It's Closing Time For Melrose's Chamber Of Commerce Boss

MELROSE, MA — Lauren Grymek undersells herself. The self-described "favorite aunt or big sister" of local businesses has in fact been at the heart of many of the community's favorite events over the last five years, as well as an invaluable resource for many business owners — particularly over the last 11 months.

Now she's moving on to something new.

Grymek announced Friday she is resigning as executive director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce to take the same position at the Massachusetts Women's Forum. It ends a five-year run for Grymek, a popular figure in the business community who has had a major hand in things like the Victorian Fair, Summer Stroll and Home for the Holidays, among others.

"She is amazing," Buckalew's owner Robin Peevey said. "She was always so supportive, especially during COVID, her popping in every other day just to check in and say how it's going. And being a regular customer. Just such a nice person and a good person to have. You always felt like she had your back ... She really connected the Chamber to businesses."

That sentiment is shared across the city thanks to Grymek's demeanor and effectiveness.

“Lauren Grymek represents the best of what makes our community so special. She is kind, hardworking, and her dedication to supporting our local merchants is second to none," Mayor Paul Brodeur said in a statement. "The vibrancy of our business districts and the enthusiasm our residents share for supporting small businesses is a testament to the outstanding job Lauren has done day after day. On behalf of the City, I want to express our gratitude for Lauren, and wish her all the best in this next chapter."

The Chamber has about 300 members, according to its website. During Grymek's tenure she's welcomed new ones, celebrated old ones and helped shine a light on the rest. The number of community and business events has increased on her watch. The Chamber's social media presence and publicity have benefited from her touch.

But some of her most impactful work has come during the pandemic, thanks in part to her perspective. She likes to say that it's been difficult for her — and she's had it easy.

"The Chamber went from our calendar of community events like the Victorian Fair, and all of a sudden we were giving one-to-one assistance to chamber members," Grymek said. "Marketing help, online support ... helping them through loan and grant applications. Our blueprint was always big community events and networking and advocacy — and just like everyone else we had to change."

Her help didn't go unnoticed for businesses struggling through a generational challenge.

"Since Lauren took her role within the Chamber she fell right into place," Jitters owner Tim LaPrade said. "She's always been such a strong support and go-to for any and all questions. Especially during this last year, her and I have had many conversations as she's always calling and asking, 'What can we do to make sure small businesses stay afloat and get thru this pandemic together.'"

Grymek will be succeeded in March by Jennifer Manning, who has been working with her for the past three years.

"I intend to follow Lauren’s lead and the excellent example she has set to take on this exciting opportunity as Executive Director," Manning said. "I look forward to working with and supporting Melrose and our incredible business community as we continue to face these unprecedented times, together. I am proud to give back to my hometown and am so excited to accept this new role with the Chamber."

Manning said working Grymek is an "amazing community leader" who will be missed.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.