Vol. CXXXII · No. CLXFRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026Ocean State Edition

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Commerce

160 articles · page 9 of 14
CommerceGovernanceFree press

RIPEC warns millionaire's tax hike risks outmigration as McKee, Foulkes push increase

A new RIPEC report using federal data warns that proposed increases to Rhode Island's top income tax rate may accelerate outmigration and weaken economic competitiveness. Both Democratic gubernatorial candidates are pushing the millionaire's tax hike, with Governor McKee chairing RI Commerce Corporation while proposing tax increases, and Helena Foulkes having led CVS, the state's largest recipient of tax breaks.

golocalprov.comMAY 13, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

RI Commerce Corporation opens satellite office at Innovate Newport

Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is opening a satellite office at Innovate Newport on May 11, expanding access to business services in Greater Newport. CEO Jim Bennett said the presence on Aquidneck Island will help Commerce serve area businesses, with the office located at the Chamber's Innovate Newport hub for technical assistance and entrepreneurship support.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
newportthisweek.comMAY 13, 2026
CommerceJudiciaryPaywall

Alex and Ani founder sues sister over alleged misuse of Cinerama assets

Carolyn Rafaelian filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging her sister Rebecca Rafaelian Caruolo misused assets of their family's decades-old jewelry business Cinerama to secretly subsidize Air & Anchor, a competing jewelry venture. The complaint claims Air & Anchor is a knock-off of Alex + Ani created through a takeover of Cinerama's factory space, equipment, inventory, and vendor relationships.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
CommerceGovernancePaywall

Providence enforces first algorithmic rent-pricing ban against Audubon Capital

Providence filed its first enforcement action under the city's algorithmic rent-pricing ban against Audubon Capital Partners, owner of 95 Lofts, alleging use of banned software that coordinated rent increases up to 44 percent. The case marks the first test of the ordinance adopted last year to combat algorithmic price-fixing in the rental market.

bostonglobe.comMAY 11, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

RI Commerce Corporation opens satellite office at Innovate Newport

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will open a satellite office at Innovate Newport to expand access to business services across Aquidneck Island and Greater Newport. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for May 11 at 513 Broadway, with remarks from Mayor Charles Holder, RI Commerce President Jim Bennett, and Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce President Erin Donovan-Boyle. Bennett said the office will help Commerce serve businesses in the area and strengthen partnership with the Chamber.

whatsupnewp.comMAY 10, 2026
CommerceFree press

Aspen Aerogels to reopen East Providence plant after explosion

Manufacturing facility Aspen Aerogels plans to gradually reopen its East Providence plant in May following an April explosion in a high-temperature oven that injured 11 employees. According to an SEC filing, the company is working with local, state, and federal agencies to conduct mechanical, operational, and safety reviews before resuming operations. The final timeline depends on clearance from relevant authorities.

turnto10.comMAY 10, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

RI House passes legislation creating employee ownership transition center

Rhode Island lawmakers are advancing legislation to create a Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership to help businesses transition to employee ownership models. The center would connect sellers and employees to financing pathways, valuation expertise, and technical support. White Electric Coffee in Providence, which shifted to employee ownership in 2021, said the center could help smooth out uncertainty in the transition process and make it more accessible to small businesses.

pbn.comMAY 10, 2026
CommerceFree press

Block Island's Harborside Inn breaks ground after 2023 fire

State and local officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Harborside Inn on Block Island. The iconic landmark was destroyed by fire on Aug. 19, 2023, and demolished weeks later. The new 22,000 square-foot hotel is expected to be built with 32 rooms, replacing the facility that was deemed a total loss.

pbn.comMAY 10, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Federal grant awards Quonset $11.25M for Port of Davisville infrastructure upgrades

Rhode Island's congressional delegation secured an $11.25 million federal grant to modernize the Port of Davisville at Quonset Business Park. The funding, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Port Infrastructure Development Program, will upgrade facilities, enhance safety and efficiency, and promote job growth. Sen. Jack Reed said the grant comes after Trump administration delays.

jamestownpress.comMAY 9, 2026
CommerceFree press

Tidewater Landing Phase II advances with 575 housing units in Pawtucket

Pawtucket officials announced the second phase of Tidewater Landing, featuring 575 housing units split between the Seekonk River's east (325 units) and west (250 units) sides, plus commercial space. The mixed-use development near Centreville Bank Stadium will include public amenities, green spaces, a pool, and fitness center. Mayor Donald Grebien cited the project as evidence of smart public-private partnerships transforming the riverfront.

turnto10.comMAY 9, 2026
CommerceFree press

Carter's children's clothing chain closing 150 U.S. stores including Providence location

Carter's, which operates OshKosh and B'Gosh labels, is closing 150 stores nationwide as leases expire, including its Providence location. The Atlanta-based children's clothier cited elevated product costs from tariffs weighing on profitability. The closures are part of 1,400 retail stores expected to close across the U.S. in 2026.

patch.comMAY 9, 2026
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