Lynn Chamber of Commerce introduces

new runner program to help local businessesBy Robin Kaminski/The Daily ItemLYNN-The Greater Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a new, free service for businesses that need to either obtain or renew permits within the city.The permitting/license runner’s service basically works like an auto insurance agent who might run to the registry to get license plates and registration for clients.While fees for renewing the actual permits still apply and are not included in the service, the goal is to eliminate some of the run around in the process, so that business owners no longer have to wait in line.Chamber President John Olson said the new service would greatly benefit local businesses.”We’re looking to create a volunteer force to pick up paperwork for businesses,” he said. “If people want to use the service, they can notify the Chamber. The volunteer would then go to City Hall, and go to the Assessor’s Office or City Clerk for them.”Olson said the Chamber has been kicking around the idea for a few months and officially started the program two weeks ago with a test run with Olson’s father, Jeff, as the volunteer runner.”My dad is retired, 66 years old and was just looking for something to do and knows a lot about the city,” he said. “He did his first license renewal case with Newhall’s Liquor Store and it went really well.”Typical permits that business owners often find themselves running to and from City Hall obtaining paperwork for include liquor licenses, common victualler permits, auto body repair permits, sign permits and several others.”We’re not going to fight people’s battles, though, if a problem comes up because we’re not problem solvers, just runners,” Olson said. “If there’s an issue, the runner will give the paperwork back to the business owner to take care of.”Overall, Olson said the program is a “learn as you go” type service that will improve over time.”Everyone we talk to about this program, loves it,” he said. “It saves a lot of hassle out of a day, especially because it doesn’t look like online permitting is coming to the city anytime soon.”For more information about the service, contact the Chamber at 781-592-2900.