Mayor Taveras Announces 5-Year, $250,000 Partnership with Alex and Ani

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence Mayor Angel Taveras today joined Jayne Conway, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Alex and Ani, to announce a 5-year, $250,000 partnership. Alex and Ani, one of America’s fastest growing lifestyle brands, will sponsor The Providence Rink, the city’s 14,000 square foot skating rink and entertainment venue at Kennedy Plaza – one of Providence’s biggest attractions. It will be known as the Alex and Ani City Center and will feature year-round programming and events. The most popular attraction is the ice skating rink, which is twice the size of the rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City, and attracts thousands every year.  More than 750,000 skaters have glided over the ice since its opening day in 1998.

The terms of the agreement give Alex and Ani naming rights to the venue until 2019. The company will be responsible for costs to rebrandAlex and Ani City Center. Additionally, Alex and Ani has the opportunity to host events at the venue year-round, which will work to draw additional attention and visitors downtown and to Alex and Ani City Center as a year-round entertainment destination.

“The Providence Rink is an exciting recreational centerpiece drawing families from across our state to the heart of downtown Providence. We are extremely proud to partner with Rhode Island’s own Alex and Ani, as it lends its proud, world-famous design name to this great venue,” said Taveras. “The Rink is truly one of our city’s jewels and we look forward to additional programming as well as growing the number of Rhode Islanders who are able to experience it year-round.”

For the first time since the venue opened, the agreement also allows the City the opportunity to raise additional revenue through other advertising, including kiosks, video monitors and dasher board advertising space at the Alex and Ani City Center.

“We are excited to partner with the City of Providence to support the City Center which gives thousands of people enjoyment each year,” said Conway. “The opportunity to host programming throughout the year at the Alex and Ani City Center will attract visitors downcity, which in turn will provide local businesses with increased economic activity.  Our support of City Center is an example of Alex and Ani’s commitment to support programs and organizations that help to make our state a better place.”

Taveras and Conway were joined by Rick Simone, Alex and Ani Vice President of Sponsorships and Partnerships, as well as Providence city officials, including James Bennett, Director of Economic Development; Robert McMahon, Parks and Recreation Superintendent; Lynne McCormack, Director of Arts Culture & Tourism and others for the announcement.

About Alex and Ani City Center

Located at Kennedy Plaza in the heart of downtown Providence, the Alex and Ani City Center operates year-round.   Ice-skating begins in late November and runs through mid-March.  The Center is managed by the Providence Parks and Recreation Department and by Rink Management Services Corporation. During the winter season, The Rink is a draw for birthday parties, schools groups, business and social group events, and even wedding proposals.  From April to October it opens as a premier event and programming center, hosting local events such as the RISD Artists Ball, the Rotary Street Painting Festival, and international events such as the Bolivian and Day of Portugal festival.  Weekly programming for the upcoming season is now being planned.  Please check the website at www.providencerink.com.

About Alex and Ani

Alex and Ani, LLC, offers eco-conscious, positive energy products created by Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, CEO and Chief Creative Officer. The Company’s World Headquarters are located in Cranston, Rhode Island, where its products are designed, manufactured and assembled using recycled local materials. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world, and by incorporating powerful symbolism and design into each positive energy piece, Alex and Ani provides a vehicle for wearers to express their individuality. An Inc. 500 Company, Alex and Ani has retail stores, in addition to retail partners, both domestically and internationally. Please visitwww.AlexandAni.com for more information.

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