Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis says the “We Mean Business” expo is a huge success for Rhode Island businesses

WARWICK, RI  –  The Office of Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, in conjunction with the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee held their 7^th annual free “We Mean Business” expo Tuesday, September 10th at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.

Secretary Mollis says, “We have an incredible turnout this year!  It’s uplifting to see the number of business owners who have come out to learn more about how to successfully grow their business.  It’s a testament to how much Rhode Islanders care about their business, our economy and the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.  I see a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit here, and I am so happy to be a part of the “We Mean Business” expo each year.”

Joel Albrizio, President of Adlife Office joined the expo for the first time this year.  He recently moved his corporate offices from Norwood, Massachusetts to Pawtucket, RI.  Adlife Office has two retail locations in Rhode Island, in Warwick and Providence, and has been operating in Rhode Island for approximately six months.  He expects to add more than seventy jobs to Rhode Island in the coming months.  He says, “We found Rhode Island to be a gem with the available space and how accommodating people were to work with us and help us expand our business here.  We found it a very easy state to come into – to expand our business and be able to work with the people in other industries to help them with their business and have them help us with our business.”

75 booths line the Grand Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza today, where business owners are meeting face-to-face with experts from state agencies offering free advice and guidance on licensing, permitting, financing, social media and other business-related topics.

This year, the Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis’ Office proudly introduces the “Smart Start” room where attorneys and accountants are on-hand to speak with businesses and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about how to properly manage and grow their business.  The “Smart Start” clinic is perfect for new business owners looking to learn more about filings, patents, trademarks, tax documentation and Federal Identification Numbers.

There are also informative workshops this year, including a “Social Media” workshop by Gil Lantini, President of the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and a workshop on “State Fire Codes from A to Z” by the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

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