Special Message from the President

Dear members:

Over 200 people attended RI Business Forum’s very successful International Trade & Export Forum held Wednesday, November 6th at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. The event featured SBA Associate Administrator for International Trade, David Glaccum, SBA International Trade Finance Policy and Strategy Chief, David Vidal and SBA 504 Loan Program Chief, Linda Reilly. RISCPA and industry partners RI Manufacturers Association and RI Trucking Association welcomed special guest Lt. Governor Dan McKee, who will be announcing an international trade initiative next week. A very special thank you to legislative leaders in addition to Town Administrator Joe Almond, Mayor Charles Lombardi, David Chenevert, Executive Director, RI Manufacturers Association and Christopher Maxwell, President, RI Trucking Association and their members for supporting this event.

The program focused on new and existing programs available to manufacturers and supply chain partners from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The discussion included products for companies who are currently engaged in global trade, providing services or products to OEM’s and corporations or considering expansion into overseas markets. Because of the unprecedented feedback, questions and suggestions we have received from the event, the SBA has agreed to provide custom presentations specific to CPAs and another for manufacturers. In addition, we will be hosting a workshop in early 2020 featuring SBA, RIMA and Rhode Island international trade, finance and supply chain partners.

I want to thank our sponsors TD Bank, blumShapiro, Eastern Insurance, and Diligentiam – we value our partnership! Sponsorships for 2020 are filling up fast -ask about sponsorships still available. Thanks to the launch of RI Business Forum, there has never been a better time to join RISCPA. Our RI Business Forum membership provides tangible value and access to programs, services and networking unique to the Rhode Island Business Community. Don’t forget our limited time offer: before November 30th, our non-CPA partners can enjoy special pricing of $100 to join as RI Business Forum Affiliate Member and attend our signature January networking event, RI Breakfast Forum events and our Annual Meeting at no cost!!
Members also enjoy an unprecedented value with newly launched affinity products – call today to learn more (401-331-5720).

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SAVE THE DATE:

RI Business Forum will host a special breakfast featuring Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor on December 11th at the Providence Marriott, 7:30-10:00 am and will focus on efforts to improve the tax and regulatory climate in Rhode Island – you won’t want to miss this special event – call us to register today!

As always if you have any comments or suggestions, don’t hesitate to call me!

Best,
Melissa