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November 28

Today is GivingTuesday


GivingTuesday is a Movement that Unleashes the Power of Radical Generosity Around the World. GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.


Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.


Over 10% of the Chamber's members are Non-Profit Members. Click Here to See a List

Chamber News & Updates

Please Join Us in Welcoming Colleen Murdock as the New Director of Community Relations


The Chamber is pleased to announce that Colleen Murdock joined the Chamber team on November 27 as the new Director of Community Relations.


Colleen has lived in Gloucester with her family for several years and has come to embrace Cape Anne’s natural beauty, culture and diversity. Having worked for a local business for many year, she possesses an extensive background in customer relations and service. Colleen is passionate about fostering a sense of community and partnership and she looks forward to working closely as a liaison with our members to further the Chamber’s mission.


Colleen may be reached at colleen@capeannchamber.com. Also, sign up for Coffee & Connections on Thursday, December 7 at 9 AM to welcome Colleen.

Winter Lights on Cape Ann Interactive Map and Voting are Now Live


This year, more than 100 small businesses across Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are illuminating their storefronts to celebrate the holiday season. In quintessential New England fashion, these beautiful communities transform into winter wonderlands each year, with sparkling lights and creative window displays, offering a perfect backdrop for holiday shopping and memorable outings.


Spectators and shoppers are encouraged to explore each town, enjoy the festive ambiance, and vote for their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place choices for the Best Winter Lights on Cape Ann. Voting runs through December 31 and winners will be announced in the New Year, with exciting prizes up for grabs. Download Brochure

Last Chance to Take Advantage of the Early Bird Discount on Advertising


It is that time of year again when we have begun selling ad space in our 2024 Guide and Maps. That means it is time for you to take advantage of our early booking discounts on ads in the guide and maps. Those who book an ad by November 30th will get an automatic 10% discount of any display advertisement - this also includes advertising on our three websites.


The 2024 Media Kit and Advertising Contracts are available for download from our website. Please contact Julie Carver, our Director of Member Services, at julie@capeannchamber.com with any questions or to book your ads now!

Did You Know Chamber Members Can Post Press Releases and News to the Chamber Website?


A very little used feature of the Chamber Member Portal is the News Release feature. As a member, you have the ability to post Press Releases regarding important announcements from your business. These releases appear on the Chamber website and also automatically are posted to the Chamber's Facebook page.


Click here for a Video Tutorial | Download PDF

Coffee & Connections

Thursday, December 7 | 9 - 10 AM

Register Today

 

Please join us this Thursday at 9 AM for our virtual Coffee & Connections. For new & prospective members, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce your business and meet other members and Chamber staff. For veteran members, it is a great way to let new members learn about your business and talk about anything new and exciting in the works for you. So grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage and Zoom in from your home or office for an informal "Get to Know My Business" networking session. Also, if you know someone who would enjoy learning more about the Chamber, please invite them to attend! Register Now


Shop Local for the Holiday Season


The Greater Cape Ann Gift Check may be used at over 250 Businesses on greater Cape Ann. Gift Checks are available in any denomination from $10 to $100 (50 cent charge per check). All members may participate in the Cape Ann Gift Check program. If you would like to add your business to the list, please contact Julie at julie@capeannchamber.com.


Click here for locations to purchase Cape Ann Gift Checks


Click here to download PDF of Cape Ann Gift Check Participating Businesses

Member & Community News

Rockport New Year's Eve 2023:

A Spectacular Return to Celebrate the Arts


Rockport's much-anticipated annual year-end celebration of the arts is back with a bang promising yet again an unforgettable night of entertainment for all ages! 


Help us get the word out about this vibrant event on December 31 set to kick off at 4:00 pm and culminate with a fun midnight ball drop.


Set against the picturesque backdrop of Rockport, this year's festivities will unfold at twelve downtown venues, including halls, churches, and restaurants, all conveniently located within easy walking distance of one another. 


Read Full Press Release | Visit RNYE Website

Essex Special Town Meeting: Historic Zoning, Apple Street Project Fails


(From Manchester Cricket. Photo Credit Erika Brown) For the second time in six months, Essex residents at Monday’s Special Town Meeting failed to approve a town plan to elevate and widen a portion of Apple Street to link the sides of town during flood emergencies. But they did approve most items on the 25-article Warrant, including passage of a historic zoning milestone; approval of $40,000 for an outside consultant to review operations of the Manchester Essex Regional School District and $353,255 for district athletic fields project; and approved $1.2 million for a new ladder truck for the Fire Department. Read Full Article

Gloucester Community Pick Up Day


The City of Gloucester will be hosting a Community Pickup Day at the East Gloucester Elementary School building on Saturday, December 2nd, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, to allow people to browse the items left in an effort to recycle and reuse. The City has taken the necessary steps to reuse or sell any items, and would like to open the door to the community to share any remaining items with those interested.


Participants must register for an arrival time and complete the required release form at check-in. City staff will be on-site for check-in and to monitor the area. Register here for an arrival time: https://tinyurl.com/y23vwa5s


Attendees can enter the school building for 30 minutes and take any remaining items in the building free of charge. Some examples of items still available are chairs, tables, music stands, and kitchen equipment. The items must be removed from City property within the 30-minute window. Any items left in the school will be disposed of following the Community Pickup Day.

‘Tis the season for Senator Tarr’s annual North Shore / Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive!


Each year, the Senator and team travel around to different communities broadcasting live with interviews and musical performances to help collect hundreds of toys for children in need this holiday season. The Senator invites you to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and join in the holiday fun. 


They are thrilled to introduce their new radio partner, Valley 98.9 & POWER 102.9FM | 800AM to broadcast this year’s exciting event. They will be broadcasting throughout the North Shore & Merrimack Valley December 1st through December 7th


Visit www.northshoreholidaytoydrive.org for a detailed schedule and to see local businesses / members who are sponsoring this year!  Download Schedule | Download Poster

Northeast Arc Names Dianne Powers Chief Development Officer


Northeast Arc has named Dianne Powers as its new Chief Development Officer. Powers will be responsible for all development efforts to support Northeast Arc’s mission. She will also oversee public relations, marketing, and volunteer services.


Powers comes to the Northeast Arc from RIZE Massachusetts Foundation where she served as Chief Development Officer. In her role at the private foundation, whose sole goal is to end opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts she was responsible for strategic planning and implementation for the fundraising of the organization. She previously served in the development department at Hill House, Inc., a non-profit providing programs, services, and activities to meet the diverse social, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of individuals and families residing in Boston’s downtown neighborhoods. Read Full Press Release

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


See a Video of Rob. Meet Rob, a 1.5-year-old boy looking for his forever home. He can be a bit shy when first meeting but once he is comfortable, he will come over and rub against you to show his love! He would do best in a low-traffic, routine-based home where he can settle in at his own pace. Rob has been diagnosed with a heart murmur that is associated with a pulmonic stenosis so he is considered a special needs adoption! If you think Rob would make a good addition to your family, stop by and visit him today! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about me and all the other animals waiting for homes.

Shop Our Members

New Deal!


  • Sassy Square: Custom designs that CONVERT and make you money, For only $40! From From now until Black Friday, get a custom flyer design package at 60% off. See Full Details


Continuing Hot Deals



Local Sales, Discounts & Promotions 

Posting a Shop Our Member deal is a great way to gain exposure for your business by highlighting your special promotions. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and list yours today by logging into your account! 


*Contact Julie if you need assistance 

Business Resources

For a list of open bids, please see OSD Procurement Schedule 11/01/2023 – 04/30/2024

Free Help with Resumes for Job Seekers: If you need help with your resume, cover letter, or some job searching advice, contact jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500 to make an appointment for in-person resume and cover letter assistance with a librarian. Computers, Chromebooks, tablets, Wi-Fi Hotspots, printing, photocopying, scanning, and saving via email and flash drive are all free at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main St. Questions? Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) awards up to $25,000 to various organizations to fund workplace safety training. Eligible employers within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts covered by the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Law (MGL CH. 152) may qualify for funding.

The Workforce Training Fund Express Program is designed to help businesses respond quickly to change and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, Express is our fastest path to funding, enhanced with an even more flexible directory of training options and 6 quick steps to success.

Please check the Business Resources Category in Chamber Blog for Business Resources available to the Cape Ann region!

Job Listings

SeniorCare, Inc. has a several open positions

Guardian Angels is hiring Caregivers Immediately for Gloucester/North Shore and a Part-time RN fro the Gloucester Office

Offset Press Operator needed at Choice Graphics

GMGI seeking a Student Services Navigator and Part-time Bookkeeper

Beauport Hospitality Group has numerous positions open at Seaport Grille, 1606 restaurant & oyster bar, and Beauport Hotel. Click here to view open positions.

The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina his looking to hire a Diesel Technician Marine Mechanic

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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