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

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.

Chamber Hosting Panel on Fraud Prevention & What Small Businesses Need to Know

The Charles River Regional Chamber will host a panel on fraud prevention and response. The free webinar will feature a panel of speakers, including Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. See details from the Chamber below. Fraud is one of the fastest-growing and most costly threats facing small businesses today. From payment and payroll scams to phishing, identity theft and vendor fraud, bad actors are becoming more sophisticated — often targeting businesses with limited time, staff and safeguards.

City Manager’s City Update Will Focus on Local Business Community & Economy

The Watertown Business Coalition will host Watertown City Manager George Proakis at the annual City Update. His talk will focus on news and issues that will impact Watertown’s businesses and the local economy. See more information provided by the WBC, below. The WBC is honored to again partner with Watertown’s City Manager, George Proakis, to provide a City Update. Please join us on March 5th at 8 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites at Arsenal Yards in Watertown!