have always participated in fundraising events, but during the holiday season I wanted to do something that could make a bigger impact on someone’s life,” said Silvia. “Partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation allowed Rhode Island’s physical therapy community to come together for a common goal, and because of the enormous support and enthusiasm from the businesses, the employees and our clients, this has become an annual event.” Thanks to the generosity of the campaign participants, Aidan, an avid Star Wars fan, had his wish to visit Walt Disney World® to attend Star Wars Weekend granted. Although he has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart disease, it hasn’t affected his joyful disposition, which was on full display when he was

invited to be a participant in the Star Wars parade and marched through the park side-by-side with his favorite characters.

Aidan’s wish came true thanks to the generosity of Rhode Island small businesses. Financial support from the community is necessary to grant the more than 80 eligible wishes each year. According to the Foundation’s most recent audit, over 80 percent of every dollar donated is directed to wishes, which cost an average of approximately $6,500 per wish. The funds that are generously donated by Rhode Islanders will help to grant wishes for children residing in Rhode Island.

Supporting the Foundation benefits more than the wish child and his or her family. Workplace Giving campaigns are a convenient, cost-effective option to improve morale and foster a sense of community. Employers benefit from building a philanthropic partnership with the Foundation by aligning their business with a nationally recognized and trusted non-profit. Through workplace giving campaigns, employees may choose to make payroll deductions, which are easy and convenient and may allow for employees to make a larger, more impactful gift. Employers may consider offering a matching gift program as well to increase the impact made by their employees.

Other great ways to get involved with the Foundation include hosting a fundraising event, allowing employees to dress down in exchange for a donation to the Foundation through the Jeans for Wishes campaign and encouraging employees to volunteer. Also, you may consider donating your unused airline miles to the Foundation. Once these miles are donated, they do not expire. This is especially helpful because 70% of wishes granted in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are travel wishes.

Small businesses play a big role in granting wishes in Rhode Islandthrough the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

The Foundation’s vision is to grant wishes for every medically eligible child annually.

Get your business involved and help grant a wish of a Rhode Island child today! For more information,

please visit www.massri.wish.org, email [email protected] or call 401-781-9474.

Wishes-At-Work

A special thank you to the physical therapy clinics and schools that participated in the campaign to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island - A Healing Hand Physical

Therapy, Bristol County Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, Community College of Rhode Island – Newport Campus, Excel Physical Therapy, Friendly Nursing Home, Lepre Physical Therapy, Lepre

Paladin Physical Therapy, Liberty Physical Therapy, Matrix Physical Therapy, McVay Physical Therapy, Miriam Hospital, Muldowney Physical Therapy, Performance Physical Therapy, R.I. Rehabilitation,

Steve Mignacca Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, Warwick Physical Therapy Institute and Womens Care.


Wishes at Work | FEATURED NONPROFIT

sponsored by

We have a critical need for airline miles. More than 70 percent of wishes involve air travel.

Help grant wishes of Rhode Island children battling life-threatening medical conditions by donating your airline miles through the Wishes in FlightSM program.

Visit www.massri.wish.orgor call 401-781-9474 for more information.

300 Centreville RoadWarwick, Rhode Island 02886

877 905 1999www.astonishresults.com

We have created the most comprehensive digital insurance marketing system in the world. Our unique insurance lead generating

system fuses the power of insurance agency management, online marketing technology, strategic web services, social networking

solutions, and so much more.


East Providence based MOO.COM today launched a new model of social-business networking as the print specialist announced a Facebook integration with its customized printed business cards. The product allows each card to have a unique look and feel, and bridges the gap between online and offline.

MOO.com was flagged by GoLocal’s business experts as one of Rhode Island’s emerging companies that could transform the state’s economy.

According to MOO.com, the integration will give Facebook users the ability to leverage the content they’re adding to their Timelines for their own Facebook Card. People will now be able to take snapshots of their lives from their Timelines and bring them into their offline social and business networking experience with the Facebook Card.

“MOO.COM is very excited to announce this integration with Facebook to provide a revolutionary new customer experience that brings together Facebook Timeline with MOO’s high quality printed products,” said Richard Moross, CEO and Founder of MOO.COM.

“It’s clear that consumer habits of sharing business and personal information are evolving, and the lines between online social networking and offline business networking are not just blurring, but vanishing.

“This integration places MOO and Facebook at the leading edge of this new trend: seamlessly turning your dynamic online presence into a beautifully designed, high quality offline ‘social’ business card. We’re very excited about this new and unique way to share your contact details, and other profile information, with friends in the real world,” added Moross.

“Timeline helps people tell their story on Facebook and feature the parts of their life that mean the most to them,” said Facebook spokesperson Jillian Stefanki. “The MOO.COM integration makes it possible for people to take this same experience with them offline.”

MOO.COM Launches Industry’s Most Unique Social Business Card

GoLocalProv.com is the “go to” local Web experience that breaks the biggest local stories,

sports, high school sports, weather, news, politics, arts, entertainment — and allows users to go as deep as they wish.

Branded, credible, and respected contributors from RI create the stories and content.

Information is delivered through multimedia, written, and video platforms. All at GoLocalProv.com.


Providence | GOLOCAL

Jerry the Bearis moving to ProvidenceActually, the creators of this cute, plush, and innovative interactive toy for children with type 1 diabetes are on their way to Brown University to spend this winter incubating their fledgling company and building 10 Jerry the Bears in the process.

Helping kids deal with diabetesIt all began with the DiabetesMine competition in early 2009, that brought together Northwestern University students Yuri Malina, Mert Iseri, and Hannah Chung to brainstorm the question: “How can we help the lives of children living with diabetes?” The idea of a cute, interactive critter like Jerry took form, and the proposal won the most creative award in the competition.

In September of 2010 Northwestern student Aaron Horowitz joined the team. As part of an independent study with Northwestern Robotics Professor Michael Peshkin the team built its first talking bear. Horowitz applied for and won the Dell Social Innovation Fellowship based out of Brown, and enjoyed the mentorship, training and a $4,000 financial award to advance his product.

After his fellowship at Brown in the summer of 2011, Horowitz upgraded the prototype and gained a reinvitation from Brown’s Director of Social Entrepreneurship, Alan Harlam, to return with fellow team-leader Hannah Chung back to incubate the project. Their goal: 10 Jerry the Bear prototypes and clinical trials with Jerry in the spring.

The team will be posting updates on their incubation stay in Providence online at www.jerrythebear.com/written-story.html.

Providence Will Be Incubatorfor Creative New Toy Company

the idea of a cute, interactive critter like Jerry

took form


GOLOCAL | Providence

Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors gave the agency’s Executive Director Keith Stokes the green light to move forward with plans to create a formal private-public partnership with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. The unusual agreement is designed

“to grow the state’s knowledge economy.”

The collaboration will be “focused on attracting out-of-state businesses to relocate near the high concentration of medical and research institutions, technical and creative talent, and high-tech companies already in downtown Providence.”

The goal is to leverage the old jewelry district and couple it with the land captured from moving Route I-195 to create a link between the colleges, hospitals and private sector.

“With the new Brown University Medical School, outstanding hospitals, and some of the best colleges and universities in the world, we have all of the

pieces in place to make Providence’s Knowledge District a catalyst for long-term job and business growth throughout Rhode Island, Governor Lincoln Chafee said via a press release.

Creating a “vibrant entrepreneur community”

Building on the existing high concentration of leading healthcare facilities and R&D centers of excellence, top institutions of higher education, active business networks and a vibrant entrepreneur community, Providence is poised to compete successfully for new growth opportunities in industries including life sciences, healthcare, IT, digital media, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

“I commend Governor Chafee for his leadership and vision for the future growth of Rhode Island’s knowledge economy. Looking at other states which have similar models, private sector participation is critical to driving business attraction. We need to engage our collective energies, contacts and know-how in a strategic and systematic way to elevate our knowledge economy to the next level,” said Stephen Lane, RIEDC Board member.

The RIEDC’s private-public partnership with the Chamber will establish a new entity that will clearly articulate to businesses from outside the state how they can benefit from coming to Providence. The organization will dedicate a Chief Business Attraction Officer solely to recruit out-of-state companies to Providence that will create high-tech, high-wage jobs in emerging and growth industries.

RIEDC Teams with Providence Chamber


Providence | GOLOCAL

Local entrepreneur Andy Posner appeared Monday on CNN’s American Morning to talk about his leadership with nonprofit organization Campus Microfinance Alliance, a coalition of student-run groups who have lent more than $150,000 to underfunded small businesses.

Posner is best known for co-founding Capital Good Fund, headquartered in Providence. “The Fund takes a unique approach to financial services, through using financial coaching to underwrite microloans of less than $5,000” Posner said. This personal approach allows for the fund to establish relationships with borrowers whose credit rating represents a risk to traditional banking institutions. This personal touch has succeeded with only a 7% default rate, as opposed to about 20% in traditional banking. More importantly, the Fund represents resources beyond capital, with financial coaching and free tax preparation helping low-income Rhode Islanders make the most of those loans.

Capital Good Fund was founded by Posner and Mollie West while both were students at Brown University in 2009. Two years later, the fund has 5 full-time employees, and plans to be a national presence by 2016. By giving residents and business-owners alike innovative tools to create and sustain jobs right here in Rhode Island, it is a welcome presence indeed.

LocalMicrofinance

GroupGets National

Attention

From Rhode Islanders and for Rhode Islanders:

See it. Read it. Share it.


the spot. There are ways to get around this. You can answer a question by pausing and saying, “That is an interesting question. Let me answer it this way…” If you do not have the direct answer to a question, provide something that gives confidence to your listeners that you have a general knowledge of the area being addressed.

When dealing with callers, prepare yourself for the types of questions that may arise. Be sure and look at the topic that you are addressing from every angle so that you are less likely to have to deal with something that you do not wish to address. Handle a curveball from a caller just as you would one from the interviewer. Be polite but succinct. Remember that you have a limited time allotted to address everything that you intend to discuss. If you find that a caller’s question is very personal and detailed, then courteously answer it in a limited fashion providing the bare facts. You can always offer that the caller can contact you by e-mail or phone or through your website for further discussion. Provide an answer generic enough that it may help other people in a similar position.

Your self-projection will be what has the greatest impact on most watchers and listeners. During your interview it is imperative that you project confidence, ease, friendliness, and warmth. It may help if you interject an anecdote or two.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS | Positive Business

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE MEDIA INTERVIEWS

The media has a significant impact on individual’s views and decisions. Talk media- either television, radio or the internet—is an effective vehicle to deliver information.

Whether the media contacts your office or you contact them, the best way to elicit interest from media producers, if they don’t contact you first, is to provide them with a unique angle on your work.

Once you have established a general sense of the topic that you will address, discuss it with the news reporter or producer. Outline the points to be addressed in the order of listener interest. Write up the points and review them with the producer.

Your message needs to be clear and concise and you should review the points before the interview as well as anticipate difficult questions on the subject at hand and practice answering them.

Prepare yourself by knowing your subject and what listeners might ask you. Take into consideration questions that your clients have asked in the past about the topic at hand because these are likely to be the same questions that you

find yourself answering on the air. If during the interview you find that you are not being asked the questions that you prepared to answer, then do not be afraid to redirect the interview. It is

always acceptable to jump in and say that you would like to add something else. Remember that this is your interview; take control of it as best you can.

Some interviewers will ask a controversial question or questions that will put you on

remember that this is yourinterview; take control of it

by Patricia Raskin


When doing media interviews, remember that you don’t have to or want to promote yourself directly. Just being on the air is promotion because you are representing yourself and your business.

While being interviewed you should keep in mind that fifty percent of all communication is nonverbal. Body language is very important. However, if you are on the radio then you will not be able to rely on body language to convey the image that you would like to have. Instead, you must focus on your tone, the pitch, and the pauses of your voice. Use a friendly tone that is not too casual, but one that lets the listeners know that you are approachable.

When appearing on television, you also have to take your appearance into account. Dress appropriately for your line of work. Suits are appropriate in many situations. While on television, you also want to watch how you present yourself physically. Be aware of fidgeting or other habits that might make you appear nervous or insecure. If you would prefer not to have to deal with your appearance, radio may be the better option for you. Being on the radio is easier because you can really focus on your message without having to consider your body language or dress code. However, this is now changing with the use of webcams and video taping during radio interview.

In summary, when used with prudence, preparation, and knowledge of the medium, the media, be it radio or television, or the internet, can provide you with a low-cost/no-cost method to deliver your message.

Green Envy Eco Boutique | WOMEN IN BUSINESS

What is the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?

The biggest challenge I faced as a small business owner was initially getting the customers through the door. Once they do come in, they always like the store and they will come

back but getting the right people to come in the first time and realize I’m here has been a bit of a struggle. It’s finding the best places to advertise and I found that niche advertising like in a natural magazine, that is where you really get the

customers that will come back again and again.

What is the proudest moment you’ve had as a small business owner?

When a customer comes in, regardless of whether they buy anything or not if they just say “Thank you for having this

store. You’re really making a difference” because that’s what I wanted to do. I want to make a difference with people, with

the environment, with disadvantaged people in third world countries and when somebody just says that to me even if

they don’t buy a thing that makes me very proud.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting a business?

The advice I’d give is don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t do it. I did have a couple of people say “What are you

doing. The economy is bad. You can’t open a business. This is the age of Wal-Mart and people don’t shop in boutiques anymore.” It did get to me at first

but surround yourself with positive people because they just reinforce you.

Patricia Raskin is the nation’s powerhouse personality for live

talk radio and the voice behind Positive Living, Patricia Raskin,

president and founder of Raskin Resources, is an award-winning

media producer and host, media coach, speaker and author.”

To watch the entire video with

Rachel of Green Envy, visit our YouTube Channel

at http:/www.youtube.com/risbj

ARachael Lessneowner of Green Envy Eco Boutique

withQ&

Patricia RaskinRaskin Resources Productionswww.patriciaraskin.com


WOMEN IN BUSINESS | Get What You Want in 2012

January is all about stepping into our goals. You can do this formally with lists, charts, whiteboards and PowerPoint presentations, or just use the blank calendar to step back and reflect on what you want for the coming weeks and months.

With my business school and corporate background, it always amazes me when people tell me they don’t set annual goals. “How’s that working for you?”, I ask. And I either get an empty shrug, or a diatribe about how it is important to live in the moment. Hey, to each his own. But, recently, I asked a few Rhode Island business women to share their tips on how to get what you want, and the ladies really stepped up with some great advice:

determine your goalsTracy Cheney, vice president of Dr. Day Care childcare facilities in northern RI, shares a quote from Walt Disney, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” (“And, dream big!” she adds.)

Courtney Wright, a banker from North Kingstown, suggests this simple, yet very effective tip, “Write your goals down on paper.”

Wendy Hanson, my co-author, and Oakland, CA-based business coach told me once to “THINK big and ACT big”. (And, that year, I landed my first Fortune 500 client.) It was author and speaker Marianne Williamson who said, “Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.”

take actionChristina Rondeau, kickboxing professional, and founder of Rondeau’s Kickboxing studios in Johnston, West Warwick, Woonsocket, Warwick and Tiverton, suggests a great way to not get overwhelmed and give up too early, “Take baby steps everyday towards your goal.”

Mary Lou Lamontagne, a former banker who is now and managing the US tour for the Destiny Africa Children’s Choir,

“Embrace change, and take risks!”

JoEllen Hockenbrough, a Providence-based personal chef advises, “Stay out of the way of WHY.” (On a personal note, the HOW is what gets me every time as in, “How in the world am I going to make THAT happen?” Sometimes you just have to trust in the goal itself.)Mary-Beth Theriault, a wellness professional in North Kingstown had a different slant, “Take a long, quiet walk in the woods. Smell the wind, notice the amazing balance nature

how to getwhat you want

in 2012in business and life

by Michelle Girasole

Our clients know we’re herefor them year-round, notjust at year-end.

AT BRAVER, IT’S THE WAYWE DO BUSINESS.

NEWTON BOSTON TAUNTON PROVIDENCE CONCORD

JAMES J. PRESCOTT

PETER L. CHATELLIER

DAVID A. FONTAINE

JAMES D. WILKINSON

DEBRA A. MITCHELL

ROBERT J. CIVETTI

155 South Main Street

Providence, RI 02903

401 421 2710

www.thebravergroup.com


has. Feel the sun and listen to your heart as you walk. Trust in yourself. Leave all the modern distractions at home. Stop thinking only about what we want, but rather look for what we need, AND how we can help those around us.”

get helpJennifer Madura, a human resources professional with The Nature Conservancy, advises, “Stay inspired and make sure you have the support you need to achieve your goals.”

Karen Hersum, North Kingstown realtor, advises making connections that can help you get where you want to go. “Put yourself out there. Go to new events and meet like-minded people.”

Audrey Kullberg, a marketing research expert from NYC, now living in North Kingstown, suggests a bit of reading: Mika Brzezinski’s recent book, “Knowing Your Value,” which interviews a number of successful women, and concludes that

“to get ahead, women have to ask for want they want and be prepared to walk away if they don’t get it.“

Lena West, social media strategist from New York City tells it like it is, “If you don’t A.S.K., you don’t G.E.T.!” (Isn’t that the truth?)

My best advice? Be committed to whatever it is that you want. Don’t waiver. Don’t permit others to force you to stray off the path. Follow your heart, be open to all the possibilities and go for it! Only you can do this - no one else can give you permission or do it for you. Own your goals!

And, in the words of my childhood friend from Cumberland, Kristen (who is now a teacher in Kentucky), if all else fails, “Bat your eyelashes and show some Cleveland (wink, wink)!” Sorry guys, the ladies have the advantage on that one...

Share/Comment: What’s YOUR goal, and are you ready to get what you want?

Learn as much as you can from other localand global businesses; learn their successes and their

failures. All lessons learned is information gained!Melanie Stjean, Professor, Johnson & Wales

Being a successful small business person isequal parts talent and knowledge, the ability to network

and win people over, and the guts and faith to keeptaking risks. Take any one of those out of the equationand you’re sunk. Nail all three and you’re unstoppable.

Laura Dunn, Owner, Quill and Cursor

Women bring their own style and flavorto business. The empathy and loyalty we show in our

families and personal relationships can work well in our business relationships, too.

Nancy Thomas, Owner, Tapestry Communications

Michelle GirasoleFresh LLCmichellegirasole.blogspot.com


The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre | 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Anthony Estrella, Artistic Director t 401.723.4266 (723.GAMM) f 401. 723.0440

www.gammtheatre.org

THE SNOW BALL

The Gamm Theatre is hosting its 10th annual fundraising celebration. We’re bringing the outdoors indoors, transforming a historic Pawtucket Mill into the Arctic North, with winter-themed food and drinks to tempt your taste buds and hot tunes to shake off your winter blues!

For tickets and sponsorshipinformation call (401) 723-4266 ext. 16 today!

biddingforgood.com/gammtheatre

FEBRUARY 18SATURDAY 6:00PM

65 BLACKSTONE AVENUE, PAWTUCKET

PARTNERING WITH THE

IS� GOOD� FOR� YOUR� BUSINESS�

TICKETS� Give your clients or prospects a great night of theater, or reward your employees with an evening on the town.Gi� certificates available! Group rates begin at 10 people.Call Tracy Morreo at 401.723.4266 ext. 12, or email [email protected].

ADVERTISING� Reach our audience of affluent homeowners, professionals and business leaders by advertising in our play program, on ticket envelopes, or on the tickets themselves.Call Gail Hulbert at 401.723.4266 ext. 11, or email [email protected].

SPONSORSHIP� Show the community that you value culture and literacy byconnecting your brand to our productions or educational programs. Sponsorships begin at $1,000.Call Brian Pla� at 401.723.4266 ext. 16, or email [email protected].

JUST�ASK�Pawtucket Credit Union, Citizens Bank, Colle�e Vacations, MetLife, Verizon, Focus Business Solutions, East Coast Lighting & Production Services, Alliance Blackstone Valley FCU, the Phoenix, Navigant Credit Union, LGC&D, Hinckley Allen Snyder LLP, Bristol County Savings Bank, The Times, Providence Media, Bank RI, Gateway Healthcare, Mount Saint Charles Academy, India Restaurant, Chez Pascal, iolabs, URI, Major Electric Supply, Gordon School, Partridge Snow & Hahn, Adler’s Design Center and Hardware, Rhode Island College, PBS, Newport Storm, Artinium, WRNI, North Main Radiation Oncology, WBRU, Rue De L’Espoir, Tockwo�on Home, Troy Pires & Allen Insurance, Panera Bread

...and many more!

THE� HOTTEST�

PARTY�IN�THE�

COLDEST�MONTH!


Changing the landscape of the cosmetics and personal care industry-both in manufacturing processes and defining new decision-making factors for the consumer to consider—was an ambitious undertaking that only most seasoned professionals might have attempted. Yet Ava Anderson was just 15 years old when she envisioned and developed a personal care industry overhaul that has blossomed into something revolutionary: Ava Anderson Non-Toxic.

In the fall of 2008, Ava Anderson and her mother watched a TV news segment warning the public about toxic levels of chemicals in cosmetics. Realizing that what is applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream, Ava began to wonder what was in the products she used. She discovered the Cosmetics Database, a massive compilation of personal care product information developed by Environmental Working Group (EWG), where she learned that every single personal care product she used rated high on the 0-10 hazard scale.

Ava spent the next year learning everything she could about the cosmetic industry and researching chemicals used to produce personal care products. One of the most troubling loopholes Ava became aware of is that manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products can legally hide hundreds of toxic chemicals in the ingredient “fragrance” – an umbrella term that is considered “trade secret” and protects them from having to reveal their exact formulas. This means a product listed as a 5 on the Cosmetic Database, in actuality may be much more hazardous, if it contains the ingredient “fragrance.”

After learning that many of the organic and natural products she found as replacements also had many toxic chemicals for humans and the environment, and tirelessly and unsuccessfully trying to locate non-toxic products to use, Ava decided to

create her own. With support and help from her parents, on December 1,

2009, she launched Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, one of the first skin care and makeup lines in the world in which every ingredient in every product is a zero on the 0-10 Cosmetics Database toxicity scale. The company’s

line now includes more than 30 products for body, skin,

face, hair and sun products, with more slated for

rollout in 2012.

Ava originally thought she might be creating products in her kitchen, selling online or perhaps in local stores. Today, this Rhode Island-based family business uses a direct sales model, working with more than 1,300 consultants in 48 states. A direct sales approach has proven successful because it provides

consumers an opportunity to be educated and starts a dialogue about the dangers of toxins in personal care products. It also creates many small businesses within the business, where consultants are provided with products, shipping services, marketing materials, and weekly compensation.

Their commitment to Rhode Island is real - Ava Anderson Non-Toxic’s Warren offices employ six staff members. Whenever possible, they work with local businesses such as label and cosmetic brush manufacturers, photographers and videographers, printers, convention venues, etc. They are one of Warren’s largest postal customers, and they have no plans to leave Rhode Island. As the company’s president, Kim Anderson says,

“Born here, staying here!”

In just 24 months since Ava Anderson Non-Toxic launched, Ava has been featured in publications such as Glamour, Seventeen, People, AOL Stylist, WWD and Italian Vogue. Locally, she’s been a guest on WPRO morning radio, NBC10 news, The Rhode Show and featured in the Best of Rhode Island 2010 issue. In 2011, Entrepreneur Magazine named Ava Anderson Non-Toxic as one of the Final Five “Emerging Entrepreneurs” of the year. They have been recently named as “Champions” by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Ava will be featured on a PBS segment later this month on “greenwashing.”

“It is very exciting to be able to provide quality, safe products, made in the US, and an important life changing message for families across America, while offering hundreds of our independent consultants the opportunity to earn excellent incomes. Truly green companies have a tremendous future in this country,” says Ava.

Ava Anderson’s vision was to create cosmetics and personal care products that are free of toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrance and dyes. By age 17, she has accomplished exactly that. The Rhode Island teen continues to generate enthusiasm, educate the public and launch new products, as she also balances her high school responsibilities. With determination, intuition and the support of her parents, Ava’s goals are being reached and redefined every day.

ava andersoncosmetic industry

makeover

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

by Melissa Black


FEATURED CHAMBER | Central Rhode Island

As an organization, the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce seeks to support and advance the business community in Rhode Island. We provide a myriad of benefits to our membership, and continually strive to find new ways to help our members succeed. The Central Rhode Island Chamber is a leader in pro-business innovation and advocacy. We have approximately 1,000 members statewide in towns including Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, and West Greenwich. Our members’ loyalty is the best yardstick of our performance, and they continue to speak very highly of our services.

The Central Rhode Island Chamber had numerous successes over the last year, despite the tough economy. Our members have leveraged the benefits of membership with their own ingenuity to realize strong results of their own. Together, we will seek to build on these successes moving forward and revitalize Rhode Island’s economy in the process.

The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition, which speaks with the voice of over 12,000 Rhode Island businesses. Through the coalition, we successfully advocated against many pieces of bad legislation that would have adversely affected our members. The Coalition’s E-Advocacy network allowed us to mobilize our members and get them involved on the issues that mattered most to the small business community. If you helped support of the issues at the State House through www.

RIBUSINESSVOTES.com thank you. If not please visit the site and click on the “Take Action” tab and see how easy it is to get your message heard. Richard Hittinger, Chairman of the Board, believes wholeheartedly that the Chamber plays a vital role in keeping our membership informed of legislation and its implications, while also providing “a valuable voice for the business community in Rhode Island.”

“Our many, diverse events provide our membership with great networking and business development opportunities. Chamber membership yields greater company visibility within the community”, according to Leah Prata, Centreville Bank.

Business Assistance: Our business assistance services are the meat and potatoes of what we do at the Central Chamber. Our staff meets with members and potential startups to help them realize their goals and attain new successes. Through our Central Rhode Island Business Information Center we provide business consultants who help current and would-be small business owners. Joseph Oakes, VR Industries Inc., called the Chamber a “wealth of information,” and “a great business resource,” that is “very responsive.”

Networking: The Chamber offers numerous networking opportunities with events such as Business After Hours, Coffee Connection, and LEADS Luncheons. “The number of networking opportunities that the Chamber provides is impressive,” according to Steven Kitchin, New England Institute of Technology. Additionally, John Smith, BankRI spoke to the value added to his organization by events such as the Business After Hours, saying “It was a great experience, which has broadened my business contacts throughout the state.”

offer our membersthe chance to further their

knowledge & broaden their opportunities for success

1 2 3

1


Central Rhode Island | FEATURED CHAMBER

Save Money: We strive to create as many ways as possible for our membership to save money. Our current benefits include discounted rates on advertising and rental space, money saving coupons from local businesses and other special promotions.

Opportunities for Growth: We host various workshops, seminars, roundtables, and presentations on a broad range of topics. These events offer our members the chance to further their knowledge and broaden their opportunities for success. Communications: The Chamber provides our members with a plethora of media through which to increase their communications effectiveness. We offer such services as direct mail and email, press releases on member news, and the monthly “ChamberWorks” statewide publication. Jeremy Doran, Signs By Tomorrow, and his company turned to the Central Rhode Island Chamber for help with their effort to reach out to the community, and he was pleased with how much easier the process was on his business thanks to our facilitation.

Tourism: We distribute brochures for local businesses to hotels and car rental agencies throughout the area. In addition, the Chamber provides information and encouragement to businesses and individuals nationwide who are looking to relocate to Rhode Island.

Community Support: Through the participation of our members and staff in a wide array of local events and initiatives, the Chamber is an active member of the community gaining the tangible benefits of increased community visibility and networking opportunities, as well as the intangibles of being good business citizens and giving back to the community.

The Central Rhode Island Chamber provides many important benefits to our membership. The menu of benefits is extensive. We will continue to work to advance Rhode Island’s business community and we hope to realize many more successes in the coming year with the help of our members.

New MembersAngelnook Gallery

Bridges To BusinessCarousel IndustriesCayer Caccia, LLPChili’s Grille & Bar

Concentra Urgent CareEducation Evaluators International

Emergency Power CompanyFloral Express, LLC

Government Strategies IncGreat Northern Products, Ltd.

Impact Waste SolutionsJarred’s Homegoods

Jason E. Smith, CPA, LtdJefferson Office Suites

LDI CastingMAIL-A-MAP Street Maps

McFadden’s Irish American Restaurant and SaloonMercer & George, Attorneys at Law, LLC

Pilloni Family ChiropracticPocasset Bay Retirement Living

Real Estate Options, LLCREDdesigns

Residence Inn by Marriott - CoventryRichard Langseth

risportsphoto.comRWL General Contractors

TechCollectiveVerizon Wireless - Coventry

Warwick Country ClubWarwick Museum of Art

West Valley Inn

3288 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886401-732-1100 www.centralrichamber.com

4 5 6


CHAMBER CHAT | What’s New

North Central Chamber Deborah Ramos, President255 Greenville Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919

401 349 4674 | www.ncrichamber.com

The North Central Chamber is excited to introduce a new Slate of Officers to the Board of Directors for 2012, and welcome Leslie Anderson as our new Membership & Marketing Representative. We are especially looking forward to introducing some new events and opportunities in order to help our small business community. Kicking off this month, we will begin with new complimentary Business Spotlights for our members on the homepage of our website – www.ncrichamber.com, and then our Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting, with our January “Business After Hours” immediately following. Additionally, an upcoming “Get LinkedIn in 2012” Workshop and new for 2012

“Meet your Chamber Neighbor” - helping to bring back the “Main Street” within our communities.New MembersNortheast Recycle Group Stillwater Antiques Center The Autism Project Pollard Law, Inc. Sew & Vac Shack of Smithfield Sonlight Home Repair Services Corner Bistro C2 Communications HHP Fitness Zone Johna’s Restaurant

Newport County ChamberJody Sullivan, Executive Director35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842

401 847 1608 | www.NewportChamber.com

The Newport County Chamber of Commerce continues to offer educational seminars to help local businesses succeed. Below are some of our upcoming events. Please RSVP online at www.NewportChamber.com or call our office at 401.847.1600 if you are interested in our complete list of events.

Chamber seminars are FREE to Chamber members, and $25 for non-members. Wednesday, February 8thfrom 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.Human Resources Roundtable NotificationofEmployeeRights

Thursday, February 9thfrom 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.Chamber SeminarFacebook Business Pages 101

Thursday, March 14thfrom 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.Human Resources RoundtableCorporate Culture

Thursday, March 15thfrom 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.Chamber SeminarAndroid Smartphone/Tablet Workshop

New MembersKeenwahKidventure Play & Party CenterKP Design LLCOverviewPet LoverSeastreak Martha’s VineyardSpaVanaThe Sea Star CollectionYacht Insider’s Guide

Southern Rhode Island ChamberJoseph J. Iacoi, Executive Director230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879

401 783 2818 | www.srichamber.com

As we look back on the past year, we want to thank our members for their support and input . As we wrap up 2011, it’s a good time to recognize the many achievements our members have made. We salute you all during these challenging times.

We would also like to recognize our state and local officials, as they worked

to build many relationships that have helped us garner support for small businesses. It has encouraged business growth and job creation over the past few years.

We are fortunate to have such a strong membership base in Southern Rhode Island. It’s because of you, we are moving forward and growing.

New MembersAqua Science, LLCBeaches & Backroads RealtyBomb Squad Baseball CompanyCarousel IndustriesComplete Payroll SolutionsExeter Country ClubFinishing Touches Custom Picture FramingFord Insurance AgencyFresh, LLCHarbour Lighting, LLCManic TrainingMiddlebridge SchoolOlde Lighthouse DinerOrson and Brusini, LTDSoHo RestauranteSouth County Artificial Limb & BraceSprintSweet Cakes Bakery and CafeTower House B&BUniversal NailsWoodhouse Fire N Coal Pizza

Thanks to our members that hosted and attended our monthly networking events and supported our various marketing programs, and so much more. Thank You for your generosity.

Cranston ChamberStephen C. Boyle, President875 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920

401 785 3780 | www.cranstonchamber.com

Over the last six months the focus and direction of the Chamber has changed dramatically. We have re-branded the Business After Hours Events as Chamber Connections with a primary focus on networking. We also recognize

5

4

3

2


What’s New | CHAMBER CHAT

a non-profit at each event and share the proceeds of the night with them. We are averaging close to 75 people per event. We reinstituted the Annual Dinner and recognized several businesses such as Taco, Alex and Ani and Cartridge World. We also recognized Betty’s Candy’s as our new Community Angel Award winner for their generosity to the community. We are excited about our new location in Garden City, in the Post Office Plaza which will place us geographically in the center of the city and will enhance our overall image as we continue to grow in 2012.

New membersJ&K ElectricWJAR Channel 10RazzleReservoir Ave Self StorageNorth Safety ProductsPayden & company, LLCAMF Cranston LanesCranston Country ClubSign CreationsTwin Vending ServiceRhodes on the PawtuxetThe Noah Brayner GroupZola ChiropraticAngelnook GalleryEdible ArrangementsAlways and Forever Bridal/Formal Wear ConsignmentsJolly John’s Candy

Northern RI ChamberJohn C. Gregory, President/CEO6 Blackstone Valley, Suite 301 Lincoln, RI 02865

401 334 1000 | www.nrichamber.com

The Northern RI Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual dinner on Wednesday, February 15 2012 at the Twin River Event Center. The event will host more than 500 attendees and will honor two award recipients for the Barbara C. Burlingame award and the Ben G. Mondor award. Keynote speaker for the event is Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island General Treasurer. Cost is $90 per person

and table sponsorships are available. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 PM. Contact the Northern RI Chamber at 401-334-1000 to register for the Annual Dinner or visit the website at www.NRIChamber.com for more information on this and other events happening at the Chamber.

New membersAllstate InsuranceChallenge Education AssociatesDamiano, Burk & Nuttall, P.C.HousingWorksRIRhode Island Community Food BankRhode Island Monthly Communications, Inc.

6


COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE



Mike Giuttari: Landlords and sellers have to come to realization that rental rates and sale prices have bottomed out

HITTING ROCK BOTTOM

In the downtown Providence office market, there has not been the large volume of deals, but the deals that have happened, or are in the pipeline, are significant, ranging anywhere from 10,000 - 150,000 s/f in size. During the past year and a half, 10 Memorial Blvd. (GTECH) had arguably the best return on their tenant investment, essentially filling up the available space over four or five tenants. This will help the other available “A” space during 2011, such as 500 Exchange St. (on its way to a sizeable tenant upgrading from B space), 15 LaSalle Sq.(hoping to land the big fish this year - Hasbro), 100 Westminster St., and most likely push rental rates for class “A” space consistently back over the $30 number on new deals. Schillings 38 Studios has moved into their new 100,000 s/f headquarters and a few landlords still have their fingers crossed in the hopes of landing the big one during 2011, Hasbro, for 150,000 s/f.

In the suburban office market, northern Rhode Island has remained flat during 2011 due to a lack of demand, coupled with low availability of office space. A few smaller deals have been completed such as Colgate Palmolive securing 3,000 s/f at 42 Albion Rd. in Lincoln, continuing the trend of companies wanting immediate access to pharmacy giant CVS. South and west of Providence, there are larger pockets of office space available for sub-division, offering ample opportunities for larger tenants to secure space at the currently low market rents. A few of these are the New England Tech facilities in Warwick (up to 170,000 s/f), a number of buildings in Metro Center, including One Home Loan Plaza (15,000 s/f), the possibility of a second building (50,000 s/f) at Metro East this spring / summer, and going all the way up to 300,000 s/f at the former FM Global headquarters at 1301 Hartford Ave. in Johnston.

The Rhode Island industrial market became more active during the second half of 2010 and has continued that trend during 2011. Much of the activity is in the typical 20,000 s/f - 40,000 s/f user driven market that Rhode Island seems to have an abundance of. Much of this activity was on the

sale side of the business and driven by users and the SBA 504 financing model. Given the ability for a buyer to make a deal with 10% down and roll improvement dollars into the package, it is fairly straightforward for a company renting space to justify the purchase.

Industrial leasing remains flat during 2011 and looks to remain flat, to slightly increasing towards the end of 2011, with rental rates following the same trend. Although there are some significant lease opportunities for tenants, the larger tenants are not around. Any revival of the industrial lease market during the second half of 2011 will be lead by the smaller tenant.

While the retailers, developers and brokers gather in Las Vegas this month for the annual ICSC convention, the retail market in Rhode Island continues to struggle for the national chains, with vacancies at most retail centers coming and going, new restaurant concepts trying empty locations, landlords putting facelifts on what they have in order to stand out from the pack, and many times only the best locations surviving. The smaller regional players with three to eight existing stores are active and taking advantage of the reduced rental rates and improvement allowances being offered by struggling landlords. National chain retailers remain very quiet, including those from the full service restaurant sector, even though P. F. Chang’s is making a run at the Providence Place Mall. The nationals will be looking for opportunities during the second half of this year, in Rhode Island; it will only be the absolute best locations that will attract any attention from them.

Although it has been a mix of optimism and pessimism, looking forward through the end of 2011, the consensus is that most trends are pointing upward in Rhode Island. The optimism about new deals is also based on the establishment of a new base for rental rates and deal terms. From a low point in 2009, 2010 was better than 2009 and 2011 is better than 2010. Landlords and sellers just have to come to the realization that rental rates and sale prices have bottomed out, but are still low and that concessions are necessary to keep existing tenants and acquire new tenants.

Mike GiuttariMG Commercial Real Estate



Butler RealtyGroup

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800www.ButlerRealty.us

322 South Pier Road, Narragansett: Great location just off the corner of South Pier Road &

Rt. 108(Point Judith Rd). 1200’ 1st floor retail/office with 350-1500’ 2nd floor. Rear is 1500’ 20’ ceiling with two OH

doors, can also be combined with front and/or 2nd floor.RILiving.com MLS #1007109

1370 Plainfield Pike, Cranston: By Walgreens at Atwood and rt 14. AMPLE PARKING in

newly paved lot in rear and front. Great visibility Corner lot. Use for Retail, Restaurant, GB to Medical. 4,800 sq ft Stand

Alone Building plus full 4,800 sf basement for $3,750 per/mo. RILiving.com MLS #981196

747 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston: Individual office space from 200sq ft to 14,000sq ft.

Busy Pontiac Avenue near Rolfe Square- walk to everything. Good for start up or incubator space, you can add

space as you grow!RILiving.com MLS #994568

440 Dry Bridge Road, North Kingstown: Contractor type commercial units. 1,200 sq ft with 14

foot over head door. 20 ft high ceiling will accommodate 2nd floor mezzanine. 200 amp/3 phase power. Gas Heat,

reinforced floors, expandable. 2 ½ miles from Home Depot Rt 4. Sale or Lease at $850/mo. RILiving.com MLS #1005019

500 Callahan Road, North Kingstown: Flexible space in Quonset Business Park. Major highway

access, minutes from I-95. Rail, Airport, shopping and ship-ping. 3 phase, 400 amp service,20 ft ceiling, loading docks, overhead doors. Flexible use and floor plans from 3,000 to

40,000 sq ft. from $3.75 psf.RILiving.com MLS #1005917

20 Centerville Road, Warwick: Great Apponaug location! Former school; solid brick

construction. Very nice 2nd floor space; owner on 1st floor. Space plan attached. Quick highway access and walk to

Apponaug Village amenities!RILiving.com MLS #988739

74 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich: Former Tim Horton Drive thru (1587’) and Plaza (4 units: 600-3800sf, See MLS#990071). Excellent shape tile floor, all stainless steel kitchen area. Great for small drive thru/takeout restaurant. Great Rt. 3 location, 1/4 mile from Rt.

95, Exit 6. RILiving.com MLS #990077

333 Main Street, East Greenwich: By far the best location on historic Main St w/parking lot across the street.Very busy location w/many uses. Lot’s of

street and foot traffic. Formerly Giuseppe’s (limited food & bev use). First floor unit.

RILiving.com MLS #1002796

126 Prospect Street, Pawtucket: Busy medical office Bldg. Easy hwy access next to

Pawtucket Memorial Hospital. Private suites or shared common area suites. Plenty of parking.Landlord pays most expenses. Many extras. Be part of diverse group of pediatri-

cians & other health care professionals.RILiving.com MLS #1005939

47 Sandy Bottom Road, Coventry: Large store (5250’) that can be divided into three; 1000, 1250, or 3000 sf. Very busy plaza on a busy feeder road.

Join ReMax, Anytime Fitness, Subway, Liberty Tax, North-east Karate & others. $12/psf base, depending on size and

improvements needed. RILiving.com MLS #1007209

24 Quaker Lane, Warwick: 1,000 sf street level retail - $900 mo. 1,000 - 3,000’ sf (3 units) 2nd level, bright second floor space from $750 mo. with high ceilings and sky lights. Zoned general business.

By Kent County Courthouse & “Miracle Mile” Rt.2/Rt.117. Great highway access & signage.


75 West Industrial Park, Cranston: 1,100 sq ft - Nicest contractor condo around. Centrally

located right off I295 by Comstock Industrial Park. 14’ over-head door, man door, office or storage, restroom, sewers,

sheetrocked with electric all around. Mop sink . $1,000 mo. HE lighting, gas heat.


PROPERTY FOR LEASE

More commercial properties

Go To: www.ButlerRealty.us

or email Jeff Butler at [email protected]

2915 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886

Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977



Butler RealtyGroup

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800www.ButlerRealty.us

More commercial properties

Go To: www.ButlerRealty.us

or email Jeff Butler at [email protected]

2915 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886

Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977

400 Reservoir Avenue, Providence/Cranston Line: 2nd floor office condo in The Calart Building- Great loca-

tion convenient to Providence, highway, retail & food. 14’ x 16’ conference room, two 12’ x 14’ offices, open bullpen &

reception area. $139,900RILiving.com MLS #993375

279 285 Main Street, East Greenwich: Normandy Rooms and Ron’s Barber Shop (owner), same owner over 28 years. Tenancy surprisingly stable, some

over 10 years. Ron will vacate and consider sale of his salon business. GREAT cash flow and location!! NEW gas heat

system! $625,000 RILiving.com MLS #984569

660 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry: High profile three street corner location. Just 2 blocks

North of Arnold Road- Very busy area!! Sewers recently installed in this section of Rt3. $850,000


2025 Nooseneck Hill Road, Coventry: 2.2 acres on busy Rt. 3, $900’s. L shaped lot with frontage on Rt. 3 (Nooseneck Hill Road) and Harkney Hill Road.

Heavy traffic, & great demographic. Corner and light access. Can be combined with 2011 Nooseneck Hill Road (MLS#

1006843) $399,000.RILiving.com MLS #972242

440 4B Dry Bridge Road, North Kingstown: Light Industrial condo. 1,200 sq ft with 14 ft high bay door,

20 ft high ceiling, 200 amp 3 phase electric power. Gas heat, reinforced concrete floors, expandable. Contrac-

tors, warehouse, Light Industrial, Commercial storefront. $139,500 RILiving.com MLS #987517

18 Highland Street, West Warwick: RI’s oldest continually operating hotel. Rare opportunity,

great cash flow possibilities, 15 room boarding house (could be 21) plus bar and function room. Bar is closed, owner is retiring, proven winner ready for new energy!! $475,000


444 Wellington Avenue, Cranston: Wellington Industrial Area. M2 Zoning with heavy 3 phase power. 3 Overhead doors. Visible from interstate with easy highway access. Manufacturing, Industrial, Warehouse or

other use. Newish roof. Central location by corner of Park and Wellington. $329,000


1605 Main Street, West Warwick: Large well kept Victorian over 3300sq ft. Many uses, Zoned B. Great work/live space. Salon/office w/separate entrance. Great visibility & easy highway access.Nice family neigh-

borhood. Lease option: See MLS#1002548. $259,000RILiving.com MLS #1002568

15 Gansett Avenue, Cranston: Great visibility/corner location; high traffic, heavy popula-tion, and good demographic. GREAT shop with apartment upstairs. Live in potential- 90% SBA Financing possible.

$145,000 RILiving.com MLS #1003069

111 Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich: ½ acre – 16 acres Very fast growing area off Exit 6A near GTech, Amgen & Centrex. Front pad is busy Dunkin Do-

nuts, balance of site permits office, retail, warehouse & light industrial. Traffic count 15,000 and growing! Multitude of

possibilities- 6 other avail. lots. From $15,000 RILiving.com MLS #855989

79 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich: Great commercial site!! 1.5 acres, 239’ lot frontage – $300K !

Adjacent 7.28 acres, also 239’ frontage - $500,000 Town water, gas. Zoned highway business, many potential uses!! On heavily trafficked Route 3, right off of Exit 6, Rt. 95. Coventry and West

Greenwich are two of RI’s fastest growing areas! RILiving.com MLS#’s 971654, 971662,971664

7265 Post Road, North Kingstown: 7.82 acres on US Rt.1. Zoning permits apartments/office/

medical/retail. Many possibilities!! Will build to suit, sale or lease, or land only. Great location. Dozens of acres

and walking trails behind property. Adjacent 5+- acresalso available. $1,200,000


PROPERTY FOR SALE


F. Moore McLaughlin, IV, Esq. CPA

Still a great wayto save taxes

1031EXCHANGES

In today’s economy, smart investors are looking to save taxes. 1031 like-kind exchanges have long been the go-to option for sellers of real estate looking to avoiding a large tax bill. Even in a down market, savvy real estate owners are still taking advantage of this long-standing tax savings tool.

The basics of a 1031 exchange require sellers to identify and replace the relinquished property within a specified time frame by purchasing qualifying replacement property. In order to meet the stringent IRS requirements, informed sellers retain the services of a qualified intermediary whose sole business is facilitating exchanges. These qualified intermediaries, whose use is generally required by the tax laws, guide the seller through the intricacies of the law and help to ensure a successful exchange.

Now, more than ever, other business owners are finding 1031 exchanges to be useful when selling assets other than real estate. Property used in a business can be exchanged for qualifying replacement property. Intangible assets, such as customer lists, may qualify, too.

Special exceptions can be used when the seller has to buy the replacement property before being able to sell the relinquished property. With proper advice, 1031 exchanges can even be used to construct or improve real estate.

Like any tax savings technique, care must be given to stay in compliance with applicable laws. Always seek the advice of an experienced tax attorney or CPA before exchanging. And, always use a reputable qualified intermediary with a long record of successful exchanges.

Mr. McLaughlin is a tax attorney and CPA based in

Providence. He is founding partner of McLaughlin & Quinn,

LLC and owner of All States 1031 Exchange Facilitator. To

learn more about 1031 exchanges,

visit www.AllStates1031.com.



• which would be obvious to anyone hiring cashiers rather than providing evidence that they were successful at doing the job.

As you interview candidates you might also eliminate applicants if you find that they:• Are not familiar with their resume

content. • Express objectives different than

those on the resume.• Seem to have very different

qualifications than the resume would convey.

Given that some applicants make claims on their resumes which are not true, you may want to verify as much of the objective information as you can on the resume, such as dates and places of employment, high school or college degrees (especially Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Degrees from leading universities), etc.

You may also wish to check references or recommendations but keep in mind that at least some people who agree to serve as a reference believe that that have agreed to sell the applicant to you. They may be very unlikely to mention any real weaknesses or problems, much as a sales person trying to sell you a particular brand of car is likely to focus on the cars strengths, not its weaknesses. On the other hand, other people may believe that their job is to evaluate the applicant for you, much like a Consumer Reports Magazine might evaluate a product. Also, people providing references may have differing levels of communication ability. Thus, differences in reference reports may reflect more about the style of the person providing the reference (and their skill as a communicator) than the applicant’s ability to do the job.

Once you select the seemingly most qualified candidates from the resumes submitted, you will probably want to interview the candidates by phone or in person to better understand the candidate’s ability to do the job and, perhaps, more importantly to provide the applicant with information about the job so that they can decide if they would want it assuming it is offered to them. The most important points about the interview is• For you to verify that the applicants

are qualified to do the job• Perhaps, more importantly, for the

applicant to gather enough realistic information to decide if they would like the job.

During the interview, it is critical that the potential employer only ask questions which are designed to determine whether the applicant would be available and capable of doing the job. The potential employer should ask specific questions about how the applicant handled job relevant situations in the past. The potential employer might, for example, ask a potential sales employee to explain how they convinced a customer to buy a product which would better meet their needs even though it was somewhat more expensive than an inferior product advertised by the competition. The potential employer should not ask the applicant personal questions such as their race, marital status,age, religion, country of origin, children, height, weight, etc. which are not relevant to the job.

being continued from page 42

Dr. Ronald G. ShapiroIndependent Consultantin Human FactorsLearning and Human Resources

Do Your Applicants Resumes ROAR

Building the rightnetwork isthe gift that keepson giving.

Build it today, get mobile-ready, and get up to $870 cash back. Just buy select Cisco® security, wireless, and switching products through the “Make Your Network Pay” Cash Back Offer through January 28, 2012.

Contact Atrion SMB today at [email protected] or by calling (401) 825-4422 to learn more about this special limited-time offer.


3am WritersAileen McDonough

Cranston, RI

401-385-3515

3amwriters.com/

AAAAlisa Capaldi

Providence, RI

401-868-6139

memberclubdeal.com

allConnexJamie Kuzman

Cranston, RI

401-378-0101

allconnex.com

AM 790Joe Lembo

East Providence, RI

401.433.4200

790business.com

AmeripriseFinancial ServicesDanny P. Dehoney

Cranston, RI

401-824-2530

ameripriseadvisors.com

/danny.p.dehoney

Anania ChiropracticDr. Karen Anania

Providence, RI

401-521-2225

ananiachiropractic.com

AtrionNetworking SMBRick Norberg

Warwick , RI

401-825-4411

atrionsmb.net/

BDCRILisa Sullivan

Providence, RI

401-351-3036

bdcri.com

Best Practice EnergyBryan Yagoobian

Wakefield, RI

401-783-1244

bestpracticeenergy.com

Black Ink Virtual AssistanceMelissa Black

401-489-4961

Blackincva.com

BraverJim Wilkinson

Providence, RI

401-421-2710

thebravergroup.com

Butler Real EstateJeff Butler

Warwick, RI

401-886-7800

butlerrealty.us

Capability AcceleratorsJeffrey Deckman

Providence, RI

401-862-6454

capabilityaccelerators.com

ComputerTelephoneLinda Gordon

Warwick, RI

401-737-5300

computertelephone.biz

Data Stream PlusAl Cardi

Cranston, RI

401-413-1967

datastreamplus.com

DeFeliceOfficeSuitesTom DeFelice

Warwick, RI

401-885-5000

defelicecenter.com

Dino BrantolinoDino Brantolino,

Cranston, RI

401-323-8568

Fancy ScrubsLisa Buben

Hope, RI

401-527-9235

fancyscrubs.com

Fresh LLCMichelle Girasole

Narragansett, RI

michellegirasole

.blogspot.com

Gamm TheatreBrian Platt

Pawtucket, RI

401-723-426

gammtheatre.org

Gentry MovingBrian Crum

Johnston, RI

401-647-4396

gentrymoving.com

GLAD WORKS Adam Harvey

Providence, RI

401-724-4523

gladworks.com

GOGOCAST, Inc.John Bordeleau

Cranston, RI

401-757-0518

gogocast.com

GoLocalJosh Fenton

Providence, RI

golocalprov.com

Image IdentityDave Lubelczyk

North Attleboro, MA

508-259-9016

imageidentity.com/

Johnston InsuranceMark Rotondo

Johnston, RI

401-351-3280

johnstoninsuranceri.com

Life-PanelTim Sullivan

Rumford, RI

401-434-5588

well-track.com

Lucier CPA, Inc.David Lucier

Johnston, RI

401-946-1900

Luciercpa.com

Raskin ResourcesProductionsPatricia Raskin

East Greenwich, RI

401-398-8114

patriciaraskin.com

Rhode Island TelephoneGeorge Shaheen

Cranston, RI

800-590-5401

ritelephone.com

RI Executives AssociationNancy Thomas

Warwick, RI

401-739-6419

riexecs.com

RIEDCAlisson Walsh

Providence, RI

401-278-9159

broadband.ri.gov/

RWL Contractors Kevin Leblanc

Pawtucket, RI

401-729-1200

rwlcontractors.com

Survey AdvantageMichael Casey

Jamestown, RI

401-560-0311

surveyadvantage.com

Tapestry CommunicationsNancy Thomas

Cranston, RI

401-447-8182

tapestrycommunications.com

University Business ConsultantsDennis Rebello

Wakefield, RI

401-284-1511

universitypdc.com

WasteXpressJohn A. Souto III

Cranston, RI

401-464-6400

wastexpressri.com

Make-A-Wish Foundation®

of MA and RIAshley DeSimone

Providence, RI

401.781.9474

massri.wish.org

MBM InsuranceMarybeth Mainelli

Johnston, RI

401-757-0409

mbmirc.com

MediapeelAnthony Gemma

Lincoln, RI

888-359-6550

mediapeel.com

MG CommercialReal EstateMike Giuttari

Providence, RI

401-751-3200

mgcommercial.com

New EnglandCredit CardBrett Fish

East Greenwich, RI

877-585-0033

newenglandccs.com/

New Life MarketingMike Amato

Smithfield, RI

401-626-2117

iwantinternetmarketing.com

NY LifeJonathan Matrullo

Providence, RI

401-276-8788

www.jonathanpmatrullo.com

PosiNetRay Lebelle

Johnston, RI

401-255-6522

posinetpos.net

Providence BruinsJodi Duclos

Providence, RI

401-680-4709

providencebruins.com

BUSINESS | Directory


Documents

RISBJ - Premier Issue