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February is Black History Month
Black History Month serves as a platform to highlight the significant role African Americans have played in shaping various aspects of society, including culture, politics, science, literature, and the arts. It provides opportunities for education, reflection, and dialogue about the experiences of Black people, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Throughout the month, various events, programs, and initiatives are organized to celebrate Black history and promote understanding and appreciation of the African American heritage. Visit blackhistorymonth.gov to learn more.
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CEO and President's Update: February 2024
We ushered in 2024 with style and celebration! Our Annual Celebration at Shalin Liu Performance Center was spectacular! The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce showcased the incredible talents of our local artists with immersive creative experiences like live paintings and a live wood carving demonstration, entertainment in the forms of spoken word, comedy, and big band jazz music and singing. The art, photography, and pottery exhibitions on display were stunning expressions of our local talent and creativity. It was an honor to illuminate the continuum of visual, literary, and performing arts and culture in our region and highlight not only how we support arts and culture, but also how art and culture support us. And it was an absolute delight to be surrounded and entertained by such talented artists of all ages! Read Full Update
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February 2024 Tourism Council Update
The winter has long been viewed as the “slow season” for tourism on Cape Ann, but happenings in recent years – including late 2023 and early 2024 – are changing that perception. This was the focus of the January 19 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber Tourism Council. We also used this meeting to look ahead to an equally busy spring season, as well as the years ahead. Winter got off to an exciting start with holiday activities across Cape Ann in November and December, with Rockport’s expanded New Year’s Eve celebration bringing the season to a fitting end. Read Full Update
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February Community Relations Update
2024 is in full swing and the Chamber team is actively working on planning our many annual events and initiatives for the year. New this year will be a local Pride event in early June and bringing back the beloved Motif #1 Day and Harvestfest in Rockport. Stay tuned for more details! We have also scheduled the first quarterly division meetings for the year. These are important opportunities to engage and collaborate with the Chamber and Town Officials, so save the date and we hope to see you there. Download Full Update
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Are You Offering a Special Valentine's Day Deal to Your Customers?
Promote your Valentine's Day special deals by posting to the Shop Our Members section of the Chamber website. Posting to Shop Our Members is a Free Membership Perk available to all active members. To add a Special Deal, log into the Member Portal, select Shop Our Members, and then Add Shop Our Members. Once your deal is submitted and approved, it will automatically be posted to the Chamber's Facebook Page. You may also choose to offer Member to Member Deals which are only displayed in the Member Information Portal.
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Upcoming Division Meetings
Essex Division Meeting: Thursday, February 15 | 8 - 9 AM @ Essex Public Safety Building
Ipswich Division Meeting: Friday, March 1 | 8 - 9 AM @ Ipswich Town Hall Meeting Room A
Manchester Division Meeting: Thursday, March 14 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM @ Manchester Legion
Rockport Division Meeting: Monday, March 25 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM @ Rockport Townhall Basement Conference Room
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Annual Celebration at Shalin Liu Performance Center
It was a great night celebrating our incoming President, Karen Ristuben, and the 2024 theme of Creativity, Culture, and Commerce: Stronger Together.
Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate, with special thanks to the artists, musicians, and performers who created such a unique experience.
View the Full Gallery of Photos from Look of Joy Photography
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Business After Hours at Vita Bella Ristorante in Essex | |  |
Ribbon Cuting at Campbell Funeral Home in Ipswich | | |
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Publications Update
Thank you to all members who have taken the time to update their directory listing in preparation for the 2024 Guide publication.
If you have not yet done this, please review your Member Directory Listing and send any updates/changes to Julie Carver, Director of Member Services.
Your membership includes a free basic listing (company name, address, phone, and website) under your primary category. Remember, you may also choose to pay for an enhanced listing or a listing under an additional category.
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2024 Greater Cape Ann Guide and Map Advertising
Have you reserved your advertising space in the guide and/or map yet? Totaling over 250,000 printed copies free to visitors throughout the year, the guide and maps are a great way to get your business name in front of thousands of people. Please contact Julie with any questions. Download Media Kit
Last Chance for Rockport Visitors Map Advertising - Only two spots remain for Rockport businesses to advertise in the 2024 Rockport Map. So please let Julie know as soon as possible if you would like to secure a spot. First come, first served.
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Do you have a news story or helpful resource to share? If so, send it to us by Monday of each week and we will try to include it in our Tuesday Business Soundings!
Please email news stories and press releases to cindy@capeannchamber.com
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Gloucester Biotechnology Academy Biotechnology Certificate Program
The online application for the Academy’s Biotechnology Certificate Program is now live at the following link: https://gmgi.org/education/apply. Applicants can use the link to apply for either cohort in the Class of 2025 (start dates are in September and January). After they submit their online application, they’ll receive an email with the next steps in the application process.
As a reminder, there is no cost for the program, and stipends of $1,000 per month are available for students who qualify. Download Flyer
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Reuse and Recycling Business Development Grants
MassDEP just released its new application for Reuse and Recycling Business Development Grants. This program provides grants to Massachusetts businesses and non-profit organizations to expand recycling, reuse, and composting infrastructure in Massachusetts.
Target materials include container glass, reusable materials (furniture, building materials, other bulky items, reusable food service ware), construction & demolition materials (wood, gypsum wallboard or asphalt shingles), textiles (clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, and fabric), food materials, mattresses. Applications are due March 29, 2024. Apply Here
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Essex Heritage is Offering up to $10,000 in Grant Funding to Allow Local Organizations to Hire Youth Interns
In 2024, Essex Heritage is excited to be able to offer "Future Leaders" Youth Internship funding to qualifying organizations throughout the Essex National Heritage Area.
- Funds are available from February 20 - September 1, 2024 in amounts ranging from $2,000 - $10,000 and are reimbursed monthly or bi-monthly.
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501(c)3 organizations throughout the county are eligible.
- Projects can include archiving, visitor services, Hidden Histories, education, preservation, trail maintenance and more. They want the internships to stimulate, educate, and engage youth in the history and heritage (including the natural and cultural places) of the Essex National Heritage Area.
Learn More
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Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week
Meet Toby! This adorable guy is hoping to find his forever home. His favorite activities are looking out the window, lounging by his humans, and getting brushed. At 12 years old, he’s still got a playful side — he enjoys cat nip and string toys.Toby is considered a special needs adoption because he has diabetes and needs insulin/prescription diet. If you are interested in adopting, submit an application online, and stop by and visit me today! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about me and all the other animals waiting for homes here at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester.
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New Reporting Requirement for Small Businesses
Courtesy Meredith A. FIne, Esq, Cape Ann Business Law P.C.
More than 30 million American small businesses must start disclosing to the federal government who owns their companies. Is yours one of them?
Starting Jan. 1, 2024, certain corporations and limited liability companies must file a Beneficial Ownership Information form with the U.S. Department of Treasury. The penalties for purposely failing to comply are severe: $500 a day, a $10,000 fine and/or two years in prison.
The federal Corporate Transparency Act was passed to fight terrorism and money laundering. It does not apply to sole proprietors, industries that are already well-regulated, such as banking and insurance, or to charitable organizations.
For more information, please read the full article or contact your attorney or accountant.
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Resource Guide for Businesses: Connecting Your Businesses to the Services You Need
This guide serves as an overview of resources such as organizations and programs, which offer benefits and services to address the workforce development and expansion needs of businesses and employers in Massachusetts.
The guide is organized into five main categories:
1. Recruiting and hiring
2. Training, consultation, and workplace safety
3. Layoff aversion and management
4. Business development and partnerships
5. Business compliance
Download PDF Copy of Guide
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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 Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com
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