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Executive Suite 12/2/2012: Shawmut Design, Christmas tree farmers

Executive Suite

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12/2: New construction in RI, Christmas trees farmers

Shawmut's Ron Simoneau; Tree Growers' Eric Watne

Updated: Wednesday, 28 Nov 2012, 10:00 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 28 Nov 2012, 9:59 PM EST

This week on Executive Suite: Ron Simoneau, vice president of Shawmut Design and Construction, and Eric Watne, president of the R.I. Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Simoneau discusses Shawmut's growing business in Rhode Island over the past decade, which has seen the company tackle major projects for clients including Brown University and Taco Inc., and its innovative approach to managing them. He also talks about Shawmut's employed-ownership model and its ability to attract talent.

Watne, who owns Clark's Tree Farm in Tiverton, talks about the modern-day life of the Christmas tree farmer. While the industry has gotten significantly smaller in Rhode Island since the 1980s, he says there are still about 50 farms in operation. He also weighs in on Governor Chafee's controversial "holiday tree" declarations.