All Entries in the "Newport Chamber" Category

Tourism Authority Anticipates Promising Start

By Discover Newport Rhode Island

As Memorial Day weekend has recently passed by, travelers far and wide are pulling out their luggage for the summer travel season ahead. Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, the regional destination management organization for Newport and Bristol Counties, is excited about the many renovations and improvements found throughout the region that will enhance the visitor experience.

“We’re all still riding high from the wildly successful Volvo Ocean Race and the many investments completed in advance of the event, including the Newport Marriott’s $35 million renovation, the Hyatt Regency Newport’s $9 million renovation, the $3 million renovation at the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the multi-million dollar expansion at Newport Vineyards and the many pedestrian and traffic improvements around the city that have our destination looking better than ever,” said Smith.

Travel agency AAA predicted that the unofficial summer season kickoff event, Memorial Day weekend, saw the highest travel volume for the holiday in 10 years. The agency projects 37.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the weekend, a 4.7 percent increase over 2014. Launching the summer driving season, 33 million travelers will be driving to their destinations. AAA also states that most drivers will likely paid the lowest gas prices over Memorial Day weekend in at least five years.

“This is excellent news for our destination as a majority of our visitors arrive by motor vehicle and nearly 35 million people live within a 200-mile radius of Newport,” said Smith. “Last week, ABC News named Newport among the ‘Eight Most Adorable Beach Towns’ in the country, and earlier this year, Fodor’s Travel declared Newport the ‘Top U.S. Destination on the Rise.’

“These accolades, in addition to a rising consumer confidence index, improving national employment and what looks to be the lowest gas prices over Memorial Day in at least five years, all lead me to believe Newport and our surrounding communities will have a very successful season ahead.”

Erin Donovan-Boyle To Lead Newport County Chamber

NEWPORT, RI – The Newport County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation of their nine-member Search Committee to appoint Erin Donovan-Boyle as the Chamber’s new Executive Director.

“Finding the right person to continue the success of the Chamber moving forward has been the focus of our energies these past months.  Erin brings a wealth of experience in government and policy, and a keen understanding of our marine, hospitality and defense industries.  As Treasurer of the Ocean State Tall Ships (OSTS) I had the privilege of working with Erin in her capacity as the OSTS Executive Director and her ability to organize, negotiate, reach consensus, lead and motivate hundreds of sailors, participants and volunteers leaves no doubt that she will use those same skills in leading the Chamber,” said outgoing Chamber Executive Director, Jody Sullivan.

“We are very pleased to have found someone with the depth of knowledge of the community, the experience in government, and the financial acumen that Erin has.  She understands the Chambers role and commitment to our members and to Newport County.  We think Erin is the perfect person to continue the great work of Jody Sullivan and to serve our members.  The Board wishes Jody well in her new endeavors and looks forward to a seamless transition with Erin,“ stated Ed Lopes, Chamber Chairman of the Board.

“I am extremely excited about coming to work for the Newport County Chamber of Commerce as its new Executive Director. The organization is a strong and effective advocate for the local business community and it has played a leading role in successful economic development initiatives throughout Newport County. I look forward to continuing the hard work of my predecessors and I am committed to working diligently on behalf of the Chamber’s members to ensure their voice is heard, the needs of small businesses are understood, and Chamber businesses have every opportunity to grow and thrive,” said newly appointed Executive Director, Erin Donovan-Boyle.

Donovan-Boyle is currently the Outreach Director for Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed’s Rhode Island Office.  Donovan-Boyle previously worked as Campaign Manager for Secretary of state A. Ralph Mollis, was Vice President of the Mayforth Group, Executive Director of the Ocean State Tall Ships, and a funding spet and project manager for the Newport County ‘Development Council, the Chamber’s non-profit Foundation.

Donovan-Boyle’s selection concludes the Chamber’s extensive search.  The Search Committee established a fourteen point criteria matrix based on the Executive Director’s position description.  After reviewing numerous resumes the Search Committee selected six candidates for personal interviews.

Donovan-Boyle will assume her new position June 15th, succeeding current Executive Director Jody J. Sullivan, who is retiring.