Some random thoughts…
*According to a story in our Focus Section this week (Page 20), if you own a roofing company it would be wise to make sure your workers’ compensation insurance is up to date and that everyone you employ is properly covered.
Rhode Island’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud & Compliance Unit is busier than ever. Computer technology and the addition of several staff members have allowed the unit to become more aggressive in its efforts to police offenders. The results have been impressive.
In 2004, the unit conducted 1,248 more investigations than it had in 2003 and collected $342,884 in penalties (a 20 percent jump over the previous year).
In 2004, the unit targeted landscapers and auto shops. The probe found 6.9 percent of landscapers and 3.1 percent of the auto shops to be in violation. This time around, an “industry sweep” of roofing contractors is on the unit’s agenda. You’ve been warned!
Building a Strong Data Foundation in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key priority in the boardroom and across management —…
Learn More
*It’s too bad the Patriots don’t hold training camp at Bryant anymore.
*A Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council study released last week shows that Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut all rank in the top 10 nationally in terms of per-student expenditures.
We spend $10,641 per student, placing us seventh in the country. That only begs the question as to why we don’t rank higher when it comes to the results of standardized tests, where in recent years it seems that by most measurements we have come up in the middle of the pack.
*I am fairly obsessive about avoiding the Providence Place parking garage because it is not uncommon to end up in a traffic tie-up there that can last for several days. In fact, if I am going to the mall on a weekend or at night, I tend to search out a spot in front of the State House on Smith Street and walk down the hill.
It’s sort of an inside joke with my family, which is why my wife found it amusing when I mentioned to her the other day that I had a meeting at the State House and I planned on parking at Providence Place.
“So when you go to Providence Place you park at the State House and when you go to the State House you park at Providence Place,” she said.
*A study by Robert Half Management Resources suggests the bleary-eyed business traveler is becoming a less frequent sight in airports and hotels across the country. The survey found that 48 percent of respondents said they travel for work less frequently compared to five years ago.
“Companies that scaled back travel allowances over the past several years continue to closely monitor expenses, despite an improving economy,” said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half. “Many firms are capitalizing on less-costly communication channels, such as Webcasts and video-conferences.”
*If there are some things you were determined to do this summer that you haven’t gotten to yet, consider this a gentle reminder: It’s August!
*I didn’t always root for Mark Hellendrung, but I’m rooting for him now.
Hellendrung, former president of Nantucket Nectars, is part of a small group of investors who bought the rights to the Narragansett beer brand from the Pabst brewing organization.
I remember Hellendrung as a terrific Little League baseball player in Rumford (who always seemed to be playing on an opposing team). At best, I was a very mediocre Little League player who occasionally had the opportunity to pitch. It wasn’t so much that I had a blazing fastball or deceptive curve, but rather, I could reach the plate.
I still remember Hellendrung – and many other kids – lighting me up with line drives. He went on to play at Brown University, where he was captain of the baseball team. I went on to play catch with some guys in my dorm at URI.
Anyway, now Hellendrung is looking to revive Narragansett Beer and I’d say that’s a cause worth supporting. Hellendrung has an impressive resume and he sounds committed to doing this right. He and his partners have already doubled the number of area restaurants and bars where you can find the beer (to about 250) and plans are in the works to make it available in 12-ounce bottles and cans (under Pabst, Narragansett Beer has only been available in 16-ounce cans).
And while the beer will be mostly brewed in Rochester, N.Y., Hellendrung and his partners are also talking about establishing a small brewing operation in Providence. So help a local guy make good and “have a ’Gansett.”
