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chefs & restaurantsnews

Resource Links for Small Businesses During COVID-19 Crisis

by David Dadekian November 28, 2020
written by David Dadekian

We’re All In This Together


¿Necesitas COVID-19 recursos en español? Por favor, póngase en contacto con Dorcas International.

There are a number of resources–on the national level, state level and municipal level–that have been enacted to help small businesses during this time of great need. I receive dozens of messages and emails each day asking what’s out there or do I have more information. Below are links to all the application forms and fact sheets that I’m currently aware of, plus some other resources on unemployment insurance and health.

I am taking all information from official web sites and cannot be responsible for any rule or regulation changes–consult with your accountant, lawyer, loan officer, etc. I can recommend those professionals if you need someone.

Jump down to:

  • Contact Your Government Representation
  • CARES Act General Overviews
  • SBA Coronavirus Pandemic Disaster Loans
  • Rhode Island Grants and Funding
  • City and Town Grants and Funding
  • Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance
  • Worker Relief Funds
  • Other Rhode Island Resources
  • Other National Resources
  • Mental Health Resources

Contact Your Government Representation

The only way these types of aid get passed is by contacting our representatives at all levels of government and making the need to save small businesses, such as our restaurants, a high priority. Here are contact info and search sites for you to find who you should be talking with.

Senator Jack Reed – 401-528-5200 or 202-224-4642

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse – 401-453-5294 or 202-224-2921

Find Your Representative
– Congressman Jim Langevin – 401-732-9400 or 202-225-2735
– Congressman David Cicilline – 401-729-5600 or 202-225-4911

Governor Gina Raimondo – 401-222-2080 / governor@governor.ri.gov

Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello – 401-222-2466 / rep-mattiello@rilegislature.gov
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio – 401-222-6655 / sen-ruggerio@rilegislature.gov

Find your Senator and Representative in the RI General Assembly


CARES Act General Overviews

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance FAQ

Independent Restaurant Coalition COVID-19 Legislative Responses: Impact For Small Business


SBA Coronavirus Pandemic Disaster Loans

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources – overview page with funding options, guidance for businesses and other SBA information

Questions? Contact Mark Hayward, Rhode Island District Director and Regional Administrator for Region I at rhodeisland_do@sba.gov or mark.hayward@sba.gov

SBA Coronavirus Relief Options:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan including EIDL Forgiveness Advance

  • Forgiveness Advance of up to $10,000 in 3 business days
  • 3.75% interest rate for businesses, 2.75% interest rate for non-profits of up to $2,000,000 for up to 30 years
  • Unsecured up to $25,000. No personal guarantee for amounts up to $200,000
  • Up to 1 year payment deferral, interest will accrue
  • Apply here

Paycheck Protection Program

  • U.S. Treasury Information Sheet
  • American Enterprise Institute summary
  • Applied via an SBA-certified bank or credit union – find a lender—this is important as I’ve heard from owners around the country who’ve said their bank was not entering this program and they had to find a new bank
  • Apply directly for the PPP through the Community Reinvestment Fund and Goldman Sachs
  • I’ve also heard it’s recommended you download and review, if not fill out the sample lender form, though your bank may use a modified version
  • 1% interest rate, borrow up to 250% of average monthly payroll from the past year capped at $100,000 per employee, up to a maximum of $10,000,000, for up to 2 years
  • Up to 6 months deferral, interest will accrue
  • Forgiveness: up to 100% as long as loan proceeds amount spent by the borrower during the 8-week period after the origination date of the loan is used for: payroll costs, interest payment on any mortgage incurred prior to February 15, 2020, payment of rent on any lease in force prior to February 15, 2020, and payment on any utility for which service began before February 15, 2020. Employee and compensation levels must be maintained and payroll cost capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee
  • Any advance amount received under the EIDL Forgiveness Advance will be subtracted from the amount forgiven
  • Analytix Solutions in Woburn, MA has offered, for free, to figure out your maximum PPP forgiveness amount. Fill out their form.

SBA Express Bridge Loans

  • For any business that has an existing banking relationship with an SBA-certified lender
  • Up to $25,000 with an interest rate not to exceed prime + 6.5%, fixed or variable, for a maximum of 7 years

SBA Debt Relief

  • The SBA will pay the principal, interest, and fees of the above loans for six months
  • Debt relief is automatic, but you should check with your lender

Rhode Island Grants and Funding

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

Citizens Bank – LISC Small Business Recovery Grant

Rhode Island Commerce Short-term bridge loans for restaurants and microbusinesses

Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Fund Grants


City and Town Grants and Funding

Providence Business Loan Fund

East Providence COVID-19 Job Retention Loan Program

East Providence Small Business Assistance

Pawtucket Business Development Corporation COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program


Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Compensation in the CARES Act FAQ

Understanding Rhode Island and Federal Paid Leave and Unemployment Insurance

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training

COVID-19 emergency unemployment insurance benefits for gig economy worker, contract worker, small business owner, worker for hire or self-employed


Worker Relief Funds

Another Round, Another Rally

American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund

National Restaurant Association National Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund

Restaurant Strong Fund

Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program

United States Bartenders’ Guild Emergency Assistance Program


Other Rhode Island Resources

Rhode Island Department of Health COVID-19 page

Rhode Island Superior Court Business Recovery Plan

RI DHS is exploring an expansion of a SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) via a waiver. See details and complete the RI Food Policy Council form.

RI Food Policy Council Interactive Food Access Maps

Restaurants with Online Ordering and Take Out

Shop Local Food & Drink Businesses Online

Breweries Offering Curbside Can Sales


Other National Resources

Independent Restaurant Coalition

Restaurants Act – Tell Congress: Support Bipartisan Efforts to Improve Relief Efforts and To Provide Additional Funding

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United COVID-19 Resources

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation Resources for Restaurants and Workers Coping with the COVID-19 Emergency

James Beard Foundation Resources Restaurants and COVID-19

No Kid Hungry Find Free Meals for Kids

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) page


Mental Health Resources

RI Foundation COVID-19 Behavioral Health Fund Grants

Crisis Text Line – message with a live, trained crisis counselor

Chefs With Issues Facebook Group

Ben’s Friends – food and beverage industry support group offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward to professionals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction

Streaming Service Promotions (if it helps, it helps!)


With thanks to my friend Rick Simone of the Federal Hill Commerce Association and Providence Tourism Council

November 28, 2020 0 comment
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Kari Carreiro
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

News Bites: Red Stripe Names GM of Providence / Rhode Island Restaurateur Named to Executive Committee of NRA / Narragansett Creamery Awarded Silver Medal

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.



Red Stripe Restaurants Names Kari Carreiro General Manager

Attleboro Resident brings over 20 Years of Leadership Experience to Providence Location

Kari Carreiro
Kari Carreiro

Red Stripe restaurants, located at 465 Angell Street in Providence and 455 Main Street in East Greenwich, are pleased to announce that Kari Carreiro has joined its Providence location as general manager. In her new role, Carreiro will oversee the day-to-day operations and work alongside AGM Mike Merluzzo, Chef de Cuisine Mike Lindenlauf, and the rest of the service and culinary teams of the restaurant.  

Carreiro brings 23 years of hospitality and retail experience to her new position.  Most recently, Kari served as a general manager for the creative scratch kitchen concept, Not Your Average Joes, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, including hiring and training of staff and guest relations. Additionally, she has served as manager for Back Bay Restaurants and The Stockyard Restaurant in Boston. Kari also holds numerous nationally-recognized service industry certifications. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Kari to our team,” said Jim Brosseau, Director of Restaurant Operations, Encore Hospitality Group. “She has earned great experience from some top-tier establishments, and this knowledge is a true asset to our organization. We look forward to working with Kari to further elevate the guest experience in Providence.”

A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, Carreiro currently resides in Attleboro, MA.


First Rhode Island Restaurateur Named to Executive Committee of National Restaurant Association

Brian Casey of Oak Hill Tavern & Company Picnic Company to become Chairman in 2021

Brian Casey
Brian Casey

Brian Casey, president and owner of the Oak Hill Tavern and the Company Picnic Company, both located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, has been named the 2019 treasurer of the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and is set to become chairman of the NRA in 2021. The North Kingstown resident is the first Rhode Islander to be appointed to the NRA Executive Committee in its 100-year history.

The lifelong Rhode Island resident and Rhode Island College graduate has served as a two-term chairman of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association’s (RIHA) board of directors in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, he was named “Caterer of the Year” by RIHA at its annual meeting and “Stars of the Industry” awards ceremony. In 2013, he was also named RIHA’s “Restaurateur of the Year.” 

“We could not be prouder of Brian regarding his appointment to the NRA Executive Committee,” said Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA. “To have a local restaurant owner, steadfast industry advocate and entrepreneur on the NRA Executive Committee is truly indicative of the excellence of the hospitality industry in Rhode Island.  We may be the smallest state in the Union, but thanks to the leadership of Brian and others like him, our voice is one of the strongest.”

The National Restaurant Association aims to lead America’s restaurant industry towards prosperity, prominence, and participation to enhance the quality of life for all that they serve. The NRA plans to build influences, build workforces, train and certify, and set goals to achieve – goals which Brian Casey is sure to tackle head-on. 

“I am extremely honored to represent the hospitality industry in Rhode Island as the newly-appointed treasurer of the NRA Executive Committee,” said Brian Casey. “As a lifelong resident of the state, I recognize how fortunate I am to be given this amazing opportunity, and I very much look forward to the challenge ahead.”


Narragansett Creamery Awarded a Silver Medal for its Burrata Cheese at the United States Championship Cheese

2016 Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Tasting, in foreground Narragansett Creamery table with co-owner Mark Federico. Photo by Stacey Doyle Photography
2016 Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Tasting, in foreground Narragansett Creamery table with co-owner Mark Federico. Photo by Stacey Doyle Photography

Narragansett Creamery was awarded a Silver Medal for its Burrata  Cheese at the United States Championship Cheese Contest held March 5-7, 2019.

Each Narragansett Creamery Burrata is made by hand. Mozzarella is stretched to form a pocket where it is then hand-filled with Stracciatella, a mixture of “torn” mozzarella (Stracciare – to tear apart) cream, and a trace of salt.

This year, the U S Wisconsin Cheese Contest received 2,555 entries in 116 different categories from 35 states.

“We are honored to win this award in the Burrata category and to be included with such an outstanding group of dedicated and creative cheese makers,” said Mark Federico, owner and co-founder of Narragansett Creamery.

Launched in 2007 by Federico, his wife Pattie, son Mark Jr., and local food advocate Louella Hill, Narragansett Creamery is a family owned creamery based in Providence that uses milk from nearby New England farms to make its artisanal cheeses and yogurts.

“We thank our local farmers who supply us with excellent quality milk which enables us to create award-willing cheeses,” Federico said.

May 9, 2019 0 comment
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Barbra Gremza
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

News Bites: Red Stripe Names GM / Farm Fresh RI Receives BlueAngel Grant / RI Hospitality Education Foundation Rhode Island ProStart® Competition

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.



Red Stripe Restaurants Names Barbra Gremza General Manager

Cumberland Resident brings 20 Years of Hospitality Experience to East Greenwich Location

Barbra Gremza
Barbra Gremza

Red Stripe restaurants, located at 465 Angell Street in Providence and 455 Main Street in East Greenwich, are pleased to announce that Cumberland resident, Barbra Gremza has joined its East Greenwich location as general manager. In her new role, Barbra will assume the day-to-day operations of the bustling Main Street eatery and work alongside the culinary teams and management staff at sister restaurant in Providence.

Barbra brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to her new role, most notably serving more than 16 years with TGI Friday’s as General Manager at eight of the brand’s restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Prior to joining Red Stripe, Barbra was General Manager of three Au Bon Pain locations in Rhode Island.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barbra to our team,” said Jim Brosseau, Director of Restaurant Operations, Encore Hospitality Group. “Her deep understanding of running successful hospitality operations and developing the skills of her team members are a true asset to our organization. We look forward to working with Barbra to further elevate the guest experience in East Greenwich.”

Barbra specializes in training and developing managers and team members at all levels and looks forward to this new opportunity. “I am excited to be with a brand and team with such great potential and I am looking forward to creating exceptional guest experiences for our friends in our community,” said Gremza.


Farm Fresh Rhode Island receives 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant

$22k Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island grant will help support Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program

Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Farm Fresh Rhode Island

Farm Fresh Rhode Island has received a 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant (BACHG) from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). The $22,000 grant will provide parents and children with resources to shop for and prepare healthy meals through the farmers market-based education program: Healthy Foods, Healthy Families.

Since the inception of the BlueAngel Community Health Grants in 2002, BCBSRI has donated more than $3.8 million to local nonprofits, impacting 300,000 Rhode Islanders. The BACHG program is BCBSRI’s cornerstone grant program, supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health issues in Rhode Island. For the past five years, BACHG funding has focused on Rhode Island organizations promoting the importance of good nutrition, physical activity and healthy weight for children and their families.

“Last summer, 380+ low-income families learned about nutrition and locally grown food options with us—a majority reporting the program led to an increase in their family’s overall fruit and veggie consumption,” said Onelissa Martinez, Nutrition Education Program Manager at Farm Fresh RI. “Thanks to this BlueAngel Community Health Grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI, we will be able to empower more Rhode Island families with the information and tools to make healthy choices and invest in their health and communities.”  

Farm Fresh RI’s Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program delivers interactive food and nutrition workshops at farmers markets for families who receive federal food assistance from WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Provided in English and Spanish, the program empowers parents and children with the tools to shop for affordable, seasonal foods and prepare them in kid-friendly ways.

“Childhood obesity is a major public health crisis in the country and in our state. In fact, Rhode Island continues to rank among the top 15 states with the highest obesity rates in children. Childhood overweight and obesity results in dangerous health impacts and significant cost impacts, and we believe we can and must do more to stem this epidemic,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSRI. “Our support for organizations like Farm Fresh Rhode Island enables them to continue effectively addressing social and environmental factors that lead to overweight and obesity—particularly for low-income families in our state.”

According to Keck, BACHG programs underscore BCBSRI’s commitment to the state made at the company’s founding 80 years ago. “Our first 80 years were marked by ongoing efforts focused on improving the health of Rhode Islanders. Looking forward, we will reinforce and expand those efforts to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island. We cannot ignore the consequences of childhood obesity and its impact on public health in our state, including shortened life expectancy and billions of dollars of cost impact,” said Keck. “That’s why our continued partnerships with organizations combating obesity at the community level are so critical.”

In all, BCBSRI awarded $218,000 in BACHG funding for 2019. Funding is made available through the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Community Health Fund maintained at the Rhode Island Foundation.


RI Hospitality Education Foundation Hosts 8th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition

William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School and East Providence Career & Technical Center to Represent Rhode Island in National Competition in Washington, D.C.

ProStart Culinary Arts Competition Winners from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School: (From left to right): Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of RIHA/RIHEF; Chef Instructor Santos Nieves; William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School students Ashley Fernandez, Alexia Guzman, Britney Fernandez, and Victoria Carron. Photo credit: Richard Kizirian.
ProStart Culinary Arts Competition Winners from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School: (From left to right): Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of RIHA/RIHEF; Chef Instructor Santos Nieves; William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School students Ashley Fernandez, Alexia Guzman, Britney Fernandez, and Victoria Carron. Photo credit: Richard Kizirian.

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF), in collaboration with ProStart®, recently hosted the 8th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition. 

More than 40 area professionals judged 50 students who competed in three areas: the Culinary Arts Competition, including challenges in food safety and sanitation, knife skills, a three-course meal cook-off using only two burners, teamwork/cooperation, professionalism/appearance, and plate presentation; the Food Service Management Competition featuring the presentation of a restaurant concept and business plan including design boards, floor plans, marketing plans and menu design; and a Hospitality and Tourism Management Competition which saw students develop and present unique hotel concepts including event planning, marketing and interior design elements.

As part of the competition awards, seven different colleges and universities pledged $1 million in available scholarship money to be split up amongst the winning teams.

A culinary team from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School won the Culinary Arts portion of the competition, a food service management team from East Providence Career & Technical Center won the Food Service Management portion of the competition, and a hospitality and tourism management team from CHARIHOTech won the Hospitality and Tourism Management portion of the competition. The winners of the Culinary Arts and Food Service Management portions of the competition will now represent Rhode Island at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart® Invitational competition in Washington, D.C. May 8-10, 2019.

“I am so proud of all the hardworking students who dedicated months of practice and preparation for this event,” said Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of the RI Hospitality Association and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation. “It’s because of students like this that Rhode Island is nationally recognized for its outstanding culinary scene. I look forward to watching the students’ skills continue to progress and eventually become part of the skilled workforce we have here in Rhode Island.”

May 9, 2019 0 comment
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news

News Bites: Senator Reed Visits Hope & Main, RI Hospitality Association Staff News, RI DEM Director Janet Coit Receives Environmental Award

by David Dadekian May 12, 2014
written by David Dadekian

Reed Visits Hope & Main Culinary Incubator, Announces $30 Million Grant Opportunity for Local Food Enterprises

Reed Visits Hope & Main Culinary Incubator, Announces $30 Million Grant Opportunity for Local Food Enterprises

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Reed Visits Hope & Main Culinary Incubator, Announces $30 Million Grant Opportunity for Local Food Enterprises

Food venture center under construction in Warren could help cook up new businesses, jobs, and economic development throughout the region

Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined with local food entrepreneurs, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Lisa Raiola, the founder of Hope & Main, for a “hard hat” tour and firsthand look at efforts to transform a 100-year-old shuttered school building on Main Street in Warren into the state’s first full-service food business incubator.  During the tour, Reed also announced the availability of $30 million in competitive grants for the newly-expanded Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP).

“Rhode Island has so many talented chefs, bakers, farmers, fishermen, and more than fifty farmers markets.  This newly expanded grant program is a great opportunity to support local growers, promote Rhode Island made food and produce, and boost our economy.  I applaud USDA for making these funds available and will continue working to help Rhode Islanders compete for these federal resources,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee and a cosponsor of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, which played a key role in making these FMLFPP grants possible.  “Rhode Island is already a great culinary destination.  I want to help the state continue building its capacity as a food hub and connect more farmers and food entrepreneurs to the resources they need to grow their businesses.”

USDA will make the competitive grants available through the Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program.  The funds are designed to help producers better market and promote healthy food access by connecting consumers with local farmers markets.  USDA’s Rural Developments Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program will also provide $48 million in loan guarantees to help expand local food projects nationally.  The Hope & Main construction project was made possible in part by a $2.99 million USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loan.

Set to open its doors later this summer, Hope & Main helps local entrepreneurs jump-start early-stage food businesses with a special focus on supporting the local food system.  During the tour, Senator Reed and Ms. Raiola joined federal officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to meet with food entrepreneurs who are among the first members of the non-profit’s incubator program and discuss the next steps in supporting Rhode Island’s local food infrastructure.

“I commend Lisa Raiola for founding Hope & Main and working so hard to get it off the ground.  This new facility will help local entrepreneurs collaborate, grow their operations, and get technical assistance to cook up exciting new business ventures and turn their ideas and recipes into commercial success,” said Senator Reed.  “Hope & Main is already providing valuable education and business support to Rhode Island food entrepreneurs, and I am excited to see what they’ll cook up next.”

Now in its final months of construction, Hope & Main’s 17,500-square foot multi-kitchen facility will provide commercial cooking and storage space for food entrepreneurs and small businesses that can’t afford the up-front costs of building their own commercial kitchens.  When completed, the renovation will feature three shared-use commercial kitchens, including a gluten-free kitchen and bakery, over 6,000-square-feet of production space, cold and dry storage, a demonstration kitchen and classroom, and a 2,000-square-foot event space.

Hope & Main is now accepting applications and already hosting workshops to help teach prospective food entrepreneurs the recipe for starting a successful food business in Rhode Island, including how to produce, market, finance, and package their products for sale.  Hope & Main is also set to partner with New Urban Farmers on a new, on-site community garden, and plans to host a farmers market.

Food vendors joining Senator Reed for today’s tour included Louby Sukkar and Matt McClelland of The Backyard Food Company and Carol and Matt D’Alessio of Matt’s Magic Brownies.

Senator Reed has been a champion of the “eat local” movement in Rhode Island and has long supported efforts to help boost Rhode Island’s food economy.  He has worked to help bring individuals and organizations from different parts of the state’s food industry together to help the food sector grow and have an even greater economic impact.  In 2004, Reed helped pass the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act, which authorized the USDA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture for the purposes of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops.  Earlier this year the state received over a quarter million dollars to help promote Ocean State agricultural products.  The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, which was authored by Senator Sherrod Brown and cosponsored by Reed, seeks to spur job creation by improving federal farm bill programs that support local and regional farm and food systems.  Many of the provisions included in the Farm Bill passed by Congress earlier this year stem from this legislation.

Reed has also cited improving our transportation networks – upgrading the state’s roads, T.F. Green Airport, ports, and rail facilities – as key to growing Rhode Island’s economy and helping the state become an important food hub.

Construction of Hope & Main’s new facilities is expected to be completed later this summer.

Rhode Island organizations interested in additional information about the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program grants and the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program are encouraged to contact Senator Reed’s office.  Over the last several years, farmers markets have sprouted up across the Ocean State and Rhode Island is now home to 55 farmers markets, as well as other direct-to-consumer agriculture operations.  A comprehensive farmers market directory of locations and hours may be found at: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets.php


RI Hospitality Association New Hire Announcement and Staff Member National Board Appointment

Matthew Bussey

Matthew Bussey

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is proud to announce that Matthew Bussey of East Greenwich, RI has been appointed as the new Manager of Governmental Affairs.

“We are very pleased to welcome Matthew to the RI Hospitality Association,” said Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA. “We believe that his work ethic and legal knowledge will be a tremendous asset to the Association and will greatly benefit our members.”

Bussey brings more than six years of legal experience and expertise to his new role. In his most recent position, Bussey served as an Associate Attorney and later Of – Counsel at Martineau Davis & Associates P.C. in East Greenwich, RI. Prior to joining Martineau Davis & Associates, Bussey served as General Counsel to a small corporation in Tiverton, RI. He is a member of the bar in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as the United States Tax Court.

In Bussey’s new position at RIHA, he will be responsible for evaluating proposed legislation to determine its potential impact on the restaurant and hotel industries and communicating the Association’s position on legislation to legislative and executive branches. He will also educate and inform membership on legislative issues of importance and oversee the Association’s Governmental Affairs Council. He will also be responsible for managing the Association’s Board of Directors.

Bussey graduated in 2008 in the top third of his graduating class at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, RI. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado. Bussey is an IRS certified tax preparer and licensed mediator in Rhode Island.

Heather Singleton

Heather Singleton

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is pleased to announce that Heather Singleton, Sr. Vice President of Education at the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) has been elected to the Certification Governing Board (CGB) of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

“Heather is incredibly deserving of this recognition and we are so pleased that she has been elected to this prestigious national board,” said Dale Venturini, President/CEO of the RIHA and RIHEF. “Her industry experience is invaluable and I know she will be a true asset to this committee.”

Singleton brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her new role. She has worked at RIHA since 1999 and has served as a RIHEF guide and educator to thousands of hospitality students in Rhode Island for many of those years. “I am honored to be elected to the Certification Governing Board and I look forward to serving as a Rhode Island representative,” said Singleton.

As a member of the CGB, Singleton will be responsible for helping the NRAEF with appeals and decision-making of any escalated incidents that may arise, and ensuring that the rights of properly credentialed businesses are protected. It is a three-year term with the opportunity for re-election.

Originally a native of upstate New York, Singleton earned a BS in International Business from Johnson & Wales University and her MBA from the Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. She currently resides in Providence.


DEM Director Janet Coit Receives Environment Council of Rhode Island’s John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award

Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit was presented with the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award from the Environment Council of Rhode Island last night at the organization’s 15th annual Chafee Conservation Celebration.

Honoring the memory of the late Senator and his dedication to protecting and preserving the natural environment, the Environment Council award honors an outstanding individual or organization each year for their dedication and efforts to improve the health of the Rhode Island environment. This year’s award was presented by ECRI President Jamie Rhodes, and John Chafee’s oldest son, Zechariah Chafee.

“The Environment Council of RI is proud to help carry the late Sen. John Chafee’s legacy of conservation into the future. Given the close ties that Director Coit has to that history and the pivotal role she has played in shaping state and national environmental policy, there is no more deserving individual that her to receive the 2014 Chafee Award,” said ECRI President Jamie Rhodes.

“Receiving this award named after one of the nation’s conservation giants, John Chafee, means the absolute world to me,” said Coit. “I am humbled and inspired, and very moved. Thank you, Environment Council of Rhode Island, for providing an event where we come together to support and inspire one another by recognizing John Chafee’s shining example.”

Early in her career, Director Coit served as counsel to the US Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works, where she worked on national environmental policy for the late Senator John Chafee who chaired the committee. In 1997, she moved to Rhode Island where she worked as counsel and environmental coordinator in the Providence office of the late senator, and subsequently for then Senator Lincoln Chafee. From 2001 to 2011, Coit worked at The Nature Conservancy, where she led the Rhode Island Chapter.

Director Coit presented the keynote address at Thursday’s Environment Council of Rhode Island event and spoke about her experiences working for Senator John Chafee.

“Those of us privileged to work for and with John Chafee think often of what we learned from him, and know we are better people because we had him as a mentor and role model,” she said. “And, when it comes to conservation and protection of our environment – he was truly heroic, and his deeds and good works continue to shape our lands, safeguard are waters and improve the quality of life in Rhode Island and far beyond.”

During her remarks to the 100 environmental and community leaders attending the awards program, Director Coit said, “The lessons I learned from John Chafee influence me every day. I often think of him specifically, and remember his courage in the face of defeats and loss, his delight in nature, and his optimism as he tackled a new challenge with vision and verve.”

Coit told the crowd that this week marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark Green Acres Act, approved by the General Assembly on May 5, 1964. She spoke of how the then Governor pressed for the enactment of this pivotal legislation that led to the establishment of Colt Park, East Matunuck Beach, Snake Den and J.L. Curran Management Areas, and many other parks and refuges across the state. Director Coit read from one of John Chafee’s speeches from 1964 where he spoke of being “in the fight to preserve some parts of our lands in their natural beauty, in their primitive ruggedness.”

Director Coit is dedicated to preserving the quality of our environment and protecting the natural systems critical to the health, safety and well-being of Rhode Islanders as she leads the Department of Environmental Management. The Department is currently supporting a $75 million Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities bond recommended by Governor Lincoln Chafee and currently before the General Assembly as part of the budget. “Rhode Islanders have overwhelmingly approved these bond measures,” said Coit. “This public investment preserves our drinking water quality and supports our tourism, farm and fishing economy,” said Coit. “There is more work ahead.”

“What we do here matters desperately to Rhode Island and the world,” she said. “And, it is heartening and important to celebrate our successes and recognize the important work by people and organizations united in our desire to conserve and safeguard our natural resources, to give nature a chance, and to take on tough challenges so that our children’s children will inherit a healthy and vibrant Rhode Island.”

The Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) is a coalition of over 60 Rhode Island organizations as well as individuals whose mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment.

May 12, 2014 0 comment
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