Ravenous Brewing Company in Cumberland provided the backdrop for a new endeavor for the principals to introduce themselves and launch a helpful resource in town and beyond.
The recently-formed Cumberland Coalition for Small Businesses welcomed several-dozen business owners, leaders, and agencies for an evening of networking, information, raffle prizes and most importantly—the chance for visitors to become members.
Coalition Co-Founder Brad Dean said the idea for forming this endeavor took shape while campaigning for Mayor. He discovered many small businesses didn’t have the resources available to make informed choices. He enlisted several other business owners who wanted to support his idea.
In addressing the group, Dean—who runs Dean Warehouse in Cumberland—said it was important for the community to support local merchants.
“We want to think local first, we want to think Cumberland first,” he said. “Through our member directory, companies and members of our community will have a one-stop shop to help with your needs. Whether you are looking for a plumber, lawyer, PR, public accountant, or just a restaurant to enjoy a meal, you will find it in our directory along with other services to answer your questions.”
Dean went on to extoll the virtues of staying local. Bringing in business to local establishments will help others in town and keep the economy moving forward. It would pale in comparison to seeing empty shops downtown or vacancies where companies closed.
He hopes that people will educate themselves about the Coalition and its many features.
“If you are looking to start up a business, we have resources on our website to help streamline that process. You won’t need to piece it together by searching the state’s website,” Brad told the audience.
Those attending were treated to food from Angelo’s Pizza Palace, deserts from Tara Rachels, and door prizes from various establishments, including:
- Supreme Pizza ($20 gift certificate)
- Irmgard’s Salon and Spa ($30 gift certificate)
- Chasing Tail
- Gallagher Insurance (wine basket)
- Rock Spot Climbing (2-day passes with gear)
- UPPER DECK – (1-year membership)
- Lussh Lash & Beauty Lounge (Lash services gift certificates)
- Automated Business Solutions (4 tickets to a WooSox game)
- Shear Dimensions Hair Salon ($50 gift certificate)
A couple of people who attended the event said they were impressed with the Kickoff.
Jay Petronio of ROK Financial in Smithfield said the event was excellent. He enjoyed the venue as a great location with some delicious beers on tap. He noted the variety of businesses that were represented. The food was a highlight for him as well, especially from Tara Rachels of Automated Business Solutions’ (in Warwick) cupcakes to the tasty chicken and other treats that were available.
His motivation was two-fold. First, it was to support a local business colleague. Second, to drive up his network.
“I primarily went to support Mark Berger (of Berg’s Eye Communications in Cumberland), as he’s been a fantastic advocate for my business through Shop in RI Magazine and consistently champions local Rhode Island businesses. He’s a regular presence at these events and always offers his support. They also had a great raffle with a fun surprise: Shear Dimensions, my parents’ salon in Cranston, donated a gift certificate, which, hilariously, went to a bald guy!
“It was a really positive event, and it’s always good to see such strong support for the Rhode Island business community.” Jay said.
Corey Phinney of Supercharged Entertainment in Wrentham, MA, figured attending the Kickoff would open doors—but he didn’t anticipate just how transformative those connections would become. He always believed in the power of adrenaline-fueled team building to unite colleagues, but the Coalition helped him amplify that vision. Through their networking events and advocacy programs, Corey met like-minded entrepreneurs, community leaders, and corporate partners who saw the value in their high-octane corporate experiences.
One standout moment for Corey? A casual conversation at the Coalition mixer led to booking an event for a Fortune 500 company!
As he told the group, “The Coalition isn’t just about referrals; it’s about finding partners who understand how adventure drives business success.”
Dean said he was not only encouraged by the turnout that night, but hearing that several attendees decided to become Coalition members made the event worthwhile. He hopes that more people will get involved by either checking out their website, listening to their podcast, or attending their next event at Phantom Farms Brewery—also located in Cumberland—scheduled for September.
Dean noted that the Coalition has other plans and ideas coming up for anyone interested in learning more.
“We want to be more engaged with the business community so they can thrive here and elsewhere,” he said. “The Coalition is planning a few programs to get the most information out there. Being a trusted resource in town can make their climate for doing business something to be proud of.”
Further details about the Cumberland Coalition for Small Businesses, where you are “Networking with Your Neighbors,” can be found by visiting their Website at www.ccfsb.com. There, you may register for upcoming events, locate various services, and sign up to become a member.
