BankRI is proud to be the presenting sponsor of PBN’s first annual Business Women program.
Recognizing talented women in business is timely. Not only are women playing an increasingly important role in management in virtually every kind of business and nonprofit organization, they are also leading the way in entrepreneurship. More than 50 percent of U.S. firms are owned by women and over the past several years these women-owned firms have grown at twice the rate of all firms.
Just look at the amazing accomplishments of the businesswomen we are recognizing here. Some are already leaders in their field. Others show promise to be the leaders of the future. They are all a testament to the great importance of women wherever business is conducted.
I am personally gratified to be part of these awards. In contrast to a business world where women still face a playing field that is not perfectly level, BankRI has been recognized for setting the standard. We are a merit-driven, equal-opportunity company where the playing field has been leveled. We are proud that we have a number of prominent female executives, including our CFO and myself, and that four of our 15 board members are women. Along with congratulating this year’s Business Women award recipients, I also would like to recognize the many women who work for BankRI or serve on its board of directors who have made the bank the success that it is today.
Congratulations to all of you! You make good things happen.
Merrill W. Sherman, BankRI President & CEO
