PUBLISHER’S LETTER

How many times have we heard that innovation is the only true defensible competitive advantage? And yet, despite being oft-repeated, the concept is far more than a bromide.

Four of this year’s Business Excellence Awards winners have put innovation at the center of their business plans. For A2B Tracking Solutions Inc., building products and services that allow the U.S. military to keep track of material all over the world is by definition innovative. And as information technology continues to move forward at breakneck speed, innovating is the only way to stay relevant.

Highlander Institute is less concerned with innovation of hardware exclusively, but rather looks to overturn the status quo in teaching with a combination of new technology and new techniques.

Sojourner House noticed that its original client pool, victims of domestic violence, was often on the receiving end of sexual violence, including trafficking, as well. Seeing that there was a great need being unmet caused this nonprofit to innovate, so much so that today, a decade-and-a-half after opening Providence’s only drop-in and advocacy center for domestic violence, Sojourner House also has an emergency shelter, transitional housing, a shelter for male victims, permanent supportive housing and soon, housing for those trying to escape human trafficking.

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As for Ximedica, that is its raison d’etre. Founded 30 years ago by two Rhode Island School of Design grads, the company helps other companies develop and bring to market biotech and medical-device products that are made to be disruptive. If the company doesn’t innovate, it doesn’t exist.

PBN’s BEA program always has had the support of generous sponsors, and this year that is true again. Presenting sponsor of the Business Excellence Awards for the first time is Blum Shapiro. Welcome aboard. Partner sponsors this year are Bryant University’s Executive Development Center, Cox Business, the Hilb Group of New England and Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP.

Roger C. Bergenheim

President and Publisher

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