Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 30, 2022

HOT

“It’s About Tradition”

Rich Pezzillo and his husband Michael DeGrandpre made a lot of ricotta cookies this year — 628 to be exact. 

This week, Pezzillo shared a photo of the results of hours — and days of work in the couple’s kitchen in Warwick — and the response was enormous. 

“There’s definitely some OCD with lining them up,” laughed Pezzillo. “I’m actually not a big baker.”

What he is big on, however, is family tradition.  

“Growing up, being in an Italian American household, making cookies has been a staple,” said Pezzillo. “I have fond memories of doing them with my mom and grandmother, frosting them while sitting at a table and making a complete mess.”

And it was when Pezzillo met and married his husband, that he decided he wanted to carry on that tradition.

“I love my brothers…but they weren’t going to be the ones to do it,” said Pezzillo. 

Read the rest of the story here. 

HOT

Global Recognition

The Rhode Island Executive Office of Commerce was honored as the Economic Development Agency of the Year at the 2022 Go Global Awards.

The Go Global Awards celebrate the companies and organizations that are driving the global economy forward through innovations, technologies and strategies. The Awards are presented by the International Trade Council, a non-profit organization comprised of more than 418 professional organizations in 176 countries that provides services to government trade agencies, chambers of commerce, export councils, business associations and corporations from around the world.

“This honor is a testament to our team’s ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with economic leaders across the country and around the world in order to identify and execute strategies that improve Rhode Island’s business community,” said Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner, who also provided a keynote address during the event. “We thank the International Trade Council and the Estonian Business & Innovation Agency for hosting this successful event, and we look forward to continuing to make Rhode Island an easier place to launch and expand businesses.”

"These awards are not given lightly. Over 300 economic development professionals from government agencies come together every year to judge the investment and trade promotion section of the Go Global Awards,” said Ranjani Ranjan, Sr Board Member of the International Trade Council. “The Economic Development Agency of the Year award is the penultimate award given every year, and is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and adaptability of the team at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Commerce, led by Tanner." 

HOT

22 Who Made a Difference

2022 was a year of cautious optimism in Rhode Island. 

The state, and the world, began to reemerge in earnest following a difficult two years of the pandemic. 

And while the virus is far from over, it is clear we are not going back to the way things “used to be.”

Those who have adapted, innovated, and persevered — and those who didn’t — made our list of 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022. 

From CEOs to MVPs, to small business owners and champions for the underserved, here is the full list of GoLocal’s 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022.

HOT

5 Reasons for New Year’s Optimism

Once again, GoLocal MINDSETTER™ Rob Horowitz writes his annual column.

It is a seasonal must. 

READ HERE

NOT

Smiley Losing Clements

A critical part of being mayor is recruiting and retaining top talent. 

Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements was a top-tier police chief -- and now, he is leaving. 

Arguably, he was the city government's most talented leader.

NOT

Wayland Square Losing Beloved Bakery 

Wayland Bakery is closing after nearly 100 years.

Known for its classic cakes and desserts, the shop has been one of the East Side’s longest-standing businesses. It opened in 1928.

It will cease operations on Saturday. 

GoLocal spoke with former owner Anthony “Buzz” Basilico, whose family owned the bakery from 1957 to 1999, before selling it to current owner Luis Rodriguez, and his wife Elizabeth. 

Basilico recalled how his father Ponfilo — known to everyone as “Ponpie” — was an artist and accomplished cake decorator. 

“He made cakes for quite a few famous people,” said Basilico. “I know he made one for Pope [John] Paul…he also made one for [former President Dwight] Eisenhower.”

All baking was done on the premises, and was "of the highest quality," says the bakery. 

Read the rest of the story here. 

NOT

Changing Tides

Heavy rain and high winds overnight last week wreaked havoc in low-lying areas in Rhode Island. 

At Changing Tides Gift Shop in Warwick, it was the most flooding owner Judy Hummel said she has seen in her almost 25 years of owning the store. 

“It’s definitely the highest since 1998, since I’ve been here,” Hummel told GoLocal. 

The National Weather Service had warned about the impacts of the storm that have led to flooding throughout the state and thousands of power outages. 

About Shop -- and Flooding

Located on a dock in Arnolds Neck, Hummel said there were probably four inches of water when she got to the shop on Friday morning.

But by noon, Hummel said they were back open and ready for business during the final days of the busy holiday shopping season. 

“[The water] is out, we’re clean, and ready to open,” Hummel told GoLocal, noting there was no significant damage

Hummel writes of the shop:

"Changing Tides Gift Shop sells a wide range of handmade souvenirs in Apponaug, RI, such as baskets, jewelry, T-shirts, shell art, cards and ornaments. You’ll find many nautical-themed items, including bracelets with anchor and fish hook charms. 

I make almost all the products myself, except for the herbal sprays. My handcrafted items are made with care and attention to detail, so you get high-quality products you can wear or display at home."

NOT

Gorbea's Good Bye

Nellie Gorbea's chance at the governorship was sunk when the vendor that she oversaw failed to ensure that early voting machines worked correctly.

On Thursday, she announced they agreed to pay a small penalty -- $47,000 or so. 

Gorbea, RI's chief election officer, refused to the bitter end of her term if she had any responsibility.