Monthly Edition - November 1, 2022 | |
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Peter Webber Retires from Greater Cape Ann Chamber after 17 Years of Service
Retirement Celebration to be held Thursday, November 17 at the Emerson Inn from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Peter Webber, who after 17 years of incredibly dedicated service to our greater Cape Ann communities, will be retiring at year-end. As a Rockport’er, Peter started at the Chamber part-time in 2005 as Manager of the Rockport Division and led the merger of the then Rockport Chamber of Commerce with the Cape Ann Chamber. Peter initially worked out of Rockport offices - first at the Lantana House on Broadway and later at Whistlestop Mall - and was integral in the merging of the two organizations. Some of Peter’s many accomplishments are leading the Rockport Division including the Division Meetings, Visitor Booths, Rockport USA website and Maps, and Christmas in Rockport seasonal events. Peter also facilitated the Chamber’s semi-annual greater Cape Ann Caucus and Focus on Education forum, developed many policy positions, content for our Greater Cape Ann Guide & Directory, and most recently was the Chamber lead for over $300,000 in pandemic related grants in support of our business community including the highly acclaimed Cape Ann Works and J1 Visa student program. With his prior legislative experience Peter has been our senior statesman always with informed and reassuring consultation in our busy Chamber office environment
The Chamber Board, Team and I wish to invite you to a Retirement Celebration in honor of Peter on Thursday, November 17 at the Emerson Inn, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. We look forward to having you join us to celebrate Peter’s service to the Chamber and community.
Ken Riehl
RSVP Requested
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From Caitlin and the Board….
Peter’s decade of legislative experience as State Senator representing several Districts in Western MA has been invaluable in connecting the Chamber with statehouse initiatives and representatives and helped form many Chamber business advocacy positions. Peter has also held senior leadership positions as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Management and Director of the Division of State Parks and Recreation.
Peter is kindest, most caring and professional gentleman with whom I have ever worked, and we are incredibly indebted to his service and dedication to the Chamber and our greater Cape Ann community.
Through many transitions and evolutions of this chamber, Peter has been the steady, calming, dedicated and wise force that has kept us moving forward. We were so lucky and grateful to have him for 17 years, and now we are so happy for him to be able to spend more time with family and enjoy some free time in the communities he helped to make so great all these years!
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October was an incredibly busy month for the Chamber and greater Cape Ann! We kicked it off with a terrific networking event at Appleton Farms in Ipswich. Next was the panel discussion titled “Empowered women, empowering women” at the inspiring Businesswomen’s Luncheon. The following week brought a double-header with our BIG $25K Game at the Elks and the return of the Essex ClamFest.
Read Full Report
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Cape Ann offers visitors something every season. In the summer, visitors enjoy our beaches, whale watching, outdoor concerts, and the region’s major events. The fall offers beautiful autumn colors along our marshes and parks – and a world-class painting competition. Winter brings holiday activities, bird-watching, and stunning snow-covered vistas. Spring marks the return of ships to the waterfront, flowers along the boulevard, and more visitors to our restaurants, galleries, and shops.
Read Full Report
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Government Affairs Council Monthly Report
At our monthly meeting held on Tuesday, October 18, Olivia provided her community relations updates, with a focus on the draft entertainment licensing process under review by the Ipswich Select Board. After extensive discussion, the Council voted to recommend that the Chamber take a position in opposition to the proposed policy. Council members also shared news and information from their respective communities during the meeting’s Roundtable discussions.
Read Full Report
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Health & Wellness Committee
November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that effects memory, thinking and behavior which comprises 60-80% of dementia cases. It is NOT a normal sign of ageing. Upwards of 130,000 in Massachusetts alone have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. The number is projected to increase to 150,000 by 2025.
Read Full Article
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Ken Riehl, CEO Greater Cape Ann Chamber, Caitlin Pszenny and 2022 Greater Cape Ann Chamber President, and Sam Bevins, Membership Director at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber, discuss recent events, including our Business After Hours and one-year anniversary of the Ipswich merger held at Appleton Farms, the Annual Businesswomen's Fall Luncheon, the $25K Game, and lastly the very successful Essex ClamFest. Upcoming events include Business After Hours at Great Marsh Brewing Company, plus a wide variety of Holiday related events.
View November Podcast
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Chamber Building Mural Ribbon Cutting
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber in partnership with Awesome Gloucester and Awesome Rockport had a ribbon cutting celebrating the beautiful mural created by Studio Fresh, The mural depicts vignettes of life and art in the greater Cape Ann region. Please stop by and see this intricate mural in person as the photos don't do it justice!
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Did You Know?
Your Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Membership gives you access to many benefits, one of them being healthcare resources through Rule Financial Services Group. As we approach healthcare renewal month, you may want to consider your options before committing to stay with your current provider.
The team at Rule Financial Services Group will find the best provider for your individual, small business, or self-employed needs. For more information, please call or email Diane Rule-Enos at Rule Financial Services at (978) 502-5324 / diane@rulefinancialservices.com. Diane can help you find the best options for your needs and provides this service at no charge to Chamber members.
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Weekday Volunteers needed at Gloucester Chamber Office
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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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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Business After Hours at Appleton Farms
Appleton Farms historic farmstead hosted a great Business After Hours on October 6. Attendees learned about their mission and programming as you meet other chamber members and expand your network. The night was also a celebration of our 1 year anniversary as the Greater Cape Ann Chamber and the merger with the former Ipswich Chamber.
View Photo Album
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Businesswomen's Fall Luncheon
The Businesswomen's Annual Fall Luncheon was held at the Beauport Hotel on October 13 and featured a panel discussion titled “Empowered women, empowering women.” Three highly accomplished businesswomen leaders were panelists: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo – CEO Celebrity Cruises, Sheree Zizik – Beauport Hospitality Group, and Beth Francis – CEO, Essex County Community Foundation.
View Photo Album
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$25K Game
Congratulations to the $25K Game winners from October 20! Thank you to all who attended, purchased tickets and sold tickets.
Top prizes:
$10,000: Alan Gilson (shown above)
$5,000: Heath Ellis
$2,500: Kerry McKenna
View Photo Album
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38th Annual Essex ClamFest
It was a gloriuos day on October 22 for the return of the Essex ClamFest after a 2 year hiatus. Congratulations to Woodman's of Essex (Judges' Winner) and Ripple on the Water (People's Winner)! And thank you to all restaurants, artisans, food vendors, and entertainers for helping to make it a successful day.
View Photo Album
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Essex Bay Dental
October 13, 2022
New member, David Konefal, DMD, staff and friends celebrate with a ribbon cutting in Essex, MA.
Read More & View Video
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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 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: | | |
Special New Member Advertising Section | |
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1623 Studios is Looking to Expand Its Board
1623 Studios, which provides community public access cable TV programming to Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester and Essex, is looking to expand its board. Prospective members need to have demonstrated successful experience working collaboratively in groups and independently; communication and creative thinking skills; and interests in visual media and the Cape Ann community. For more information, email Paul Jermain.
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Open Door Seeking Donations for Holiday Basket Program
The Open Door is seeking donations for its annual Holiday Basket program. A gift of $35 helps feed local people through the holidays and beyond. A Holiday Basket provides families with all the fixings to make a holiday meal at home and make new memories. To donate, visit FOODPANTRY.org/donate. Those needing help setting a holiday table should contact: FOODPANTRY.org. Questions? Call 978-283-6776.
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How the Mass Climate Bill Affects Cape Ann
Thursday, November 10, 2022 | 7 PM
Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester: All ages welcome
Free event & open to the public
Many of you lobbied long and hard for the Mass Climate Bill, and Senator Tarr was on its reconciliation committee. This $250 million bill includes a variety of state policies and financial incentives that unfold over the next few years in four areas: buildings, transportation, present utilities, and sources of renewable energy. Senator Tarr will speak to residents about the climate bill on Thursday, November 10 at 7pm in an all ages event at the Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester.
Senator Tarr will help us navigate how and when this bill affects us as individuals, municipalities, and as a region, working together to co-create a more sustainable future. He welcomes your questions and comments. Local climate groups will be available before and after so that you can engage in this exciting work.
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Everything You Need to Know about Energy Savings
Did you know that October was Energy Awareness Month? Your home can quickly turn into an energy vampire while sucking your bank account dry. The good news is that energy-saving tips for fall can help you keep your home more comfortable through this season and for a lifetime.
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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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