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Uncertainty at the federal level and increasing pressure on state resources underscore the need for Cape Cod to chart its own path toward self-sufficiency. Our region’s future depends on leveraging our unique strengths while recognizing the diversity of our sub-regional economies—Upper, Mid, Lower, and Outer Cape. This strategic approach is vital as we navigate an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape.
Cape Cod’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, a powerhouse that generated $2.7 billion in visitor spending in 2023 alone. This industry is directly responsible for over 14,000 jobs and contributes nearly a quarter billion dollars in taxes, with $80 million in rooms and meals taxes benefiting our 15 towns and over $160 million flowing back to the state. Beyond tourism, Cape Cod boasts a significant healthcare sector and an emerging “Blue Economy” that promises sustainable growth.
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Business Events Calendar
Make sure you check our business events calendar to see all the local networking and business events coming up this month.
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Business Blog
Check out our Business Blog page that includes industry insights, member news, and the latest business trends.
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Policy News Updates
Subscribe to Policy News for semi-annual updates on our policy and advocacy work, including the Cape Cod Bridges replacement, economic/business climate, housing, childcare, and more.
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| | | The Leadership Series is an annual benefit for Chamber Members. Builder & Champion Level receive One Complimentary Pass. Catalyst & Stakeholder Level receive Two Complimentary Passes. For more information: membership@capecodchamber.org. | | |
SPRING MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Our spring/summer destination ad campaign kicked off this week! Highlights of the targeted campaign include:
- Sponsored content with WCVB.com and Local iQ
- Expedia Landing Page
- Print ads in June issues of Conde Nast Traveler, CT Magazine, Boston Magazine, and Yankee Magazine
- Spring-themed Reel Campaign for IG and TikTok
- Comcast Streaming TV/Video on Demand Campaign
- Amazon Streaming TV + Display Campaign with Performance Streaming TV
- Digital billboards in Boston and CT
- Digital display at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Terminal 5, Domestic Arrivals
- Influencer marketing
- Targeted search remarketing
- Facebook/Instagram ads
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Cape Cod was proudly represented at the 2025 Connecticut Golf Show in Hartford, Connecticut, from March 21-23 by Chamber representatives Amanda Catania and Noelle Pina, along with Kristie Graul from Red Jacket Resorts. As part of more than 100 exhibitors at the event, which attracted over 8,000 golf enthusiasts, Amanda and Noelle showcased Cape Cod’s exceptional golf offerings, highlighting renowned courses such as Blue Rock Golf Course, Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course, Hyannis Golf Course, and The Ridge Club.
In addition to promoting Cape Cod’s premier golf courses, they also featured local hotel partners who generously donated prizes for giveaways throughout the weekend. These hotels included Red Jacket Beach Resort, The Bluebird Dennis, The Emerald Resort, Margaritaville Cape Cod, Bayside Resort, and Shoreway Acres. The event was an excellent opportunity to connect with avid golfers, position Cape Cod as a premier golf destination, and strengthen ties within the tourism industry.
| | The Chamber and members of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) had a full day of meetings on Beacon Hill last month discussing the critical importance of replacing the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. The group started their day at the offices of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) for the regular CIBC quarterly meeting, where they heard an update from guest speaker Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of Megaprojects for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. They then moved to the State House for meetings with Senate Chair of Transportation Brendan Crighton and House Chair of Economic Development Carole Fiola. Their final meeting of the day was with Undersecretary for the Executive Office of Economic Development, Ashley Stolba; Senior Policy Advisor for the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities, Gina McLaughlin; and Director of Federal Funds & Infrastructure for Governor Healey, Quentin Palfrey. Huge thanks to the group of CIBC members who made the trek to Boston, to AIM for graciously hosting the CIBC for their quarterly meeting, to members of the Cape & Islands Delegation who stopped in to visit with our group, and to the members of the legislature and administration who took the time to meet with us and discuss the significance of this infrastructure project for the Cape, the Islands, and the entire Commonwealth. | | The Chamber met with members of the Cape & Islands State Legislative Delegation on March 21st to discuss priorities for the current legislative session. The group exchanged updates on major issue areas impacting businesses and residents on the Cape, including the pending replacement of the Cape Cod Bridges, housing, wastewater, and business/economic climate. Frequent communication and collaboration with our legislators is one of the most important ways the Cape Cod Chamber represents the interests of our members and the broader business community of Cape Cod. To learn more about the Chamber's policy priorities, visit our website. | | On Thursday, March 13th, we held our first Chairman's Circle Luncheon, bringing together past Cape Cod Chamber Board chairs and representatives from our Chairman's Circle member organizations. Attendees enjoyed great conversation, along with an economic and fiscal update from Doug Howgate, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. | | |
Big Blue is the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation's annual water-economy focused conference curated to spark conversations and inspire actions relevant to the vitality of Cape Cod’s business economy and natural ecosystems.
2025 Big Blue emcee Chris Gloninger, Senior Climate Scientist at Woods Hole Group, will guide attendees through two days of inspiring and insightful talks related to the blue economy and climate adaptation across the southeast region of Massachusetts.
Lunch on Day 1 and Breakfast on Day 2 are included with your ticket. On Day 2, we’ll also get to enjoy fresh oysters from ARC Hatchery and watch a special message from NASA Astronaut and former WHOI engineer Loral O’Hara.
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On Friday, March 28th, we were fortunate to host another Good Morning Networking event at the Cape Cod Gateway Airport.
Attendance was abundant, and Island Cafe & Grill provided more than enough refreshing treats for all guests. Thank you to our hosts for having us on such a bright and beautiful morning! To attend one of our upcoming networking events, make sure to check out our events calendar here.
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U.S. Chamber Updates
Small Businesses Index Falters as Inflation Concerns Reach Record High
The Q1 2025 Small Business Index showed that a record number of small businesses say inflation is a top concern as the overall index score dipped slightly.
Notably, concern for inflation reached a new high with 58% reporting it as a top concern this quarter, while concern about revenue increased 10 percentage points to 35%.
Small Business Outlook: Rising Uncertainty is Causing Concern
Higher costs are souring the mood for small businesses on Main Street. Inflation remains the strongest headwind for small businesses, and higher costs anticipated by new tariffs is cause for concern. Plans for growth are declining, but small business owners remain confident in their local economy. 48% of small employers plan on increasing staff this year despite economic concerns.
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements suspended: The Treasury Department announced that it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule for U.S. reporting companies under the CTA. The guide on CTA requirements is here with updates and information.
| | Our Administrative Offices are located at 5 Patti Page Way in Centerville, off of Shootflying Hill Road. Please refer to the department contact information below for direct inquiries. | | | | |
