Business

The Bottom Line: The State of Manufacturing

Dave Fallon — Fri, 24 May 2013 21:24:00 +0000

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for a weekly business segment we're calling "The Bottom Line." Each Friday they look at business news and themes that affect local business and the public.

This week Dave and Mark talk with Bill McCourt, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. They probe into a comprehensive survey of Rhode Island manufacturers on what manufacturers are seeking, the state of modern manufacturing, and what will be done with the findings.

When to Listen

RI Youth Hit Hardest by Sluggish Economy

Flo Jonic — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:42:15 +0000

You think it’s tough finding a job in Rhode Island if you’re an adult, try being someone just starting out. A new report shows the youth unemployment rate in Rhode Island is nearly twice the adult rate.

The unemployment rate in Rhode Island is 8.8 percent. But for people aged 16 to 24, it’s 17 percent. That, according to the youth advocacy group “Young Invincibles,” which based its conclusions on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Bottom Line: The Effects of an Internet Sales Tax

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:30:00 +0000

This week Dave and Mark discuss the proposed Internet tax in Congress and implications for state revenue, sales tax, and brick-and-mortar stores.

When to Listen

You can hear The Bottom Line each Friday at 5:50pm.

RI Hands Out $60K in Workforce Training Grants

Catherine Welch — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:44 +0000

Twenty businesses in Rhode Island received grants from the state to help pay for employee training.

The Governor’s Workforce Board doled out $60,000 worth of matching grants to help businesses pay for training. Employers can either match the $5,000 grants or provide an approved internship to cut their match in half.

This round of grants will help pay for training in such areas as medical billing, software training and welding technology. The governor calls the grants ideal for small businesses.

The Bottom Line: What's Next for the Superman Building?

Dave Fallon — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:11:00 +0000

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for a weekly business segment we're calling "The Bottom Line." Each Friday it looks at business news and themes that affect local business and the public.

This week Dave and Mark talk with Grow Smart Rhode Island executive director Scott Wolf. They discuss proposals for the Superman Building, the costs of such development, urban residential living and trends in downtown office buildings.

When to Listen

You can hear The Bottom Line each Friday at 5:50pm.

Chafee: Internet Sales Tax a Matter of Fairness

Flo Jonic — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:42:32 +0000

Senator Jack Reed and Governor Lincoln Chafee are urging Congress to pass the Marketplace Fairness Act. The bill would require online merchants to pay state sales taxes. Chafee and Reed say it’s a matter of fairness.

Reed and Chafee stood side by side in a West Warwick furniture store to urge Congress to allow a vote on the Marketplace Fairness Act. Chafee said the bill – which would require online merchants to pay state sales taxes – would add $70 million a year to the state treasury.

Reed, Chafee Push to Collect Online Sales Tax

Catherine Welch — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:32:42 +0000

Senator Jack Reed and Governor Lincoln Chafee are asking Congress to pass legislation that allows state to collect taxes from online purchasing.

Senator Jack Reed is a co-sponsor of the “Marketplace Fairness Act,” which would open the door for states to collect sales taxes from online retailers. Right now it’s up to shoppers to pony up when filing their income taxes.

The Bottom Line: Creating a Smarter RIPTA

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:48:34 +0000

This week Dave and Mark talk with Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, also RIPTA chairman. The segment centers on proposals to move bus lines out of Kennedy Plaza and to restructure RIPTA lines across the state.

When to Listen

You can hear The Bottom Line each Friday at 5:50pm.

Urban Farm Supply Store Draws Debate

Elisabeth Harrison and Natalie Jablonski — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:08:53 +0000

A new farm and garden supply store on the West Side of Providence has become a source of neighborhood controversy. Residents rallied Sunday in support of the business called Cluck!.

About a hundred people sipped coffee and munched on scones at the Sunday morning rally. They were there to support a new store that aims to supply small growers and chicken farmers in the city. Community member Alice Danahy says the storefront, which used to be an abandoned gas station, was an eyesore.

URI Prof: Uptick in RI Economy has Slowed

Catherine Welch — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The state’s economy cooled down in the first two months of this year. That’s according to a University of Rhode Island economist. The slowdown comes just as the state’s economy was starting to get its mojo back.

URI professor Len Lardaro said a wide swath of the state’s economy was starting to cook during the back half of last year. But in January and February, that growth cooled off. Lardaro said sluggish retail sales and an uptick in unemployment claims have him worried.