Irene Melendez Takes Leadership Role at Brush Chamber of Commerce

The Brush Chamber of Commerce has appointed lifelong resident Irene Melendez as its new executive director. Melendez, who graduated from Brush High School in 1979, brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the role. She has a diverse background, having held positions as a finance manager, staffing manager, correctional officer, and paralegal.

Melendez initially took an early retirement, not intending to return to the workforce. However, upon hearing about the opening at the Chamber on the radio, she decided to apply. After a series of interviews, she was officially hired three weeks later. “It just fell into place,” Melendez remarked about her transition back into work.

Community Engagement and Development

Since stepping into her role, Melendez has been actively engaging with Chamber operations, particularly during the preparations for the upcoming Oktoberfest. Her first few months focused on learning the intricacies of Chamber activities and connecting with local members. “I’m learning everything,” she stated, expressing enthusiasm for the Chamber’s contributions to the community.

Travis Way, the President of the Chamber’s Executive Board, commended Melendez for her rapid acclimatization. He noted that she has effectively navigated the complexities of her new position. “She’s been catching on quickly,” Way said, emphasizing the board’s satisfaction with her performance so far.

The Chamber looks forward to the upcoming year and the potential for expanding its initiatives. Melendez has begun sharing her ideas, which the board is eager to see evolve. “We’re looking forward to bringing in some new ideas and continuing the growth we’ve seen downtown,” Way added.

Strong Community Roots

Melendez’s long-standing ties to Brush significantly benefit her new role. She and her husband, Jamie Melendez, who manages the city’s sanitation department, have raised their family in the community. With three grown children and several grandchildren, Melendez proudly states, “I was raised a Beetdigger, my kids were raised Beetdiggers, and now my grandchildren are Beetdiggers.”

Describing her passion for customer service, Melendez emphasizes her enjoyment of community interaction. Even in previous roles outside of administration or law, she often sought positions that allowed her to engage with the public. “I just love dealing with people,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Chamber has announced its event schedule for 2026, beginning with the 23rd Annual Ag Appreciation Dinner & Dance on January 30 from 17:30 to 21:00 at the Mark Arndt Event Center, located at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The event will feature dinner, dancing, and a silent auction aimed at supporting the Chamber’s scholarship fund for local agriculture and 4-H students.

Additional events planned for the year include the Brush Chamber Annual Banquet on March 19, Cinco de Mayo celebrations on May 5, and a Fourth of July Parade from July 2-4. Other highlights include the Community Appreciation BBQ on August 4, the Peoples Market on August 12, and Oktoberfest on October 3, among others.

The Chamber also offers BRUSHOPOLY games for sale at $30 each. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Chamber’s office at 218 Clayton Street in Brush, explore the official website at https://www.brushchamberofcommerce.org/, or contact them at 970-842-2666 for more information.

With Melendez at the helm, the Brush Chamber of Commerce looks poised for a dynamic year ahead, leveraging her deep community connections and enthusiasm for local engagement to foster growth and innovation.