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CEO & President's Update
As the 2024 summer season winds down, we want to take a moment to reflect on what an amazing season it has been. The downtown areas across Greater Cape Ann were filled with happy tourists from nearby towns, other states, and all over the world. These visitors, all drawn by a shared love and curiosity for our magnificent and unique region, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere we enjoyed this summer. Read Full Update
Photo: Look of Joy Photography
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Tourism Council Monthly Report
Summer 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most successful ever for Greater Cape Ann’s tourism community, but we are doing more than celebrating the good times – we’re working to ensure a brighter future for the region.
In the August 16 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council, we reviewed the summer so far, looked ahead to plans for the final weeks of the season, and discussed issues that will help the tourism community – and others across the region – as we move forward into late 2024 and beyond. Read Full Report
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Community Relations September Update
September is admittedly one of my favorite months on Cape Ann! That being said, it’s hard to believe it’s upon us as our local schools resume classes and municipalities shift their focus to fall events and projects. One focus is the preparation for annual town meetings. Dates have been set and local Select Boards have been hard at work preparing the warrants. All towns will have the articles posted on their respective websites in advance of the scheduled meetings. Read Full Report
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Did You Catch Episode #4 of Cape Ann Conversations featuring Joli Ayn Wood of Studio in the Farms?
From art history major to corporate banking consultant to gallery owner to teacher, Joli Ayn Wood’s multifaceted background has led to The Studio in The Farms. Learn more about Joli and her studio by watching or listening on the channels below..
Our next episode featuring Ed Marsh Consulting will be published on Thursday, September 5. An email with details will be sent when the podcast goes live, or for the quickest access, subscribe to Cape Ann Conversations using one of the podcast services above.
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BWC Main Street Meet-Up
Friday, September 20 | 11 AM - 7 PM
LAST CALL FOR BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS
Attention Main Street Area Business Owners
The Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber invites you to participate in our second annual Main Street Meet-Up. We hope to introduce many new shoppers and networkers to your products and services! Participation is open to all business owners (FREE for Chamber members / $25 for non-members.)
The first Main Street Meet-Up was fun for business owners and shoppers alike and was a great way to promote businesses in the Main Street Gloucester area. This year promises to be even better, with expanded hours to give shoppers more opportunity to explore at their leisure. Download the Registration Form to Learn More
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Buy Blackburn Brew Fest Tickets Now & Save $10
Saturday, September 21 | 1 - 5 PM
$50 per Person in Advance ($60 at the Door) | $10 Designated Driver Ticket
Experience one of the best views on Cape Ann with a cold beer in your hand this September. Located next to the beach on the historic Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, sample hundreds of beers, ciders, and meads brewed by over 30 Commonwealth breweries. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cape Ann Community Foundation, Buy Your Ticket Now
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37th Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction
Thursday, September 26 | 5 PM
Cruiseport Gloucester
Show your Love for Greater Cape Ann by attending our 37th Annual Auction during the last week of September. Share the fun, get a group together, and save even more by purchasing a full table!
Returning this year as host for the evening is auctioneer extraordinaire Rick Doucette, who will be sure to keep things lively! Don't miss out on your chance to bid and be part of this fun night including Silent and Live Auctions, a Fund the Future Paddle Raise, and the Heads & Tails Game.
Buy Tickets Now | Download Invitation
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Rockport Harvest Fest 2024
Call for Vendors and Sponsors
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back Rockport’s Harvest Fest, a cherished community event! We invite you to join us by the shore for a unique blend of fall festivities and coastal charm, where the crisp sea breeze meets the warmth of community spirit. Come enjoy Rockport’s local charm and bountiful harvest while you explore the scenic downtown and immerse yourself in festive seasonal activities.
Visit RockportUSA.com to Learn More & Download Forms
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$25K Game Ticekts Now Available for Purchase
The $25K Game tickets are in the house and ready for sale! There are 12 chances to win with a total of $25,000 being given away. Cost is $100 per ticket, with a limit of 500 tickets being sold.
Grand Prize: $10,000
Second Prize: $5,000
Third Prize: $2,500
Fourth Prize (6): $1,000
Fifth Prize (3): $500
In addition, 50/50 Raffle tickets are also available for purchase. $20 for 15 Tickets (last year's 50/50 winner received over $800!).
Tickets may be purchased online, by calling us at 978-283-1601, or visiting the Chamber office.
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Networking & Community Events | |
August Featured Advertiser | | |
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The Cabot
The Cabot is a 1920’s movie palace turned non-profit performing arts center that showcases live music (from living legends to emerging artists), comedy, classic + new films, and education, with remarkable community access.
Learn all about The Cabot from Maureen Cotton, DIrector of Membership.
Check out all past Member Spotlights and Solopreneur Profiles.
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Do You Want Your Business Featured in a Chamber Member Spotlight?
If you would like to be considered, please let us know by filling in the Member Spotlight Request Form. These spotlight opportunities are open to all members, on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we receive your request form and confirm that you are a member in good standing, we will send you a profile questionnaire.
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Special New Member Advertising Section | |
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Do you have a news story or helpful resource to share? If so, send it to us by Monday of each week and we will try to include it in our Tuesday Business Soundings!
Please email news stories and press releases to cindy@capeannchamber.com
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CATA announces several updates to bus service, including new Gloucester Crossing/Blackburn Express Route (Pink Route)
Magnolia Route (Yellow Route)
The Magnolia route will now depart 25 minutes later than previously scheduled. The route will run every 2 hours from 6:55 AM to 4:55 PM from Rose Baker Senior Center Monday to Friday and on Saturdays it will run every 2 hours from 8:55 AM to 4:55 PM.
Business Express Route (Orange Route)
We are adding a trip. A new 4:00 PM departure from Rose Baker Senior Center on Saturdays.
Essex/West Gloucester Route (Purple)
Minor changes in departure times due to lower off-season traffic and also service the town of Essex year-round.
Visit the CATA website for more information
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Shipbuilding Museum to Launch 5th Grade Hands-On Program for Spring 2025
(From The Cricket) The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM) has launched a new hands-on education program designed to bring together 5th graders from Manchester and Essex as they prepare to unite in middle school.
It’s described as an “exciting two-day adventure,” set to begin in the spring of 2025, that will be held at the museum’s historic shipyard in downtown Essex. The idea is to leverage the energy of a hands-on learning experience with learning about critical underpinnings of the activity, which in this case blends environmental stewardship issues from the perspective of a historically important site for America’s shipbuilding. Read More
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American Eagle keeps grip on Esperanto Cup
(From Gloucester Daily Times) The American Eagle was in the winner’s circle again, at the 40th annual Gloucester Schooner Festival over Labor Day weekend. The American Eagle again captured the marquee Mayor’s Race, winning the Esperanto Cup for large schooners, finishing in 1 hour, 46 minutes and 7 seconds. That was about 17 seconds faster than the runner-up Ernestina-Morrissey that finished in 1:46:24. The Adventure, Gloucester’s flagship, finished third at 1:54:47. Read Full Arricle
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Gloucester Daily Times Readying to Launch 13th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Do you have a personal story to share or know someone who has waged a courageous battle against breast cancer? Do you know of individuals, organizations or agencies that have stepped up to support patients and their families as they navigate through the challenges of the disease?
GDT hopes to showcase these stories and more in their annual report and, in doing so, inspire, educate, and raise awareness about the “Power of Pink” and the ongoing commitment to the fight for a cure.
The special Breast Cancer Awareness supplement due out in October will highlight stories of survival, courage, determination, and hope. In addition, it will look at the role of caregivers, our local medical community, resource agencies, and support networks that have joined forces to fight this complex disease across our North of Boston communities.
If you have a story to share, contact Ann Reily at areily@northofboston.com. The deadline is Sept. 13.
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Massachusetts is expected to reopen two tradesperson contracts between late summer and early fall 2024 The contracts are: | |
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TRD02 - Repair and Maintenance for:
• Asphalt Paving;
• Carpentry;
• Excavation;
• Masonry;
• Septic Services.
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TRD04 - Installation, Repair, and Maintenance for:
• Pump & Motor Services;
• Compressor Services;
• Roofing Services;
• Kitchen Exhaust Services;
• Decontamination Services;
• Cleaning & Janitorial Services;
• Building Component Cleaning Services;
• Building Site Clean Up & Biohazardeous Site Cleaning.
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Bring Your American Dream Home To Life with Coastal Windows & Exteriors!
50% off installation AND no interest financing for 12 Months*
Learn More
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Virtually Eliminate Credit Card Fees with i3 Commerce Technology
Learn More
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Do you have a special offer or hot deal to offer to your fellow chamber members?
if so, you can post this to our website via the Member Portal. These special deals will automatically post to the Chamber Facebook, and will be featured here in Business Soundings.
Contact Becca for more details.
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Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.
Learn More
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We extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors.
If you are interested in promoting with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com
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