Chamber of Commerce elects new board of directors

Journal Staff Report - The Lynn Journal

Wedneday, May 4, 2005

The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce elected a new slate of directors at its annual meeting last week.

Dennis Joy of the Mayo Group, Sue Kreamer of Eastern Bank, John Olson of the Columbia Insurance Agency and Vincent Williams of Jazzy Sportswear were all elected to three- year terms.

Chamber President and Rich Gorham of General Electric Company, and Chamber Vice President Christopher Bibby, of Bibby Real Estate, presided over the election.

The new directors represent a broad spectrum of the Greater Lynn business community.

The Mayo Group has taken a major stake in downtown Lynn and in other cities across the state as the company aggressively pursues a dynamic and extraordinary growth policy.

Joy heads up Mayo’s considerable downtown Lynn management team and has played a key role in the redevelopment of Central Square.

Kreamer represents Eastern Bank, which has stepped up to the plate in a big way in recent years with efforts to take a strong stake in the community.

By financing key projects here and with generous contributions to a number of programs aimed at improving life in Lynn, Eastern Bank has broadened its image as being much more than a bank.

Olson’s recent acquisition of a major building in Central Square, and the relocation there of his company – Columbia Insurance – is another indication that the square can, indeed, be restored.

Olson also heads the association of businessmen and women and public officials devoted to redeveloping Central Square.

Columbia Insurance’s relocation to the square is considered one of the great steps that will lead to others following Olson’s example.

Williams of Jazzy Sportswear, a silk screening and embroidery company, brings 12 years’ experience as a local businessman and Chamber member.

He is a minority businessman, a lifelong Lynner, and heads up a growing company.

Gorham was both witty and professional at the same time during his remarks following the official installation.

He said, with a combination of hubris and humility, that his leadership of the Chamber last year was perhaps the most successful in history – and would forever be remembered because it was so strong that the Red Sox won the World Series, he joked.

Gorham will lead the Chamber for another year with Bibby as vice president, along with B.J.Frazier of the Daily Item.

Robert Fennell is secretary and the representative and owner of the Capitol Diner.

Paul Gaudet of the Lynn Housing Authority is treasurer, and immediate past president is Maura Lynch, of A. James Lynch Insurance.