RI Commerce Corporation Board Member Owner of Fetish Club

Friday, October 23, 2015

GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle

 

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A newly appointed member of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is the owner of a controversial West Warwick nightclub known for kink and S&M events, but the announcement of the appointment by the Administration of Gina Raimondo and the Commerce Corporation's website fails to disclose the business interest.  

Vanesa Toledo-Vickers, along with husband Jim Vickers, runs the establishment Manchester 65, and since opening in July 2013 has regularly hosted fetish nights and controversial music performers, in addition to national acts.

The venue, which promotes such events as “Kinkyoke,” has recently come under fire by Rhode Island community leaders for its upcoming show with rapper Chief Keef.

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The ownership of the club raises questions as the Commerce Corporation has a series of small business loan programs for "smaller businesses looking for a direct, fully secured loans, the Small Business Loan Fund (SBLF) providing up to $500,000 for working capital to existing manufacturing, processing and selected services." 

The Commerce Corporation was the recreation of the RI Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) after the collapse of 38 Studios. The RIEDC board included top leadership from many of America's largest public and private corporations including Hasbro, CVS and Gilbane. The reinvented Rhode Island economic development arm's mission is to "work with public, private and non-profit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens by promoting the state's long-term economic health and prosperity."

Repeated efforts by GoLocal to reach Toledo-Vickers were unsuccessful. Her husband Jim Vickers confirmed that his wife owns the club, but he runs it. He refused to allow his wife to respond to questions for this article. "Yes, she's the owner, but I run the operation.  I do the booking, the publicity. She has other things," said Vickers.

Vickers said his wife disclosed the ownership in the club to the Governor's office and they decided not to include it in the announcement of her appointment or in her Commerce Corporation bio.

The Governor's press office did not respond to inquiries about the disclosure or the appointment.

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Toledo-Vickers

Lack of Disclosure

Toledo-Vickers was appointed by Raimondo to Commerce Corporation, who presented a glowing and indepth bio when the administration made the announcement, but the ownership of a significant business interest was omitted.

The bio for Toledo-Vickers on the Commerce Corporation website states:

"Director of Operations at the Academy for Career Exploration in Providence, a Career and Technical Education public charter school in Providence. Prior to this, Ms. Toledo-Vickers spent fifteen years at Virtual Marketing Associates Inc and over a decade of her career in various roles at AT&T. Ms. Toledo-Vickers is a member of the Board of Directors of Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Latino Public Radio and a member of the Advisory Committee for Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's Emprendedores RI Project. Ms. Toledo-Vickers earned her BA from George Washington University."

While entertainment venues that offer fetish events if properly licensed are legal, the omission of ownership of a business interest raises questions if the Raimondo Administration knew of the ownership or if they decided to omit that portion of her business interests. Some of the fetish events state that they are X-rated.

On Toledo-Vickers' LinkedIn profile, it lists Manchester 65 directly below her role at the Academy for Career Exploration.

"Manchester 65 is a live performance venue located in West Warwick, RI, just 2 miles from I-95. We host a variety of performances including national and local music artists, theatre, comedy, film and fine arts. With a national level stage and sound system, our 600-person capacity venue is located on the Pawtuxet River and an outdoor courtyard overlooks a picturesque waterfall and natural surroundings. Migrating geese and lovely swans are commonly seen on the banks of the water. Manchester 65 also offers a large, relaxing lounge with diverse app menu and full bar. Www.manchester65.com"

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According to Manchester 65, the regular fetish events have different themes. One recent event titled KINK Arthur's Faire described itself as:

KINK Arthur's Faire will be a ONE NIGHT ONLY event that puts the kink back into a naughty time of high debauchery!
Some will Blush, some will get their asses spanked, all will have a Bawdy Good Time!

In character performers will be giving an R- to possible X-rated version of the Renaissance experience. VICE already has a Medieval Rack, and we'll be adding more toys to play with.

Feast of Friends
All-you-can-eat outdoor feast and Craft Ale tasting held from 7-10pm
Price & menu tbd

The Dungeon
VICE has the largest Dungeon in New England. Expect REAL Medieval Torture.

Play Time
We already have Medieval Rack, and we'll be adding a STOCKADE SPANKING STATION for the very naughty!

Royalty
King Trouble & Queen Fancy will oversee the proceedings, and the Wicked can expect punishments.
Lady Mandy and Kitty are expected to be in attendance, as well as Sir Todd, Rogues Manny & Anthony and "The Viking"

Court Jester
Our Court Jester won't be holding back. This is not a PG night, so expected to blush to songs, comedy and in-character busting!

Bawdy Wenches!
The Wenches are a pair of sexy song-slinging wenches, bringing a unique form of entertainment. With a glorious combo of heavy innuendo and beautiful harmonies, these lovely songstresses will have you in stitches!

The Troubadours
Your Intrepid Troubadours for the evening are none other than The King's Troubadours, a high-octane supergroup of renaissance performers drawn from across southern New England. We play stirring traditional music hailing from the British Isles and America along with our own originals, and a few covers thrown in for good measure. It is our great pleasure to remind you: your ancestors partied just as hard as you do - possibly much harder! However, this knowledge does not come freely! We will not hesitate to send your sorry ass to the dungeon for fates unknown if you suggest Stairway to Heaven, Smoke on the Water, or Free Bird. Let your soles and your soul be unfettered as we unleash our infectious Celtic rhythms upon you

FREE Shot for anyone in costume!

VICE: The Largest Fetish Night in the Regions is held in a 10,000 sq ft Gothic Mill Style Venue, with pro-sound system, a huge dance floor, incredible dungeon room, separate lounge for the playful, full bar, food, with 27 foot ceilings and an EXPANDED 4,000 sq ft Dungeon!.
Trouble ~ Dungeon Master and Fancy~Head Mistress will be bringing you an amazing FULL Newly Expanded Dungeon.

Dungeon includes SIX-STATIONS, and FULL SUSPENSION
Feel free to bring your play bag or if you don't have your own floggers and paddles you can ask to use theirs.

CAGE DANCERS!!!
 

The Rhode Island Corporations Database maintained by the Secretary of State shows Toledo-Vickers listed as the business owner of Manchester 65 (as Ibis Toledo Vickers, which is also used for at least one campaign finance contribution by Toledo Vickers as well.) 

As a member of the Commerce Corporation board she serves with George Nee of the RI AFL-CIO, President Nancy Carriuolo of RIC, and Bernie Bounanno III of the investment firm Nautic Partners who are among the 13 members. The Board is Chaired by Raimondo.

Controversy with Upcoming Performance

As GoLocal recently reported, a change.org petition was started to oppose rapper Chief Keef’s upcoming appearance at Manchester 65 on October 28. Many have spoken out about Keef including two U.S. Mayors -  Chicago’s Rahm Emmanuel and Thomas McDermott, Jr. of Hammond, IA - who banned Chief Keef performances on the grounds that his music “promotes violence and poses a significant public safety risk.”

On Wednesday, Providence community leader Kobi Dennis took issue with the upcoming Chief Keef performance, signing the petition and saying,”I believe Chief Keef will only inflame old and current "beef" in our city and he will be headed back to Chicago with very little concern while our kids are shooting up the block.”

Pilar McCloud, who serves as the head of the Providence NAACP Youth Council, told GoLocal Thursday she didn’t believe Keef should be performing in Rhode Island at this time. 

“My issue is the Chief Keef is that he promotes violence and with all the issues that we currently have in Providence in the State, I don't think it would be wise for him to do an all ages party meaning anyone can attend,” said McCloud. “If it was a party for those 21 and older then that might be a little different but all ages means teenagers can come, and the last thing we need is for any of these teens to get the thought in their head that Chief Keef’s almighty and all-powerful and now they go out and try to do what he sings about in his songs.”

 

Related Slideshow: Seven 38 Studios Facts You Would Not Believe

Here are the seven facts that you would not (want to) beleive about the 38 Studios deal.

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1.

Meetings Started a Year Before When We Were Told

The first story was that Governor Carcieri went to a fundraiser for a WWII Veteran’s event at Curt Schilling’s home and that served as the spark to a meeting between Keith Stokes and the 38 Studios officials to try and lure the company from Massachusetts to Rhode Island.

Then, it was disclosed that meeting Speaker Fox had had meetings earlier in the spring through his relationship with his close friend Mike Corso.

In the documents released Thursday, Bill Murphy attested to how he sat in on a meeting with Corso, Fox and Curt Schilling while he was still Speaker.

But now, emails starting in July of 2009 between Corso and 38 Studios’ Tom Zaccagnino show the wheels were put in motion even earlier than we thought.

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2.

If Not for RI, 38 Studios Would Have Closed Within 1 Month

If RIEDC had turned down the deal in July 2010, documents released showed that 38 Studios would likely have missed making payroll the next month.

In a July 7 email from Rick Wester to Tom Zaccagnino, he wrote, “The latest would be the August 15th payroll at this point. I’m having doubts we can get through the 30th."

The RIEDC board approved the $75 million in bonds on July 26.

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3.

The Original 38 Studios Deal Was Small and Inexpensive

An internal email at 38 Studios dated February 18, 2010 outlines a Rhode Island staffing plan starting at 10 employees in 2010 and increasing to 40 in the future.

However, RIEDC mandated a high staffing level and thus a high burn rate. 

For 38 Studios to receive its last payment the RIEDC agreement required staffing to elevate to 450 headcount.

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4.

38 Studios Knew RI Money Was Not Enough to Fund the Company

An email exchange between top 38 Studio leadership and Mike Corso, confidant to Speaker Gordon Fox, in preparation to meeting with the RIEDC Board led by Governor Don Carcieri showed that 38 Studios wanted to keep certain financial realities under wraps. 

Tom Zaccagnino wrote to CEO Jen MacLEan, CFO Rick Webster, and Corso, “I really don’t think we should highlight the fact we might be undercapitalized…won’t go over well with staff or board."

Two and a half weeks earlier EDC Board gave preliminary approval and on July 26, the RIEDC Board gives final approval to the $75 million.

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5.

Style Over Substance

In October of 2010, RIEDC was preparing a public relations strategy because “the Gubernatorial candidates have politicized the 38 Studios deal.”

The Strategy document outlined the key messages, and the need to  “accelerate development of an in-depth Providence Journal story, including offer of access to Board members. The Providence Journal team will be Andy Smith, Paul Grimaldi and Business Editor John Kostrzewa — we will push for Neil Dowling’s inclusion.”

At the same time as EDC was rolling out its PR strategy to sell to the public value of the 38 Studios deal, 38 Studios internal documents showed that the company was tittering on financial collapse.  In fact, a demand for payment from Speaker Fox’s confidant for a $500,000 payment could not be met because it would cripple payroll.

An October 27 internal memo from CEO Jen MacLean to Schilling, Zaccagnino, CFO Rick Wester, and COO Bill Thomas said, “After running payroll, we have less than $500K in our Maynard accounts. We simply can’t pay Mike before the bonds close, no matter how much he might wish otherwise.”

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6.

The Deal Was Done Before Anyone Could Imagine

How deep were top EDC staff in on the deal to fund 38 Studios?

In an April 12 (2010) memo from RIEDC’s Michael Saul to Mike Corso and RIEDC’s attorney Rob Stolzman, he proposes “Determine whether any local institutions (RISD endowment, RI Foundation, Hasbro, Brown endowment, State Pension fund, etc) would commit to purchase a share of bond issue.”  This is just one of ten “to do’s.”

EDC’s top staff were strategizing on how to sell the bonds, months before the bill ever hit the House floor for consideration. 

This April 12 strategy session was supposedly just a little over a month after Governor Don Carcieri and Curt Schilling met and two months before the loan guarantee program is signed into law.  

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7.

Did Rhode Island Pay for Improvements at Corso's Bar

In one email in May 2011, Mike Corso alerted top 38 Studio officials of over $600,000 in change orders to the build out of the Empire Street 38 Studios’ offices.

The change orders Corso pushed for increased the cost of contractor Nappa Constructions’ project cost from $10.9 million to $11.6 million. As GoLocal reported in 2014:

A former subcontractor for 38 Studios is alleging that his firm was ordered to work on former Speaker of the House Gordon Fox's business colleague Michael Corso's bar as part of their contract - and has produced what he says is documentation to prove it.

Project manager Michael Rossi with SyNet, Inc. has revealed a budget for work which he says shows at $25,000 line item for work to be done at Corso's Tazza Cafe in 2011 -- under a job order for the failed 38 Studios.

Warwick-based SyNet bills itself as "the premier design-build low voltage contractor of structured cabling, access control, surveillance and audio visual systems in the Northeast."

"I'm changing everything on job -- these were all no bids. Nappa construction picked Rossi Electric. I realize the job can't be done the way it's designed," said Rossi. "The money was getting kicked back in the form of goods and services to Corso and Fox. I said I'm not doing this. I knew I was getting set up for jail with this. I went out on sick leave, I was done."

 

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