Monthly Edition - January 2, 2024

CEO's January Update

Greetings and Happy New Year!

First, I would like to take the opportunity to briefly reflect on 2023 as I have learned much from you in my first year as CEO at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Meeting with you, listening to you, participating in initiatives alongside you, and attending the many wonderful community events made this first year an amazing journey and repeatedly reinforced my belief that we live and work in an extraordinary place with an exceptional community. Read Full Update

Tourism Council Update

A Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Greater Cape Ann Tourism

The holiday season has long been an eventful time for Cape Ann’s tourism community, and in recent years, we have seen an increasing number of activities during November and December. The Greater Cape Ann Chamber Tourism Council used its December 15 meeting to review the calendar of holiday events in 2023 – those that took place early in the season and those coming up in the weeks ahead – and their impact on our visitor-based economy. Read Full Report

Community Relations January 2024 Update from Colleen Murdock

With a busy holiday season behind us and my first full month as the new Director of Community Relations here at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, I’m pleased to begin to offer you monthly updates. The past month has been a whirlwind with all our holiday events and gatherings, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet several of you and look forward to meeting others and working together as we venture into a new year. Read Full Update

$100 Limited Time Introductory Offer for Individual Artists, Musicians & Creatives

Our local arts, culture, and creative communities are central to the health, well-being, vibrancy, and economy of greater Cape Ann. To support the creative sector and encourage greater inclusion, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is offering a discounted membership rate for Individual Artists, Musicians, and Creatives who join from now through December 31, 2024!

Did You Know that as a Chamber Member, You Can Post Your Deals and Special Promotions to Our Website?

Simply, Login to the Member Information Center using your Member ID and password, and Click “Shop Our Members” under Shortcuts in the left column. Then click on the blue “Add Shop Our Member” button. After you fill in your information, click the “Submit for Approval” button at the bottom. Click here to see what a sample Promotion Looks like!

Help Us Welcome 2024 Board President Karen Ristuben,

and Thank 2023 Board President Loran Caputo

Annual Celebration Scheduled for Friday, January 26

Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport | 5 - 9 PM

Tickets Now on Sale

You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating 2024 Board President Karen Ristuben, Essex County Community Foundation & 2023 Board President Loran Caputo, Cape Ann Motor Inn

Join us as we welcome our incoming 2024 President and Board of Directors as the 2024 theme of Creativity, Culture & Commerce: Stronger Together is introduced. Our goal this year is to inspire new synergies between greater Cape Ann's arts, culture, and business communities.

This unique Annual Celebration represents the visual and performing arts - music, painting, drama, poetry, and dance - from all our five communities. 

Visit our website to learn more about the live performance and to purchase tickets.

Ticket Options

$100 per person for Program, Reception & Live Performances

$45 per Adult for Live Performances only

$20 per Youth (under 18) for Live Performances only

Download Invitation

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO FORMAL SIT DOWN DINNER. HEAVY APPETIZERS WILL BE SERVED.

We thank all those who took time out of their busy holiday schedules to help us celebrate in each of our communities. Also, we thank Bravo-by-the-Sea, Whale's Jaw Cafe, Woodman's of Essex, and Ipswich Ale Brewery for generously offering to host the parties.

Chamber Open House | Thursday, December 14

Call for District 6 2024 DECA Judges

Endicott College is seeking judges for the DECA Competition on Thursday, January 11 from 7:30 AM to 1 PM. DECA alumni who are home from college break are welcome to participate as judges. No experience is needed. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided. Papers must be read and scores submitted by January 4, so time is running out.

Visit https://forms.gle/gQsWaSPJgAsUQN4S6 to sign up today.

Gloucester rings in 401st year with inauguration of city leaders

(From Gloucester Daily Times) About 275 people, newly elected officials plus Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll attended the city’s inaugural in the Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall on New Year’s Day, applauding the city’s 60th mayor, Greg Verga, as he was sworn in for his second term. Residents also applauded members of the School Committee-elect and City Council-elect as they were sworn in to serve during the 2024-2025 term in the nation’s oldest fishing port at the start of its 401st year. Read Full Article

Art Works to provide hope for caregivers of those struggling with addiction.

(From Gloucester Daily Times) For those on Cape Ann caring for a loved one struggling with addiction, a new program called Art Works kicks off in the New Year. Art Works is a community-building, art-focused opportunity for parents and caregivers of those struggling with addiction issues who may feel isolated or burdened. The workshop aims to provide attendees a space in which they can be relaxed and inspired while enjoying the company of others and being creative.

Art Works will be held at the following locations throughout 2024: Rockport Art Association & Museum (Q1), Rocky Neck Art Colony (Q2), Cape Ann Museum (Q3), and CORE Recovery Center (Q4).. Spots should be reserved by emailing emailing artworkscapeann@gmail.com.

Visit the Cape Ann Chamber Community Calendar to See Listings of Dates & Times

Cape Ann Animal Aid Adoptable Pets

View Available Dogs

View Available Cats

Resolution Alternatives for the New Year

Whether you're into resolutions or not, the end of the year/beginning of a new one is a time ripe with possibility. If you want to grow your business and succeed you need a goal/destination and a road map of how you'll get there. Some people do this by setting resolutions - but that term is associated with excuses and lackluster performance. So, we have some alternatives to setting resolutions that you may find more successful and empowering. Some alternatives to the standard resolutions are "Word of the Year", "Monthly (or quarterly) Goals," and "Mini Networking Resolutions." To learn more, read the full article by Christina Metcalf.

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 is seeking an EEC Toddler Teacher and a Transportation Assistant Manager

A Research Associate – Fisheries Molecular Biology/Genomics is needed at GMGI.

Do You have a Special Deal or Promotion to Share?



Posting a Shop Our Members 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 Julie 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 Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com