View as Webpage

Monthly Edition - October 4, 2022

35th Annual We Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction - Opening Video Montage

Chamber News & Updates

CEO & President Update


September on Cape Ann was just glorious this year! Fall is officially here, and with it comes a whole new set of Chamber initiatives, including fun events and re-focusing on our economic and education priorities.


Read Full Report

Tourism Council Update


While visitors to Cape Ann were still enjoying many summer-like days, the Greater Cape Ann Tourism Council turned its attention to fall, looking ahead to events, activities and other happenings in the coming months.


Atop the list was Cape Ann Plein Air, the annual outdoor painting competition that attracts artists and art lovers from across the US – and from our own Cape Ann communities. CAPA is now the 5th largest competition of its kind in the US!


Read Full Report

Government Affairs Council Monthly Report


At our monthly meeting held on Tuesday, September 13, Council members heard a presentation on the proposed Pier 58 development in Gloucester by special guest Tom Burger. Council members asked questions and provided input. Olivia also provided her community relations updates (see PDF below), and Council members shared news and information from their respective communities during the meeting’s Roundtable discussions.


Read Full Report | View August - September Community Update

Health & Wellness Committee


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ahmed Safa, MD and 

Jennifer Turchetta, NP of Northeast Oncology Associates, a Member of Beth Israel Lahey Health, have written an informative Breast Cancer Awareness newsletter article to share with our members about self-examination, mammography, risk factors and survivorship. 


Read Article

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. Purchase your ad space now and get 10% early-bird discount off display ads in both the guides and maps. Deadline for early-bird discount is October 31, 2022. 


Download Advertising Contracts: 



25K Game Tickets 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. A Body Length is $20 and an Arm Length is $10.


All tickets may be purchased at the Chamber office. Download Flyer

Promote Your Business in Our Business Spotlight Video Series


The third edition of Greater Cape Ann Highlights featuring Betsy Frost Designs and Coldwell Banker is in the works and should be released by the end of October. 

 

If you are interested in having your business featured in an upcoming episode of Greater Cape Ann Highlights, please contact Olivia at [email protected]


View previous episodes of Greater Cape Ann Highlights

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 [email protected] to discuss working together..

Recent Events

Businesswomen's Mixer


On September 8, the Businesswomen's Committee held its quarterly mixer hosted by the Gloucester House, who provided a variety of yummy hot and cold appetizers, along with a spectacular view of the harbor. Congratulations to Tess McClogan and Abbie Hovey on winning the door prizes.

View Photo Album

Blackburn Brewfest


The first annual Blackburn Brewfest was held on Saturday, September 17 at Stage Fort Park. It was a beautiful day and over 25 breweries and 1000 beer lovers took part. Music was provided by Over the Bridge. We thank all who attended and those who volunteered their time to make this a fun and successful day.

View Photo Album

Business After Hours Block Party


Business After Hours took a different twist on September 21 when Cape Ann Savings Bank, Cape Ann YMCA and Halyard Apartments co-hosted a block party. In addition to scrumptious passed hors d'oeuvres, guests were invited to tour each facility to earn entries to win one of three $100 Greater Cape Ann Gift Certificates. Congratulations to lucky winners Karen Myatt, Robin Hoffman and Lucinda Seigel.

View Photo Gallery


35th Annual Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction


It was quite the splendiferous night last Thursday, September 29, for our biggest event of the year, the Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction. We had a full house for the evening and were thrilled to welcome back professional auctioneer Lynne Zinc to lead the bidding and get the crowd motivated. We thank all who generously donated to support the Chamber. We will be continuing the auction online in November for items that did not make it into the live event. 

View Photo Gallery

Ribbon Cuttings

On Thursday, September 22, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at the Great Marsh Brewing Co. in Essex, MA to mark their grand reopening. They have a brand new family and kid friendly menu and entirely revamped indoor seating that is more casual and brewery friendly, with beautiful views of the marsh and sunset. 


Read More & View Video

Please Visit Our Premiere Advertiser

Business Resources

NOTICE: Permits for Holiday Openings for MA Businesses


The Department of Labor Standards must approve all local permits to allow retail stores and businesses to perform work and to be open on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, November 24, 2022, and Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. Permits must be approved by the Department of Labor Standards on a uniform basis statewide. See Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 136, §15.


Please be advised that the Department of Labor Standards will not issue statewide approval for permits for businesses to open on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day 2022.


Read Letter from Department of Labor StandardsLearn More about MA Blue Laws


Grants Available from Massachusetts Cultural Council


Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals offers unrestricted grants to creatives and gig workers to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set a path for growth. Application deadline is November 1, 2022. Learn more during a live information session on October 6, or view a virtual info session to learn more.


Every Local Cultural Council (LCC) sets its own local priorities and criteria for its LCC Program grants. Learn about each greater Cape Ann LCC by selecting from the following list::


Essex | Gloucester | Ipswich | Manchester-by-the-Sea | Rockport

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 sessions are September 7 and 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:

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

Special New Member Advertising Section

Member & Community News

Rockport High School DECA Program Seeks Career Day Volunteers.


On Monday, November 7, Rockport High School DECA will be bringing back career day for the high school after a two year hiatus. They are looking for volunteer presenters who would be willing to come into school and share their career stories with students. The most recent career day had over 40 presenters from all types of careers and backgrounds. Students enjoyed hearing about the various careers and were grateful for the experience they had that day. Would you or anyone you know be interested in doing a career day presentation for small student groups? The time commitment would be November 7 between 8:00 and 10:30 AM. If you are interested, please use the sign up link below and enter the required information. Mr. Scott Larsen, DECA advisor, will reach out to you after receiving your information. Career day doesn't happen without adult volunteers. We hope you can be one of them. 

City of Gloucester Invites Community Members to Participate in Focus Groups


Mayor Greg Verga and Health Director Mary Ellen Rose are pleased to announce that the Gloucester Health Department will be hosting a series of focus groups on youth substance use for community members this October. Focus groups will be split into five, 90-minute sessions. Individuals ages 14 to 18, parents or guardians, teachers, social workers, and those who work with youth are encouraged to attend to discuss and share their experiences with youth substance use.


Learn More

CATA 2022/2023 School Tripper Passes Available for Purchase


CATA's Student Passes can be purchased at GHS, online, or through the mail. Make sure your student gets safely to wherever they need to go around Cape Ann aboard CATA's fleet of busses. Learn More

Ipswich Police Department Receives $30,000 Grant in Support of Municipal Road Safety Grant Program


The $30,000 was made available by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and allocated by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR). This funding will be used to support the Municipal Road Safety Program, which assists in developing enforcement strategies to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, fatalities, and associated economic losses in Massachusetts.


Ipswich Police Department will use the funds for traffic safety enforcement and equipment. Traffic Safety Enforcement will include six enforcement patrols in the coming year.


Learn More Details

Fall Maintenance Checklist from Coastal Windows & Exteriors


  1. Inspect your roof for mold, loose or missing shingles.
  2. Have your furnace serviced.
  3. Check windows/doors for drafts, cracks & fogged glass.
  4. Save money & energy with a smart thermostat
  5. Check siding for damaged, loose, missing & rotting shingles.
  6. Check seals & gaps to prevent insects behind your siding & foundation.
  7. Prevent ice dams - check for proper roof ventilation


Request More Information on available deals. Up to 25% Off Roofing, Siding, Windows & Doors! OR 0% Financing. Member Special $250 Off (Code: Winter Ready)


Job Listings

GMGI is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist.

Home Health Aides being hired immediately by Guardian Angel Senior Services.

Shop Our Members

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 Sam at [email protected] if you need assistance 

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 Ken Riehl at [email protected]

Soundings Sponsors

Facebook  Instagram  Web