Sovereign Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast for the business community that focused on the 2013 economic outlook for the region.  Governor Lincoln Chafee and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras also participated by sharing their perspectives on economic challenges and opportunities facing the state and city.  An estimated 400 attendees were surveyed in real time at the event regarding their opinions on the local economy and their own outlook for their respective businesses.  Those surveyed said the most challenging issues facing their businesses are: attracting new customers, the cost of health insurance/other employee benefits and regulatory costs and burdens.

In the photo from left to right:Ed Morata - Sovereign | Santander Head of Corporate Banking, Jorge Moran, Santander US Country Head and Sovereign Pres. & CEO, Governor Chafee, Mayor Taveras, Carlos Garcia - Sovereign | Santander Chief of Staff.