View as Webpage

November 21

Chamber News & Updates

Discover Gloucester & The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Present the 4th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann – A Festive Celebration of the Season!


Celebrate the holiday spirit with the 4th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann! Discover Gloucester, in partnership with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, invites everyone to experience the festive charm of our coastal communities from Small Business Saturday on November 25th through New Year’s Day.


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.


Read Full Press Release | Stay Tuned for Voting Details

Vita Bella Ristorante Ribbon Cutting


On Tuesday, November 14, 2023 the Chamber team had the pleasure helping Vita Bella Ristorante in Essex celebrate their grand opening. Owners Susan Werrick and Jael Reyes also generously hosted an Open House with many enjoying delicious appetizers in their upstairs function room. We wish Susan and Jael much success in their endeavor! View Video

Shop Small Saturday is November 25


Support local businesses and shop small this Saturday, November 25! Whether it's a cozy boutique, a charming café, or a unique handmade crafts store, every purchase makes a big difference for our community. Let's celebrate Shop Small Saturday together and show some love to the heart and soul of our neighborhood.


The Greater Cape Ann Gift Check may be used at over 250 Businesses on greater Cape Ann. Gift Checks are available in denominations over $10. Learn More about Participating in the Cape Ann Gift Check Program

New Calendar of Holiday Events


To avoid confusion and make it easier to see the upcoming Holiday Events, we have created a separate calendar for events filtered by the Holiday Category. This is accessible under Events / Holiday Events Calendar from the main menu on the Chamber website.


Helpful Hints for Posting Holiday Events: There are three important things to keep in mind when adding Holiday events through the Member Information Center portal:


  1. To make sure your event gets included in this dynamic list, please select the Holiday Event Category under Placement Options before submitting your event.
  2. For best display presentation, please make sure you upload a Search Icon under Photos & Images, as that is the image that is shown on the calendar event grid page. Otherwise, only text is displayed which can be truncated if too long.
  3. If you would like your event to display the location and be searchable by location, Assign Locations under the Advanced Tab.

Time is Running Out 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 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!

Rockport New Years Eve Buttons are Now on Sale at the Chamber Visitor Center


Buttons for adults age 19 and up cost $15 through December 15 and $20 thereafter. Buttons for youth ages 13 -18 cost $10. (CASH OR CHECK ONLY PLEASE.) Children ages 12 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by adults to enter venues, and adults who accompany children into venues must have buttons.

Member & Community News

Lease Approved, MBTS Community Center Stays Put


(From Manchester Cricket) The Manchester Community Center will remain where it is after the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fall Town Meeting agreed to accept a 10-year lease with Harbor’s Point Associates. As part of the lease, the town would install the harbormaster’s office on the second floor, use some space for board meetings and other gatherings and create much-needed public bathrooms in the building. But otherwise, the rest of the building would be sublet to the MCC. Read Full Article

Gloucester Rotary Announces 2024 Calendar Fundraiser


The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2024, featuring the photography of several local photographers. In addition to the beautiful photography, each calendar includes a raffle ticket for a $50 weekly raffle drawing throughout the year. The calendars are $25 each and proceeds from sales will be used for the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities. Learn More and Purchase

Ipswich High School Girls Volleyball Team Earns State Championship Title for Third Consecutive Year


(from Ipswich Local News) The girls’ volleyball team has reached the summit again after a heart-pounding, five-set victory over the second-seeded Bellingham Blackhawks. In the state Division 4 final, held on Saturday at Worcester State University, the Tigers beat the challengers 3-2. Read Full Article

Three Trustees Retail Shops featured at Holiday Sip & Shop


On Thursday, November 30th, from 2PM – 7PM, Castle Hill will host a Holiday Sip & Shop, featuring Ipswich’s three Trustees retail shops – the Crane Beach Store, Appleton Farm Store and Castle Hill Gift Shop. The Holiday Sip & Shop is free and takes place in the Great House at Castle Hill. Enjoy shopping Crane Beach and Appleton Farm "pop up" shops set up in the decorated first floor gallery of the Great House and browse the Castle Hill Gift Shop. Read Full Press Release

The Cut Opens Gastropub to the Public: Ribbon Cutting Video


A large crowd was on hand Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the opening of The Cut. Congratulations on this auspicious occasion!


Read More About the Cut at:

Gloucester Daily Times

North Shore Magazine

WickedLocal.com

American Red Cross - Blood SOS


The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients ahead of the holiday season. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O and those giving platelets to help recover from a significant shortfall in donations throughout late summer and fall, The Red Cross said.


Locally these blood drives are being held:

  • Nov. 21, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave. in Gloucester.
  • Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect St. in Gloucester.


Appointments also are available at the Danvers Blood Donation Center, 99 Rosewood Drive in Danvers, and by calling 800-733-2767, visiting redcrossblood.org or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Get a Pair of Elf + Red Cross Socks when you donate by November 30.

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Hey, I’m Mummy! I’m a year-old black spayed girl looking for my forever home. I came to Cape Ann Animal Aid with some other cats from a hoarding situation. I am a shy girl who isn’t quite sure why I’m here and would love a family to adopt me. I will allow you to pat me if you are slow and with due time I will come out of my shell and show my cute personality. Do I sound like a perfect match for you? If so, stop by and visit me 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

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

Glass House & Happy Whale hiring Part-time Sales Associate

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

GMGI seeking a Student Services Navigator and Part-time Bookkeeper

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

Pivotal Partners

Facebook  Instagram  Web