BALDWINSVILLE — The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce has found its new executive director. Public relations and marketing professional Lauren Russett, a 2017 Baker graduate and DePaul University student, has been named to the chamber’s top job. Russett announced her appointment in an email to chamber members March 30.
MaryAnne Williams, who had served as executive director since 2014, stepped down last month to take a job with Seneca Savings.
“When I first heard that MaryAnne was stepping down, I saw it as an opportunity for me to do what I came back for, to help promote local and small businesses,” Russett said. “It was just really good timing. I wasn’t even looking for anything extra to add to my plate.”
Russett’s plate is quite full these days. In addition to her own business and the chamber, she is the new office manager for the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center, which is now located within the Heart, Home and Community B-Share space in Lysander Town Hall.
“What’s great about these two new positions that I’m in is I really can dive deeper into Baldwinsville itself,” she said. “At the end of the day, I just want to help the businesses, organizations and people.”
In her welcome message to GBCC members, Russett thanked Williams for “being the greatest teacher during this transition and for all the work she has done throughout the years to make the GBCC what it is today.”
One of Russett’s goals is to make the GBCC a “more digital chamber.”
“One thing that I’ve talked to MaryAnne and Matt [Hunt, GBCC Board President] and other board members about is how to streamline the process of joining the chamber,” she said.
With her brand consulting and social media marketing skills, Russett is looking to tailor promotions of local business to each industry and entrepreneur.
“I want to make it a priority to promote each business in its own way. Each industry is going to have its own wants and needs,” she said.
In addition, Russett is hoping to strengthen the chamber’s connection with the Baldwinsville Central School District. While the chamber offers a scholarship to a graduating Baker senior each year (this year’s application deadline is April 16), Russett said there is a possibility of creating an internship program or other partnership.
“I think there’s so much room [to educate] the younger kids in this area, educating the high schoolers and students,” she said. “B’ville has so much to offer in terms of careers.”
Growing up in Baldwinsville, Russett dreamed of leaving her small hometown for the big city. But like many Bees, she has returned to the hive.
“This is my chance to get into more of a leadership role in Baldwinsville,” she said.
While many of the GBCC’s events have gone virtual in the era of coronavirus, Russett is looking to the future.
“Hopefully we’re going into more of a post-pandemic world and we can get people together in some way because it’s so much different than it was two years ago,” she said.
When she’s not juggling her three jobs or classwork for her master’s degree, Russett enjoys keeping up with news about the British family — her cat is named Lady Windsor — and reading. She said she recently finished the first “Bridgerton” book after watching the Netflix adaptation, and she is about to start “The Ride of a Lifetime,” a memoir by former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
To connect with Russett and the chamber, email [email protected] or call the GBCC office at 315-638-0550. The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce’s office is located at 36 Oswego St., Suite 206, in the Four Corners. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce is a member-funded organization independent from any municipality. For more information, visit baldwinsvillechamber.com.
