Leading in times of crisis certainly involves saying the right things, at the right times, to the right people as much as possible. But actions invariably are what speak loudest, as business and community leaders featured in this special publication have repeatedly shown during the COVID-19 pandemic and national turmoil over racial inequities.
When AAA Northeast found that several hundred employees couldn’t work due to the spread of the new coronavirus, they were not laid off. Instead, they were retrained and reassigned, including to emergency roles delivering meals and helping the state with contact tracing. So, when the company talks about its commitment to employees and local communities, the words carry weight.
Cox Business and Cox Communications have worked to keep customers connected and promise to continue to do so. Based on their recent actions, including not terminating service for unpaid bills related to the pandemic, waiving late fees and supporting teachers, their customers can be confident Cox will be there when needed.
The same is true for customers of The Washington Trust Co. The nation’s oldest community bank stepped up once again amid unprecedented challenges this year to continue closing loans in record numbers.
When company leaders say, “We’re here to serve, we’re here to help,” you know they mean it.
Similarly, the Rhode Island Foundation has spent decades working for better lives for all Rhode Islanders. So, it was no surprise to see the foundation help raise more than $6.5 million for nonprofits on the front lines of the pandemic response. At the same time, it is actively working to erase racial inequities that have led to protests across the nation.
These are just a few examples of the inspiring letters from our local leaders you’ll read in this publication produced by PBN’s advertising team.
Leadership calms. It listens. It guides and instills confidence to take on what might overwhelm others.
In their actions, these and other community leaders have helped make “we’ll get through this” a rallying cry for an entire state.
Roger C. Bergenheim
Publisher
Providence Business News
PBN.com
