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Monthly Edition - November 7

Chamber News & Updates

CEO & President's November Update


It’s hard to believe November is here! Despite the many rainy Autumn days, our businesses are reporting a strong and busy season. We continue to welcome visitors from near and far to share the beauty, culture, adventure, and charm of our region. We are blessed to live and work in this special and unique place. Fall on greater Cape Ann is in full swing with a variety of events and happenings ahead. Read Full Report

Tourism Council October Report


An Eventful Time for Greater Cape Ann

Special events and activities have long been a driving force for the success of Greater Cape

Ann’s tourism community, and that has clearly been the case in the past several months. This

was the focus of the October 20 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Tourism Council, as we

recapped recent highlights and discussed plans for the seasons ahead. Read Full Report

New RockportUSA.com Website Launched


It has been a long time coming, but the redesigned RockportUSA.com website has been officially launched!


Unlike the old website, which ran off of a separate database, the revamped website pulls Rockport Chamber Member business details and event listings from the general Greater Cape Ann Chamber member portal. This means that data and details only need to be entered once in your Member Portal.


Rockport members are encouraged to post their events to the Rockport USA calendar - download the Event Page Cheat Sheet to learn more about posting.

Current Workforce Challenges Panel Discussion

Wednesday, November 8 | 5 - 7 PM

Cruiseport Gloucester


Please join the Greater Cape Ann Innovators Collaborative for a FREE expert panel discussion on Current Workforce Challenges and solutions for the existing labor market. Our panel of experts will be presenting innovative strategies to recruit, retain and develop the workforce. Each presentation will be approximately 15 minutes. There will be a question-and-answer period and open discussion following the presentations.


Panelists include: 

Jason Andree, Vice President, Addison Gilbert Hospital

Neil Costa, CEO, HireClix

William Heineman, President, North Shore Community College

Kathy Low, Sr. HR Business Partner, SPG Varian Business Unit, Applied Materials


Light appetizers and cash bar will be offered. Registration is required for this FREE event. 

To register, please visit bit.ly/CAIC-Workforce or email info@capeannchamber.com. Download Flyer

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.

Recent Events

Business Women's Fall Luncheon

This years Fall Luncheon held October 12 at the Beauport Hotel focused on the "Art of Reinvention." Our 4 panelists, Gail Brenner Nastasia, Christina Frei, Melissa Gilbo and Amy Pocsik, provided an interesting discussion on how they reinvented themselves in their journeys. We had a great turnout and all enjoyed a few hours of networking and a delicious lunch.

Read Panelist Bios | See Photos

Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped make this a success!

Beauport Hospitality Group, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Law Offices of Meredith A Fine, McWalter Volunteer Insurance Agency, Addison Gilbert Hospital, and Egan Law Center.


Congratulations to the all winners of the annual $25K Game drawing!


Grand Prize: $10,000 

Michael & Michele French

Second Prize: $5,000 

Mary Queene

Third Prize: $2,500 

Jeanne Romansky

Click here to see full list of winners!

Business After Hours

Oliver's Harbor, October 15

It was a fun night at Oliver's Harbor for our October Business After Hours. We had a great showing and Oliver's provided some delicious appetizers for all to snack on. And congratulations to Jay Salois on winning the door prize gift basket.

View Photos

Employers Against Domestic Violence Training, October 30

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Employers Against Domestic Violence is hosted a FREE training session for Greater Cape Ann Chamber members. Learn best practices for prevention, education, and resources. Watch the Video Recording

Ribbon Cuttings

LSDmodern

Magnolia


On October 17, we helped celebrate the Grand Opening of LSDmodern Fine Art Gallery, owned by artist Tristan Govignon. Along with Tristan's original pieces, works of several other artists are also on display.

View Photos | View Video

Backyard Growers

Gloucester


We were pleased to help Backyard Growers welcome the community to agriCulture, their new food-growing and gathering space at Willowood Gardens in Gloucester with a ribbon cutting on October 19.

View Photos

View Full Dedication Video

Member & Community News

Division Meetings

Manchester-by-the-Sea: Wednesday, November 8 - 9 AM @ 35 Beach

Ipswich: Thursday, November 9 | 8 - 9 AM @ Ipswich Town Hall

Rockport: Monday, November 13 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM @ Rockport Art Association and Museum

Town Meetings

Manchester-by-the-Sea: Special Town Meeting, Monday November 13 | 6:30 PM

Essex: Special Town Meeting, Monday November 13 | 7:30 PM | View Warrant

Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund


Make The Season Bright For Cape Ann Kids!

The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund supports children in our community by providing gifts for families who are struggling financially. Action Inc., Pathways for Children, and Wellspring House, Inc. are proud to team up once again to provide support for more than 1,250 children living in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester by the Sea, Essex, and Ipswich. Learn About Ways You Can Help

$200K grant to expand Action Inc.'s affordable housing supportive services


(From Gloucester Daily Times) The nonprofit Action Inc. has been awarded a more than $200,000 federal grant to expand supportive services to residents living in three of its affordable housing sites in Gloucester. The funding is designed to enable Action to expand services to more residents, according to a news release. Action Inc., which serves residents of Greater Cape Ann, was one of only nine grant recipients across the nation to receive the funding. Read Full Article

On December 2, Chorus North Shore will present its first concert of the 2023-24 season, “A Vibrant Christmas,” featuring new director Abigail Frost. The performance will include Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, John Rutter’s Gloria, and other holiday selections. Joining the chorus are the Bel Canto choir from Ipswich High School and Presto Festival Orchestra accompanist Jeffrey Patch.  Described as a “sparkling opening to the holiday season,” the concert will be held at Our Lady of Hope Church in Ipswich.  Learn More and Buy Tickets

Ipswich High School Fine Arts Director and Orchestra Director Michael Coelho Nominated for Music Educator Grammy


(From Ipswich Local News) Exceeding his earliest kindergarten aspirations, lifelong teacher Michael Coelho has advanced to the semi-finalist round for the 2024 Music Educator Grammy for the second consecutive year. Coelho joins 24 other semifinalists from across 17 states. The group was selected from an initial applicant pool of over 2,000 educators from all 50 states. The Grammy winner will take home a $10,000 honorarium and a matching grant for their school’s music program. The remaining finalists will all be awarded a $1,000 honorarium and matching grant. Read Full Article

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Wilma is a 9.5-year-old retriever-greyhound mix seeking a forever home and family. In celebration of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, her adoption fee will be halved, making Wilma’s adoption fee $162. Pretty docile, she would love a quiet home where she has a cozy bed and lots of turkey-and-cheese treats. Wilma might take a little longer to open up but once she learns the routine she does well. She is tolerant of other dogs and likes to walk on a loose leash. She has a prey drive so would probably do better in a home with no small animals. She has some special needs. If you think Wilma’d make a good addition to your family, stop by and visit her today! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about Wilma and all the other animals waiting for homes.

Business Resources

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

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.

Pathways for Children has multiple openings.

Click to view all.

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

GMGI seeking a Student Services Navigator

Development Associate sought by Gloucester Education Foundation

SeniorCare, Inc. has an opening for a Community Transitions Liaison Assistant and a Clinical Assesment and Eligibility Nurse

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 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 Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com

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