Economic Pulse: Spotlight on Lynn, Massachusetts 

The North Shore Alliance, or the “Alliance,” prides itself on supporting economic development initiatives across the 30 communities and four Gateway Cities of the North Shore of Massachusetts. Each month we will be conducting a community highlight. We will be taking a look at some of these communities, where they stand economically, and highlight commercial development sites that may be of interest to our readers. 

This month we will be taking a closer look at the city of Lynn, Massachusetts, the largest city in Essex County. 

Lynn is an urban manufacturing and commercial center just ten miles northeast of the city of Boston. The city boasts not only manufacturing and commercial opportunities that date back to its earliest history, but a beautiful coastline, a culturally diverse population, and a city that is transforming itself to meet the needs of its residents. 

A Word About Lynn, Massachusetts 

Lynn is a city rich with history, having been settled nearly 350 years ago when colonists from Salem, Massachusetts were looking for land to spread out. 

Initially, Lynn settlers focused on family farming and lived mainly as an agricultural community. Over a period of time during the colonial era however, Lynn became a leather tanning and shoe manufacturing center of the new world. 

Lynn is also known as the “City of Firsts.” Among the many “firsts” in Lynn history are: the first tannery in 1629, the first electric trolley in 1888, the first airmail delivery in New England flew from Saugus to Lynn in 1912, and the first jet airplane engine in the U.S. was built at Lynn’s General Electric plant in 1942. (Source: Lynnma.gov)

What’s Happening Now in Lynn? 

According to a statement made by Mayor Thomas M. McGee, the main mission of the city for the past 18 months during the global health crisis, has been to ensure the health and safety of the residents of the city. 

Every effort has been put forth to vaccinate as many residents as possible to avoid the consequences of further spread of the coronavirus. At this time, at least 76% of Lynn residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and nearly 69% are fully vaccinated. Continued efforts are being made to encourage masking and social distancing to stop the spread of the virus within the city and state as a whole. 

Looking Ahead & Resources

The community of Lynn is going through a transformation that is being supported by several organizations and groups within the city including: the Lynn Chamber of Commerce, Lynn Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, the Lynn Business Partnership, and the Office of Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee. 

These organizations work with one mission in mind; to strengthen the economic infrastructure and business community of Lynn. 

Let’s take a moment to look at these different resources that could help your business as you navigate these strange months climbing out of the pandemic. 

Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce 

The Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization enhancing the economic vitality of Southern Essex County by fostering educational initiatives and business resources, legislative advocacy, and marketing and networking opportunities.

Check out the extensive website they offer that highlights community events, resources for businesses, and the benefits of becoming a member of the chamber. 

Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC) 

The Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn or EDIC is an invaluable resource for businesses and individuals who seek to relocate or start a new business in the area. 

According to their site, their accomplishments over the past include having “worked with over 20 established and potential businesses to encourage business growth, retention and start-up opportunities.” 

Additionally, they have helped (with the support of the Community Development Director) “administer $457,500 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for 5 business loans through the Lynn Municipal Finance Corporation (LMFC). These funds leveraged over $7,000,000 in private equity/debt financing/grants and resulted in the creation/retention of 21 jobs to new workers, many of whom reside within the NRSA.”

For more helpful resources for new or established businesses check out the City of Lynn, Economic Development Page.