RI Billiard Bar & Bistro hosts Business After Hours

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If last Thursday night’s first Business After Hours offers any measuring stick, the North Central Chamber of Commerce’s new theme – “All Hands on Deck” – may just lead the small business and professional group to what Executive Director Deborah A. Ramos hopes will be “a fabulous and prosperous year.”

Long-time Chamber member Anthony Costanzo, who owns and operates Rhode Island Billiard Bar & Bistro in the Centerdale section of North Providence, hosted what Ramos called “a great, great night” at one of the Chamber’s best-attended After Hours gatherings in the past 18 months.

For members, it was an event that afforded near unmatched networking and Costanzo’s food, which ranged from calzones to potato skins to pizza and more.

The event was filled with what Ramos called “some great Chamber people, including our Board of Directors as well as some prospective members such as CJ’s Plumbing & Heating who came to check out what the [Chamber] is all about.”

Thus, Ramos related: “I believe [CJ’s Plumbing & Heating] owners Chris and Eliza Campagnone were happy with their experience, and met our group and learned that together we are going to make a difference, and our new Board of Directors, committee chairs and ambassadors are on board with their commitment for ‘All Hands of Deck’ in 2015.”

Ramos added: “I’m thrilled to be working with such a passionate group of people and look forward to a great year for the Chamber, its membership and the local business community.”

Added Erica Valentine, who represents the highly successful Smithfield High School Academy of Finance: “I just wanted you to know, Deb, that Ann and I really enjoyed tonight’s event. We made some good connections with a few new people, and thank you so much for promoting the academy and internships.”

For non-Chamber members like Kim Renzi and Megan Emilia Beauchemin, last Thursday’s well-attended After Hours – which featured many of the night’s attendees playing pool while enjoying some food and beverages – offered a first-hand education of just how important a role the Chamber can play for their respective businesses.

Renzi, for example, is a member of The Company Bees, a trio of talented women who put on performances and sing songs like the famed Andrews Sisters did back in the 1940s. The same held true for Beauchemin, who has her own photography business.

Both women were impressed with the goings-on, and as Renzi said, “I’d never dreamed of walking into a pool hall alone, but this place is special and there are so many wonderful people here.”

Rhode Island Billiard Bar & Bistro was founded in 1982 by Phyllis and Tony Costanzo. However, the Costanzo family business has been alive since 1909 when Gustaf Costanzo – who emigrated from Italy – opened a popular pool hall in Providence.

As a fourth-generation owner-operator, Anthony Costanzo – a proud Chamber member – has greatly improved the entire facility, from the kitchen and bar area to the plush greens of each and every pool table.

The menu features lunch and a variety of fine foods, as well as many unique pool specials, from actual leagues to interesting offers like the unique “Father and Son Special.” It also provides a venue for professional groups like the Chamber to hold functions and fundraisers.

Said Ramos: “As the executive director, my ongoing goal has been to get our membership involved, whether it be networking, hosting or simply taking advantage of a marketing opportunity. Tonight’s event brought 10 newcomers to our Chamber, and that made my night.”

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