Salve students, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce collaborate on business survey

Business students at Salve Regina are collaborating with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce to launch a trends and outlook survey to assess business conditions in the region. While data collected from the survey will remain confidential, students in the Business Research Methods course will analyze and prepare the data for a public report. The chamber’s goal is to conduct the survey annually to track and adapt to changes in the business environment.

“Taking part in Salve’s business research course, students step out of the classroom and into the real business world,” said course instructor Dr. TzuShuo Wang, assistant professor in the Department of Business and Economics. “They talk to local business owners, collect data and make sense of it all. It’s hands-on learning at its best, turning theories into practical skills.”

Wang noted that beyond the classroom, this course is also a win for local businesses. “As our students dive deep into real-world data and insights, they uncover valuable findings that can help improve business conditions in our community,” he said. “In learning, our students are also contributing to the local business ecosystem.”

In addition to their work on the survey, the students recently participated in the chamber’s annual Business Walk. Small teams of volunteers including elected officials, government representatives and community leaders visited local business owners to conduct brief, in-person interviews and gather their input on the business environment. Students were able to learn fieldwork research techniques and have the opportunity to speak with business owners directly.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with Salve Regina University and their Business Research Methods class for the rollout of our annual business survey to the regional business community,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, president and CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership is meant to be a long-term relationship between our two institutions, intending to inform both the students and faculty at Salve and the local leadership on the state of the economy, the strength of the businesses within the region, and areas where additional support is needed.”