Business

Chamber Events Include Visit From Transportation Secretary, Small Business Day on Beacon Hill & More

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The Charles River Regional Chamber has plenty going on this spring, including a talk with the Transportation Secretary, a young professionals group, Small Business Day at the State House and an LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour. See the information provided by the Chamber below:

Addressing our transportation challenges: A conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt

Tues. May 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m.Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown$10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest. 

RSVP HERE

LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour at Flora’s Wine Bar

Wed.

Business

Four Watertown Restaurants Set to Showcase at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Bar ’Cino, Olespana, Shiraz Persian Cuisine and Ritcey East will all be featured at the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings culinary showcase on Monday April 8 at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The highly anticipated event, presented by NBCU Boston, is returning after a four-year hiatus and promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together restaurants, caterers and beverage providers from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. This event takes Dine Local to a whole new level, showcasing the exceptional flavors that make our communities special. It’s expected to draw over 500 community members, business and civic leaders from across our region who share our enthusiasm for local cuisine. Bring your appetite!

Business

Chamber Hosting Events for Non-Profits, Young Professionals, on Cyber Security, Plus the Taste of Our Towns

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Check out the upcoming events presented by the Charles River Regional Chamber. Webinar: Leadership Succession Planning – Good Governance for Sustainable Nonprofits

Date: Tues. March 26

Time: Noon to 1 p.m. 

Cost: $15

Description:

This virtual event, led by Nanette Fridman, founder of Effect Collective, will explore the important governance responsibilities of professional and volunteer succession planning. The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who work/live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities. Link: https://charlesriverchamber.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/4rkmKXOP?mode=AttendeeTitle:

Young Professionals Happy Hour at Oak n’Barrel (In-Person)

Date: Tues. March 26

Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: $10 – all proceeds will go towards Reach: Beyond Domestic Violence nonprofit 

Description:

Join the young professionals group for an evening of networking to support a great cause!

Business

Mass. Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development to Speak at Chamber Event in Watertown

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Lauren Jones, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce:

Women in Government series presents A conversation with Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development Lauren Jones, Tuesday, Feb 6, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond St., Watertown Networking and continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., program begins at 9 a.m. open to members & nonmembers. Join us for a timely conversation about jobs, hiring and workforce development with Secretary Lauren Jones, who was appointed by Gov. Maura Healey last year to head up the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Jones has more than 17 years of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. As Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jones led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy.

Business

Watertown Marketing & Communications Company Names New CEO

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The following announcement was provided by Greenough Communications:

Greenough Communications, a leading brand marketing and communications agency, announces Nikki Festa O’Brien as its new CEO. Festa O’Brien, who joined the Watertown-based agency as President in 2022, will continue to drive growth and deliver best-in-class services for clients. Under her leadership, Greenough will execute its mission to focus on the moments that matter while creating all the memorable moments in between. Greenough Communications has a rich history of serving healthcare, technology, and business services clients, delivering impactful integrated campaigns. With Festa O’Brien at the helm, the agency has recently expanded its roster with a number of exciting new clients across portfolios, including Ameresco, BioBuilder, CorVel, IQE, symplr and Thirona.

Business

Small Business Champion Contest Includes Awards for Businesses Owned by Veterans, Minorities & Women

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The following announcement was provided by Citizens Bank:

Citizens announced it has opened its annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest, which will again recognize the positive contributions small businesses make within their communities. Now in its seventh year, the contest will award $10,000 each to 30 small businesses across Citizens’ footprint, including 10 minority-owned and 10 women-owned businesses. This year, for the first time, Citizens will also set aside five of its 30 awards exclusively for veteran-owned businesses along with five other qualifying businesses. The contest is open until 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 1, 2024.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Winter Celebration at New Biotech Building

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Elkus Manfredi ArchitectsA view of the proposed life science building at 66 Galen Street viewed from Galen Street. The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Our annual Winter Celebration is a can’t-miss opportunity to connect with business, nonprofit and civic leaders, celebrate our community and support the work of the chamber in a festive atmosphere and fantastic venue. This year, we’ll enjoy a sneak-peak at the just-completed 66 Galen Street, the stunning new Elkus Manfredi Architects-designed life science campus in the heart of Watertown Square. Mingle with old friends, make lots of new connections, nosh on food and drink from Baker’s Best Catering, enjoy live piano music from Perkins’ grad Matteo Fasso and explore the state-of-the art new life sciences hub, led by our hosts Boston Development Group and The Davis Companies. Free, covered parking in garage.

Business

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting After Hours at Olespana

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The Watertown Business Coalition’s first networking event of 2024 will be an after hours event at Olespana in East Watertown. The WBC sent out the following announcement:

Join Us for a WBC After Hours Event at Olespana

If you have yet to check out Olespana, now is your chance! Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in a fun and festive setting right in your East End here in Watertown! Thank you to owner, Peter Pyne, for being our host for the evening! Our programming aims to help connect our community and residents to the City’s issues and initiatives. Our morning Coffee Connects, After Hours get-togethers and Civic Events will continue to give you the opportunity to visit places of business in town, meet people, learn something, chat with city government … and maybe even have a laugh along the way. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Cash Bar – Light Bites provided 

RSVP HERE

This event is FREE and open to Watertown Businesspeople & Stakeholders,  Watertown Residents & Watertown Employees – Join Us!