June 22, 2026

Business and Burning Boats

Greetings!

Rhode Island recently celebrated 'Gaspee Days'. Gaspee Days encompass multiple local events over a few weeks in June to commemorate the oft-overlooked first real action taken against the British military before the Revolutionary War even started. Essentially, the British navy had their Royal Navy schooner HMS GASPEE anchored off the coast of Rhode Island and Rhode Island rebels seized it and BURNED it back in 1772 (4 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed).

So, while we celebrate America's 250th, let's remember how the LITTLE state of Rhode Island made a BIG statement even before the war officially began! GO RHODE ISLAND!

Speaking of BURNING BOATS, today's article is about that topic and includes a tiny bit of advice for those becoming a parent (Happy (belated) Father's Day by the way!) or those who have started (or are starting) a business. I hope you enjoy it (see below).

CHEERS!

“I hope this is the year you finally trust yourself enough to “burn the ships”. No backup plan, no looking back, just forward.”

-Paul Avellino

The Mission of MOMENTUM

is to support the local small business community and entrepreneurs by encouraging them to:

ENGAGE (get out to seminars, networking and other events); 

EDUCATE (commit to lifelong learning); 

ENJOY (if you cannot laugh and have a little fun, then you are not doing it right!).

See you out there!

P.S. One of the greatest joys of my life was becoming a dad to two remarkable kids. I would say that even at the age of 37 (when we had our first-born), that I wasn't ready yet! But who really is ever ready to be a parent? I reference this fear a little bit in today's article below. And to all my fellow dads out there: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

On Business and Burning Boats!

-by Bob Salvas

There are many things that alter the direction of our lives: marriage, divorce, getting fired, getting hired, losing a loved one, graduating college, and many more. Some of these things happen to us and some of these things are decisions that we make.

While there are certainly more than three life events that have shaped me and determined my destiny, I’d like to mention three big ones today that were decisions I made that ultimately impacted me in the most positive of ways...

CONTINUE READING

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

(real estate)

at T's Restaurant,

East Greenwich RI

June 23, 2026

8am-9am

At Trust Networking - East Greenwich, you'll have the chance to expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply looking to meet new people, this event is perfect for anyone interested in fostering meaningful connections.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking Newport (Real Estate)

at Wyndham Hotel, Newport RI

June 23, 2026

8:30am-9:30am

Trust Networking - Newport, RI

Join us at our newest chapter: Trust Networking - Newport Real Estate. This new Real Estate focused group will meet on Tuesdays from 8:30AM - 9:30AM at Johnny's Restaurant @ Wyndham Hotel. This in-person gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in the Real Estate related world.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

at Englund Studio, North Kingstown RI

June 24, 2026

12pm-1pm

At Trust Networking - North Kingstown, you'll have the chance to expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply looking to meet new people, this event is perfect for anyone interested in fostering meaningful connections.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

with Sal and Uncle Jay

June 24, 2026 4pm-6:30pm

Regency Cigar Emporium

752 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI

Join us at the Regency in East Greenwich for a little casual business-to-business networking.

Sit back and relax, enjoy a cigar and adult beverage.

Discuss the issues of the day and unwind from the grind.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Good Networking Coffee Hour

at Good Working

June 25, 2026

8am-9am

Good Working Coworking .

585 Smithfield Road,

North Smithfield, RI



What to Expect: Join fellow professionals at our monthly Good Networking Coffee Hour held at the cozy and inviting Good Working co-working space. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, etc.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Last Friday Coffee

with Englund Studio

June 26, 2026

8:30am-10am

at the Quonset Office Park

70 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, RI

Bring plenty of business cards and a positive energetic business attitude. Stop by and meet new contacts and, as always, rebuild your associations.



REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking Mansfield

at DataPay Payroll, Mansfield MA

June 26, 2026 9am-10am

Trust Networking - Mansfield

Join us for referral networking at the Mansfield, MA chapter.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

June 26, 2026

noon-1pm

Trust Networking's first B2B group is the B2B CUMBERLAND TRUST GROUP and it is in a brand new location at Phantom Farms Brewing Co in Cumberland RI. Come for a visit and see what the excitement is all about.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust B2B Providence Networking

at Fogo de Chao, Providence RI



June 26, 2026 noon-1pm

Welcome to Trust Networking - Providence B2B! Visit us to meet fellow business professionals in Providence RI for this B2B ONLY chapter. This in-person event will take place at Fogo de Chão at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded B2B individuals and grow your business network.

REGISTER HERE

Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2026

In-Person Event:

The 250th Independence Day

at everywhere USA

July 4, 2026

6pm-9pm

The 250th year of our country will be celebrated everywhere in the USA all year and especially on our official INDEPENDANCE DAY holiday on July 4th 2026.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

at the White Ash Cigar Lounge, Pawtucket RI

July 6, 2026

5:30pm-8:30pm

Kamil Sarji is celebrating his 10th year of hosting Cigar Networking.

Ten years ago, a small group of business owners and professionals sat down, lit up, and started talking. That first Monday in May 2016 turned into a monthly tradition — and this year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Cigar Business Networking.

If you’ve never been, here’s the idea: every first Monday of the month, we gather at White Ash Cigar Lounge in Pawtucket for a relaxed evening of real business conversation. No stiff name tags, no forced small talk — just good people, good cigars, and genuine connections.

You don’t have to smoke to belong here. What brings people back month after month is the room itself — entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners who actually want to grow and help others do the same.

REGISTER HERE

NOTE: The White Ash Cigar Lounge is now an official CIGARS FOR WARRIOR donation station. As a military veteran (and cigar lover)....THANK YOU WHITE ASH!

In-Person Networking:

Statewide Summer Social

with Little Rhody Professional Networking

July 9, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

Little Rhody Professional Networking would like to invite you to the Statewide Summer Social along with the Southern RI Young Professionals at Whalers Brewing Company in Wakefield, RI from 5:30pm - 7:30pm on Thursday, July 9th.

 REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Heart of Massachusetts Networking

at the Springhill Suites by Marriot, Wrentham MA

July 15, 2026

5pm-6:30pm

The Heart Of Massachusetts

Gather and collaborate with The Heart of Massachusetts to connect, grow, and thrive in a vibrant, community-focused event.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

RI/MA Referral Makers Networking

with Paula Allin

July 21, 2026

8:30am-10am



If it is the third Tuesday of the month, then it is time to network with Paula Allin and HOMESMART at 550 Douglas Pike in Smithfield RI.

In-Person Networking:

July RI Networking Event

with Little Rhody Professional Networking

July 21, 2026

6pm-8pm

Little Rhody Professional Networking would like to invite you to our July Rhode Island Business Networking & Social Event at the WXYZ Bar at the aLoft Hotel in Providence, RI from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 21st.

All professionals are welcome whether you are simply working on building your network, looking for business leads, looking for a new job or just like to meet people. The event has a limited number of free tickets, so we ask that if you register, please plan to attend.

 REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

The Heart of RI Networking

at CIC, Providence RI

July 22, 2026

8am-9:45am

One of the more popular monthly networking events is the HEART OF RI and it routinely sells out. So you might want to reserve a spot NOW! Always a lot of great networkers at this event.



REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Mass Professional Networking August Event

at Bar Louie, Foxboro MA

August 4, 2026

6pm-8pm

Kudos to Jeff for hosting a networking event at one of the favorite places of the first open networking event in southern New England, Dan Edmonds. It is a great venue especially if the weather allows for the rooftop bar!

Mass Professional Networking would like to invite you to our August South of Boston Business Networking & Social Event at Bar Louie at Patriot Place from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on August 4th 2026. All professionals are welcome whether you are simply working on building your network, looking for business leads, looking for a new job or just like to meet people.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Networking Pop-Up

at Track 15, Providence RI

August 11, 2026

4:30pm-6:30pm

Join us for an evening of connection & conversation, at one of PVD's trendiest spots — Track 15 in Providence.

Whether you're looking to grow your professional circle, catch up with colleagues, or make new connections across industries, this event is for you. Hosted by the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Event:

The RI Author Expo

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

August 15, 2026

10am-3pm

The Association of Rhode Island Authors presents their RI AUTHOR EXPO on August 15, 2026 from 10am-3pm at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI. Come on out and support local authors from all corners of the state!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

The Heart of RI Networking

at CIC, Providence RI

August 19, 2026

8am-9:45am

One of the more popular monthly networking events is the HEART OF RI and it routinely sells out. So you might want to reserve a spot NOW! Always a lot of great networkers at this event.



REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Non-Profit Connections RI

at the Working Man Distillers, Pawtucket RI

September 3, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

After a short hiatus, the NONPROFIT CONNECTIONS RI is BACK! Lots of new stuff happening (new dates and new home base!) and this first installment will be co-hosted by none other than THE MARKETING CAMP. SAVE THE DATES!

Fall dates and sponsors:

• September 3 - The Marketing Camp
• October 1 - 
• November 5 - Toys for Tots / Bob Salvas
• December 3 - 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Event:

The Marketing Camp 2026

at the 5 Bridges Inn, Rehoboth MA

September 16, 2026

8am-6pm

This is what you have been waiting for- the ALL-NEW version of THE MARKETING CAMP for 2026. We are going back to our original time of year for this event (fall instead of spring) and looking to host it at a brand-new venue on September 16, 2026.

AMAZING EARLY BIRD PRICE OF $97 AVAILABLE NOW!

In-Person Networking:

Blueprints Networking

at RI Bio & Portal, Providence RI

September 18, 2026

9am-11am

Blueprints brings together professionals from across the AEC world and the industries surrounding it. Architects, engineers, developers, designers, contractors — anyone who cares about how things get built is welcome here.

We meet monthly around Providence and Greater Boston. The format is simple: show up, grab a coffee, meet someone new. Leave the elevator pitch at the door. Blueprints is built around real conversation — the kind that turns into a collaboration six months later, or a referral you didn't see coming, or just a good contact you're glad you have.

RI Bio & Portal | Providence, RI

Address: Ocean State Labs, 130 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903

Time and date: 9:00-11:00 AM Friday, September 18th

In-Person Event:

The Women Leading Change 2026

at Bally's Twin River, Lincoln RI

September 23, 2026

5pm-8pm

The Women Leading Change 2026 event will take place on September 23rd at Bally's Twin River in Lincoln RI. This is Rhode Island’s premier annual gala to celebrate, connect, fundraise, and honor those working to advance gender equity across our state.

This high-energy evening brings together business leaders, changemakers, and community advocates to recognize contributions that are leveling the playing field for women and girls in RI.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Walk to end Alzheimer's

RI walks

Begins September 26, 2026

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

BREW WORK is coming!

at Phantom Farms Brewing, Cumberland RI

September 28, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

There is a BRAND-NEW networking series of events coming starting in September of 2026. If you love local craft beer (or at least love to support local brewery businesses) and you love casual business networking, then you are going to want to jump on board. More details coming soon!

SAVE THE DATE!

Autumnfest is the largest festival in northern Rhode Island. Always a great time with music, food and beer. It takes place on the Columbus Day weekend (Oct 10-12) in Woonsocket RI. Plan ahead to attend this year's event which will also celebrate the fall season and the 250th anniversary of our country!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Celebrate the HARVEST OF THE SEA at the 35th annual Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival. One of the top fall festivals in the region. It takes place at Bowen's Wharf in Newport RI on October 17-18 from 11am-3pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The 2026 OCEAN STATE BUSINESS EXPO kicks off another year of outstanding support for the small business community. The event takes place on November 10, 2026 from 3pm-7pm at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Chocolate Expo 2026 Rhode Island Holiday Edition will take place on Sunday November 15, 2026 from 10am-6pm at Bally’s Twin River in Lincoln RI. Celebrate the sweetest season with chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, wines, spirits, mead & more — all under one festive roof!

Come celebrate your love of chocolate and great local food and drink! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The 2026 BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TOYS FOR TOTS event will be back at the Guild Brewery in Pawtucket RI on November 16, 2026 from 5pm-9pm. This is a great event for a great cause. Free music and BBQ and great tasting beer and other drinks to enjoy. All you have to do is bring some new toys with you for the donation. We collected over 2,000 toys last year!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Celebrate 10 years of shopping small at Rhode Island’s holiday shopping showcase! Small Business Saturday Shop RI brings together more than 150 diverse vendors all under one roof. The event takes place on November 28, 2026 at 9am at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Let's be sure to reach out in gratitude to those who have helped us succeed in business and in life. Make that notion of gratitude more meaningful by sending something TANGIBLE to those you appreciate. I like to call it MOMENTUM MAIL- sending tangible thanks not only makes you feel good but it builds momentum for your business and for your life!

Many of you will think about this but then get too busy.

Trust me, MAILBOX POWER is the solution you have been looking for.

Send small gifts or cards affordably and conveniently right from your laptop.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!



This is an easy and creative solution to gift giving and card sending, so I encourage you to take a closer look at MAILBOX POWER (try it free for 14 days). Everything can be done from your laptop and at an affordable price too!

LET YOUR CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS KNOW YOU APPRECIATE THEM!