Mayor Cicilline Launches Job Training Program for Providence Residents

Providence Jobs Initiative will prepare residents for good paying jobs in construction and information technology

To watch a video of the announcement, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0IWrPYm4Ag 

 

Standing in the electrical shop in the newly constructed Providence Career and Technical Academy, Mayor David N. Cicilline joined School Superintendent Thomas M. Brady and other community partners to launch an innovative job training initiative designed to get Providence residents back to work. The program is part of Operation Opportunity, an economic action plan launched by Mayor Cicilline earlier this year to expand job opportunities for Providence residents.

“We have to do everything in our power during these incredibly difficult economic times to create real job opportunities for the residents of Providence,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “As we focus on rebuilding our economy through strategic investments that create jobs, I want to make sure that Providence residents have the skills they need to obtain good-paying jobs in construction and in the growing field of information technology.  The Providence Jobs Initiative helps us accomplish that goal.”

 

“Providence Public Schools has made it our mission to ensure that all students are prepared to succeed in the nation’s colleges and universities, and in their chosen professions,” said Superintendent Brady.  “This job training program is a natural extension of that mission – this collaborative investment in the skill development of our city’s young adults will yield a stronger, better-prepared workforce for Providence.”

 

The Providence Jobs Initiative, which is funded through a $650,000 grant from the Governor’s Workforce Board, will be targeted towards young adults and unemployed, out-of-school youth.  The program will serve approximately 300 residents in the evenings at the Providence Career and Technical Academy, a new state-of-the-art high school that is scheduled to open this fall.  When completed, the 296,000-square-foot education complex will be one of New England’s premier technical high schools featuring nine vocational career laboratories including carpentry, automotive, electrical, and general construction trades.

 

"By investing $650,000 the Governor's Workforce Board is supporting innovative ways to improve the skills of older youth and young adults,” said William McGowan, Vice Chair, Governor’s Workforce Board.

 

The adult education courses will primarily young adults aged 17 to 24 who have dropped out of high school or are otherwise under-skilled. Participants will have an opportunity to earn certifications in the several areas of the building trades, including the green-collar sector.  Training in the information technology will put participants on track to earn Microsoft Office Specialist certification, an important accreditation for obtaining good-paying jobs in administration positions.

 

The City will spend the next several months developing the core curriculum for the program in collaboration with the School Department, Rhode Island Department of Education and the Providence-Cranston Workforce Investment Board.    

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Mayor Cicilline Named One of Top 15 Green Mayors By Leading Environmental Magazine  

Grist Magazine lauds Mayor for Operation Opportunity goals focusing on the greening of the economy

Grist magazine, a top environmental online publication, has named Mayor David N. Cicilline one of “15 green-leaning mayors” in America.  According to Grist, the 15 mayors were selected based upon their efforts to “take our collective future in their own hands.”

 

“Climate change is a global problem – but as of yet, there’s no global solution,” state editors of Grist. “That’s why mayors across the U.S. are taking action, from building green to organizing bike rides, from redeveloping downtowns to cutting emissions.”

 

Grist lauds Mayor Cicilline for the green goals established in Operation Opportunity, an 18-month economic action plan launched by the Mayor in February to create jobs and boost the economy.   The “Greening the Economy” goals outlined in Operation Opportunity include the creation of a green job training corps, doubling the recycling rate and an executive order signed by the Mayor in March requiring that all new municipal buildings are LEED or CHPS certified, nationally accepted benchmarks for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. 

 

“It’s an honor to receive this type of recognition from Grist magazine, a highly respected publication among environmental advocates,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “It validates the fact that our priorities are in the right place as we rebuild our economy for the 21st-century and create green-sector jobs for our residents.”

 

Other “green-leaning” mayors recognized by Grist include New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.  For the entire list of mayors, visit http://www.grist.org/article/index/2009-04-10-15-green-leaning-mayors/PALL

 

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Mayor Cicilline Submits Framework for FY 2010 Budget to Providence City Council      

Final City budget to be submitted to City Council at the conclusion of RI General Assembly legislative session due to unpredictability of State budget process

Mayor David N. Cicilline has submitted the framework for the fiscal year 2010 budget to the Providence City Council.  The FY 2010 budget proposal is aligned with the supplemental budget for FY 09, which is now before the City Council.

 

The Mayor will deliver his final budget to the City Council once the Rhode Island General Assembly has concluded its legislative session in mid-June.  The budget for the City of Providence is reliant on accurate projections for revenue that will be returned to cities and towns by the State.  This revenue accounts for a substantial portion of the City’s budget.  Due to the State’s fiscal emergency conditions, there are no available State budget projections that offer even a minimal level of reliability. 

 

“The central goal of our budget must be to avert the fiscal catastrophe that will face the City in four-to-six months unless serious restructuring is done,” said Mayor Cicilline in his Budget Message to the City Council.  “The spirit of what will be required to meet our goal was well displayed by the leadership and members of Local 1033.  They stepped forward with important concessions in their contract and we will need all of our employees to do the same.

 

“By working hard, working smart and staying focused, we will not only survive this recession, we will turn it into a moment of great opportunity, ensuring the city’s long-term sustainability and prosperity,” said the Mayor.

 

The following summary outlines a projected annual savings totaling $25,260,000:

 

Salary and Employee Benefits
- Health Benefits co-share adjustment. The City expects to realize approximately $2,300,000 in annual savings.

- No City funds to be used to fill existing Police (8) and Fire Vacancies (22). The City expects to realize approximately $3,000,000 in annual savings.

- Reduce the vacation daytime banks by one day for all employees.  The City expects to realize approximately $720,000 in savings.

- Reduce the holiday time banks by one day for public safety sworn personnel.  The City expects to realize approximately $240,000 in savings.

- Eliminate the clothing allowance for public safety personnel in FY 2010.  The City expects to realize approximately $1,400,000 in annual savings.

- Institute a wage freeze for FY 2010. The City expects to realize approximately $12,000,000 in savings. (This reflects both bargained for and anticipated raises for Municipal and School Employees.)

Pension Reform

- Institute pension reform which changes the COLA for non-vested Class B (Police and Fire sworn) personnel to be consistent with the existing pension ordinance that provides for a 3% simple COLA on the first $12,000 of pension benefits based upon a 3 year average and a 3 year wait to begin the COLA.  The City expects to realize approximately $600,000 in annual savings.

- Increasing the minimum service requirement 
    * For all non-vested (less than ten years of service) Class B(Police and Fire sworn) personnel to twenty-five years of service or fifty-five years of age

    * For those Class A employees hired after July 1, 2004 the minimum retirement age shall be age 60 with 10 years of service or 30 years of service with an early retirement reduction of 5% per year for those employees who reach age 55 and have 10 years of service.

    * For those Class A employees hired after July 1, 2009 the minimum retirement age shall be age 62 with 10 years of service or 30 years of service with an early retirement reduction of 5% per year for those employees who reach age 55 and have 10 years of service. The City expects to realize approximately $600,000 in annual savings from these changes to the retirement age.

- Change the maximum disability allowance to fifty percent.  The City expects to realize approximately $1,000,000 in annual savings.

Hydrant Payment
- This budget proposes the elimination of fire hydrant payment to the Water Supply Board in anticipation of successful state legislation repealing this payment.  The City expects to realize approximately $950,000 in annual savings, or litigation challenging its validity.

Union Legal Funds

- This budget proposes the elimination of payments to the Union Legal Funds.  The City expects to realize approximately $150,000 in annual savings.

Overtime Reduction
- Revise employee staffing and scheduling in order to minimize the impact on overtime and callback budgets.  The City expects to realize approximately $2,600,000 in annual savings.

Operating Efficiencies
- Move to a bi-weekly payroll cycle and automate payroll payments by requiring direct deposit payments or debit cards for all employees.  The City expects to realize approximately $300,000 in annual savings.

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Around Town

 

On Monday, May 4th, Mayor Cicilline joined the family and friends of 100th birthday celebrant, Bernard Buonnano, at the EPOCH Living Center on Blackstone Boulevard where the centenarian resides.  Buonnano, born on May 4, 1909, is an accomplished scholar, athlete, and teacher.  After graduating from Brown University with an advanced degree in languages, Buonnano dedicated his life to sharing the gift of knowledge as a teacher at Classical High School.  He is a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

 

This morning, the Mayor read to a class of kindergarten students at the Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School on Broad Street, as part of national Reading Week.  The books chosen by the students were: Horton Hears A Who! by Dr. Seuss, Three Billy Goats Gruff, a Norwegian fairy tale first collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, and the classic English language nursery rhyme, Three Little Kittens, first published by Eliza Follen.  Reading Week is a national celebration that promotes an appreciation of literature for both children and adults across America.

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 Let Your Love Grow with a Green Mother's Day Gift      

Mayor Cicilline encourages families to plant a tree for Mother’s Day through the City of Providence Trees 2020 program

Mayor David N. Cicilline has a novel idea for honoring Providence moms this year on Mother’s Day – plant a tree from Trees 2020!  
 

Trees 2020 is an ambitious campaign to plant 40,000 new trees in the city by the year 2020, and increase the City’s canopy cover from 23% to 30%.  Through the program, a Providence homeowner can purchase a top-quality tree at an affordable price.  The City has already taken care of a significant portion of the cost, along with its partner Groundwork Providence.  The Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust of the Rhode Island Foundation provided additional funding.

 

Trees may be picked up by appointment, or have it delivered for $20.  Visit www.trees2020.com or contact the Parks Department at 785-9450 for information on the types of available trees.  A greeting card will be provided with every purchase stating, “Happy Mother’s Day! A tree has been planted in your honor.  It will help create beauty, shade, and a better world.”

 

“Flowers are great, but I can’t think of a better gift this year than planting a tree for Mother’s Day,” says Mayor Cicilline.  “A new tree in the backyard or donated to a city park will offer shade and beauty to the entire neighborhood.  As the tree grows, it will not only make your mother proud, but help improve our environment by offering all the benefits that a healthy tree canopy provides.”

 

Trees 2020 has 39 different species of trees to choose from that fit the space and growing requirements of most landscapes.  City Forester Doug Still urges the planting of large trees, where possible, to optimize shade and benefits. “This is a great opportunity to take part in something larger than yourself, both locally and globally.  Every tree planted gets

counted towards our 40,000 tree-planting goal, as well as the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign worldwide. The environmental benefits of an ‘urban forest’ are well documented, such as cleaner air and water, reduced energy use, storage of carbon to reduce greenhouse gases, and others.”

 

To purchase a tree or learn how to donate a tree from the program to a Providence park, order online at www.trees2020.com or call Groundwork Providence at 351-6440 x14 or the Parks Department at 785-9450.

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Feature: My Business

We Go Nuts for the Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company

The Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company is neither Virginian nor Spanish.  It’s a nearly century-old nut distribution company that began and still exists right here in Providence.  Peter S. Kaloostian, an Armenian immigrant, established his family business in Olneyville in 1913.  Two years later, he relocated to a 16,000 square foot facility on 260 Dexter Street in the West End neighborhood.  Ninety-six years later, the company is still in the hands of the Kaloostian family – owned and managed by grandsons Peter and Robert and great granddaughters, Shelly and Candace. 

 

When the company first opened, its main product was the peanut, which is roasted fresh right at the facility.  Today their line has expanded to other members of the nut family, like almonds, cashews, and pistachios to name a few. They offer concession products like popcorn, and they also package dried fruit, trail mixes, and an array of snacks too many to name. If that’s not enough to choose from, the Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company also makes its own 100% natural peanut butter. 

 

City News paid a visit this week to this Providence landmark to discover why so many for so long have gone nuts for this family business.

 

How did the Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company get its start in Providence?

Peter: It got its start from my grandfather in 1913.  He started out in Olneyville for two years and then moved here to Dexter Street in 1915.  When he first came from the old country (in Armenia) he decided to go into the nut business.  He had two options – automobiles or nuts – and he chose nuts! I don’t know why but he did.  From there on, his sons took over from there and then to their sons and we’re on our fourth generation here now.  Candy and Shelley, who are my two daughters, and my brother Bob and I are the ones running the business today.

 

Where does the name come from?

Peter: Good question.  We don’t know.  In our mind, we think it comes from the fact that Virginia and Spanish are two types of peanuts.  So maybe years ago, when they first started, they were more into the peanut line, as opposed to all nuts as we are today.  We think that’s where the name came from. 

 

What do you like most about being in business in the capital city?

Bob: Providence is a great distribution point to a lot of the areas throughout the state.  We’re centrally located for people to come here from either East Providence or Warwick.  It seems to work out pretty well that way. 

 

Shelly: It’s a very nice city to do business in. 

 

If your grandfather (or great-grandfather) were here today, what would he say is the secret to running a successful, longstanding family business?

Peter: Hard work.  That’s the main issue here.  Put all your time and effort in to it.  When my grandfather first came in to this country, he ran a market, a regular grocery store, on Orms Street.  And on Candace Street, there used to be a Turkish bathhouse.  Men used to come in from Boston to take baths there and my grandmother was a towel washer at that facility.  Between the two of them they saved up money and then went into the nut business.  So, our grandparents taught us that hard work is very important.  Every generation has worked hard in this family.

 

Bob: When my father would be at the desk ordering merchandise, I was always listening to what he was saying to the other person on the phone.  He would negotiate prices and I picked up all that stuff from him.

 

Peter: By watching the older generation work hard, you follow by example. 

 

Shelly: As the business takes on, naturally it becomes part of you.  So when you see your father and your uncle do the things that they do, you take on that same responsibility and that same work ethic for the company.

 

Candy: I think our success also has a lot to do with how we treat our customers.  We have great customer relations and I think that really helps a lot.  I think we’ve learned from them but we’ve also had to keep up with the times and try to do things that keep the business fresh. Another interesting thing is too that a lot of our business relationships and partners, and some vendors and customers, trace back to my grandfather.  Sometimes their fathers and grandfathers also did business with ours.  So it goes a long way back. 

 

Bob: Also, we try to give our customers the right quality at the right price.  We’re always in tune to making sure our quality is excellent and our services and prices are competitive with everybody else. 

 

Some people might caution others to avoid going in to business with family.  How have you guys made it work all this time?

Bob:  We have four of us here working the office.  Each one has their own personality and their own strength.  That’s how we’re able to work and run the business properly – we focus on what we do best individually and bring all those strengths together.

 

Candy, you mentioned earlier that in order to keep things fresh, you’ve had to learn how to change with the times.  How does that work in the nut business?

Candy:  It’s all about listening to the customers and listening to what they’re asking for.  We’ve introduced a lot of new products over the last few years.  But I think that was always the case with us.  I remember my father saying back when my grandfather was around that he wanted to start a line of concession products.  My grandfather was a little reluctant at that time but eventually that part of the business became a big part of our product line now and the same thing is happening with my sister’s generation and me. 

 

Bob: We’re also moving in the direction where we’re packaging for different distributors.  We often get the merchandise in bulk, like in 30-pound cartons.  But a lot of the distributors that we sell to, like Perkins and Newport Schools, they want the products in 5-pound boxes.  So we take that product and package them the way that buyer or the distributor needs it.  In other words, we adapt to their needs as well.  Like Candy said, it’s all about listening to your customers. 

 

How do you keep your products fresh?

Peter: We refrigerate everything and we have a really fast turnover on the products.  We take care of the product:

 

Bob: The refrigeration goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Everything is kept in a cool, dry place.  If it’s supposed to be, that’s where it’s kept. 

 

From where do you get your products?

Bob: All over – from California to down South, and the imports come from places as far as Brazil and China. 

 

What are some of your best-selling items?

Candy: I would say the cashews and pistachios.  And also our Brown Bear Peanut Butter which we make here fresh, all natural.  Our trail mixes have become very popular too in recent years.

 

What are the busiest times of the year for your company?

Candy: Without a doubt, November and December, during the holidays are our busiest season.  A lot of businesses give them out as gifts.  A lot of people use them for their home or baking. 

 

Where or how can the public buy your products?

Shelly: There are several retail stores throughout the state and New England that sell our products.  In Providence, Eastside Marketplace sells them. 

 

Bob: Yeah they do a good job of merchandising our products.  There are a number of others that we sell too in a small or large scale. 

 

Candy: We also deliver to a lot of restaurants in Providence or people can come in here if they’d like and pick up orders.

 

Bob: You’ll never know this but when you go to Trinity Rep, they’ve got our cashews there and our mixes.  The average person wouldn’t know that but that all comes from us.

 

Shelly: We also supply to a lot of bakeries, candy stores, and ice cream shops in Providence.  We run a concessions line of products.  It’s another part of the business.  We also sell dried fruits and different things like that. 

 

After all these years, what is your business plan for the future?

Shelly: To continue to maintain where we are at now.

 

Are your children going to join the business too?

Shelly: You never know!

For more info, go to www.vspnutco.com or call 421-2543.  

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