Greetings!
As vaccine levels skyrocket and COVID begins to wane, experts are anticipating economic growth in the second half of the year at rates we haven’t seen in my lifetime. This growth will create historic opportunities for businesses and non-profits alike. 
 
When’s the best time to prepare? Right now.
 
The next 60 days will be crucial to making the most of the opportunities later this year by planning which will position your business as a leader. We are working with our clients on communications strategies to reach new audiences, special content for social media (including video), scheduling events and opportunities in the coming months, polishing up the ol’ website (including keywords) and much more. There’s a lot to do.
 
We’ve already started the process for clients, and we’d be glad to speak with you about your own post-pandemic recovery plan. We haven’t seen growth like this since Harry Truman was president – we’re ready to help you make the most of it.

Best,
Our Clients Need Your Help
Rhode Island Monthly's Best of Rhode Island Poll is back, and we have TWO amazing clients up for recognition.

Grey Sail Brewing, the winner of last year’s Statewide Best Local Brewer category, is renewing their bid to be Rhody’s favorite local brewer.

Pier Liquors has been nominated as Best Wine Shop in South County category.

You can support both of these outstanding local businesses by voting at the links below. Voting is open until April 30th.
T. F. Green Airport is currently in the running for international recognition in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award, and for national recognition in the Conde Nast’s 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. To help them reach the top of the leaderboards, supporters can complete the surveys at the links below -- and be entered to win some once-in-a-lifetime prizes in the process.
Nice Ink!
Getting to “Yes” on Question 7 

Rhode Island voters emphatically reaffirmed their longstanding support for Quonset last month by approving a $60 million investment in the state's economic future focused on the Business Park, Rhode Island’s leading engine of job growth and economic development.
 
The unprecedented March Special Election presented several challenges for us and our client, the R.I. Ports Coalition. These included a hard-to-target electorate, an historically high “ask” totaling $400 million, and a changing digital environment that restricted political advertising.
 
The campaign kicked off with a Super Bowl ad featuring the enduring “Can Do” legacy of Quonset’s historic Fighting Seabees, which garnered over 415,000 views during its broadcast premiere, with an additional 1,700 views on organic social media. From there, we embarked on an aggressive social media campaign which reached 587,000 people on Facebook alone. Quonset also attracted critical support and endorsements from statewide officeholders like State Treasurer Seth Magaziner and Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, as well as from trade groups like the R.I. Building Trades and the Propeller Club of Narragansett Bay. 
 
On Election Day, 58.9% of voters said yes to Question 7, green lighting an unprecedented investment in the state’s future.
 
Providence Journal
 
WPRI
 
North Kingstown Independent 
What Do You Do With a Few Extra Billion Dollars?

The State of Rhode Island, municipalities and school districts will receive billions of dollars in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, an unprecedented amount. Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council CEO Michael DiBiase (left), one of the state’s most trusted voices on budget and policy matters, views the funding as an opportunity for “once-in-a-generation investments.”
 
In an exclusive interview with WPRI’s Ted Nesi, and again on Channel 12’s Newsmakers program, DiBiase warned that Rhode Island officials must use the funds strategically in order to achieve a lasting effect. “There will be a lot of competing demands for this money, and so it’s just going to take real leadership,” he said.
 
Drawing on his expertise in government and finance, DiBiase recommends investments in infrastructure, such as parks, community centers and city buildings, broadband and housing.

Rhode Island should be looking for “big bold ideas that could transform the state and change our economic prosperity of life in a fundamental way,” DiBiase told Ian Donnis of the Public’s Radio.

WPRI
 
The Public’s Radio
 
PBS
First Class of Female Eagle Scouts 
for the Narragansett Council

Three years after the Scouts BSA first welcomed girls to their ranks, the Narragansett Council celebrated its first class of female Eagle Scouts. Abby Schwab (right) of Troop 1846 Attleboro, Regina Collura of Troop 2019 Westport and Morgan Nathan of Troop 77 Warwick were among the first girls in the country to achieve Scouting’s highest honor. To earn the Eagle Scout award, an individual must take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges; and research, organize and complete a large-scale community service project.

Schwab’s Eagle Scout project involved preserving endangered pollinating bee populations. 

“I grew up in a Scouting family and was introduced to the outdoor adventure activities of Scouting at a young age,” Schwab said. “This has been an amazing journey and I am so proud to be able to pave the way for other female Scouts.”

Music Returns to R.I. Schools 

Music is back on stage at Rhode Island schools thanks to the tireless advocacy of the Rhode Island Music Education Association (RIMEA). After calling on state leaders to re-open music education programs, the R.I. Department of Education (RIDE) released updated guidance on music performing groups, including bands and choruses. Working closely with RIDE and the R.I. Department of Health, RIMEA helped to identify safe, practical ways for students and teachers to hold the music classes that have been disrupted by the pandemic. 

“The newly amended RIDE regulations give us hope that we will be able to salvage what is left of this school year and have at least one performance before the end of the school year,” said Marisa Silva music instructor and director of bands at East Providence High School, one of the schools to reopen their music program. 
 
WJAR
 
East Bay RI
 
East Bay RI 
 
Go Local Prov
 
What’s Up Newp