One is a veteran banker whose company has more than tripled its assets in 10 years under his leadership, to more than $2.3 billion, and come to employ nearly 500 people.
Another is a 143-year-old business college that has transformed itself into a widely respected university, with state-of-the-art technology, strong business relationships and growing international programs, including a U.S.-China Institute.
Yet another is Rhode Island’s largest social services agency focused on the homeless, an advocate for the poor and provider of 24/7 emergency shelter, crisis intervention, health care, vocational training, employment assistance and more.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
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Each stands out in its own way. And on Nov. 16, at the Radisson Airport Hotel Providence in Warwick, they’ll be recognized, along with three others, at Providence Business News’ 2006 Business Excellence Awards.
The newspaper invited companies from all across Rhode Island and Bristol County, Mass. – as well as nonprofits and individual business executives – to apply for the annual awards, which recognize overall excellence, business leadership, entrepreneurship, community service, and excellence in a nonprofit.
The awards are co-sponsored by Citizens Bank, Cox Business Services, Koch Eye Associates, Mastors & Servant, Lefkowitz, Garfinkel, Champi & DeRienzo PC, UnitedHealthcare, Partridge Snow & Hahn and Bryant University. The winner in each category was chosen by a panel of local business leaders.
This year’s winners are:
Business leadership: John C. Warren, chairman and CEO of The Washington Trust Co., in Westerly, Rhode Island’s oldest and largest independent bank.
Entrepreneur: American Ecotech LC, in East Providence, a sales and distribution operation for environmental instrumentation led by founder Andy Tolley.
Community involvement: Advanced Financial Services Inc., in Middletown, which gives extensively to the community through charitable donations and employee volunteerism.
Excellence in a nonprofit organization: Crossroads Rhode Island, in Providence (formerly Traveler’s Aid), dedicated to serving the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
Business excellence (fewer than 100 employees): Lighthouse Computer Services Inc., in Lincoln, an information technology company with more than 300 clients across the Northeast.
Business excellence (more than 100 employees): Bryant University, in Smithfield, with 569 employees and more than 3,700 undergraduate and graduate students.
