North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Area Businesses

Members of the gathered Thursday at the Beechwood Senior Center to recognize the owners of 13 area businesses.

"Tonight we're excited to honor some businesses who have made some improvements," said Karla Driscoll, executive director of the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce. "Quite a few of the businesses this year have moved to vacant buildings—which we're excited about—and filled them and renovated them," she said. 

According to its bylaws, the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce was organized for the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of the town, and seeks to preserve competitive enterprise and encourage business and community development.

"We're very appreciative of all the investment that your businesses make in town," said Mike Embury, North Kingstown town manager.

The 13 area businesses recognized were ; r; Failure Analysis and Prevention; ; Goodison LLC; Great Harvest Bread Company; Hampton Inn & Suites in Warwick; ; ; Little Tree Nursery; ; & Marine; and located in Quonset. 

Pam Shea, a spokeswoman for Flowers By Bert & Peg, said the key ingredients to her shop's success are patience and integrity. "We didn't try to get big too fast and we try to give value," she said. "We try and make sure that people are getting a quality product and I think people realize that."

Asked how the recession has affected Flowers By Bert & Peg, Shea said the overall poor economy has had both adverse and positive effects on business. "People aren't putting money out for flowers but, at the same time, people are not feeling great about the recession and they want to feel better," she said. "Flowers are something that cheer them up."

Russell Bertrand, president of Cranston Gun & Coin located on Post Road, had something slightly different to say about the success of his growing business. 

"I've got a lot of longevity behind me," said Bertrand. "Been doing retail for almost 40 years," he said, adding his longtime customers have become like family.

"Customers are keeping us going and that's the most important part of our business," added Russell's son and colleague Sean Bertrand. "That's really all that matters to a business in a recession," he said.