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Upcoming Division Meetings
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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President's & CEO Monthly Update
As we Spring forward, there is much in bloom at the Chamber!
We are actively addressing labor challenges in the region and collaborating with community partners for solutions. On March 7th we are pleased to host our Economic Outlook Breakfast at Cake Ann with Secretary of Labor Lauren Jones as our keynote speaker. Also on March 7th, we continue to focus on workforce development and education at our Annual Greater Cape Ann Career and Educational Advancement Fair at Gloucester High School. This year the event will host over 80 colleges and universities and 40 businesses as we focus on careers, internships, and expanding educational opportunities. Read Full Report
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Tourism Council Monthly Report
The February 16 meeting of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council spotlighted what members of the region’s visitor-based economy have known for quite some time: our tourism scene is constantly evolving and growing, with new and exciting additions.
All that Cape Ann is famous for – including our beaches, waterfront activities, restaurants, artists, downtown shops, unique accommodations, and museums – are still a vibrant part of tourism here. But there is so much more, and at our February meeting, the Council got a glimpse of what’s new and what’s ahead.
Read Full Report with Special Guests The Open Door and The Cut.
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March Community Relations Update
February has been a busy month around Greater Cape Ann. We had our first 2 quarterly Division Meetings in Essex and Ipswich. These included businesses as well as local town officials and provided a great opportunity to engage and collaborate; thank you to all who participated! Save the dates for Manchester’s on March 14th and Rockport’s on March 25th. We also hosted listening sessions in Gloucester, Manchester, Rockport, and Ipswich. These “Coffee Sessions” are a chance to meet informally so I can get to know you and your businesses and how we can best work together. Read the Full Report
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Publication Advertising - Time is Running Out
Don't miss out on your chance to be in the hands of thousands of visitors this year. The 2024/2025 Greater Cape Ann Guide & Directory, Greater Cape Ann Map, and Rockport Visitors Map are distributed throughout all communities, as well as placed in prime travel locations in Boston, New England, and New York. These year-long publications provide continuous exposure for your business from May through the following April. To learn more about publication advertising opportunities, please reach out to Julie Carver or Sam Bevins as soon as possible. Download 2024 Media Kit
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Do You Want Your Business Featured in a Chamber Member Spotlight?
Starting next month, we are resurrecting the Chamber Member Spotlights on our website blog and in our Soundings Business newsletters. These spotlight opportunities are open to all members, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to be considered, please let us know by filling in the Member Spotlight Request Form. Once we receive your request form and confirm that you are a member in good standing, we will send you a profile questionnaire.
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Please join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber on Thursday, March 7 at Cake Ann for our annual Economic Outlook Breakfast featuring guest speaker, Secretary Lauren E. Jones, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Secretary Jones will discuss the State Workforce Plan, programs, and initiatives to help develop, attract, and retain talent, (i.e. registered apprenticeship, WCTF grants), and look ahead into FY’25.
Limited Seating Remains - Register Today to Reserve Your Spot
Download Flyer
Presenting Sponsor: National Grid
Gold Sponsors: Applied Materials, Beauport Financial Services, Cape Ann Savings Bank
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SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Auction
April 8 - April 15
Only 11 low-number plates (under 100) remain... don't miss out on what could be your last chance to grab one of these coveted low-number plates. Last year, 11 license plates were sold so there is a possibility that all remaining low number plates will sell this year.
Visit onecau.se/calp to pre-register and see the list of available low-number plates and the starting bids.
All proceeds of the auction help bolster the Cape Ann Community Foundation's funding for their annual grant cycle. Grants are awarded to local organizations that help make Cape Ann the wonderful place it is to live and play. Visit lovecapeann.com to learn more.
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Solopreneur Member Profile | |
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Joanne Hurd, J.S.HURD DESIGN, is this week's featured Solopreneur
"I design and produce my own brand of handmade tapestries & rugs in Tibetan Wool and Silk. After creating the designs and the artwork, my Nepalese partners then hand-knot each piece to bring it to life. As a seasoned interior designer passionate about the artistry of room design, I work with clients either to select an already perfect piece from my collections OR to customize a design – in size, pattern, and colorway – to best fit their personal style and surrounding décor." Read More
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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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Tarr Takes Steps for Senior Tax Relief
Major Steps Include Hosting Seminars on Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and Adoption of Successful Amendment Increasing the Amount of Work-Off Program
These sessions are taking place at local Councils on Aging across the region on Wednesday, March 6th and Thursday, March 7th in the following communities: Boxford, Georgetown, Gloucester, Ipswich, North Reading, and West Newbury. Read Full Details and See the Schedule
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Ipswich Local News featured in Boston Globe
John & Kristen Muldoon, founders of the Ipswich Local News, were recently profiled in The Boston Globe. The article entitled "A startup newspaper is big news in Ipswich:
In an online world, a hyperlocal startup finds an audience," provides an inside look at how the weekly printed newspaper came into being. Read the Full Article
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Walsh Oil Company Seeks Home for Ship Model
(From Gloucester Daily Times) The Favaloros, of Gloucester’s Walsh Oil Co., have been providing safe harbor for a ship model that has “run aground” in the local business office. They are looking to find the model, built by the late Thomas Linsky, a good home. The model is of the famous Boston clipper ship Sovereign of the Seas, built in 1852 The model is about 4 1/2 feet long and 3 1/2 feet tall. The hull is covered with about 2,000 tiny, rectangular copper plates. The miniature row boats sport oars about the size of toothpicks, and the many barrels are the size of thimbles. All varnished wood is cherry. The accompanying model ship builder’s notes indicate that it is very unusual to see a model with open hatches and cargo seen below deck. Learn More
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Volunteer at the 14th Annual Credit for Life Fair on May 23!
The Institution for Savings invites area professionals to volunteer at the 14th Annual Credit for Life Fair on Thursday, May 23rd from 9:15 am -12:30 pm. IFS is excited to host at a new location this year, Salem State University’s O’Keefe Center, to accommodate the success and growth of the fair. This annual event hosts 1,000+ high school juniors from across the North Shore as they assume the roles of 25-year-old adults and ‘spend’ their monthly ‘salaries’ on everything they need.
Volunteers staff booths as part of the student's journey to manage everything from housing, furniture, and utilities to lifestyle, transportation, wellness, and more. IFS will provide everything you need, including orientations ahead of the event. Check out this video for a glimpse into this fun, interactive experience that helps teach students real-life skills that will benefit them for a lifetime – before they leave high school! A common phrase heard from volunteers after this event is, “we wish we learned this when we were their age!” Email Mary Anne Clancy at mclancy@ifs.bank to sign up.
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Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week
Hi, I’m Nacho, a member of the Extended Stay Club at Cape Animal Aid’s Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter. I’m a 4-year-old neutered hound mix who knows “sit,” “paw,” and “down.” I’m looking for an experienced dog owner who understands that despite being largely laid back, I expect humans to respect my space. If you too enjoy avoiding strangers on walks, a simple game of fetch, and sharing snacks, I might just be your guy. As a club member, my adoption includes a 3-month supply of heartworm and flea/tick prevention, a consult with our behavior associate to help ensure success in my new home and a reduced adoption fee. If you think I’d make a good addition to your family, please fill out an online application today.
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Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.
Learn More
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Better than Valentine's for everyday in your relationship. Your relationship deserves focused attention to make it the best it can possibly be! Learn More | |
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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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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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