Staying Connected to all Narragansett Has to Offer
A Note from Peg Fradette, Executive Director

Thank you for being a part of our Narragansett Chamber of Commerce Community. As a
community, we know that it has been extremely tough since the pandemic became widely spread in March and you all deserve an abundance of praise for doing all that you are doing to
stay in compliance with the rules and regulations to keep safety and health a focus.

Our member businesses have made great strides over the last few months. They have pivoted
and found ways to operate in unique ways; all to help the community still have access to their
business, even in trying times. Please continue to celebrate our community businesses and all
the hard work they have put forth to keep our town one filled with some of the best business
owners in the state.

Please note that in addition to being a source of what is going on in Narragansett and
surrounding communities, we are also a source for updates on the pandemic. Rather than
inundating you with daily emails and zoom calls, or asking you to search through all of yours,
we are using our website as a source for you to consult for one stop guidance at your convenience, which can be found HERE.

The situation continues to change each day, which in turn prompts us to continuously update
the links to various services such as RI Commerce, SBA, RestoreRI, Banks, PPP, EIDL, Grants, and tips from the BBB). If you have specific questions, our staff and volunteers and I are happy to help find
answers for you. Stay tuned to Governor Raimondo’s “Take it Outside” Campaign and we will
too.

Thanks so much for all you do and keep up the good work. Thanks for supporting our member
businesses!

Best,
Peg
Get your Exclusive Gear at the Chamber!

We have many ways to show your love for Narragansett, stay safe, and support local businesses through the various items we're offering at the Chamber for a limited time.

Stop by to explore the below items for purchase!

  • Vintage Calamari Festival T-Shirts
  • 'Love Where you Live' lawn signs that you've seen around town
  • 'Gansett Gaiter masks
  • Chamber wine glasses

The Chamber is currently open from 11am-2pm Thursday-Sundays.

These gifts also make great stocking stuffers as the holidays are around the corner!
Stay Updated on the Assistance that is Available!

There are many opportunities to apply for and receive financial assistance and tools from local and federal government agencies.

Below are some helpful links to review to see if you could benefit!

RestoreRI Grant through RI Commerce:
  • Grants up to $15,000 available for businesses who employ 1-20 employees (Restaurants and caterers are not subject to the employee cap)
  • LINK TO LEARN MORE

Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • COVID-19 EIDL Loan Applications are still available- if someone is on the fence about applying, they should very seriously consider applying anyway. There is limited funding available behind this program, and the rates are very attractive.
  • Guidance Page
  • EIDL LOANS
  • PAYROLL PROTECTIONS LOANS (PPP)
  • Uses and eligibility
  • Borrowers are able to run their payroll for EITHER 8 weeks or 24 weeks.
  • A minimum of 60% of the loan proceeds must be used on payroll, 40% can be used for rent, utilities or interest on mortgages
  • Borrowers have 10 months from the date they received the PPP funds before a payment is due.
  • Borrowers cannot apply for forgiveness until the PPP funds have been exhausted and the full payroll run (8 or 24 weeks) has concluded. In other words, you can’t apply early

If you have any questions or require assistance completing applications, please call your local lender or let us know and we can put you in contact with one of our industry experts.
Statewide Primary Updates

The September primary is approaching quickly – September 8th . If you have not requested a mail ballot, you still have two options to vote.

For many state representatives and state senators, the primary is THE election because they have no opponent in November. That makes this primary extremely important.

If you wish to vote in person on September 8th , you can find your voting location by CLICKING HERE.

Registered voters also have the option to vote early in-person between August 19th and
September 8th . In the 20 days leading up to Election Day, you can vote in person at your city or town hall during their regular business hours. This is a great option if you are unable to vote at your usual polling place on Election Day, or if you have run out of time to request a mail ballot.

Simply go to your local board of canvassers in your city/town, present a valid photo ID, fill out the ballot that is given to you and then place it into the voting machine.
South County Bike Path Update

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Hunting Plan Amended

In the May 10th update, a proposed hunting and fishing plan for the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge was shared, which included multiple parcels along the southern half of Narrow River in Narragansett and South Kingstown.

One of the areas (the “Mumford Unit”) in which hunting would have been permitted is adjacent to the bike path segment from MacArthur Boulevard in Wakefield to Mumford Road in Narragansett.

We are happy to report that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced that, after receiving 1,641 comments and two petitions concerning the draft plan, it has removed hunting from the Mumford Unit in the final plan.

The final plan can be found HERE.

We are thankful to all who paid attention to this issue and commented, and that the South County Bike Path will continue to be safe and enjoyable for all.

-David and Rosemary Smith
Local Updates from our Members!
The Break Hotel named Travelers Choice Winner!

Congratulations to our member, The Break Hotel, on being a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner!

Each year, Tripadvisor combs through reviews, ratings, and saves from travelers everywhere, and use that info to award the very best.

We are so proud to share the news that The Break Hotel is now a part of this exclusive group, which is also within the top 10% hotels World Wide!

Hotel management shared, "To the team of the Break Hotel and the Chair 5 Restaurant, a Sincere Thank You to all of you for making this award possible! And to Jim & Becky Durkin, thank you for creating such an outstanding hotel!"

To learn more about The Break and how to experience a stay there, click the button below.
South County Museum Now Open!

South County Museum is now open on Friday and Saturday throughout the month of September. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

Many of the exhibits located on the 8 acre museum campus have been redesigned to permit viewing without actually entering the buildings.

Visit the Letterpress Print Shop, the Antique Car Barn as well as the Blacksmith Shop and one-room school house. The Living History Farm features the Rhode Island Red Heritage Poultry flock with over 100 chicks hatched the middle of July.

South County Museum is open from 10-4pm and located at 115 Strathmore Street, Narragansett.
A Reminder from South County Hearing Services

Have you been having trouble hearing during these past few months?

We have heard from many of you, saying it’s been very frustrating. We want you to know that we are “hear” for you.

We at South County Hearing Services are open and operating on an appointment only basis for hearing evaluations. We also offer curbside services for repairs or supply pickup.

Call South County Hearing Services today at 401-789-1906 to learn more about the services we offer.

South County Hearing Services
360 Kingstown Rd Suite 206
Narragansett, RI 02882

Office hours: Mon-Thur 8:30-5:00 | Fri 9:00-2:00.
Enjoy Block Island at The National

Our friends at the National Hotel on Block Island are making it even easier to enjoy the sights of the island and the many activities and restaurants with a limited promotion.

For the month of September, If you book for a midweek rate Sunday- Thursday, you will receive 20% off.

To take advantage of this offer, use promo code CHAMBER at checkout.

Learn more and book now by clicking below!
Abbott Properties Team Expands

Karen Catuogno, owner of Abbott Properties, has some exciting announcements! Their team will be expanding with the following team members:

Linda Allcock
Linda has 35 years plus of experience in residential real estate and is an award winning agent working with both buyers and sellers of residential real estate throughout RI.

Nathan Hood
Nathan joins us after a decade in sales and business. He is working with residential and commercial buyers and sellers in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

They both look forward to serving the community!
Washington Trust Named PBN Best Places to Work!

Washington Trust has been recognized by Providence Business News as one of Rhode Island’s ‘Best Places to Work’.

This marks the 10th year in a row they have been named to the list which recognizes the
outstanding places of employment throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Congratulations to our member for this well-deserved honor.
T's Voted Best in R.I.!

T's Restaurant would like to thank Narragansett for voting T's Best in RI!

We are deeply grateful for your friendship and support!

We hope to see you soon for dine-in, takeout or delivery.

Please explore our menu by scanning the QR code.
News from the Historical Society

The Narragansett Historical Society is launching a Capital Campaign to raise the needed funds to restore the iconic Windmill Building on Clarke Road and make it our permanent home in Narragansett!

A proper home in our town has been a goal since its inception in 1978. Many inquiries have been made, but didn't pan out for various and sundry reasons (often the needed funds.)

Despite the problems of this difficult time, we are having some promising early success. Our restoration architect is busy at work doing detailed measurements, etc as well as numerous builders and historic-minded architects have been through the building - all having said it is structurally sound and a very worthy restoration project with a great goal at the finish line.

We welcome all and any contributions toward this goal and will be happy to answer any questions anyone has! Please contact nhs1888@aol.com for more information and ways to donate.
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Market Update from Williams & Stuart Real Estate

Simply put, real estate prices are through the roof! Buyers are ambushing new listings and property
is typically selling in a matter of days, often for well-over asking price.

COVID-19 may be keeping inventory at historically low levels, but July just recorded the highest number of single-family sales home sales this year. Your home has never been worth more.

What can this do for you now? What can this do for your future? If you’d like some solid real estate advice, let’s talk!

Mary Lou Lamontagne
Realtor
Williams & Stuart Real Estate
401-529-8910