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!

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Webinar on AI, Networking Events & More in January

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The Charles River Regional Chamber has a variety of events in January focused on small businesses, non-profits, young professionals along with its Women’s Impact Network. Plus, learn what AI and ChatGPT is all about. The Chamber serves Watertown, Newton, Needham and Wellesley, and will host in-person and remote events in January. See the list provided by the Chamber below:

Webinar: Demystifying AI & ChatGPT

Date: Tues. Jan.

Business

Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Showcase Closing After 92 Years, Holding Closeout Sale

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Freddy Farkel’s Fabrics Showcase on Walnut Street will be closing. The business started in Brighton in 1927. (Photo from Fabricshowplace.net)

A Boston-area fabric institution is holding a closeout sale after losing its lease on its space on Walnut Street. Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Showcase started in Brighton, and now has its showroom in Watertown. The store opened in 1927, and has been run by four generations.

Business

Arsenal Yards Adding New Food, Clothing & Pet Offerings

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The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The thriving neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End from Boylston Properties and Wilder, Arsenal Yards today announces three exciting new additions in 2024: J.Crew Factory, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. With leases signed, these three new venues will add to the neighborhood’s already bursting roster of popular restaurants, retailers, fitness, service, and entertainment offerings. More information on each follows below. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced it will open a new location in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards at 100 Bond Square in 2024. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.