LYNN — James Cowdell, executive director of the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC/Lynn), was honored by the Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Jared Nicholson Wednesday for the work he and EDIC/Lynn have done in collaboration with SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives).
Cowdell received citations from the mayor and state delegation in a ceremony Wednesday morning on the roof of the Demakes Family YMCA.
The chamber had previously been recognized with a regional award for hosting a SCORE branch for 18 years. The SCORE program provides custom, confidential counseling to existing and potential businesses free of charge. Peter Colarusso is the long-time SCORE mentor in Lynn.
“Commerce is one of the most important sources of vitality for any community,” Nicholson said. “Lynn was one of the founding chapters of SCORE and has built a model that is unique on the national level, with everyone working together collaboratively.”
Cowdell credited his team at EDIC/Lynn with playing a critical role in the success of SCORE. They are Denise Surette, financial manager; Mary Jane Smalley, project manager; Pauline Sabino, fiscal manager; William Bochnak, operations manager; and Justin de la Cruz, outreach manager.
EDIC/Lynn awarded $3 million in grants to more than 500 businesses during the pandemic, using American Rescue Plan Act funds transferred to EDIC/Lynn by the mayor and City Council.
