Rich Schutt, chief executive officer of Providence Life Services, is being prudent as a provider these days, spending cautiously and operating in a fiscally sound manner. “Cash is king in one of these tight economic environments,” said Schutt, former chair of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. His advice to providers? Stay optimistic and remember that you have a calling and a purpose. “Be diligent and a good steward through these times,” he said. Schutt offered his comments last week during the annual conference of Life Services Network, the Illinois chapter of AAHSA.