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August 20, 2024

Chamber News

Did You Catch Episode #2 of Cape Ann Conversations featuring The Orchestra On The Hill?


Tom Palance and Chris Florio provided a great snapshot of The Orchestra On The Hill. Click below to watch or listen now.



Our next episode, featuring Ron Elkin of The Computer Doctor will be published on Thursday, August 22. 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.

BWC Main Street Meet-Up

Friday, September 20 | 11 AM - 7 PM

Registration Deadline: August 31


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 and free for Chamber members and $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

37th Annual Love Cape Ann

Fundraising Auction

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!


Buy your tickets to the auction now and save $$!


Valid Until August 31, 2024

$69 per person

Table of 10 for $650


Pricing after August 31

$75 per person

Table of 10 for $700


Auction is September 26, 2024.

Purchase Tickets Now

We are also accepting donations for inclusion in the Silent Auction! 

Donate an Auction Item

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays featuring Picante Souls

Tonight at the Ipswich Riverwalk from 6 - 8 PM


Grab some take-out dinner from your favorite local restaurant and join us at the Take-Out Terrace. Grab some food to-go from your favorite local eatery and join Picante Soul to dance to salsa, bachata, chacha, and soul classics! It might be a tad on the cool side, but the dancing will help heat things up! Limited seating is available so feel free to BYOC (bring your own chair!) 

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

$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 50/50 winner received over $800!).


Tickets may be purchased online, by calling us at 978-283-1601, or visiting the Chamber office.

August Featured Advertiser

Member Spotlight

Twin's Chic Furniture & Upholstery


Meet Tanya and Greg Marshall, founders of Twin’s Chic Furniture and Upholstery in Ipswich. Twin's Chic offers reclaimed wood custom-built furniture, painted furniture, upholstery service, refurbishing antiques, and furniture repair service. Tanya & Greg are both artists and they bring their talents into every project.


Full Member Spotlight

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.

Are you a solopreneur? Do you want to be featured in our Solopreneur Blog Series? 


Check out our Introduction to the Solopreneur blog article which provides a little background of just what a solopreneur is, as compared to a freelancer and an entrepreneur. If you are running your business as a solopreneur (no partners, no employees), please fill out this form to submit your request. (Please note that Solopreneur & standard Member Spotlights will published on a first come, first served basis.)

Special New Member Advertising Section

Member & Community News

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

Cape Ann Animal Aid Named Recipient of $5K Donation from the New HGTV Show “100 Day Hotel Challenge.”


Local HGTV stars Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin recently named Cape Ann Animal Aid as the recipient of a $5,000 donation they won on their first renovation challenge on the new HGTV show, 100 Day Hotel Challenge. Launched on August 13, the show is a head-to-head competition between the husband and wife team of Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt (100 Day Dream Home, Rock the Block, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge). The challenge series involves transforming two dated 1950s beachfront hotels in Salter Path, North Carolina into stunning seaside escapes. Congratulations to Cape Ann Animal Aid for this nationwide recognition! Watch the full episode on HGTV.com. The second episode airs tonight. 

Community Health Survey from Beth Israel Lahey

Take the Survey and Enter to Win a $100 Visa Gift Card


Beth Israel Lahey Health and its member hospitals are doing a Community Health Needs Assessment to learn about the issues affecting people in our communities. This anonymous 15-minute survey will help us understand what you think about quality of life and available resources so we can improve patient care and community services.

Download More Details

City of Gloucester Opioid Settlement Community Survey


The City of Gloucester has made a commitment to use statewide opioid settlement funds to expand, supplement and strengthen resources available to community members. The purpose of this survey is to seek your opinion on how best to spend these dollars to mitigate the impact of the opioid epidemic in the City of Gloucester. 

Take Survey Now

Cape Ann Symphony Chorus Welcomes New Director, Brittany Betts


Brittany follows in the footsteps of her mother Wendy Betts who conducted the chorus for 16 years. "I am excited to be joining the Cape Ann Symphony family as the new Symphony Chorus Director, carrying on the long-held tradition of excellence begun by my mom," says Brittany. “So grab your ticket, do your vocal warm-ups and let’s celebrate the season TOGETHER this November!” 

See 2024/2025 Concert Line Up

Rockport Music's Cape Ann Jazz Workshop fosters stardom in area youth


Fifty young musicians across nearly 20 Eastern Massachusetts communities congregated to hone their musicianship this summer during Rockport Music's annual Cape Ann Jazz Workshop.


The retreat consisted of guest artist masterclasses, performances and more for students aged 10 to 18. It was held this year at Endicott College from July 29 through August 9 and split into two five-day sessions by age and proficiency. Students also had multiple opportunities to perform concerts out in the community, while each session also culminated in a showcase where students and faculty joined forces on stage at Endicott College's Rose Theater. Read Full Press Release

Three Sisters to Expand Farming in Wenham


(From Ipswich Local News)  Three Sisters, a nonprofit food-access farm in Ipswich, has announced an expansion into Wenham. Three Sisters will start working on the former Reynolds Farm on Larch Row in Wenham, the organization said Monday. The land is owned by the town, and two other farms currently operate there: the Food Project and Ramblin Roots. Read Full Article

Hammond Castle Featured on The Hub Today


Hammond Castle Museum was recently featured on NBC 10 Boston's 'The Hub Today'! Curious about what they uncovered? Watch the video to explore the captivating history, stunning architecture, and unique exhibits that make Hammond Castle Museum a must-visit destination. Whether you're a first-time guest or a returning visitor, there's always something new to discover here.

Gloucester 40A/3A MBTA Communities Proposed Multi-family Zoning Public Presentation

Wednesday, August 21 | 6 PM at the Rose Baker Senior Center


Join City Staff and RKG/Innes Associates as they present an overview of Gloucester's requirements to provide for multi-family housing, how the proposals have evolved based on public feedback, and the details of the proposed zoning districts and ordinances that have been submitted by the Planning Board to the City Council for public hearings.


Massachusetts is expected to reopen two tradesperson contracts between late summer and early fall 2024 The contracts are:

TRD02 - Repair and Maintenance for:

  • Asphalt Paving; 

  • Carpentry; 

  • Excavation; 

  • Masonry; 

  • Septic Services.

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.

If any members are interested in learning more about these contracts, the bid process, and connecting their business with the State, contact Bill Funk at wjfunk18@gmail.com or review the COMMBUYS eProcurement website.

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Francis is a 7-year-old local cat with the sweetest personality. She is ready to find her forever place to land who enjoys getting pets and snacks. Snuggling up in a warm bed or next to her human is one of her favorite things. She enjoys watching birds fly by outside the window. If you’re looking for a sweet adult cat to add to your family, apply online and come in to meet Francis once you’ve been approved! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about Francis and all the other animals waiting for homes

Shop Our Members


Bring Your American Dream Home To Life with Coastal Windows & Exteriors!

50% off installation AND no interest financing for 12 Months* 

Learn More

Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.

Learn More

Virtually Eliminate Credit Card Fees with i3 Commerce Technology

Learn More

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.

Job Listings

Retail Associate Needed at Shell RKPT

Physical therapist, Front desk/reception, Rehab Aide, and Patient Service Rep (24 hrs) needed at Spaulding Outpatient Gloucester

European Wax Center is looking for a part-time Front Desk Sales Associate

Gloucester Housing Authority is seeking a Leased Housing Manager and a Homeownership Coordinator

Soundings Sponsors

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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