Around Town

Life Science Reps Discuss Development Cycle of Biotech Companies at WBC Event

By |

Four representatives from life science companies in Watertown appeared on the 3rd Annual WBC Life Science Panel (Screenshot from WCA-TV video). The panel was moderated by Merle Kummer of CoLAB. The Watertown Business Coalition’s third annual Life Science Panel featured four people who work at local biotech companies, each of which is at a different stage in its pharmaceutical development. The event took place at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on April 25. Attendees learned that there are 63 life science companies right in Watertown, and that they think being here helps their companies, said WBC Co-President Doug Orifice.

Business

Future of Life Science Industry to be Discussed by Panel at Chamber’s Virtual Event

By |

The Charles River Regional Chamber will host a virtual panel discussion focusing on the future of the life science sector in the area, development and more. “The Value of Life Science Development and Future Impact,” will take place on Thursday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. The event is free and open to members & nonmembers. The Chamber provided the following description:

There’s been plenty of worrisome headlines about the fate of Greater Boston’s life science sector. An oversaturated real estate market? Declining stock values and IPOs?

Development

REMINDER: Hear About Proposed Project on Cannistraro Site in West Watertown

By |

Broder/CBTAn illustration of the potential designs for a project at Pleasant Street and Rosedale Avenue, which would include a life science building, a garage and retail space. The developers of the proposed project on the Cannistraro site on Rosedale Road will hold a community meeting on March 20. The project includes multiple life science lab buildings and a garage on the Westside property. Click here to see the documents submitted to the Planning Department (scroll down to Click Here for Applications, Reports, Plans, and other project documents). Dear Community Member:

Please join Broder (www.broder.com) for a presentation of its plans to redevelop the site at 275 & 313 Pleasant Street, 80 Rosedale Road, and 60 Acton Street.

Business

Watertown Dance School Will be Closing After a Dozen Years

By |

After teaching children to dance in Watertown for a dozen years, Miss Maria’s School of Dance will close later this year. This week, Maria Zullo, or Miss Maria to her students, sent a letter to parents and students on Feb. 24 announcing that her studio will be closing in June. She cited the challenges of the Pandemic and its aftermath as factors in her decision. The studio will host one more round of recital shows before closing, Zullo said, and there will be time for current and former students to come in to say goodbye to the teachers.

Business

Watertown Biotech Company Being Investigated for Breach of Fiduciary Duties

By |

The following piece came from Shareholders Foundation:

An investigation was announced over possible breaches of fiduciary duties by certain directors at SQZ Biotechnologies Company. Investors who purchased shares of SQZ Biotechnologies Company (NYSE: SQZ) have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail@shareholdersfoundation.com or call +1(858) 779-1554. The investigation by a law firm concerns whether certain SQZ Biotechnologies directors breached their fiduciary duties and caused damage to the company and its shareholders.Watertown, MA based SQZ Biotechnologies Company, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, develops cell therapies for patients with cancer, autoimmune, infectious diseases, and other serious conditions. SQZ Biotechnologies Company reported that its annual Total Revenue rose from $20.99 million in 2020 to $27.09 million in 2021, and that its Net Loss increased from $50.52 million in 2020 to $68.74 million in 2021. On or around October 29, 2022, SQZ Biotechnologies Company conducted its initial public offering (“IPO”), selling 4,411,765 shares priced at $16.00 per share.

Business

Charles River Chamber Seeks Nominations for Business, Non-Profit Leaders of Color

By |

The Charles River Regional Chamber sent out the following announcement:

Do you know an outstanding business leader of color, or emerging leader of color, who works and/or sits on a board for a business or nonprofit that is physically located in Newton, Needham, Watertown, Waltham, Wellesley, Natick or Framingham? If so, please consider nominating that person for the “50 Most Influential Business Leaders of Color in Greater Boston’s Western Suburbs” list or the “Emerging Leaders of Color” list due to be published this spring. Both lists are a collaborative project between the Charles River Regional Chamber and Colette Phillips, and her companies Colette Phillips Communications and Get Konnected! and are designed to celebrate, document and encourage a diverse workforce in Greater Boston’s west suburban communities. The report will be an updated — and expanded — version of the original list first published in 2020 that became a resource for corporations and nonprofits looking to hire, looking for board members, looking for expert commentators and looking for thought leaders across the region.

Business

Watertown Life Science Company Cuts Staff by Over Half, Replaces CEO

By |

SQZ Biotechnologies announced a reduction of more than half the company’s staff, and appointed a new CEO after the resignation of its previous one. The company’s research focuses on cell therapies. The company based in Watertown, announced on Nov. 30, 2022, that Armon Sharei has step down from his role as chief executive officer and the Board of Directors. The Board appointed Howard Bernstein, former Chief Scientific Officer and current director, as interim CEO.

Business

Charles River Chamber Holding Young Professionals Event in Watertown

By |

The Charles River Chamber of Commerce will host a networking event in Watertown. See the Chamber’s announcement below. Young Professionals Happy Hour at Taffer’s Tavern

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 5:30 to 7 p.m. 541 Arsenal St., Watertown

Free, open to members & nonmembers

Our popular YPG Networking Happy Hour is heading to one of Watertown’s newest spots! Taffer’s Tavern (from Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer) is quickly becoming a go-to destination in Arsenal Yards – don’t miss the chance to check it out!