Around Town

Chamber Breakfast: Time to Join “Team Massachusetts,” Despite Sobering Economic Numbers

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Former Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, right, and Interim Secretary Ashley Stolba spoke at the Charles River Regional Chamber Spring Business Breakfast. (Photo by Leise Jones)

NEEDHAM — Statistics and trends shared by an economist from the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston painted a sobering picture for the Boston Metro region, but the former Mass. Secretary of Economic Development gave a pep talk for the attendees of the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast. Employment has not reached pre-Pandemic levels, some of the regions key areas — life sciences and higher education — have fared poorly or faces challenges, cost of living is high, and opinions about prospects for the future are negative, said Mary Burke, principal Economist and Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Also at the Business Breakfast at the Needham Sheraton was Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba, as well as her predecessor, Yvonne Hao.

Business

Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast to Focus on the Region’s Economy

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

The Charles River Regional Chamber’s May 14th annual Spring Business Breakfast, presented by Eastern Bank, will focus on the current challenges facing the region’s economy and what the Healey-Driscoll administration is doing to support economic growth. The program will feature comments from Ashley Stolba, interim Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development, making her first public comments to any chamber or business organization since Healey appointed her to the position in April. Also speaking will be the state’s former Secretary of Economic Development, Yvonne Hao, who will also be making her first public comments to a business group since she stepped down after two years in the role to focus on family issues. The May 14 program begins with a data-driven presentation by Dr. Mary Burke, a principal economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, offering critical insight into how employment growth in Massachusetts has stalled, the effects of uncertain federal policies, and several downside risks that could have an outsized impact on our state. The Charles River Regional Chamber’s “Spring Business Breakfast: 2025 Economic Outlook,” presented by Eastern Bank, is happening Wednesday, May 14, at the Needham Sheraton Hotel.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Coffee Connect in Watertown

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The following information came from the Charles River Chamber:

Start your morning with coffee, conversation, and connections! Our popular Coffee Connect series is heading to Not Your Average Joe’s in Watertown Square, where our hosts will be showcasing some of their delicious brunch offerings exclusively for this event. April 15, 2025, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Join fellow Chamber members and local professionals to expand your network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Our Coffee Connects often draw 75+ attendees and are open to both members and those interested in learning more about chamber membership. This event is free, but space is limited—register in advance to secure your spot!

Government

Gov. Healey Concerned About Impacts of Federal Funding Cuts & Tariffs, Sees Housing as State’s Biggest Challenge

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Gov. Maura Healey speaks with Charles River Chamber President & CEO Greg Reibman during the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum on March 31. (Photo by Leise Jones)

NEWTON — Gov. Maura Healey worries about the uncertainty in the economy created by policies coming out of Washington, as well as federal funding cuts negatively impacting some of Massachusetts’ biggest industries, she told an audience at the Charles River Regional Chamber event on Monday. Other challenges to maintaining one of the strongest economies in the United States includes creating more housing and the cost of energy, Healey said at the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum at the Newton Marriott. Congressman Jake Auchincloss also appeared at the event. Massachusetts receives the most NIH (National Institute of Health) funding per capita, but that funding — some of which is used for life science research and development — may be at risk if cuts are made by the Trump Administration.

Business

Charles River Chamber Launches ‘Small Shops’ Program to Help Independent Retailers

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber is launching Small Shops, a new pilot program designed to support independently owned, single-location brick-and-mortar retailers in Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. Eligible retailers will receive free basic chamber membership, granting them access to essential networking, advocacy, business resources and marketing opportunities. “Our small independent retailers face many challenges, including competition from online shopping, soaring operating costs, staffing shortages and, now, worries about tariffs, immigration, the financial markets and overall economic uncertainty,” said Greg Reibman, the chamber’s president and CEO. “At the same time, our small shops bring vibrancy to our small downtowns and village centers. They’re part of what makes our communities desirable places to live and work,” Reibman added.

Around Town

Watertown Restaurants to be Featured at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Our Towns

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Cha Yen Thai Cookery is one of several Watertown Restaurants that will be serving their dishes at the Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings event. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown’s vibrant restaurant scene will be on full display at Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Our Towns, happening on Monday, April 7, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Newton Marriott. Hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber and presented by The Village Bank, the event brings together top culinary talents from across the region. This year, Watertown’s lineup of participating restaurants and beverage vendors includes:

● Bar ‘Cino● Cha Yen Thai Cookery● NAYA● Not Your Average Joe’s● Nzuko● Olespana● Ritcey East● Sensational Foods

Max and Chelsea Ritcey served up food from Watertown restaurant Ritcey East at the Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings. (Photo from Charles River Chamber)

Visit charlesriverchamber.com/spring-seasonings for a full preview of the 40+ restaurants, beer, wine and liquor shops who will be sampling small bites and sips on April 7.

Around Town

Gov. Healey to Speak at Charles River Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum

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Gov. Maura Healey

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber is honored to host Governor Maura Healey at our upcoming Government Affairs Forum, presented by Northland Investment Corporation and Rodman Employment Law, on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 8:45 AM to 10:30 AM at the Boston Marriott Newton. As the 73rd Governor of Massachusetts, Governor Healey has prioritized making our state an affordable place to live while enhancing competitiveness by focusing on housing, transportation, workforce development, and childcare. Now in her third year in office, she continues to address issues critical to our region’s economic growth, including the life sciences, clean energy, technology, and small business success. Attendees will hear Governor Healey address the critical economic issues. This forum also provides a platform for business, civic, and nonprofit leaders across Newton, Needham, Watertown, and Wellesley to connect and discuss the future of our communities.

Around Town

Celebrate Local Dining, Community at Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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The Charles River Chamber announced that tickets are available for the 27th annual Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns event, which includes restaurants from Watertown, as well as Newton, Needham and Wellesley. See the announcement below. Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns returns to the Newton Marriott on Monday, April 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. The highly anticipated event, now in its 27th year, is hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber in partnership with presenting sponsor The Village Bank. Forty local restaurants from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley will showcase their distinctive cuisine, with beverage exhibitors pouring samples to pair with the delicious bites. Over 500 attendees are expected to attend the event.