Hello Friend,

As a member of the Rhode Island business community for over two decades at Quonset, I have seen countless examples of creativity and resilience during hard times – and the COVID-19 crisis is no different. I am confident that, together, we will emerge from this crisis stronger, due largely to how we are working together. 

In this newsletter, you will find programs that have been created to assist businesses affected by the crisis. We know how important these timely resources are to keep work flowing. I hope you will find them helpful.

In addition, the strong leadership of Gov. Raimondo and Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor is a model for us all – each day, they are helping businesses to navigate this uncertainty together.  

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy at home.  

Steven King, P.E.,
Managing Director
Quonset Development Corporation 
R.I. Superior Court Launches Innovative
Business Recovery Program
The Rhode Island Superior Court and Presiding Justice Alice Gibney have launched a business protection program in response to disruptions caused by COVID-19. The court will provide supervised protections for Rhode Island businesses so they can remain operational, access new working capital, and pay debts.

The Court’s goals are to help keep as many businesses operational as possible, provide temporary protection from creditors, and bolster the local economy. Visit the link below to learn more about the program and whether your business qualifies. 

R.I. Commerce Initiatives Help Businesses To Stay Afloat
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has created a one-stop webpage with COVID-19 related resources for your business. Their team has compiled a comprehensive list of FAQs about operating safely during the pandemic, Small Business Administration loan information, unemployment insurance and employer information from the Department of Labor and Training, and tech support to help you adapt to a digital workplace. For more information visit:  https://commerceri.com/covid-19/

If you have additional questions about small business resources, call their Small Business Hotline at  (401) 521- HELP or e-mail info@commerceri.com .

We appreciate the leadership of Commerce Secretary, and QDC Board Chair, Stefan Pryor and the efforts of his team during this time. 
Open Space and Peace of Mind
Open space is now more important than ever as Rhode Islanders continue to practice social distancing to stay healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Quonset hosts a 2.5-mile bike path that runs from Route 1 (Post Road) along the northern perimeter of the Business Park before connecting with the North Kingstown Town Bike Path. The town path runs to the northeast through the Calf Pasture Point nature area with views of Allen Harbor. The nature area was once a practice area for Seabee bulldozers, but today it is preserved open space with paths and a wide array of wildlife: wild otters, orioles, yellow warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks and snowy owls. The paved route is ideal for biking, walking, and inline skating.

Using all the necessary precautions, the Quonset team encourages Rhode Islanders to get outside at least once per day to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Ocean State. With masks and appropriate social distancing we hope our bike path will provide some much needed peace and quiet.

New England Real Estate Journal
Quonset Companies Stepping Up
There are many examples of Rhode Island companies donating their time and resources to assist in the COVID-19 response effort. Quonset companies are playing a key role, including our very own Ocean State Job Lot, one of the largest companies at the Business Park.

Last week, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation donated 20 pallets of food to help feed over 200 Pawtucket residents. The food was distributed at the drive through food pantry set up at McCoy Stadium, and was staffed by both Ocean State Job Lot and Pawsox employees. The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation provides more than 12 million meals annually to local food pantries. 

Follow Quonset on Twitter or Like our Facebook page to see more updates of Quonset businesses making a difference in the community. 

Providence Journal

*Photo Credit: The Providence Journal/Sandor Bodo*
Quonset to Host One of Rhode Island's
Three 'Field Hospitals'
Gov. Raimondo and Rhode Island Health Officials are working quickly to establish overflow hospital facilities as the number of hospitalizations related to COVID-19 rises. One such facility will be in an available 146,000 square foot building at 1530 Davisville Road in Quonset. The field hospitals will provide additional beds for patients with acute symptoms, and those who are recovering but need additional, continued treatment.

The staffing plan for the Quonset satellite hospital will include up to seven physicians, and 30 nurses. The facility plans to open on April 18.  

“We are glad to offer our excess building space to assist in the effort to combat COVID-19,” said Quonset Managing Director Steven King. “We will provide any support we can to the health professionals who are going above and beyond for our state.” 

Boston Globe

*Photos Credit: Barry Chin/Globe Staff/The Boston Globe*
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