New Stores, Eateries at Arsenal Yards & Spring Events

Courtesy of Arsenal YardsArsenal Yards has some new places to shop and eat, and more coming soon. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Arsenal Yards, located in the heart of Watertown’s East End, is bringing even more new offerings to the neighborhood. In addition to its already well-known businesses, Arsenal Yards will welcome a list of seven new retail, dining, and service offerings as well as dozens of outdoor events throughout the spring and summer months. 

Included in Arsenal Yard’s impressive lineup of new businesses: J.Crew Factory and Jersey Mikes which have recently opened. In addition, there is something for everyone in the lineup of coming soon destinations including restaurants Butterbird and Medium Rare, along with service-based locations Marvelous Cuts, Splash & Dash, and Squeeze Massage opening later this year. Arsenal Yards will also continue to bring the neighborhood community experiences with events and activations in the River Green and Bond Sq.

Chamber Events Include Visit From Transportation Secretary, Small Business Day on Beacon Hill & More

The Charles River Regional Chamber has plenty going on this spring, including a talk with the Transportation Secretary, a young professionals group, Small Business Day at the State House and an LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour. See the information provided by the Chamber below:

Addressing our transportation challenges: A conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt

Tues. May 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m.Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown$10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest. 

RSVP HERE

LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour at Flora’s Wine Bar

Wed.

Four Watertown Restaurants Set to Showcase at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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

Bar ’Cino, Olespana, Shiraz Persian Cuisine and Ritcey East will all be featured at the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings culinary showcase on Monday April 8 at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The highly anticipated event, presented by NBCU Boston, is returning after a four-year hiatus and promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together restaurants, caterers and beverage providers from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. This event takes Dine Local to a whole new level, showcasing the exceptional flavors that make our communities special. It’s expected to draw over 500 community members, business and civic leaders from across our region who share our enthusiasm for local cuisine. Bring your appetite!

Chamber Hosting Events for Non-Profits, Young Professionals, on Cyber Security, Plus the Taste of Our Towns

Check out the upcoming events presented by the Charles River Regional Chamber. Webinar: Leadership Succession Planning – Good Governance for Sustainable Nonprofits

Date: Tues. March 26

Time: Noon to 1 p.m. 

Cost: $15

Description:

This virtual event, led by Nanette Fridman, founder of Effect Collective, will explore the important governance responsibilities of professional and volunteer succession planning. The Charles River Regional Chamber serves business professionals who work/live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities. Link: https://charlesriverchamber.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/4rkmKXOP?mode=AttendeeTitle:

Young Professionals Happy Hour at Oak n’Barrel (In-Person)

Date: Tues. March 26

Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: $10 – all proceeds will go towards Reach: Beyond Domestic Violence nonprofit 

Description:

Join the young professionals group for an evening of networking to support a great cause!

Mass. Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development to Speak at Chamber Event in Watertown

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.

Watertown Marketing & Communications Company Names New CEO

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.

Small Business Champion Contest Includes Awards for Businesses Owned by Veterans, Minorities & Women

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.