Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Official Narragansett Chamber of Commerce
The Narragansett Chamber of Commerce has served as the official advocate for local businesses in Narragansett and South County, Rhode Island, since 1925. We provide comprehensive resources for lodging, dining, events, and professional services while promoting economic growth through advocacy, networking, and community engagement. Our organization supports members with marketing opportunities, legislative representation, and access to regional tourism initiatives. We operate the Visitor Information Center at The Towers, offering guidance for travelers and businesses alike.Through annual events like the Calamari Fest and Restaurant Week, we foster community connections and promote local commerce. Our team collaborates with affiliated chambers and tourism councils to enhance business visibility and regional collaboration. With decades of collective experience, our leadership combines expertise in nonprofit management and regional economic development to deliver tailored support for members. We maintain transparency through regular newsletters, public board meetings, and clear communication of policies to ensure trust and accountability.
Services
Membership Programs
Event Planning
Tourism Promotion
Business Advocacy
Networking Events
Visitor Center
Legislative Representation
Marketing Resources
Community Events
Economic Development
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We have served South County businesses since 1925 with institutional expertise
- Our advocacy efforts influence regional economic policy and legislation
- We offer exclusive networking events for business-to-business collaboration
- Our Visitor Center provides direct tourism promotion for local businesses
- We maintain affiliations with regional tourism councils and chambers
What people say
Effective advocacy
Great events
Valuable connections
Tourism promotion
Community focus
Services
Business Membership
Our business membership program connects local companies with marketing opportunities, networking events, and legislative advocacy. Members gain visibility through our official website listings and receive priority consideration for sponsorship opportunities at community events. The program includes annual dues-based tiers that support regional economic development initiatives.
Tourism Promotion
We promote Narragansett as a premier destination through visitor resources, event calendars, and business directories. Our tourism efforts include maintaining the Visitor Information Center at The Towers and distributing printed materials to over 200 regional businesses. Digital marketing campaigns highlight local attractions like beaches, restaurants, and seasonal festivals.
Event Planning
Our organization coordinates major annual events including Restaurant Week, Calamari Fest, and the Community Ice Rink. We provide logistical support for festivals, cultural celebrations, and business networking functions. Event planning services include vendor coordination, permit assistance, and promotional campaigns through our media channels.
Business Advocacy
We represent member interests through legislative advocacy at local, state, and federal levels. Our advocacy efforts focus on policies affecting tourism, small businesses, and regional economic development. We maintain affiliations with the Rhode Island Chamber Coalition and South County Tourism Council to amplify business voices.
Networking Events
Regular networking opportunities include Business After Hours mixers and community events. These gatherings facilitate business-to-business relationships through structured introductions and collaborative programming. Members receive priority access to sponsorship opportunities and event participation slots.
People
Peg Fradette
Executive Director
Peg Fradette brings decades of business experience from startups to Fortune 50 companies. She oversees chamber operations, advocates for member interests, and manages community initiatives like the synthetic ice rink project. Her leadership focuses on economic development and business networking.
Amy Newman
Co-Chair
Amy Newman serves as Co-Chair representing Discovery Map. She contributes strategic direction for marketing initiatives and community engagement programs. Her business background includes local media and tourism promotion through regional map publications.
Kaprece Ransaw
Co-Chair
Kaprece Ransaw co-chairs the board as a Key Real Estate representative. She provides real estate market insights and connects chamber members with property resources. Her leadership role involves strategic planning and community partnership development.
Nick DeSousa
Treasurer
Nick DeSousa manages financial operations as Treasurer. He brings expertise from Moneco Advisors and oversees budgeting, dues collection, and financial reporting. His role ensures fiscal responsibility and transparency in chamber operations.
Meg Sisco
Secretary
Meg Sisco serves as Secretary representing Westerly Community Credit Union. She maintains official records, coordinates board communications, and ensures compliance with bylaws. Her financial services background supports organizational governance and member relations.
Questions
How do I join the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce?
Complete our online application or mail a paper form with payment to P.O. Box 742. Membership fees range from $50-$225 annually based on business type.
What benefits do members receive?
Members gain marketing exposure through our website directory, event sponsorship opportunities, legislative advocacy, and access to networking events like Business After Hours.
Does the Chamber offer tourism resources?
We provide visitor information through our website and Visitor Center at The Towers, promoting local lodging, dining, events, and attractions to over 200 regional businesses.
What annual events do you organize?
Major events include Calamari Fest, Restaurant Week, Community Ice Rink, and Blessing of the Fleet. We also maintain a comprehensive calendar of local happenings.
How can businesses get involved?
Businesses can participate through membership, event sponsorships, committee involvement, or by hosting networking events at their locations.
Where is your office located?
Our Visitor Center is at 36 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882. Mailing address: P.O. Box 742, Narragansett, RI 02882.
