Despite the often overwhelming negativity in the public discourse about Rhode Island’s economy and its prospects – 56 percent of respondents to a recent PBN.com poll on this topic said the state deserves all the raspberries it receives – there are many good stories hereabouts, not the least of them being the Bryant University international-business senior practicum. more

The more difficult the change, the more determined the resistance. Just ask R.I. Commissioner of Education Deborah A. Gist. more

Necessity is the mother of invention, and New Bedford was surely in need of a creative solution. more

When Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee was elected to the state’s highest office in November 2010, he didn’t exactly sweep the electorate off its feet. more

Contained in this issue of PBN is our annual Business Women special section, a tangible reminder of the program’s awards luncheon held the previous week. This year’s was the sixth such event, and as always, the winners were deserving and the attendees enthusiastic in their support. more

The Rhode Island Foundation held its annual meeting last week, and among many of the standard attributes of such a gathering, the foundation highlighted three initiatives that reflect a stepped-up engagement in the state’s public life. more

Last week’s World Trade Day, the 28th edition of the annual Bryant University event, and the largest of its kind in the Northeast, if not the country, had an added bonus. more

In October 2011, state and federal officials announced a $13.1 million federal commitment to the R.I. Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Loan Fund (about $2.1 million), startup accelerator Betaspring ($2 million) and the Slater Technology Fund ($9 million). more

Rhode Island has more fire districts, 43, than cities and towns. And like those 39 cities and towns, many of the districts have their own rules, protected by law, and ways of doing things. Rhode Islanders’ love of independence is deeply rooted and not without merit when it comes to providing much-needed local services. more

Entrepreneurs looking for a Wi-Fi connection, meeting space and limited overhead suddenly have a bevy of options aside from their local coffee shops. more