Jenn Tripp, center, cuts the ribbon to open the town’s visitor center on Town Day 2014, to the joy of leaders.
UPDATED, March 13: Jennifer Tripp, the public face of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, is stepping down Friday, March 20.
In a statement Friday, March 6, the chamber said: “Due to a combination of changing family needs and the fact that Jenn has achieved all of the goals she had established when she accepted the position, she feels it is time to step aside and let a new executive director take the Chamber to the next level.”
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Tripp issued her own statement that expanded on that. She wrote:
“When I was hired back in May 2012, the chamber had not had an executive director for three years. The office manager had stayed on, but an office manager is not the same as an executive director, and it is impossible to have a successful chamber without one.
“I was hired by the Board of Directors to revitalize the chamber. I did this by giving the chamber a social-media presence, bringing back and adding community events like the Summer Concerts on the Green, Trick or Treat Arlington and First Lights.”
She said she also reached out to our members to see what they needed from the chamber.
“In addition, the chamber added a new logo, a new website and new software that enables members to edit their company information and post events, job openings and discounts online. Our membership has grown from 185 to 250 businesses. The Board of Directors has expanded and is currently drafting new bylaws to bring them more in line with a new mission statement.
“I felt that it was the right time to leave, because there is so much good stuff going on at the chamber right now. This is a perfect opportunity for the Board to determine the qualities they want in the Executive Director and find the right person to fill the position. Whoever replaces me will have the benefit of coming in when everything is on an upswing and they will hopefully bring the chamber to its best potential.
“The best part of my job was working with the wonderful businesses and community members that care so much about this town. I always knew Arlington was a great place to live and bring up a family. Now I know the people that make that happen. I am honored that I could be part of it.”
The statement from the chamber’s directors noted she will continue in her position until March 25.
The board has begun the process of updating the job description and will advertise the position the week of March 9. The board says it expects to attract many qualified candidates, from whom we will be able to choose the next director. “Perhaps you may know someone who would be a good candidate,” the statement said. “If so, please contact a member of the board.
“We know that you join us in expressing your thanks for the wonderful work that Jenn has done for the chamber and sending her your best wishes for the future.”
Tripp’s LinkedIn site says: “With integrity and passion, the Arlington, Mass. Chamber of Commerce fosters a vital and thriving community in which to work and live. Serving as a liaison between businesses and residents, the Chamber provides valuable resources, programs, business tools and services for its members to help them succeed in Arlington. The Chamber is where connections are made and business happens.”
Her specialties listed there are small-business marketing and public relations, connecting business owners and entrepreneurs with people — peers, town government, and the community and with new ideas and helpful resources.
Previous positions listed at LinkedIn were a virtual appraiser for Enservio and website editor/manager and newsletter writer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington.
The executive director who preceded Tripp was Michele Meagher, who now presents programs at the Robbins Library. Her position was cut after chamber membership declined, caused in part by a worsening economy.
This story was published Friday, March 6, 2015, and updated March 13.
