HOT

Relentless

The kid from Woonsocket had it all going - #1 pick in the NHL draft, a world-class athlete, fame of playing professional sports and money, but in one moment of a game, a stick hits his eye jeopardizing his career and vision.  But, that didn’t stop Bryan Berard.

He fought back to regain his career and functionally play the fastest game with just one eye.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

While not quite the same, Berard rebuilt his career.

Then, he gets a call from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and learned that his financial advisor had ripped him off and more than two dozen NHL players of all their earnings -- millions of dollars.

Nope. That didn’t stop Berard either. Now he has rebuilt his career again and works for one of the region’s top wealth management firms — WhaleRock Point Partners.

HOT

Help for Vets

There is at least one top Rhode Island economic development official who knows the needs of American veterans.

Matt Vargas, Vice President of Business Assistance at Commerce RI, is a graduate of West Point and has helped start businesses focused on the talents of veterans.

Vargas joined GoLocal LIVE’s Business Monday to discuss a range of programs Commerce offers that are beneficial to vets looking to start or grow a business.

From small business loan programs to match-making with the biggest companies in Rhode Island, the startup assistance programs offer a range of support initiatives.

And, Supply RI program connects with the state's biggest players with local suppliers.

The program specifically connects anchors — like Amica, CVS and Citizens with local suppliers through its database, website, trainings, and events.

"The SupplyRI team not only connects local suppliers with our Anchor institutions, but also guides local businesses to better understand the processes and needs of the Anchor institutions," said Vargas. 

HOT

Winner, Winners and More Winners

If tourism is one of the most critical components of Rhode Island's economy, it's only fitting that those folks who make the industry shine are recognized. 

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) was among dozens of those honored at the Providence Warwick CVB annual meeting.

PPAC was named the organization’s “Partner of the Year,” with the PWCVB recognizing not only the theater’s role as a top tourist attraction but also its conservation and education efforts.

“At the PWCVB, we never forget that the work we do has an impact on the lives and families of thousands of people, who rely on full hotels, restaurants, buses and tourist attractions to keep their jobs. We do our best so we can provide other people with the opportunity to do their best, like the award winners we honor today,” said PWCVB President and CEO Kristen Adamo.

Those honored this year are:

Brendan Adams, busser and food runner at the Lobster Pot;
Scott Alexander, docent and walking tour guide at the John Brown House Museum;
Laura Amato, waitress at Andino’s;
Amanda Bogardus, server and bartender at Providence GPub;
Robert Carmody, shuttle driver at the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown;
Michael Cesario, cook at Wicked Good Bar & Grill;
Steven M. Fiorentini, customer service senior analyst at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority;
James Fogarty, banquet captain at the Crowne Plaza Providence Warwick;
Reynell Guerrero, line and prep cook at the Tiverton Casino Hotel;
Charbelle Khattar, server and bartender at the Rooftop at the Providence G;
Michael Laurent, head of maintenance at Homewood Suites by Hilton – Warwick;
Ingrid Lopez, sales coordinator at the Fairfield by Marriott Providence Airport Warwick;
David Martinez, server and trainer at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar;
Laura McCoy, housekeeping supervisor at Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown;
Kelly McDonald, house manager at Trinity Rep;
Jose Minaya, houseperson at the Omni Providence Hotel;
Jennifer Noble, events assistant at the Ballroom at Providence G;
Andrea Oliva, bartender at Iron Works;
Arleen Oliva, senior national sales manager at the Rhode Island Convention Center;
Daiana Pina, cook at the Twin River Event Center;
Haydee Ramos, banquet captain at the Providence Marriott Downtown;
Desiree Rinaldi, banquet server at the Graduate Providence;
Eva Rocha, bartender and server at the Twin River Casino Hotel;
Freddie Rodriquez, bartender at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse;
Audrey Sweetwood, server at Sarto;
Jessie Winters, private event assistant at Gracie’s;
And Monika P. Zuluaga, vice president of membership and marketing at the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.

HOT

Mayor Mike

Curveball.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, is taking his first official steps to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

“Mike is increasingly concerned that the current field of candidates is not well-positioned” to defeat President Donald Trump, said Howard Wolfson, Bloomberg's longtime adviser.

HOT

Dr. Ed

On November 21, Dr. Ed Iannuccilli will receive the President of Rhode Island Hospital's Lifetime Achievement Award - no one deserves it more.

A great event to celebrate a tremendous legacy.

Learn more here.

HOT

New Boss

People’s Credit Union has named Sean Daly as President and CEO, the company announced this week. 

"Working for People's Credit Union for the last several years has been a privilege. I am looking forward to leading this great organization and continuing to build on its legacy in our community. Now is an exciting time to be in the industry as we look to blend the convenience of digital technologies with the exceptional personal service that our members expect,” said Daly.

Starting on November 8, Daly will succeed departing President and CEO, Ellen Ford, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

HOT

How About Those Babies

Women & Infants Hospital’s “Bright Night for Little Stars,” event raised $514,000 to support the hospital’s new birth center.

“I am truly humbled by the generosity and support shown by so many for Women & Infants Hospital and our new Birth Center. I am also grateful to the many volunteers and committee members who worked so hard to make this year’s event a great success," said Matt Quin, interim COO.

“I did not have an easy or simple path in starting my family. From the frustration of infertility through the devastation of losses, to the joy of motherhood, I’ve experienced it all. On our journey towards parenthood, we’ve been to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The constant was my Women & Infants family who carried me and my husband through it all,” said Hope Parish, a mom who shared her family’s experiences at Women & Infants.

NOT

What Mayor Pete?

You have momentum in Iowa and with Joe Biden fading there is a little gap. 

And you want zero press in RI. 

Buttigieg is visiting Providence this Sunday for a political event --  and is breaking with both Democratic and Republican presidential candidate tradition and blocking press from attending. 

In the past, press has always been extended some access to candidates even for fundraising events.

The event is titled, "Providence Grassroots Event with Mayor Pete."

GoLocal photographer Richard McCaffrey reached out to the Buttigieg campaign to coordinate press credentials for the event, but was met with an email from Chief of Staff for Communications Andrew Mamo deny press access.

Hey Richard,

Apologies, but Pete's event in Providence this weekend is closed [to the] press.

Andrew Mamo

Chief of Staff, Communications

NOT

Providence Water

There seems to be an ongoing problem at Providence Water with sharing public information and informing their customers about the risk of lead poisoning.

As GoLocal reported this week:

Why are some Providence Water customers now getting home water filters?  The answer from the agency is confused at best and should raise concerns for parents whose homes have had their waterlines upgraded recently, but did not receive filters.

Over the past few years, Providence Water has been upgrading water lines through its delivery area.

Now, some are getting water filters and written warnings about lead exposure, but thousands of homes had upgrades -- and did not receive filter systems.

GoLocal received a copy of the letter that some Providence Water customers have received in their door from the agency that states, “Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. The greatest risk of exposure is to infants, young children, pregnant women, and adults with kidney problems or high blood pressure.”

“Removing the entire lead service line from the street water main to the water meter eliminates a potentially large source of lead, but does not guarantee the total elimination of lead,” states the letter.

NOT

Providence School Reform

Why is it that the people that say "be patient, it is going to take time to fix the Providence schools" -- all have their kids in private schools?