Some random thoughts:
*Former Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce President Jim Hagan was on the receiving end of a well-deserved roast on Wednesday night, Oct. 5, at the Convention Center. About 600 people showed up for the dinner, many of them dressed like Hagan, in blue blazers, white shirts, red ties and baseball caps.
ISO 9001:2026: A Practical Opportunity to Build for What’s Next
For Rhode Island manufacturers, ISO 9001 has been much more than a certificate on the…
Learn More
Michael Horan, a former colleague of Hagan’s in the state Legislature, delivered an especially entertaining speech, recalling their days together at the State House. Horan needled Hagan for his efforts to push for legislation establishing the preying mantis as the state bug.
Former Lt. Gov. Richard Licht, also a friend and former General Assembly colleague of Hagan’s, also shared some humorous political war stories. No one was funnier, however, than Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, who reminded Hagan of those companies that had left the capital city during his tenure at the Chamber.
Comedians Charlie Hall and Dave Kane also delivered a funny skit. Their takeoff on the play “Love Letters” poked fun at Hagan and his ongoing pen-pal relationship with former mayor turned inmate, Buddy Cianci. All in all, it was a fun evening and Hagan should have been touched by the turnout.
*Another sign – quite literally – that I am getting older. When I drive by the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and glance at the electronic board that alerts motorists to coming events, it is becoming more likely than ever that I will not have heard of an act. For example, just last week, a group called O.A.R. played The Dunk. And coming up in November, 311 is playing. I guess I’ll have to ask one of my daughters about them.
*If you are worried that your employees are angling for your job, rest easy. Statistically speaking, they probably don’t want it. A survey by OfficeTeam finds that 71 percent of workers said they would rather not take their boss’s job. And 63 percent of those surveyed felt they could not do a better job than their supervisor.
*For the first time in decades, the annual Columbus Day festival and parade was canceled this year. Lots of excuses were given. It was too expensive and had gotten out of hand, becoming a burden to local businesses, some said. That may be true. But I hope the new leaders of the business association on Federal Hill find a way to bring the festival back, even as a one-day event.
Federal Hill has not looked so good in years. Its restaurants are jammed and its shops are bustling. It is truly one of the capital city’s brightest jewels and a real draw for the city and state’s tourism industry. It should be drawing people with more special events – not fewer.
*When business guru Jack Welch, known for his work as chief of General Electric, visited Providence College recently to talk to students, teachers and businesspeople, he was asked about motivating workers. He answered that while there may be a place for plaques, “cash is much better.” I would hope that most business leaders would not need Jack Welch to tell them that.
*Did you see where Ogunquit, Maine, is the latest community to consider enacting a ban on “formula restaurants”? Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., started the movement 25 years ago. Bristol actually adopted a similar restriction in its historic downtown area last year. No word yet on whether Warwick and Johnston are considering the idea.
*If you’re going to tell your kids or grandkids that they can grow up to be anything they want, like even a U.S. congressman, at least be honest with them. Tell them they’ll need lots of money first.
The Chafee/Laffey and Whitehouse/Brown senatorial primaries are going to cost millions. And in the end, it just might be that the candidate who spends the most wins. It’s sad, but television commercials during prime time carry a lot more weight than an issue-driven speech these days.
*You didn’t think after 86 years we were going to win it all two years in a row, did you? Don’t worry, the holidays will be here before we know it and then we’ll be talking about pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training. Besides, taking four straight from the Yankees last year and sweeping the Cardinals isn’t going to wear off for a long, long time.
