Providence Business News has selected six organizations and three individuals for their excellence, leadership and community involvement for its 12th annual Business Excellence Awards, one of the region’s longest-running and best-known business recognition programs. more

When it came time for Stephanie Ogidan Preston to send her daughter to middle school, there was only one choice, as far as she was concerned: Community Preparatory School in Providence. more

In 2010, Big Sisters of Rhode Island, a nonprofit that matches adult volunteer mentors with at-risk youth, made a game-changing decision: For the first time, the organization would expand its work to mentor girls and boys. The organization adopted its current name, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, to embrace its new mission and broader service population. more

Healing fractured bones can be a messy business. Surgeons often employ a toolbox of metal rods, plates, screws and nails to align and stabilize fissured bones. The difficulty of the task worsens with aging or osteoporotic bones. more

What makes Amgen Inc. a leader in community involvement and volunteerism is its core values in creating a holistic work/life balance, according to Bill Flaherty, a database administrator who has worked at the biomanufacturing facility in West Greenwich for 10 years. more

It’s a third-generation, family-owned business started in 1931, at a time when selling “off-quality seconds” yarn and closeouts was a hugely successful line of business. more

The blood of an entrepreneur has always coursed through Michael Nula’s veins. more

When the Great Recession hit in 2008 and mortgage foreclosures soared, Webster Bank took a different route than many other lending institutions. more

For some people, the drive to learn new things and acquire new skills stops. Maybe they’re tired of pushing themselves, maybe they don’t have time – whatever the case, it’s not a priority. more

Just about any company operating in a recession might be lucky to break even, soldiering on doing level business, waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. more