Foundation's 2009 "listening tour" of Rhode Island

The Foundation convened local land trusts and environmental organizations at the Audubon Society headquarters in Smithfield.  Above, Foundation President & CEO Neil Steinberg (left) with Lawrence Taft, executive director of the Audubon Society of RI.
 
Attendees  at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island-hosted meeting, including Jennifer Pereira, grants program officer who serves in a lead capacity for the Foundation's grantmaking around environmental issues (center), chat informally following the meeting.
  
The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting with local business leaders.  Above, Chamber officials John Gregory, president & CEO, and Joseph Pratt, chairman of the board of directors, flank Foundation President & CEO Neil Steinberg.

Foundation President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg and other Foundation representatives traversed the state to learn more about issues and concerns in each of four regions: northern Rhode Island, South County, West Bay, and Newport County.  The "listening tour" included meetings with business leaders, grantee organizations, donors, professional advisors, public officials, and members of the media.

Northern Rhode Island - June 3

  • Breakfast reception, co-hosted by Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, at Fidelity Investments, Smithfield
  • Meeting with local land trusts at Audubon Society, Smithfield
  • Roundtable meeting with municipal leaders at Bryant University, Smithfield
  • Tour of Thundermist Health Center, Woonsocket

South County - June 11

  • Meeting with local business leaders at Washington Trust, Westerly
  • Meeting with Save the Bay, Westerly office
  • Tour Compass School, Kingston.
  • Visit Jonnycake Center, Peace Dale
  • Reception with donors at home of Rob and Peggy Leeson, Narragansett

West Bay - June 16

  • Tour of New England Laborers Construction Charter School, Cranston
  • Tour of Women’s Development Corporation Development, West Warwick
  • Lunch with publisher and general manager of Warwick Beacon
  • Meeting with group of executive directors, human service agencies, Warwick.

Newport County - June 25

  • Breakfast and meeting with business leaders, co-hosted by Newport Chamber of Commerce, at Chamber office, Middletown
  • Meet with International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS), Newport
  • Grants announcement for NCF small grants at IYRS, Newport
  • Lunch with publisher and editor of Newport Daily News and NCF advisory committee members
  • Tour new Child and Family building, Newport
  • Reception with donors at home of Peter and Anne Damon, Middletown.

News

NE Laborers Construction School
Dr. Michael Silvia (second from left) and Michael Traficante (far right), executive director and board chairman, respectively, of the New England Laborers Construction Charter School, meet with Daniel Kertzner, (left), Foundation grant programs officer, and Neil Steinberg, Foundation president & CEO.
 
NCF grants announcement
Paul Hogan (back left) and Joyce Botelho (front left),  chairman of the advisory committee and philanthropy officer, respectively, of the Newport County Fund, chat with Mary Jean Laraway and Tom Perrotti, both representing grantee Common Fence Music at the NCF grants announcement.
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