Pandemic - Providence Business News

EVOLVING MIX: Housing and open space, including the 195 District Park, seen above, are prominent in the I-195 Redevelopment District. But more commercial development is still possible on 7 acres of available land.  PBN FILE PHOTO/ARTISTIC IMAGES

Fiscally healthier city will help spur private investment

Editorial and Op-Ed 04/25/2025

Housing was never expected to be at the forefront of development in Providence’s I-195 Redevelopment District. Back in 2011, then-Mayor Angel Taveras called the newly...

BEATING A PATH: Providence Public Library Executive Director Jack Martin says foot traffic at the community hub is way up since a $28.5 million renovation was completed in 2020.  PBN FILE PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Library workforce training a vital community lifeline

Editorial and Op-Ed 04/11/2025

A $28.5 million modernization of the Providence Public Library has, by all accounts, been a success, despite being completed at the onset of the...

On COVID anniversary, protestors renew call for nursing home standards legislation

Government 03/12/2025

It’s been five years, but registered nurse Stefania Silvestri can still recall the smell of plastic. “I placed body after body in a bag, day...

McKee announces reelection bid via campaign video

Elections 03/03/2025

PROVIDENCE – It’s official, Gov. Daniel J. McKee will seek another four-year term in 2026. In a two-minute video released by his campaign Monday morning,...

MINDING  THE GAP: State lawmakers return to work facing a looming budget deficit and a host of other challenges. Pictured is a legislative study commission on climate change at the Statehouse.  PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Returning lawmakers won’t have federal windfall to lean on

Editorial and Op-Ed 01/03/2025

After three years of doling out hundreds of millions in COVID-relief funding, the next General Assembly session will be facing projected budget cuts of...

WORK IN PROGRESS: Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is still fine-tuning its remote, hybrid and in-office work plan. Pictured, CEO and President Peter Marino, sitting at the head of the table, meets with the leadership team at the health insurer’s Smithfield office, including, from left, Melissa Husband, chief of staff; David Burnett, chief growth officer; Karen Carlson, chief operating officer; Dr. Kristin Russell, chief medical officer; Talia Brookshire, chief diversity officer; and Michelle Sears, chief financial officer. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Has remote work boosted productivity at your business or nonprofit?

Financial Services 11/22/2024

It’s been more than four years since the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly created millions of remote workers in nearly every industry. The pandemic is over...

OFFICE SHUFFLE: Union Studio Architecture & Community Design Inc. in Providence settled on a hybrid work model for its 32 staff members, with all employees required to be in the office on Wednesdays. Pictured from the left: Dana Powers, director of operations; Christina Carlson, associate principal; Joel VanderWeele, associate; and Douglas Kallflez, co-founder and managing partner.  PBN FILE PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

Companies still seeking right mix between remote, office work

Editorial and Op-Ed 11/22/2024

Remote-work proponents were disheartened to hear that Amazon.com Inc. will be requiring employees to return to the office five days a week in January. The...

Meaghan McGovern Inked Restaurant Group  sales and events manager / PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

‘What’s good for one restaurant … is good for all’

Hospitality & Tourism 09/27/2024

Meaghan McGovern joined Inked Restaurant Group in 2017 after working in marketing and recruiting and rose quickly from front-of-house manager at Diego’s Newport to...