North Central Chamber Names New Executive Director

JOHNSTON, RI – Jaime Dufresne, of Scituate, director of marketing for The Children’s Workshop, has been named executive director of the North Central Chamber of Commerce, which is based in Johnston and serves the communities of Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and Glocester.

Dufresne succeeds Deborah J. Ramos, who has served as executive director since 2009 and has resigned to take a position as administrative assistant to Michael G. Leonardo, CFS, and certified funds spet with Ameriprise Financial in Warwick.

Dufresne will begin her job at the Chamber on June 1.

She grew up in Warwick and is a graduate of LaSalle Academy, in Providence, and Emerson College, in Boston, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in integrated marketing. She has been director of marketing for The Children’s Workshop since 2012.

The Children’s Workshop, founded in Lincoln, offers learning programs and day care at 19 locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

“My vision for my first year as executive director of the Chamber is to grow our membership and help our members earn a return on the investment they make in the Chamber,” Dufresne says.

“I want the Chamber to be more visible in the community in dynamic and engaging ways. I hope to use fresh content and events to attract young entrepreneurs and professionals.”

Looking back on her six years as executive director, Ramos said, “I hope I can be remembered for bringing business people together, building relationships, building their businesses and perhaps helping to build friendships.

“I feel my greatest accomplishment may have been keeping the Chamber alive, the membership connected and the value of the Chamber growing during a time that has been very difficult for small businesses.”

The North Central Chamber was formed in 1982. Its annual events include a golf tournament in July, the Apple Festival at Johnston War Memorial Park in September, which attracts thousands of families and community residents, and a scholarship program that has given thousands of dollars to students graduating from high schools in the communities served by the Chamber.

For more information about the Chamber, call (401) 349-4674 or visit ncrichamber.com

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