PBN’s Myers joins 5 others
in receiving Metcalf Award

Providence Business News Staff Writer Natalie Myers was given one of seven Michael Metcalf Awards for Diversity in the Media by Rhode Island for Community & Justice this morning at the Marriott Providence Downtown hotel.

Myers was recognized, in the print weekly/bi-weekly category, for her series of stories on the Primer Paso business-development program hosted by the Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University.

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Primer Paso is a Spanish language program that uses weekly classes to help entrepreneurs develop new business ideas as well as improve existing businesses. Myers attended all 12 classes last fall, and the subsequent series of stories had a significant effect on the businesses that participated.

According to Tomas Avila, the director of the program, subsequent to its publication, businesses that participated have been able to garner $200,000 of capital to build their businesses, while even more potential financing partners have approached the Primer Paso graduates.

Other winners honored this morning included:

• Deb Ruggiero, in both the radio and television categories, for the series on WPRO-AM and Rhode Island PBS, “Rhode Island Amazing Women.”

• Joseph Fitzgerald, daily print, The Woonsocket Call, “The New Americans.”

• Denise Dowling, monthly print, Rhode Island Magazine, “The Reluctant Warrior.”

• Reza C. Clifton, technology of the new millennium, rezaritesri.com, “Jerusalem Women Speak, R.I. Woman Answers.”

• Paul Davis, history coming to life, The Providence Journal, “The Unrighteous Traffick.”

The Metcalf Awards were established in 1998 to honor Michael Metcalf, late publisher of The Providence Journal, and to showcase the commitment of journalists and media to promote understanding and respect for all members of the Rhode Island community.

‘Primer Paso’ a first step for Hispanic firms, Sept. 25, 2006.

An entrepreneur’s dream requires some homework, Oct. 2, 2006.

Entrepreneur is gearing up to grow his repair business, Oct. 9, 2006.

Lead-safety trainer aims to open interpreting firm, Oct. 16, 2006.

Couple want to build their business right this time, Oct. 23, 2006.

Big dreams begin with Latino plantain treats, Oct. 30, 2006.

An accomplished Latina wants to mentor others, Nov. 6, 2006.

Immigrant sees potential for year-round pool firm, Nov. 13, 2006.

To grow, insurance agent finds he’ll need to invest, Nov. 20, 2006.

Software creator focuses on tour operators’ needs, Nov. 27, 2006.

Theater gains confidence to seek nonprofit status, Dec. 11, 2006

Primer Paso’s new grads already see improvement, Dec. 16, 2006.