Executives Association of Rhode Island – The oldest networking group in the state

THE EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND

IS THE OLDEST NETWORKING GROUP IN THE STATE.

Our Mission

The Rhode Island Executives Association is a dynamic, close-knit community of entrepreneurial businesses united by a shared commitment to growth, collaboration, and success. Our members work closely together, fostering a supportive environment where trust and partnership thrive. By enthusiastically exchanging leads, insights, and valuable business knowledge, we empower one another to achieve our full potential. Together, we drive meaningful progress, strengthening not only our individual businesses but also our collective impact across Rhode Island. Join us, and be part of a community dedicated to building lasting relationships, inspiring innovation, and ensuring mutual growth for all.

Our Core Values: A. Leadership – We empower one another to lead with integrity and purpose. B. Innovation – We embrace new ideas that elevate our members and our community. C. Professional Growth – We sharpen our skills, expand our networks, and elevate our businesses. D. Collaboration – We succeed by supporting one another and sharing opportunities. E. Reliability – We honor our commitments and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

Our Organization

A Rich History Rooted in Business Leadership

When we say we are the oldest networking organization in the country, we mean it. The very first Executives Association was founded in San Francisco in 1916 by eight forward-thinking businessmen who believed local leaders needed a dedicated forum to support one another’s growth. Their intention was clear and focused: create an organization devoted exclusively to developing business for its members. Unlike civic, charitable, political, or religious groups, the Executives Association was designed purely as a business service organization built on trust, accountability, and the shared success of its members.

A Global Network of Trusted Professionals

More than a century later, that vision has expanded across the globe. Today, over 110 official Executives Associations operate throughout the United States, Canada, England, Switzerland, South Africa, and beyond. Together, they form the prestigious International Executives Association network—representing more than 5,000 business and professional member firms. This global footprint strengthens the credibility of every local chapter and provides members access to a broader, interconnected community of leaders who share the same commitment to professionalism, integrity, and business excellence.

The Rhode Island Chapter: Strength Through Collaboration

Established in 1939, the Executives Association of Rhode Island proudly carries this tradition forward. For decades, our chapter has created opportunities for entrepreneurial businesses and seasoned professionals alike to forge meaningful, productive partnerships within a trusted, close-knit environment. By bringing together leaders from non-competing industries, we give each member a distinct advantage—expanding their network, deepening their relationships, and helping them grow through the power of collaboration and shared business referrals.

Relationships

Build relationships with influential people in all fields of business and industry. Members of this association are pledged to the highest business and professional standards and are recommended for their competence, reliability and dependability - want nothing more than your business to succeed.

Leads

Create new opportunities by doing business with fellow members. Promote your business to those who can recommend your company to others. Each member is committed to helping other members increase their business by providing each other with business opportunities.

Trust

Establish a network of dependable suppliers of top quality products and services. By becoming a member of our exclusive membership - your have increased your sales force exponentially! You'll suddenly have the power to sell your products every day!

Executives Association of Rhode Island - EARI

Chartered in 1939, the EARI has a rich history as one of the oldest most experienced independent networking organization in the state, and one of the longest established business networking organizations in the country. Many firms have maintained membership for decades, attesting to the lasting, recurring benefits they realize through membership. We also maintain an active effort to bring on new and developing businesses, keeping the group diverse in age, experience, and outreach. The Association also promotes itself to the business community as a reliable resource for referrals to member companies, which are pre-qualified providers of quality goods and services.

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Association

The Association facilitates and maintains a continuous exchange of business information among members and other business leaders, and does so in a setting that encourages mutual cooperation, promotes trust, and fosters improved efficiency and service. For more than 70 years, EARI has brought together established business owners and top-level executives to help them grow their businesses. By providing a regular structured, yet relaxed networking environment, Execs members have the opportunity to develop powerful relationships that result in significant business leads and referrals. This solid network also provides members with a dependable supply source for products and services across nearly every industry.

Partnerships

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EARI Membership Moments

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Exclusive Memberships.

Exclusive Membership means powerful networking. Members’ mutual trust evolves naturally from our weekly meetings and working with one another. We accept only those members who exhibit the highest level of integrity and business ethics within the organization and community. Recommendations of members’ products and services are done with confidence. Your invitation to join this elite networking group of top level executives could change your professional life.

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Selective Membership

Every member company, admitted only after careful qualification, is the exclusive representative of its specific business category. Members come from many business sectors, including service industries, professions, trades, and associations. Membership is by invitation only and open to all types of business firms. It is limited to one firm in each business or professional classification. Each classification is protected and competition between members is practically non-existent. All applications are subject to approval from the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors.

Expanded Opportunities

Executives Association member representatives work to expand business opportunities for each other by meeting weekly to share worthwhile business information and to arrange to introduce other members to key individuals at companies where members would like to do business. We also host monthly guest speakers from the community to keep our members informed on issues of interest to doing business and living in Rhode Island.

Exchange of Ideas

EARI meets weekly on Zoom, and monthly in person for the primary purpose of exchanging leads and sharing other information directly related to generating business for members. We also enjoy the opportunity to meet at member-hosted “execs after-hours” and several social events throughout the year. We serve to connect the community with the most reputable companies and thought leaders across all business sectors and to give our members the chance to exchange valuable insights, resources, and opportunities.

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What Can Your Business Expect?

Virtually all member companies gain new sales as a result of joining the Executive Association. Most members will tell you that the Executives’ Association is more cost-effective than any marketing expense their company makes.

Membership Requirements

People do business with those they know and trust – and that starts with members themselves. To foster close relationships within the association, Execs members are encouraged to attend each weekly meeting to develop and maintain the relationships that will bring them leads and referrals. We know that sometimes you just can't break away from your business - and we have you covered; attendance and participation is all we ask - that and you attend a minimum of seven (7) meetings a quarter.

We encourage members to have up to two (2) alternates so that your attendance does not suffer. In the event that you need to take a medical leave, with proper notice to the board, your membership attendance will not be compromised; however you do have the responsibility to keep your dues up to date. The RIEXECS also has a semi-active membership available for a term no longer than six (6) months and only if you qualify; semi-active status must be presented to the board for approval prior to changing your status, dues must be remained current during this semi-active status. Details are in the by-laws under membership.

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MEETING CALENDAR

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Membership Benefits

While Execs’ primary purpose is to generate new business for fellow members – it does that and much more. Members enjoy an ongoing exchange of business information with other key executives, and opportunities to form profitable business partnerships. Weekly meetings focus on really getting to know and understand each other’s businesses.

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International Executives Association Member Rooster.

Become a member

Please let us know the interest of EARI in the message box:

email: riexecsassociation@gmail.com

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