GPCC Signature Events
The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce's "Signature" or annual events are cornerstone to its well-earned reputation for offering members the opportunity to hear first hand about key business issues from top decision makers; access to a broad and powerful knowledge base; learn successful business practices; and network with key business leaders.
Learn how you can sponsor one or all of these great events to complement your community outreach initiatives, reinforce your brand among many business and civic leaders and demonstrate support of the Chamber and its efforts. Contact Darlene Reza Rossi, vice president development & signature programs at drezarossi@provchamber.com.
Legislative Lunch — February 6
Leaders from both the Rhode Island House and Senate take part in this interactive forum focused on the key legislative issues facing the state's business community. More than 650 of the region's most prominent business leaders attend this annual event to understand the progress that our legislative body is making in addressing the concerns of both small and large businesses.
Congressional Breakfast — April 15
Over 500 of the region's most prominent business leaders attend to hear from Rhode Island's congressional delegation about the many critical issues facing the business community on a national level. Each Congressman is given time to brief guests on their priorities in Washington and answer questions that address Chamber concerns.
The Garage — May 14
Drawing its name from the start-up ingenuity in Silicon Valley that led to the creation of companies like Apple, Google and others, The Garage will be the place where the private sector will create a mash-up of all good things happening in the local business community. Revenue generating companies will share their success stories and best practices in an effort to inspire, cross-pollinate and grow key economic sectors. This first event will focus on the key industries of consumer products, health/wellness, life sciences and medtech.
Economic Outlook Luncheon — May 14
The Economic Outlook Luncheon kicks off The Garage event and welcomes more than 450 members and guests to listen to top Rhode Island business and civic leaders speak about their experiences and share insights into their success. This year's event will feature Larry Merlo, CVS Caremark Corporation president and CEO who will talk of the company's innovation and growth strategy when he makes his first presentation to the Rhode Island business community at this event. Previous speakers have included Nicholas S. Perna Ph.D., economic advisor to Webster Bank; Gina Raimondo, general treasurer, State of Rhode Island; and Gary Kelly, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Southwest Airlines.
Annual Meeting — November 25
One of the Chamber's largest annual events, the Annual Meeting attracts upwards of 800 members and guests to hear the Chamber’s progress on its key initiatives to grow and protect Rhode Island’s business community. Nationally recognized keynote speakers have included: Michael Mahoney, president and chief executive officer, Boston Scientific Corporation; Paul J. Salem, senior managing director of Providence Equity; and Gail Boudreaux, president of UnitedHealthcare.
Quarterly Forums
Breakfast/Policy Forum
Staying on top of current issues is a competitive advantage to any business. The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast/Policy Forum, offered four-six times a year provides members the opportunity to hear about trends from experts on topics such as pension reform, workforce development, healthcare reform and cost containment, marketing and much more.
The Chamber Experience
Newly created forum designed to foster dynamic and thoughtful dialogue around statewide economic issues, member benefits and key Chamber initiatives.
During the interactive discussion, attendees will get updates on relevant issues and initiatives the Chamber is advocating for during the 2013 legislative session; engage with key policy and business leaders; and exchange ideas and information on starting or growing business – all in an effort to expand our members' network of collaboration and connections.
The Inside Track
A showcase opportunity for Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) member businesses! At the GPCC we want to foster interesting conversations, “aha” moments and productive collaborations between our members. To do that, we are introducing a new, fresh, dynamic forum -- THE INSIDE TRACK. The Inside Track is a simple presentation format, where member businesses display 20 images (each for 20 seconds, for a maximum of 7 minutes) that help portray how your business’ product lines and services address needs in the marketplace. Accompanied by live commentary, this forum is a platform to tell your story, and inform attendees on the latest trends and offerings in your field. It's a concise, rapid-pace format that helps to promote your expertise within the RI business community. In addition to the presentations, the program will also include an educational component. A maximum of four Inside Track presentations will be booked for each session, which will accompany a learning session on a relevant topic. For more information, please contact Sue Stenhouse at sstenhouse@provchamber.com
Collaborations for Credit
GPCC has forged partnerships with organizations such as the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants (RISCPA) and the Rhode Island Society of Human Resource Managers (RI SHRM) to provide content rich programming, dynamic networking and professional development credit opportunities for participants of industry and topic specific forums.
