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Monthly Edition - October 3, 2023

Chamber News & Updates

CEO & President's October Update


With the leaves beginning to turn, hopefully, you will pause to enjoy the spectacular scenery, amazing shops and restaurants, trails and sails, and connect with the wonderful people in the greater Cape Ann region.


As we shift into October, we resume our Business Education Collaborative. The Collaborative is an incredible partnership with our educational institutions, our business community, and our non-profits. The mission of the Business Education Collaborative is to engage the Cape Ann Business community regularly and most meaningfully with our local schools towards the overall goal of enriching our students’ education, aiding with career path decisions, and helping to inform of employment opportunities. This is a great opportunity to get involved, supporting our students and future workforce.


Read Full Report

Tourism Council September Report


September is a key month for Greater Cape Ann’s tourism community – a time to reflect on the

busy summer season and to look ahead to the increasingly important fall months. That’s just

what the Tourism Council did in its September 15 meeting – and there was optimism across the

board.


Even more encouraging – the experiences of summer 2023 and plans for this fall gave rise to

ideas to create even more tourism opportunities going forward in 2024 and beyond. Read Full Report

Time to Start Planning for Our 2024 Publications


It is that time of year again when we begin thinking about 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.


We are putting the finishing touches on the 2024 Media Kit and Advertising Contracts and will send them out as soon as they are ready in a separate email. They will also be available for download from our website later this week. Please contact Julie Carver. our Director of Member Services, at julie@capeannchamber.com with any questions or to book your ads now!

Thank You to Our 2023 Volunteers


We are very thankful for all our volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to help us out at our Visitor Centers in both Gloucester and Rockport. Our volunteers are vital to our operation, especially on summertime weekends.


To show our gratitude, we recently hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch for our Gloucester volunteers, with a catered buffet from Destino's.


Seated: Bob & Maryellen Magner

Standing: Betty Davis, Karen Roller, Karen Cigliano

Not Shown: Steve Dexter, Elaine Beggan

Get Your $25K Game Raffle Tickets


Get your ticket (or tickets) today for a chance to win big! $25,000 in cash prizes is set to be given away on October 26 with the grand prize of $10K to one lucky winner! It could be you... Only 500 tickets will be sold and there are 12 chances to win!


  • Grand Prize: $10,000 
  • Second Prize: $5,000
  • Third Prize: $2,500
  • Fourth Prize (6): $1,000
  • Fifth Prize (3): $500


Call the Chamber at 978-283-1601, stop by in person or purchase online at bit.ly/25KGame.

Download Flyer


Recent Events

Riverside Cycle Business After Hours


Our gracious host for the September Business After Hours was Riverside Cycle in Manchester-by-the-Sea. It was a great night to check out what Riverside Cycle has to offer, have a little libation, network with other members, and even take a test ride on an e-bike.


View Photo Gallery

Businesswomen's Committee Main Street Meet Up


The first Main Street Meet Up was held on September 21 from 3 - 7 PM. Despite the unintentional conflict with Gloucester's Back to School Night, we had nearly 60 participants visiting 30 local women-owned businesses along Main Street. The night started out at Shore Nutrition and ended at Oliver's Harbor. By all accounts, it was both a fun and successful night. Thank you to all who participated and a big thank you to our sponsors!


View Photo Gallery

Beauport Financial Services Ribbon Cutting


We recently had the pleasure of participating in the ribbon cutting in honor of the the grand reopening

at Beauport Financial Service. This ribbon cutting marked both the newly renovated office expansion and their team growth.


View Video

36th Annual Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction


Another Love Greater Cape Ann Auction is in the books! Thank you to all who supported our 36th annual auction through sponsorship, donation, bidding or helping with the planning. This is one of the biggest nights of the year for the Chamber and it truly takes dedicated chamber members to help pull it off - we couldn't do it without you!


View Photo Gallery

Member & Community News

Ipswich Special Town Meeting

Monday, October 23 @ 7 PM, Ipswich Middle/High School

Download Draft Warrant

New Bids Available: City of Gloucester: Work and Uniform Clothing for Fire Department and Town of Swampscott Kings Beach SeaWall Replacement


Learn About State Contracts: Are you interested in conducting business with the state? Click here for a crucial monthly update that lists the contracts and their expiration and renewal dates. This information is published and maintained in the OSD (Operational Services Division) eProcurement platform. For questions, please contact William J. Funk at 857-919-1039 or wjfunk18@gmail.com.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month


October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.


The Chamber is partnering with Employers Against Domestic Violence to provide a free training at the Chamber office and over Zoom. Stay tuned for more information and registration details.


Visit the Domestic Violence Awareness Project to learn more and

2025 Sawyer Free Library Breaks Ground


(From Gloucester Daily Time) A $29 million capital project to modernize and expand the Sawyer Free Library on Dale Avenue, a plan that has been in the works for years, officially broke ground on Friday. With speeches, applause, hardhats and ceremonial shovels thrust into a pile of sand, the ceremony for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library was held in a tent in the library’s School Street parking lot where the building’s 14,000-square-foot addition will go at the back of the building. Read More

Sara Collins retires after 35 years at Manchester Public Library


(From Gloucester Daily Times) During an open house and reception hosted Friday afternoon on the front lawn of Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library in honor of her retirement, words of praise came from library trustees, town and state officials, family and friends. Collins served the library for 35 years, the last eight as library director and before 27 years as the head of the children’s library. Read More

The Manchester Essex Rotary Club (MERC) is partnering with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber to offer Chamber members a one time savings of $100 off the first year of Rotary Membership. Full Member cost is normally $235, but if you join by Columbus Day (October 9) then your total would be only $135 for the first year.


Please contact Rotary President Tim Collins (timmyjcollins@gmail.com) or Membership Chair Mike Loring (michaelploring@yahoo.com) if you would like more information.


Click for More Information

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Hey there! I’m Durazno. I am a 2-month-old shepherd mix looking for my forever home. I came to Cape Ann Animal Aid with my six other brothers. I am super playful and love to run around. I give an endless supply of love and kisses. I love my toys and I will love you even more. Do I sound like the perfect match for you? If you think I’d make a good addition to your family, stop by and visit me today. Visit 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.

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

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

Assistant Director of Finance needed at Gloucester Housing Authority

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

Account Manager position is open at Goodnow Insurance

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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