R.I. Commerce Corp. - Providence Business News

TROLL SIGHTING:  Louise Bishop, South County Tourism Council CEO and president, visits one of the two trolls living in the woods of Ninigret Park in Charlestown. Bishop says the trolls, made of recycled materials, have drawn 100,000 visitors this year alone. Three more trolls have been installed recently in Rhode Island.  PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

The tourism sector sees new faces, but new challenges, too

Government 08/14/2026

Rhode Island’s tourism and hospitality sector has seen some new additions since 2021. Those searching for recreation and leisure now have the options of TopGolf,...

STRING SKILLS: Machine operator Maria Dacruz works on the production floor of Neocorp Inc., a standard and technical rope and bungee cord maker in Pawtucket. Neocorp was among the local manufacturers that dealt with inflated tariffs in 2025.  PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

It hasn’t been easy for R.I. factories

Manufacturing 08/14/2026

Manufacturers throughout the U.S. have largely spent the past year-plus reeling from rapidly shifting tariffs implemented under President Donald Trump, and Rhode Island companies...

Driving Forces: Karl Wadensten

Digital Special Editions 08/14/2026

Karl Wadensten VIBCO Inc. president; R.I. Commerce Corp. board member A LOT HAS changed at the R.I. Commerce Corp. over the years, including leadership, staff members,...

Driving Forces: Thorne Sparkman

Digital Special Editions 08/14/2026

Thorne Sparkman Slater Technology Fund managing director THORNE SPARKMAN has a simple theory about how to build a stronger Rhode Island: Find the most promising ideas...

Driving Forces: William C. Tsonos

Digital Special Editions 08/14/2026

William C. Tsonos Beacon Bank Rhode Island market president Relationships matter in communities and business, and William C. Tsonos has spent a lifetime building them in...

PBN celebrates 40th anniversary with business community

Business Services 08/07/2026

PAWTUCKET – Providence Business News on Thursday celebrated four decades of providing business journalism to Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts at its 40th Anniversary...

AFTER A 10-month investigation, WPRI-TV CBS 12 on Friday reported that W. Whitney George, the CEO of Toronto-based investment firm Sprott Inc., played a role in financing the effort. / PBN FILE PHOTO/JAMES BESSETTE

Report: ‘Mr. Big’ investor revealed in Pawtucket soccer team, stadium project

Economic Activity 07/31/2026

PAWTUCKET – Another private investor has been identified in the $137 million, 10,000-seat soccer stadium project along the Seekonk River and the team that...

IN GOOD COMPANY: The R.I. Commerce Corp. board meets at Cumberland-based baby product company Baby Delight Inc. in June for a strategic retreat to discuss economic and workforce trends. Gov. Daniel J. McKee, third from the left, leads the meeting.  COURTESY R.I. COMMERCE CORP.

ELECTION26: Gubernatorial race puts performance of R.I. Commerce in spotlight

Cover Story 07/31/2026

On the top floor of the Wexford Science & Technology building overlooking Providence’s I-195 District, Gov. Daniel J. McKee stood before business executives and...

FULL HOUSE: Gov. Daniel J. McKee, third from the left, leads a June meeting of the R.I. Commerce Corp. board, whose 12 members are appointed by the governor.  COURTESY R.I. COMMERCE CORP.

Give business leaders more say on economic development

Business Services 07/31/2026

Every gubernatorial election year seems to be a referendum on the state’s economic-development policy and the agency primarily responsible for carrying it out, R.I....