Charles River Chamber Hosting Business After Hours Event in Watertown

The Charles River Chamber of Commerce announced it will host Business After Hours at Olespana in Watertown. The event is free to members and future members. Join us for an evening of networking and celebration at the newly renovated and reopened Olespana Whiskey & Tapas in Watertown. Be among the first to experience their refreshed space while connecting with fellow professionals ina relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, featuring some of Olespana’s signature Spanish flavors (Cash bar.)

Whether you’re looking to grow your network, reconnect with colleagues, or simply enjoy great food and conversation, this is the perfect opportunity.

Watertown-Based MORE Advertising Agency Sold

The following announcement was provided by MORE Advertising:

MORE Advertising, an integrated marketing communications agency recognized for its behavior change and cause-driven campaigns, announced the sale of the company by Founder and CEO Donna Latson Gittens and Managing Partner and President Judi Haber to two of the firm’s senior leaders: Principal of Account Services Megan Palamé and CFO Beth LePage. Palamé is assuming the role of CEO and LePage will serve as COO & CFO. Palamé and LePage have each been instrumental in shaping MORE’s strategy, growth and campaign successes. Selling the agency internally ensures a seamless transition with intact account, creative and operational teams and continuity of key relationships. “As we reflect on the agency’s history and growth, we take immense pride in how our work has advanced important social causes,” said Gittens. “We have always sought to create campaigns that make a meaningful difference by challenging the status quo, empowering communities and helping to encourage positive behavior change.”

MORE has developed and launched campaigns addressing substance use stigma and vaping harms, as well as promoting the use of HIV/AIDS preventive medications and trusted sexual and reproductive health services. The agency secured its largest accounts to date when it was selected to create and lead campaigns for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to promote adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Watertown Business Honored as Mass Save Climate Leader

Members of the Roche Bros. team received their Mass Save Climate Leader award at the State House. (Photo by David Fox Photography)

Among the Mass Save Climate Leaders honored last week was Roche Bros. Watertown market. See the details in the announcement from Mass Save below.

New Chair Elected to Lead Charles River Chamber Board

Angela Pitter

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

The Charles River Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors has elected Angela Pitter to serve as its new board chair. Pitter is the founder and CEO of LiveWire Collaborative, a Newton-based digital marketing consultancy that has been harnessing innovative digital marketing strategies and AI to connect businesses with customers since 2012. Pitter is also no stranger to public service and community activism. For six years she was an elected member of the Newton School Committee. She is currently a council member of the Black Alumni Leadership Council at Boston University and founding member of Newton Coalition for Black Residents.

See Who Will be Honored at the Charles River Chamber’s First Watertown Business Awards

The Charles River Regional Chamber will honor local businesses, non-profits, and community members during the First Annual Watertown Night, Featuring the Watertown Business Awards. The event takes place Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Donohue’s Bar & Grill, 87 Bigelow Ave., Watertown

The 2025 Award Honorees

Watertown Community Foundation

O’Some Cafe

Archy LaSalle, Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee, activist, educator, and photographer

Max Ritcey, owner, Ritcey East

Also, connect with local business owners, professionals, civic leaders, and community members at our first-annual Watertown Night at Donohue’s Bar & Grill (note new location). The Enjoy delicious food, network with fellow attendees, and celebrate our Watertown Business Awards honorees for their outstanding contributions to the community. Tickets: $20, Open to members & non-members.

Business Group Hosting Networking Event at the Commander’s Mansion

Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. The Watertown Business Coalition will host its first event of 2025, a morning networking event at the Commander’s Mansion. See details in the announcement below. It’s a New Year! Let’s continue a great start with a chance to connect with our neighbors, local small business, local employees and friends of the WBC and City Government. Enjoy coffee and light bites from Tatte while enjoying conversation with old friends and new faces.

One Watertown Restaurant Closes, a New One Opens

Some of the South of the Border dishes being served at Plazita Mexico Tacos. As 2025 begins, Watertown has seen one restaurant close, while an addition has been made to the eating scene. Restaurant Says ‘Bye Bye’

Olespana Whiskey & Tapas Bar on Mt. Auburn Street announced that it will be closing. The restaurant that served Spanish food, pizza and other dishes had opened in the former Mount Auburn Grill space in 2023.

Charles River Chamber Hosting 1st Annual Watertown Night at Olespana

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber invites the community to the first annual Watertown Night, a special evening bringing together business owners, professionals, civic leaders, and community members. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Olespana Whiskey and Tapas Bar on Mt. Auburn Street. Highlights include networking opportunities, a sampling of Olespana’s signature Spanish inspired cuisine, and the celebration of the Watertown Business Awards honorees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community.