Business

The Bottom Line: Business Revival in Downtown Providence

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +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 Providence Foundation Executive Director Dan Baudouin about the new business revival that is happening in downtown Providence.

When to Listen

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

The Bottom Line: RI's Economic Development Plans Still Uncertain

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

The Bottom Line: Creating a Major Water Authority

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 31 May 2013 21:07:05 +0000

The Bottom Line: The State of Manufacturing

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

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.