Jo-Ann Schofield leads Central RI Chamber board

By Tim Forsberg
Posted 10/25/16

At a beautiful beachfront ceremony held during sunset last Thursday at the Galilee Beach Club in Narragansett, members of the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (CRICC) celebrated the installation of this year's ambassadors,

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Jo-Ann Schofield leads Central RI Chamber board

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At a beautiful beachfront ceremony held during sunset last Thursday at the Galilee Beach Club in Narragansett, members of the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (CRICC) celebrated the installation of this year’s ambassadors, leadership team, board of directors and new president.

About 150 people gathered to commend the work and dedication that CRICC has done in Warwick and beyond. Long known for supporting and advancing the business community in Rhode Island by providing leadership initiatives in economic and human development, the organization looked forward to continuing their mission of being a catalyst for change.

“The Central Rhode Island Chamber contains the city that is at the heart of PawSox Nation here in Rhode Island, and I would be remiss if I came to a meeting like this and didn’t say thank you for the historic support that we have gotten from you and from the organizations and businesses here,” said PawSox owner Larry Lucchino, who was invited to speak. 

More than two dozen volunteer members, representing businesses and non-profits alike, were sworn in to serve CRICC’s endeavors during the next two years. Highlighting the event was the induction of Jo-Ann Schofield, president and CEO of Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, who will serve as board chair.  

Schofield explained RIMP’s mission and her belief that every child is one caring adult relationship away from being a success story. Her organization recruits, trains and match community volunteers throughout the state with children who need a positive adult role model in their lives.

“I believe and know from experience that, in life, it is all about relationships. The people that you surround yourselves with can elevate your performance or drag you down. I have an amazing team working with me,” said Schofield. 

“Through the Central Rhode Island Chamber, I have felt that team spirit, I have seen firsthand positive interactions at networking events like morning coffee, business after hours, and I have seen the community come together at Movies in the Park and the Rocky Point 5k. The ability of the chamber to be more than a place for networking but a place for building: building relationships, building community, and building the local economy. It takes a spark to light a fire, and it is the Chamber that sparks meaningful conversations, strengthens and advocates for companies, and invests in our most valuable resource, our people,” she said. 

Schofield thanked Lauren Slocum, president and CEO of CRICC, and her staff for their tireless work towards creating and coordinating events and opportunities.

 “We want to thank you for your service and dedication, we know this year will be filled with challenges and rewards and your leadership will help to guide us along the way,” Slocum told Schofield as she presented a piece of art along with a Tierra and wand symbolizing her presidency. 

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian administered the oath of office and offered the team well wishes for their next term.

 “The type of leadership that we have at the Chamber really allows us to do things day in and day out to make sure our businesses are protected and that they have good friends doing the right thing,” said Avedisian. “Whether it’s been Movies in the Park which has been such and incredible, incredible community building experience, the Rocky Point 5k, or working with us to repaint the arch, so many of the things that happen in the city are a direct result between the city and the Chamber and I can’t say enough good stuff about the way everyone works together.” 

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