News

Rockland Trust Announces Acquisition of Enterprise Bank

The agreement will unite two relationship-driven organizations and expand RocklandTrust’s footprint into northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Rockland, Massachusetts and Lowell, Massachusetts (December 9, 2024) - Independent Bank Corp., parent of Rockland Trust Company (“Rockland Trust”), and Enterprise Bancorp, Inc., parent of Enterprise Bank and Trust Company (“Enterprise Bank”), have signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Enterprise will merge into Independent and

Governor Healey Signs Economic Development Bill

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed into law the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill that will make Massachusetts a global leader in emerging industries like climatetech and applied artificial intelligence (AI), while also building on the success of the state’s renowned life sciences sector. The package will create jobs, support business growth, expand workforce development programs and support rural and regional economic development initiatives. Governor Healey will host a ceremonial

MA Legislators Pass Economic Development Bill

Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a sweeping economic development bill authorizing a nearly $4 billion infusion into the Commonwealth’s economy while making wide-ranging policy changes to make Massachusetts more competitive.  The bold investments in H.5100, An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership, will stimulate new and proven industries, support workforce development and talent retention, and modernize economic growth strategies. Provisions of the bill will support

Rules Take Shape For Town Center Signage District

Burlington’s Signage Subcommittee is finalizing the language for a new bylaw that would establish signage districts and create the rules for Town Center, the first such district the subcommittee has focused on. “You need to start somewhere,” said signage subcommittee member Betsey Hughes, “In terms of the ongoing saga of Burlington town signage as our journey, this is our first step.” Rules around business signage have been contentious in Burlington, according to the subcommittee. In fact, the

Burlington High School to Hold Career Exploration Fair on February 4th

Burlington High School is set to have their annual Career Exploration Fair at the High School (123 Cambridge Street) on February 4, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 pm (setup starts at 12:30 pm).  This event will bring together students and professionals in various fields to interact and discuss the specifics of different jobs. BHS is seeking more local professionals to participate in this event. We hope you can participate, recommend a colleague, or promote the event within your company. They are looking for a broad

TransAction Associates is Creating Commuter Sustainability for Burlington Workers

A new option in more sustainable commuting is now available for Burlington businesses thanks to a grant by Healey-Driscoll Administration to assist Transportation Management Associations (TMAs). TMAs are non-profit membership-based organizations that provide shuttle services to improve transportation options in a specific region or community.The goal is to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and expand mobility.One group that’s benefitting from the grant is TransAction

Burlington Seeks Input on Signage for Businesses in Town Center

The Town of Burlington is working on modernizing the Signage Guidelines for the Town Center (see map below) and would like to invite you to please take a minute to complete the survey below. Burlington has worked to create a town center that fosters social and economic growth. A key part of this is signage. To support the future development of the Town Center, a Signage Committee was formed to review current rules and develop new ones. If you have a business in this area, we want to hear from

Long's Jewelers' Craig and Judd Rottenberg Inducted into National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame

Craig and Judd Rottenberg of Long’s Jewelers were inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in the Multi-Store Independent category.Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the print edition of the 2024 Retailer Hall of Fame. Click here to see the full issue.From studying marketing to banking on Wall Street, brothers Craig and Judd Rottenberg of Long’s Jewelers didn’t appear to be on the path to taking over their father’s jewelry business, but ultimately their outside experience made them

Burlington Awarded Green Communities Funds

Burlington has been awarded an additional $250,000 to enhance energy efficiency in town government, with the funds slated to go towards pump replacement and building management systems at Francis Wyman and Pine Glen Elementary Schools. “I am proud that Burlington is among the recipients of the Green Communities Grant,” said Burlington State Representative, Ken Gordon. “This funding supports energy efficiency and clean energy projects that will enhance Burlington’s energy conservation efforts and advance

The Broad Institute Opens High-Tech Campus in Burlington

In a major coup for Burlington’s growing life sciences economy, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard opened a new high-tech facility on Blue Sky Drive. Governor Maura Healey and Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao attended a ribbon cutting, where they commended Massachusetts, Burlington and the Broad Institute for fostering a lifesaving ecosystem in the Commonwealth.View Full BCAT Coverage   From The Broad Institute: "Broad’s expansion to Burlington, Massachusetts is official! We built the new

Massachusetts EOED Announces Updates on FY25 Final Budget

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development shared that today, Governor Healey signed a $57.78 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). The Healey-Driscoll administration is proud that this budget delivers on our shared goals of making Massachusetts more affordable, equitable, and competitive. Investments that are included in the final budget:Investing in the FundamentalsUrban Agenda – $1M to support local partnerships in urban neighborhoods across Massachusetts, which is a

Riemer & Braunstein LLP Honored by Boston Business Journal with Corporate Citizenship Award

For the 19th consecutive year, Riemer & Braunstein has been honored by Boston Business Journal with a Corporate Citizenship Award as one of Massachusetts’ largest corporate charitable contributors. Congratulations to Riemer & Braunstein for this honor!To read the full BBJ list, visit here: https://lnkd.in/ePsKVEFY

Brookline Bank EVP & CDO Talks How Technology Continues to Make Advances in Payment Processing

Mona Macero – EVP, Chief Digital Officer, Brookline Bancorp Payment processing remains a crucial part of a bank’s service offering, even as the industry has shifted from analog to digital processing. In a relatively short time span, commercial payment processing has evolved from paper-based check payments dependent on U.S. Mail for delivery, to electronic payment options such as online bill payment, ACH, and wire transfers. Technological advancements have created faster payment options supporting

SBA Removes Cap on Loans for Clean Energy Projects

Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced that the agency has removed its 504 Loan Program’s cap on lending for clean energy projects as part of broader SBA efforts to usher in our nation’s clean energy future. “Small businesses and start-ups play a crucial role not only in innovating to develop the future of climate technology but also in adopting sustainable practices and

BACC Welcomes Local Business, Bellanistas To The Burlington Mall

Last week, the BACC had the pleasure of welcoming Bellanistas to the Burlington Mall, the BACC, and the Burlington community as a whole. Bellanistas is a delightful local boutique that specializes in women’s clothing, accessories and shoes that caters to every style & occasion. They help fashion minded women look their best for less! Learn more about Bellanistas and connect with them here.See BCAT TV Spotlight Here

Rep. Ken Gordon Votes For State Budget That Includes Funding For District

Representative Ken Gordon joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing a $58 billion Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget proposal. The House budget included local funding for the 21st Middlesex District as well as critical investments in transportation, childcare, and K-12 education. “I am proud of the investments made in this FY25 budget that will continue to provide necessary support to our communities”, said Representative Gordon. “This budget includes significant funding in

Five Questions With Brookline Bank VP Sean McGrath

Sean McGrath serves Brookline Bank as a Vice President in the Commercial Banking Group. He joined Brookline in April 2018. Sean has a background in designing and implementing financing and deposit strategies for insurance carriers and agencies. He is a licensed Massachusetts Property & Casualty Insurance Advisor and Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) – one of the few commercial bankers in Massachusetts to obtain these designations. Sean gained invaluable insurance experience as a Sales Account

Imelda Barnhurst Becomes New Owner of Gienapp Architects

Gienapp Architects, a premiere North Shore-based architecture firm, announced today that Vice President Imelda Barnhurst has become the firm’s new Owner and Principal, while Founder Dale Gienapp will remain involved with the firm. The official change of ownership took place on Thursday, March 7. As a result of the transfer of ownership, Gienapp Architects will pursue certification as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) with the state of Massachusetts.Imelda Barnhurst, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, MCPPO, NCARB, joined

BACC March 2024 Newsletter

  2024 BACC Spring Soirée Thursday, May 2nd, 6-9 PM Members are invited for a celebration of BACC membership. Join more than 150 business professionals for an evening of delicious food, drinks, and socializing. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT THE CHAMBER Members are afforded a number of visible opportunities to showcase their businesses, services and commitment to the business community. Help support the BACC and the programs that promote local business.See Complete Details and Opportunities

Middlesex Community College Receives Grant for Workforce Training Program

Middlesex Community College will receive funding for the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Program as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $1.5 million in grants for new community college workforce training programs for adults looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. “Our successful history of offering robust, hands-on training for the advanced manufacturing industry has provided many individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to get hired immediately in in-demand roles across

Burlington High School Seeking STEM Mentors for CS Pathway Program

Governor Maura Healey Files $1.23 Billion Plan to Modernize IT Systems

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration unveiled the FutureTech Act, a $1.23 billion plan to modernize IT systems across secretariats through Fiscal Years 2025-2029. The bill represents significant IT capital investments to integrate the constituent experience across agencies, deliver on cybersecurity projects across the executive branch, and fund future investments in Artificial Intelligence technology, while also providing funding and technical support to secretariats, agencies, and public

Burlington Celebrates Milestone Connection with MWRA

The Town of Burlington hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Vine Brook Water Treatment to celebrate the completed connection to the MWRA, a new source of water in a town with a history of seasonal restrictions. An extensive collaborative effort between the Town of Burlington, Lexington, and the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, led to a significant improvement in the region’s water infrastructure. The extension of the MWRA water main through Lexington to Burlington connects the community to the

BACC September 2023 Newsletter

 The Taste of Burlington is BACC! Monday, October 30th, 5-8 PMat the Boston Marriott Burlington Join us for the area's largest food event as dozens of Burlington restaurants showcase their delicious culinary offerings for one night only at the Boston Marriott Burlington. Attendees also enjoy live entertainment, raffle prizes, gift bags and more!Participating Restaurants Thank You to Our Event Sponsors A Sampling of Upcoming EventsSee All Events BACC Member News and Information  MCC Announces

School of Rock Burlington Opens on August 6th

School of Rock's brand new school next to L.L. Bean is now open! Our approach to music education is cooperative, meant to build both musical and personal skills. Owner Mark Abruzzese is a 24-year veteran chemistry and physics teacher and drives the vision of this school to be about the joy we can all find making music with others. Each week students have one 1:1 lesson and one group rehearsal where they play songs with other students. 

Masterpiece Dentistry Celebrates One Year Anniversary at Burlington Location

The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at Masterpiece Dentistry's Burlington location to celebrate their one year anniversary on Friday, May 12th. Dr. John Pappas and his team at Masterpiece Dentistry provide advanced dental care solutions, which ensures you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful, natural-looking smile. They offer a patient-centered practice by combining leading-edge dentistry with completely personalized care.  Masterpiece Dentistry has been a member

Chopps Italian Steakhouse & Bar Now Open at the Boston Marriott Burlington

 After rebranding from Chopps American Bar & Grill, the restaurant has reopened under the new name Chopps Italian Steakhouse & Bar, and is now open for business!    Chopps Italian Steakhouse & Bar is a modern and inviting chophouse serving Italian inspired cuisine from Executive Chef Matthew Clabbers (pictured above). Chopps offers an affordable alternative to an upscale steakhouse while maintaining exceptional quality. Succulent cuts of all-natural beef and regional specialties with fresh local

Northeastern University Announces It Will Build a $10M Quantum Technology Lab at its Burlington Innovation Campus

A $3.5 million grant from the state of Massachusetts will help advance the field of quantum technology, create jobs and change our lives for the better. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University  Northeastern University’s Innovation Campus in Burlington, Massachusetts, is set to become the epicenter of cutting-edge quantum technology, thanks in part to a new grant. From: Jessica Taylor Price, Northeastern Global Newshttps://news.northeastern.edu/2022/09/07/quantum-technology/ Massachusetts Housing

BACC February 2023 Newsletter

 Member News and Information  BACC Holds Black Tie Gala Benefit The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held their Black Tie Gala benefit, presented by The Herb Chambers Companies, on February 4th at the Boston Marriott Burlington. This annual fundraiser supports a sector of the BACC’s Charitable Foundation called the Charitable Partnership Program see more...  Burlington Board Of Health To Update Hazardous Materials Regulations In an effort to update antiquated rules and guidelines, the Burlington