Business

Charles River Chamber Panel Looked at How Watertown Became a Life Science Hub

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A panel of speakers discussed the life science industry in Watertown at an event hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber. From left, City Manager George Proakis, Boylston Properties President Mark Deschenes, CEO of Labshares Phillip Borden, and C4 Chief People Officer Kelly Schick. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Eleven years ago, 25 life science companies had facilities in Watertown. Today, more than four times that many companies are located in the City, making it one of Massachusetts’ life science hubs. On March 10, the Charles River Regional Chamber’s life science panel, “Watertown’s Life Science Future,” looked at how the City became one of the hottest centers for biotechs, and what’s next.

Business

New Dining Option with a 20+ Menus Hosting Grand Opening Celebration in Watertown

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Wonder will celebrate the grand opening of its Watertown location on March 19. (Courtesy of Wonder)

Wonder, which has been called a virtual food hall, will mark the opening of its new Watertown location with a grand opening celebration on March 19 with samples, giveaways, and activities. See the announcement from Wonder, below. Marking the official opening of its new location in Watertown, Wonder will host a grand opening celebration featuring live music, giveaways, and surprises from local partners, along with free samples of popular chef-inspired menu items. 

A ribbon cutting will be held at 4:30 p.m. on March 19, followed by the Grand Opening Celebration from 5 t0 7 p.m. Wonder is located at 541 Arsenal St., Watertown (in Arsenal Yards near Poke Works, Chip City, and ButterBird). Please note: Wonder will operate during usual business hours on grand opening day (open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

The first 100 guests will receive special swag bags, including a tote bag featuring custom artwork by Julia Emiliani, as well as a Wonder branded hat and a limited edition Julia Emiliani sticker sheet.

Business

Chamber Hosting LGBTQIA+ Morning Meetup in Watertown

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will host an LGBTIA+ Morning meetup on Friday, March 20 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Fly Together Fitness in Watertown. The event is free and open to LGBTQIA+ members and non-members. See more information provided by the Chamber below. Rise and connect! Our popular LGBTQIA+ Networking Series is switching things up — trading the evening cocktails for morning coffee and heading back to one of our favorite community spaces.Join us at Fly Together Fitness, a proudly LGBTQIA+-owned pole and dance studio in the heart of Watertown, for a morning dedicated to LGBTQIA+ professionals looking to make real business connections across industries.Complimentary coffee provided.

Business

Watertown Savings Bank Launches 27th Annual Customer Choice Awards, Committing $100,000 to Local Nonprofits

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The Customer Choice Awards are back, and Watertown Savings Bank customers and residents can participate. See details in the announcement from Watertown Savings, below. Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) has officially launched its 27 th Annual Customer Choice Awards, inviting local residents and WSB customers to vote for their favorite nonprofit organizations serving Arlington, Belmont, Lexington, Newton, Waltham, and Watertown. Through this year’s program, WSB will award a total of $100,000 to deserving local nonprofits, including a top prize of $15,000. Residents can cast their votes by visiting watertownsavings.com/vote

WSB has long been a dedicated supporter of local nonprofit organizations across a wide range of causes.

Business

What New Industries Might be Attracted to Watertown, Changes to the Square Discussed by City Manager

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City Manager George Proakis spoke at the Watertown Business Coalition’s City Update on March 5, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown became a magnet for life science companies in the last several years, and City Manager George Proakis said the building boom in that industry may be slowed, but other industries may be attracted to the same things: proximity to Boston and the universities in the area, easy access, and a nice place to be. Proakis spoke about the City’s economic and financial outlook during the Watertown Business Coalition’s City Update on Thursday morning at the Hampton Inn & Suites. His outlook for Watertown’s economic future was positive, despite the dip in the City’s most prominent industry: life sciences. “We are still in a community, in a state that is well invested in new growth.