Who We Are
The Melrose Chamber of Commerce is a registered 501©6, nonprofit, membership organization. The Chamber is funded through annual membership dues, event fees, sponsorship and marketing opportunities, all of which are paid for by the nearly 300 members we serve. The Chamber does not receive direct funding from the City of Melrose, the State of Massachusetts or the Federal Government.
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A Partner with the City of Melrose
Although we are a private organization, and not a City of Melrose department, the Chamber partners annually with the City to bring four signature events to the community:
Summer Stroll
,
Victorian Fair,
Trick or Treat at Melrose Businesses
and
Home for the Holidays
. While the Chamber manages, markets and executes these events and programs, and Chamber members provide financial support, the City provides support in the form of Police, Fire and Public Works resources.
The Chamber, working closely with the City, also makes possible two annual beautification projects: the
hanging flower baskets
and the holiday wreaths. Support from the Melrose Public Works Department allows the baskets and wreaths to be installed and maintained throughout the City over many months. The Chamber is extremely grateful for this private-public partnership that spans several decades.
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Membership Driven
Aside from our signature events and beautification programs, the additional work performed by the Chamber throughout the year is for the direct benefit of our
members
.
This work includes, but is not limited to, facilitating networking and professional development opportunities, business to business marketing and advertising opportunities, advocating to local government and assisting businesses with a variety of individualized needs.
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The Work of the Chamber
If you follow our posts, receive our emails or browse our website, then you know that our members - small businesses, sole proprietors, at home businesses and nonprofits - both inside and outside of Melrose are our passion.
The Chamber is doing what we can, given the resources we have, to support our members at this time. A lot of this is happening on a personalized, individual level given the unique needs and challenges our members have right now.
Much of our work also benefits the business community as a whole.
Highlights of our work are listed below.
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- Researched and vetted pertinent information that was included in 21 newsletters related to small business loans, grants and other financial assistance opportunities.
- These newsletters also marketed and promoted our members.
- Assisted Chamber members with the SBA loan process including hosting and promoting free webinars, open to anyone.
- Participated in conference calls with the offices of Mayor Brodeur, State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian to share information and questions pertaining to our members.
- Marketed and promoted our members through emails, the Chamber’s website, Facebook and Twitter.
- Had direct contact with almost all of our 300 members via email, phone or Zoom regarding their concerns, questions and challenges they are facing.
- These needs vary greatly from member to member depending on the industry, size of business and more.
- Distributed disposable face masks, cloth masks and hand sanitizers to businesses and organizations thanks to a generous donation from Garden Remedies and the City of Melrose.
- Created a temporary signage program to help identify which businesses have been open online, via phone and for curbside delivery.
- Signs were made available to any business that requested one, members and nonmembers.
- Implemented a new fundraiser, Melrose Cards for the Community, which supports both Melrose food establishments and the neediest members of our community.
- Funds raised are used to purchase gift cards from restaurants, and the cards are donated to Melrose residents in need.
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Supporting the Chamber
The Chamber is acutely aware of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and civic members. It is also affecting our organization in the same way, especially with the cancellation of this year’s Victorian Fair, a primary source of revenue for our organization. Your support of the Chamber is needed now more than ever to continue the work we’re doing to assist struggling businesses and nonprofits, and create programs to build a stronger economy.
Chamber memberships support our ongoing efforts to be catalysts for business growth, conveners of leaders and influencers and champions for a stronger community. If you’re a member and are up currently for renewal, please
renew your membership,
if you're able.
If you’re facing challenges in your business as a result of COVID-19, please
contact me
and we will work with you.
If you’re not a Chamber member and you own a business or run a nonprofit in or around Melrose, we hope you recognize the value we bring to the community and will considering becoming a member
.
If you’re an individual in Melrose, and you appreciate the work we’ve been doing, consider becoming an individual member to lend your support and get involved.
Learn more about Chamber membership here
.
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I’m proud of the work we’ve done at a time when it is needed most.
In turn the Chamber is grateful to our members and our community for your support of our efforts.
I hope that you recognize the value we bring to Melrose and that we’ve earned your membership and support.
Thank you,
Lauren Grymek
Executive Director
Melrose Chamber of Commerce
781-665-3033
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