Group Appointed To Aid Melrose Small Business During Pandemic

MELROSE, MA — Mayor Paul Brodeur's office on Friday provided details on a group tasked with helping the city's small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

The Economic Development Task Force was announced at the beginning of the month, but no details were announced until Friday, days after City Councilor Maya Jamaleddine filed an order requesting Brodeur's administration and other state officials shine some light on what small business owners can do and expect during the shutdown.

The task force will stay in communication with small businesses, assess the impacts the shutdown has had on them, get information on government funding and assist after the pandemic has passed.

"Our local merchants and small businesses are among the primary reasons so many of us love living in Melrose. Their generosity and vibrancy are key in making our community a special place," Brodeur said in a statement. "Ensuring that we are connecting our business owners with available resources and that we are ready when the time comes to open back up is critical."

The task force includes Brodeur's Chief of Staff Patrick Prendergast, City Planner Denise Gaffey, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lauren Grymek, Chamber Board Member Kevin DeVinney of Eastern Bank, City Councilors Jen Grigoraitis and Chris Cinella, Turner's Seafood owner Kathi Turner, Rich Yagjian of Hunt's Photo & Video, Lisa Smith of Smith Marketing & Social, Barry Greenwood of Greenwood & Sons, Liz Ryan of Federal Realty Investment Trust and Jeff Herold of Garden Remedies

• How To Support Melrose Businesses
• Stranglehold On Melrose Businesses Just Beginning