Around Town

Four Honored at Charles River Chamber’s First Watertown Business Awards

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Charles River Regional Chamber President & CEO Greg Reibman (left) and the recpients of the Watertown Business Awards: Archy LaSalle (accepted by Liz Helfer, second from left), Max Ritcey of Ritcey East, Tia Tilson of the Watertown Community Foundation, and O’Some Cafe’s Ricci Cheng. (Courtesy of the Charles River Chamber)

People packed the backroom at Donohue’s Bar & Grill to honor a pair of local businesses, a non-profit and a longtime arts advocate during the first annual Watertown Business Awards. Tickets sales f0r the sold-out Watertown Night raised money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. The Chamber presented awards for Customer Service, Business Excellence, Community Leadership, and the Nonprofit Impact Award after receiving nominations from the public. The Customer Service Award went to Max Ritcey.

Schools

Watertown Students Can Apply for Charles River Chamber Scholarship

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

The Charles River Regional Chamber is offering scholarship opportunities for up to four deserving students who either live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, or Wellesley and/or who attend school in Needham, Newton, Watertown, or Wellesley and who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary program, trade school, community college, college, or university full-time in the next academic year. The student(s) selected will have a check (approximately $2,000) sent to their college or university to be applied toward tuition upon successfully completing their first semester. New this year, the chamber is revising the application to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape by allowing applicants the option to submit a video response instead of the traditional essay. This change offers students who find it easier to express themselves verbally an alternative to writing an essay. This adaptation aligns with our efforts to ensure the application is inclusive and accessible to all types of applicants.

Business

New Chair Elected to Lead Charles River Chamber Board

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Angela Pitter

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

The Charles River Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors has elected Angela Pitter to serve as its new board chair. Pitter is the founder and CEO of LiveWire Collaborative, a Newton-based digital marketing consultancy that has been harnessing innovative digital marketing strategies and AI to connect businesses with customers since 2012. Pitter is also no stranger to public service and community activism. For six years she was an elected member of the Newton School Committee. She is currently a council member of the Black Alumni Leadership Council at Boston University and founding member of Newton Coalition for Black Residents.

Business

See Who Will be Honored at the Charles River Chamber’s First Watertown Business Awards

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will honor local businesses, non-profits, and community members during the First Annual Watertown Night, Featuring the Watertown Business Awards. The event takes place Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Donohue’s Bar & Grill, 87 Bigelow Ave., Watertown

The 2025 Award Honorees

Watertown Community Foundation

O’Some Cafe

Archy LaSalle, Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee, activist, educator, and photographer

Max Ritcey, owner, Ritcey East

Also, connect with local business owners, professionals, civic leaders, and community members at our first-annual Watertown Night at Donohue’s Bar & Grill (note new location). The Enjoy delicious food, network with fellow attendees, and celebrate our Watertown Business Awards honorees for their outstanding contributions to the community. Tickets: $20, Open to members & non-members.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting 1st Annual Watertown Night at Olespana

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber invites the community to the first annual Watertown Night, a special evening bringing together business owners, professionals, civic leaders, and community members. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Olespana Whiskey and Tapas Bar on Mt. Auburn Street. Highlights include networking opportunities, a sampling of Olespana’s signature Spanish inspired cuisine, and the celebration of the Watertown Business Awards honorees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Around Town

Watch the Chamber’s Forum on the Impact Housing Cost; the State’s Competitiveness

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On Wednesday, the Charles River Chamber hosted an event focused on economic development in the region, and heard from the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, as well as hosting two panels: one of young professionals and another with the planning directors from the Chamber’s four communities — including Watertown’s Steve Magoon. The Chamber provided the following information:

Earlier this week we hosted a program on the UMass Amherst Mount Ida campus exploring our region’s top economic challenges, including housing and workforce, as well as Massachusetts’ competitive strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the event recording, and here’s direct links to the event’s three segments:

– Mass Taxpayers Foundation presentation by Doug Howgate. – Planning directors discussing housing, commercial and economic development

– Young professionals share their housing challenges.

Around Town

Charles River Chamber Hosting Watertown Business Awards Night

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will celebrate all the great businesses and nonprofit organizations in Watertown at the first annual Watertown Night on Thursday, January 23rd. All ticket proceeds will benefit Watertown Boys & Girls Club. We’ll be recognizing those who have made a significant impact in Watertown through their leadership, innovation, and service in four award categories:

Business Excellence Award

Recognizes a business that has demonstrated outstanding success, innovation, and a significant contribution to the local economy. Community Leadership Award

Honors an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication to service, creating a lasting and positive impact on the Watertown community. Customer Service Award

Awarded to an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, creating memorable experiences, and fostering strong customer relationships in Watertown. Nonprofit Impact Award

Celebrates a nonprofit organization that has made a significant difference in the lives of others through its programs, initiatives, and advocacy.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Event in Watertown, Welcomed 450 at Fall Business Breakfast

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The Charles River Regional Chamber hosted a big crowd at the annual Fall Business Breakfast last week, and will be in Watertown next week for a morning of coffee and networking at a local fitness studio. On Friday, Nov. 15, the Chamber will be at Fly Together Fitness from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The fitness studio is located at 100 Parker St. The event is free and open to members and future members. The Chamber provided the following details:

Enjoy morning conversations over coffee while networking with local professionals at the brand-new Fly Together Fitness studio in the heart of Watertown.