Is summer a time to dress down at work? At many businesses, the answer is maybe, since both formal and informal dress codes are often left to interpretation. Sheri Ispir, above, center, director of Experiential Education & Career Services at Johnson & Wales University, has some simple advice: “Let someone tell you [not] to wear a jacket and tie. Always go formal first.” Also pictured are Marquis Cooper, left, an office assistant and JWU sophomore, and Education Coordinator Ashley Evans. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

It is commonly known that a business needs capital to succeed. And while this is true, what we have found is that many entrepreneurs, particularly micro-entrepreneurs, have a limited definition of capital. They define it as money. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

Fran L. Giatas was recently selected as the 2013 Administrative Professional of the Year by the Providence chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Giatas is employed as the executive assistant to the president of Care New England Health System, and in the past was the senior executive assistant to the president of Butler Hospital. She has served 31 years in high-level leadership positions, acting as the prime contact for board trustees and corporation members in both roles. Giatas joined IAAP in January 2011 and has since assisted on various committees and served as treasurer and chair of the bylaw committee. During her tenure with the chapter, she has been designated as a member of excellence and has also received the “be the best” award from the New England district director of IAAP. Giatas holds the certified administrative professional designation. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

Sales are not where you want them to be. What do you do? more