Our Story
The Watertown Business Coalition emerged in 2019 from the collaboration of two devoted Watertowners: Doug Orifice, a non-business-suit-wearing financial planner with a punk spirit and Bob Airasian, a calm-demeanored real estate broker with years of experience volunteering in Watertown already. What they wanted was a space for Watertown business people to be able to come together and just talk. With that simple goal, they got over 80 people to show up to the Watertown Business Coalition’s first gathering in November 2019 at Donohue’s Bar and Grill through only word-of-mouth and a few emails - and they knew they were on to something!
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​Over the following 6 years, with the help of many incredibly dedicated volunteers, the WBC has grown into something more than just a networking group. From creating the Watertown Arts Market to help creative businesses during COVID, to the Annual Life Science Panel (now STEM Night) connecting life science professionals with Watertown students. From being a voice for businesses concerned with their viability during major construction projects, to collaborating with Watertown’s Economic Development Department - the reach and impact of the WBC continues to expand! Continuing its growth, the WBC hired two dedicated part time staff members, Jessie Cox, Director of Partnerships & Events and Sam Dudley, Director of Communications and Engagement. Learn more about the whole WBC team, here!
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The heart of the WBC is open, honest conversation and the urge to build a stronger community. That’s why the WBC still hosts regular networking events, where folks can gather to simply talk, but also where people can get to know their fellow business owners and nonprofit organizers. Where we can knit the business community tighter, make sure we have each other’s backs, and figure out what we want, what we need, and how we can be proactive!
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Interested in joining a group of fun, collaborative and like-minded people from all facets of the Watertown economy? Come to an upcoming event and say hello! You can also join our mailing list to get weekly updates on the WBC and other business news and happenings around the city. To learn more about why you should join, click here - or if you’re ready to dive in, you can become a member here!