Business

Watertown Marketing Agency Announces Leadership Appointments

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The following announcement was provided by MORE:

MORE, an integrated marketing communications agency recognized for its behavior change and cause-driven campaigns, announced promotions and leadership appointments under new CEO Megan Palamé and new COO Beth LePage. The moves reflect the agency’s continued investment in talent and strategy as it embarks on its next chapter after the sale to Palamé and LePage by the company’s founders. “The sale of MORE marked an exciting milestone for the agency and a continuation of its legacy of being women-owned,” said Palamé. “These promotions are a natural next step in our evolution. We are continuing to grow by welcoming new team members and lifting the people who have helped shape MORE into what it is today.”

Four senior team members were named. Julia Gould, Vice President, Account Services & Operations – A key member of the MORE team for over 13 years, Gould helps MORE deliver and launch comprehensive multi-touch campaigns with impactful results for the agency’s clients. A trusted partner to clients, she excels in relationship-building, fostering collaboration and trust to ensure long-term success. She has worked closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking, Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence, and Massachusetts General Brigham and the Red Sox Foundation’s Home Base Program. She has led the state’s most recent COVID and flu vaccine campaigns. Gould holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications from Emerson College.

Business

Watertown-Based MORE Advertising Agency Sold

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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.

Business

Chiropractor Returns to Watertown, Bringing His Passion for Wellness

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Jason Mavor brought his chiropractic practice back to Watertown, opening in a space on Mt. Auburn Street. When you ask Dr. Jason Mavor why he’s so passionate about being a chiropractor, his answer is simple. “Helping someone help themselves is the best feeling in the world.” His path to becoming a Chiropractor, however, was a little more unconventional. It all started with an injury of his own.

Business

Preserving Tradition: Watertown Woman Turned Her Family’s Passion for Jams Into a Business

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Hanna Opdahl sells her homemade jams and preserves at the Watertown Farmers Market, at other markets, and online. (Contributed Photo)

Jams and jellies run in the family. Or at least, they do for Hanna Opdahl, Watertown resident and owner of Berry Mari and Belle. 

What began as a hobby shared by Hanna and her mother, Marianne, is now a small business that crafts and sells small batch novelty jams, jellies, and marmalades. 

“I grew up jamming, canning, and gardening with my parents and I loved it,” said Hanna. “My mom is an incredible cook and is always coming up with fun experimental recipes and flavors.”  

Originally from Oregon, Hanna relocated to Watertown a little over three years ago after accepting a job offer in Boston. “It was a little bit of a scary jump, but I was very excited to come out here.

Business

Persian Restaurant in Watertown Closing After 16 Years

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Shiraz Persian Restaurant has closed. (Photo from the Shiraz Facebook page). The owners of Shiraz Persian Restaurant in East Watertown announced they will be closing down their restaurant after “16 wonderful years.” The eatery located at 72 Bigelow Avenue published a message to its customers on Facebook in late August, and the closing was announced on Boston Restaurant Talk on Tuesday. The message reads:

Dear Valued Customers,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Shiraz Persian Restaurant after 16 wonderful years.

Business

Wayne Alarm Acquires Watertown-based SAS Security Systems

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Pictured (left to right): Paul Verruto WAS (Wayne Alarm Systems) Sales & Marketing Manager, Chris Brady of TRG Associates, Jeff Kahn Vice President WAS, Nathan Raustad Head of Business Development, WAS, Ralph Sevinor President WAS, Thomas Frisoli President SAS, Leonard Frisoli of Frisoli Assoc, P.C. Council for SAS, Brandon
Freedman WAS Managing Partner, Dennis Eagan of Finneran and Nicholsan, P.C.

The following announcement was provided by Wayne Alarm Systems:

Wayne Alarm Systems, Inc., a family-owned and operated provider of life safety and security solutions, announced today the acquisition of SAS Security Systems, Inc. of Watertown, Massachusetts. This strategic move expands Wayne Alarm’s footprint in the greater Boston area, allowing them to deliver their premier security services to a wider range of customers. A Commitment to Quality and Growth with Great People and Customers

Wayne Alarm, founded by Ralph Wayne Sevinor, has a long-standing reputation for exceptional customer care and unwavering commitment. The Wayne Alarm team is passionate about leveraging the latest technology to deliver full and comprehensive, security solutions to the local community that safeguard its clients’ lives and property as well as providing exceptional customer support. They actively seek acquisitions that share their values, prioritizing good fit, high-quality service, and strong growth potential.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting Event at Gore Place

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The Watertown Business Coalition announced its latest networking event at one of Watertown’s (and Waltham’s) hidden gems. See the announcement below. Join us at our next WBC Coffee Connect as we give a warm welcome to the new Executive Director at Gore Place, Gavin Kleespies!  Gore Place, you say?  Isn’t that in Waltham?  Technically…a large swath of the Estate is in Watertown – – so we are taking it upon ourselves to welcome Gavin to the community and showcase some of the prettiest landscape in Town.  So, come meet Gavin & staff and enjoy coffee and pastries in the restored 1793 Carriage House. Join Us for a WBC Coffee Connect at Gore Place

52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA

Wednesday, February 28th

8:30 am to 9:30 am

RSVP HERE

If you have yet to check out Gore Place, now is your chance!  Thank you to Gavin for being our host for the morning! This event is FREE and open to:

WBC MEMBERS

Watertown Residents

Watertown Businesspeople

Employees of local companies or non-profits

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.

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.