August 2, 2022

Newsletter Update: The split of our newsletter into separate Business and Events updates has been well received.  As we continue to refine these pieces we will be making a slight schedule change: SOUNDINGS BUSINESS will now be sent first, early in the week and SOUNDINGS EVENTS will be issued mid-week.

This August celebrates National Wellness Month. This month focuses on self-care, stress management, and creating healthy routines. If you are looking for an excuse to make a change, start this month in support of National Wellness Month.

Visit www.wellnessmonth.com for a calendar of daily challenges for small ways you can choose to be well each day. Take a #Wellfie! Proclaim “I choose wellness” with a photo and post on social media. 

This is the perfect time for Chamber Members involved in the wellness industry to get involved with the Chamber's  Health & Wellness Committee.

CEO & President Update

August brings us into peak visitor and summertime fun season! A quick look back at July – whew it was HOT and DRY – a BIG month for our visitors and locals to enjoy all that the region has to offer with amazing beaches, exciting activities of all types, a wide variety of delicious dining and fun shopping options, and delightful places to stay. Greater Cape Ann’s vibrant business community plays an important role in what makes this area a special place to live, work and play. Together we have it all and are making great things happen.

Read Full Report

Tourism Council Update

Summer visitors are a major focus of the Greater Cape Ann tourism community, but just as important are plans for the months – and the year – ahead. This focus on the future was the main topic of discussion at the July meeting of our Tourism Council, as we welcomed representatives from the Gloucester 400 initiative to join us and provide some insight into what’s store for the city’s big 2023 celebration.

Read Full Report

Government Affairs Council Monthly Report

At our July meeting, the Council learned that the Beverly City Council has approved National Grid’s project to replace a key transmission line serving Cape Ann. Updates also included   information from Secretaries Kennealy and Acosta, and community information (including development projects, grants, affordable housing) from Council members and Community Relations Director Olivia Perez-O'Dess.

Read Full Report

Love Greater Cape Ann Podcast

CEO Ken Riehl and President Caitlin Pszenny are joined by NEXTGEN Young Professional committee members, Charlie Powers and Chris Griffith, to talk about the Blackburn Brewfest, a new event being planned to celebrate the Chamber's 100th anniversary - anniversary – see more information below as part of the NextGen update, and view the podcast here.

The NEXTGEN Young Professionals Committee announced that tickets sales are now live for the Blackburn Brewfest on Saturday, September 17, from 1 to 5 pm.

Experience one of the best views on Cape Ann with a cold beer in your hand this September. Located next to the beach on the historic Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, sample hundreds of beers, ciders, and meads brewed by close to 40 Commonwealth breweries.

Presented by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and NEXTGEN Young Professionals to celebrate the Chamber's 100th Anniversary year, benefiting the Cape Ann Community Foundation.

Interested in Sponsoring? Download sponsorship form or contact Olivia at [email protected] or 978-283-1601.

Your Business can be Featured in the Greater Cape Ann Highlights Video Series

We recently finished filming the 2nd episode of Greater Cape Ann Highlights and are now on to filming the next episode. If you haven't seen the first episode, watch it now. Like what you see? Email Olivia to express interest in being featured in a future episode. This opportunity to promote your business is open to all GCACC members and is at no cost to you.

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

The 63rd annual Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar is scheduled to take place this weekend, Thursday through Saturday, August 4th to 6th on Main Street in downtown Gloucester.

This year’s event features over 55 participating merchants, vendors and non-profits. The Sidewalk Bazaar is the largest Gloucester marketplace event of the year, known for days of bargains, music, food, and discounts, along with new and exciting merchandise by a variety of merchants and vendors alike. 

Read more

The Gloucester Clinic of the Veterans Health Administration invite all veterans to attend their Veteran's Resource Fair & Open House on Saturday August 6 from 10 AM to 2 PM at 199 Main St.  Please stop by and learn about the resources they have earned with their service and tour the clinic. Eligible Veterans will have the opportunity to enroll in VA health care on site and get their VA identification cards. Pre-register using this ticket link to avoid the lines on site.

ONE STOP SHOP: Come learn about VA programs & services, and other non-VA support organizations. 

The Open House will feature:

• VA healthcare enrollment
• Caregiver support
• Audiology
• Whole Health
• Clinic tours
• Advanced Care Directives
• Women’s health
• Million Veteran Program
• Peer support
• Mass. Treasurer’s Welcome Home Bonus Division
• VA dental info
• Telehealth/Connected Care, and more....

The Massachusetts Farmer’s Market Coupon Program, hosted by SeniorCare Inc. and the Manchester Council on Aging, is designed to give older adults the opportunity to eat more locally grown fresh vegetables and fruits, enjoy the health benefits and support local farmers. This year instead of issuing Farmers Market Coupons, bags of fresh produce from local farms will be distributed. Eligible seniors will receive two fresh produce bags on August 10 and 31. Participation is limited and based on a first-come, first-served basis, per person. To register or for more information, contact the COS office at Town Hall.

Congratulations to Chamber Members who were Selected as 2022 BONS Winners

Editor's Choice (EC); Reader's Choice (RC)

DINE:

• BBQ: American Barbeque, Rowley (RC)
• Clam Chowder: Village Restaurant, Essex (EC); Woodman's of Essex (RC)
• Fish & Chips: Turners's Seafood, Gloucester (EC); Village Restaurant, Essex (RC)
• Fried Clams: Woodman's of Essex (RC)
• Gluten Free: Woodman's of Essex Fried Clams (RC)
• Ice Cream: Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe, Peabody (EC); The Whoo(pie) Wagon, Topsfield (RC)
• Lobster Roll: Woodman's of Essex (RC)
• Mediterranean: Yella, Gloucester (EC tie)
• Water View: 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Gloucester (EC)

DRINK

• Beer Menu: True North Ale Company, Ipswich (RC)
• Hotel Bar: Beauport Hotel, Gloucester (RC)

PLAY

• Art Gallery: Montserrat Galleries (EC)
• Beach: Crane Beach, Ipswich (EC); Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester (RC)
• Bed & Breakfast: Inn at Castle Hill, Ipswich (EC); Addison Choate, Rockport (RC)
• Date Night: Rockport Music, Shalin Liu Performance Center (EC); Peabody Essex Museum, Salem (RC)
• Hotel: Beauport Hotel, Gloucester (EC & RC)
• Kids Program: Peabody Essex Museum, Salem (EC)
• Live Music: Rockport Music, Shalin Liu Performance Center (EC); Cabot Performing Arts Center, Beverly (RC)
• Marina: Cape Ann's Marina Resort, Gloucester (EC & RC)
• Museum: Peabody Essex Museum, Salem (EC & RC)
• Nature Trails: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Ipswic (EC)
• Staycation: Beauport Hotel, Gloucester (RC)
• Tourist Attraction: The Crane Estate, Ipswich (EC)
• Water Sports: Cape Ann SUP, Gloucester (EC & RC)

SHOP

• Accessories: Betsy Frost Design, Ipswich (EC)
• Shoes, Men: Mark Adrian Shoes, Gloucester, MA (EC & RC)
• Shoes, Women: Mark Adrian Shoes, Gloucester, MA (RC)

LIVE

• Clambake: Woodman's of Essex (RC)
• Cooking Class: Appleton Farms, Ipswich (EC)
• CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): Appleton Farms, Ipswich (EC & RC) 
• Seafood Market: Turner's Seafood, Gloucester (RC)

CAPE ANN LOCATIONS IN "TOP 10 INSTAGRAMMABLE LOCATIONS"

• #3: Halibut Point, Rockport
• #4: Hammond Castle, Gloucester
• #6: Beauport Hotel, Gloucester
• #9: Motif #1, Rockport

Hefring Engineering is seeking a part-time Office Administrator

Two open positions at Pathways for Children: Bus Driver and Bus Monitor 

Continuing Hot Deals

• Vrtical Media: Book a Virtual Tour, get One Hour of Free Post-Production ($100 Value) 
• Mortgage Network, Inc.: Ray D'Amico is offering a $500 closing cost credit. 

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 

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]