Rhode Island’s unemployment rate remained at 10.4 percent for November, unchanged from the October 2012 rate and down seventh-tenths of a percentage point from November 2011, according to a report released Thursday by the R.I. Department of Labor and Training. more

New England’s unemployment rate dropped 0.1 percentage points from October to November to 7.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Friday. more

Bill Reed, a chair with Vistage International, was one of five CEOs and peer-group facilitators who recently participated in a forum on the benefits of peer groups. Held in late September at Babson College, “The Power of Peer Groups to Support Growth and Change,” offered attendees an overview of the benefits of peer groups. Reed has been a chair with Vistage for several years and also serves as a partner at School Street Capital Group. He is a former CEO and currently chair’s Vistage’s CEO Peer Advisory Board and a Vistage Key Executive Group, which are comprised of leaders from enterprises in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. more

Patricia K. Rocha, a shareholder at Adler Pollock and Sheehan P.C., was recently named 2012 commercial litigator of the year by Finance Monthly Magazine. Now in its third year, the Finance Monthly Law Awards recognize law firms and legal professionals who have outperformed their peers through dedication to client service and work undertaken. At her firm, Rocha serves as chair of the litigation group. She is a co-author of a national text on trial advocacy and has also written articles and lectured on various aspects of the law. Rocha holds a J.D. from Boston College. more

Rhode Island is expected to increase the number of restaurant jobs this summer by 15.6 percent, the fourth-highest projected rate of increase in the United States, according to National Restaurant Association projections. more

The South Eastern Economic Development Corp. has made $1 million in loans to three small businesses that will create 19 new jobs, according to a press release from the nonprofit. more

The Segal Co., a Washington-based consulting firm hired by Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee in June, released its report recommending an overhaul of the state’s human resources and personnel structure. more

Juvenile health, safety and wellness product maker Summer Infant Inc. has separated the positions of CEO and chairman of the board of directors, naming Dan Almagor as chairman. more

Bank Rhode Island – the local subsidiary of Brookline Bancorp Inc. – saw net income jump 35.5 percent during 2012, according to its year-end report filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. more

Pamela Bibeault was recently named president of Triad Health Care LLC, where she provides clinical and administrative health care consulting services to skilled nursing facilities in southern New England. Along with her team, Bibeault works to assist these facilities in achieving optimal outcomes and compliance with state, federal and joint commission regulations. She holds related certifications in addition to a B.S. in nursing from Rhode Island College and an M.S. in health-services administration from Salve Regina University. Bibeault is a member of several organizations, including the American College of Health Care Administrators, the Rhode Island Health Care Association and Rhode Island Generations. more