We begin this morning’s newsletter with the sad news that past Board President (2004), terrific supporter and good friend, Bill Scott (Scott Energy), passed away peacefully last week surrounded by his family. An incredibly strong Chamber champion, Bill’s contributions include: chairing our Government Affairs Council and leading our bi-annual Greater Cape Ann Caucus for over a decade; leading our annual Manchester Small Business awardee selection and emceeing our Holiday (Lucky 9) Party; providing Scott Energy as a storage and distribution location for our publications; contributing significantly to the negotiations, design and funding of our Harbor Loop location; and selling many tickets to all our raffles. Bill was also a valued member of the Chamber’s Finance Committee, having served for many years as our treasurer.
Bill has also been a long-time member, supporter and treasurer of the Manchester Club and the Manchester Gridiron Football Club, and he and his business have contributed generously to town and community fundraisers.
Bill Scott was the epitome of a highly engaged Chamber member and Past President; even more importantly he was a dear friend and trusted advisor, and we shall miss him greatly.
Visiting hours for Bill Scott are this Friday, December 2 at Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly. Funeral services will be private.
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Inform. Inspire. Spark!
Tuesday, November 29 | 5 - 7 PM
Register Today
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Inform. Inspire. Spark! is a series of 5-minute talks sharing momentum-building work happening on greater Cape Ann in the areas of community celebrations, investment, arts and culture, decarbonization, coastal resilience, and design. The lightning talks will be followed by short, interactive breakout sessions where you can learn ways to get involved. | |
TOPICS & SPEAKERS
400+ Years in 12 Months: Isabel Pett, Events Manager, Gloucester 400+
The Future of Gloucester’s Downtown: David Fields, Community Development Director, City of Gloucester
Supporting Arts Now: Karen Ristuben, Program Director at Essex County Community Foundation's Creative County Initiative
Electrify Greater Cape Ann: Maureen Aylward, Director, TownGreen, Inc.
Demonstrating Coastal Resilience: Katie Kahl, UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station
Design in Everything: David Minogue, President of Spade Graphic Design
Light appetizers and cash bar will be offered. Registration is required for this FREE event.
To register, please visit bit.ly/InformInspireSpark or contact Michelle at michelle@capeannchamber.com.
Download Flyer
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The Chamber is a Collection Location for Pantry Item Donations
With historic inflation and food prices at a 40-year high, some of our locals need a little help getting the food they need. As such, we hope that you consider helping the Open Door with its Holiday Food Basket and Pantry Scavenger Hunt initiatives.
You can help in one of two ways: 1) by making a monetary donation or 2) dropping off food items at the Chamber Visitor Center. (See flyer for list of most needed items.)
The Chamber will be collecting pantry items throughout the holiday season at the Harbor Loop Visitor Center in Gloucester.
Download Flyer
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Seeking Businesses to Participate in Seminars
Do you have some great information or ideas to share with other Greater Cape Ann businesses? Maybe you are a digital marketing whiz or can offer advice on financial planning? Whatever your skill, if you are interested in exploring an opportunity to create a free informational seminar, please contact Ken at ken@capeannchamber.com to discuss working together..
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2023 Publications Advertising Opportunities
Where does the time go? It is hard to believe, but it is already that time of year when we start planning for next season's Greater Cape Ann Guide and Directory, plus the Greater Cape Ann and Rockport Visitor Maps.
Learn More and Download Media Kit and Ad Contracts
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Weekday Volunteers needed at Gloucester Chamber Visitor Center
Do you or someone you know have a few spare hours to fill by giving back to the Greater Cape Ann community? If so, the Chamber is seeking volunteers to help out on weekdays during the winter months. Meet visitors, from around the world, help answer phones, assist with office tasks, and have a fun time with a great team. To learn more, please email Becca!
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EIDL Webinar: You Got the Loan, Here’s How You Pay It Back
Tuesday, November 29 | 12 PM
Presenter: Diane Darling, SBA Lender Relations Specialist
In this informative webinar you’ll learn how to set up your account, make timely payments, and get a plan of action in place to move forward into 2023. You’ll be in excellent company, as over a million borrowers per month are doing the same. Register Now
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Enterprise Center of Salem State University
Weekly Workshops
Weekly Workshops, just-in-time knowledge workshops are held most Tuesdays and Thursdays morning. Subject matter experts cover topics that every business owners needs to know. Each workshop can accommodate up to 60 attendees, so please register on our website.
Upcoming Workshops
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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. | Health Connector for Business Webinar: Affordable, Flexible Health Coverage - next session is November 30 from 12 - 1 PM. | Cape Ann Works: Keep up to date with Cape Ann Works events and announcements on the Chamber website and post jobs or search candidates at capeannworks.com. | 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: | | |
Ryan and Wood Distilleries are Closing their Doors at the End of the Year.
Thank you to Ryan & Wood Distilleries in Gloucester for so many years of providing craft spirits to the community. We are sad to see Bob & Kathy close this amazing business, and we thank them for all they have done for our community including hosting several Chamber events.
We wish them the very best in their next life phase.
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Happy Holidays from Ryan & Wood Distillery!
After 16 years of distilling, aging, and bottling our family of craft spirits here on Cape Ann, we’ll be closing down operations at the end of the year. We’d like to thank each one of you for supporting us at the distillery and in local stores, restaurants, and bars. It has been a pleasure to share our family business with your happy occasions.
Along the way we have taken great enjoyment in supporting local events and fundraisers as best we could. Also, we looked forward to the 4th of July Parade Floats, the Schooner cruises, and all the other events on our calendar each year.
Please visit us at 15 Great Republic Drive, Blackburn Park, in Gloucester between now and December 12, 2022, which will be our last day of retail sales. As a special farewell, we will offer holiday discounts on our remaining inventory. We have limited quantities while they last, including each of our Single Barrel Whiskies, Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, and Folly Cove Rum!
Should you have any questions, or are curious about equipment availability and such, we’d be happy to take your call at 978-281-2282.
Keep your “Spirits Up”!
Bob, Kathy, and Doug Ryan
Ryan & Wood Distilleries
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Coastal Windows & Exteriors continued their annual tradition of Freedom From Want donation efforts feeding the hungry this past Thanksgiving. They donated over 800 pounds of food for Thanksgiving meals to Beverly Bootstraps and The Open Door Food Pantry. Coastal's continued mission is to provide the community with Freedom from Want—no one should go without basic needs like a roof over their head and ability to afford energy bills, to a hot Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner on their table.
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Volunteers Needed
Salvation Army Bell Ringers at Market Basket
The Salvation Army Bell Ringers have raised well over $100,000 over the past several years. Ttwo hour shifts are available now through Christmas Eve. Starts at 9 am and last session is at 5 pm. Please help us make this year another success! Please contact Sandra or Gina at the Gloucester House: thegloucesterhouse@gmail.com
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Parade of Trees - Deadline to Sign Up is Today
Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade organization looking for local businesses, community groups, families, and individuals who are interested in spreading
the holiday joy while raising money for a great cause.
You can participate one of two ways: 1) Design / Decorate a tree and donate it to be part of the raffle or 2) Purchase raffle tickets to try and win your favorite tree.
Deadline to sign up for a tree donation is Monday, Nov. 28.
Event date is December 2 - 4 at the First Baptist Church.
Download Flyer
EMail with questions
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GHS Career Speaker Series 22/23
Gloucester High School is seeking speakers to talk about career pathways. Our goal is to help students connect classes of interest, skills and subjects to career pathways. If you or someone you know/work with is interested, please complete the CAREER SPEAKER SERIES FORM. Also, please see details on the CORI form process as this would need to be submitted before your speaking engagement is confirmed
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Congratulations to Ipswich High School Girl's Volleyball Team on Winning their 2nd Consecutive Division 4 Championship
Ipswich pulled out a come from behind 5-set win over Joseph Case for the MIAA Division 4 championship at Worcester State University, using energy and timely plays to finish off their 21-2 season in front of packed gymnasium. Way to go!
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Shop Local - Shop Greater Cape Ann | |
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Greater Cape Ann Gift Checks may be purchased at the Chamber office in Gloucester, both Shaw’s locations in Gloucester, at Tuck’s Candy’s & Gifts in Rockport, and at Cape Ann Savings Bank in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Available in any denomination from $10 - $100. Accepted at over 250 participating Greater Cape Ann Chamber Member businesses. Visit bit.ly/GiftCheck to learn more.
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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 Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance
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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 Ken Riehl at ken@capeannchamber.com
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