Business

Chamber Hosting Webinar on Unlocking Energy Savings for Your Business

By |

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

The chamber’s Environmental Committee is hosting a webinar on the Main Streets energy efficiency program, which is now available to businesses, commercial property owners, non-profits, and houses of worship in Watertown and Newton Centre. Main Streets is a partnership between local energy providers, like Eversource and National Grid, and communities across Massachusetts to help small business owners become more energy-efficient. In this webinar, you will learn about how Watertown and Newton Centre business and property owners can access enhanced incentives under the Main Streets program before they run out later this fall. Including:

• no-cost, no-obligation energy assessments

• weatherization

• LED lighting

• refrigeration and kitchen upgrades

Unlock Energy Savings for Your Business: Main Streets Incentives in Watertown & Newton Centre

Thurs. Sept 18, 8:30-9:30 a.m.  

Via Zoom, Free

REGISTER NOW

Business

Charles River Chamber Awards Scholarship to Watertown High School Student

By |

Jessica Camara

The Charles River Regional Chamber announced its 2025 scholarship recipient fromWatertown. See the announcement below. Watertown High School graduate Jessica Camara is a tenacious leader who founded the school’s Medical Club and is determined to excel in her academics. Her chemistry teacher says she “had the maturity and confidence to advocate for herself when she did not understand something, and I can clearly remember multiple times when she would come in during lunch or before school to ensure she completely mastered topics covered.” Camara is a member of the Women in STEM club, and she allocates her leisure time to volunteer at an elementary school. She plans to continue her education at Sacred Heart University to major in nursing, with hopes of becoming a nurse practitioner.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Pair of Events in Watertown

By |

The Charles River Regional Chamber will host two events in Watertown during September. The organization represents Watertown, Newton, Needham, and Wellesley. See more information in the Chamber’s announcement below. Business After Hours at Gore Place

Thursday, September 11, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Charles River and Waltham Chambers are teaming up for a special joint Business After Hours at the beautiful Gore Place! Mingle with professionals from across both chambers while enjoying complimentary refreshments in the historic carriage house and scenic grounds.

Business

MBTA General Manager Speaking at Charles River Chamber Event

By |

Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA 71 bus. The Charles River Chamber’s Annual Transportation Forum will feature MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. See details provided by the Chamber. Tbe event will be on Tuesday, June 17, 12:30 p.m., program begins at 1 p.m. at Tripadvisor HQ, 400 1st Ave, Needham. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

Business

Chamber’s First Women’s Conference to Feature Lt. Gov. & Panel of CEOs

By |

The keynote speaker for the Charles River Chamber’s first Women’s Conference will be Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. Attendees will also hear from a panel of female CEOs and company presidents, as well as participate in power sessions. See more information in the announcement from the Chamber. MOMENTUM: Women in Business Celebrating & Creating Change

Friday, June 13, 2025 (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM) (EDT)

Description

Connect. Empower.

Around Town

Chamber Breakfast: Time to Join “Team Massachusetts,” Despite Sobering Economic Numbers

By |

Former Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, right, and Interim Secretary Ashley Stolba spoke at the Charles River Regional Chamber Spring Business Breakfast. (Photo by Leise Jones)

NEEDHAM — Statistics and trends shared by an economist from the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston painted a sobering picture for the Boston Metro region, but the former Mass. Secretary of Economic Development gave a pep talk for the attendees of the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast. Employment has not reached pre-Pandemic levels, some of the regions key areas — life sciences and higher education — have fared poorly or faces challenges, cost of living is high, and opinions about prospects for the future are negative, said Mary Burke, principal Economist and Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Also at the Business Breakfast at the Needham Sheraton was Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba, as well as her predecessor, Yvonne Hao.

Business

Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast to Focus on the Region’s Economy

By |

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

The Charles River Regional Chamber’s May 14th annual Spring Business Breakfast, presented by Eastern Bank, will focus on the current challenges facing the region’s economy and what the Healey-Driscoll administration is doing to support economic growth. The program will feature comments from Ashley Stolba, interim Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development, making her first public comments to any chamber or business organization since Healey appointed her to the position in April. Also speaking will be the state’s former Secretary of Economic Development, Yvonne Hao, who will also be making her first public comments to a business group since she stepped down after two years in the role to focus on family issues. The May 14 program begins with a data-driven presentation by Dr. Mary Burke, a principal economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, offering critical insight into how employment growth in Massachusetts has stalled, the effects of uncertain federal policies, and several downside risks that could have an outsized impact on our state. The Charles River Regional Chamber’s “Spring Business Breakfast: 2025 Economic Outlook,” presented by Eastern Bank, is happening Wednesday, May 14, at the Needham Sheraton Hotel.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Coffee Connect in Watertown

By |

The following information came from the Charles River Chamber:

Start your morning with coffee, conversation, and connections! Our popular Coffee Connect series is heading to Not Your Average Joe’s in Watertown Square, where our hosts will be showcasing some of their delicious brunch offerings exclusively for this event. April 15, 2025, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Join fellow Chamber members and local professionals to expand your network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Our Coffee Connects often draw 75+ attendees and are open to both members and those interested in learning more about chamber membership. This event is free, but space is limited—register in advance to secure your spot!