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President's & CEO Monthly Update
We hope you are enjoying the 2024 Summer season as much as we are. It is fair to say, July was nothing short of spectacular. The July calendar was impressive, filled with fireworks displays, local musicians and street performers, shopping at one of our countless and unique shops, dining on fresh local cuisine, or simply enjoying one of our favorite pristine beaches! Graduating high school seniors from the American Exchange Project, who recently visited our region summed up greater Cape Ann best, stating: “It is so beautiful here. This has been an amazing and special place to visit, and you can feel the sense of community everywhere you go.” We could not agree more. Read Full Update
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Tourism Council Monthly Report: Celebrating Summer Successes and Addressing Business Challenges
It’s a surprise to no one that summer is the busiest season for tourism on greater Cape Ann, and 2024 is no exception. But each year is different, with new opportunities and new challenges, and these were the topics we discussed at the July meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council.
The pleasant weather this summer and spring has been a major factor in attracting visitors
to greater Cape Ann this year – to our beaches, to events around the region, to museums and art galleries, and to the shops and services that cater to tourists. Read Full Report
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July Community Relations Update
A sizzling summer it has been! As we enter the final stretch of summer getting in all the beach and vacation activities we can before schools resume and the leaves start to fall from the trees, the city and towns have been looking ahead at various initiatives and projects throughout Greater Cape Ann. Summer is also a busy time of year at the state level, where lawmakers have been working to finalize the fiscal budget. These decisions can have a significant impact on all our communities with the potential for considerable funding to be directed to each of the municipalities. The most notable being the Housing Bond Bill; currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting her anticipated signature. Read the Full Report
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Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays featuring Wangari Fahari Trio
Tonight at the Ipswich Riverwalk
6 - 8 PM
Grab some take-out dinner from your favorite local restaurant and join us at the Take-Out Terrace for contemporary acoustic African music from Wangari Fahari Trio.
Limited seating is available so feel free to BYOC (bring your own chair!)
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Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays
Tuesdays in Ipswich have been hopping since July 2! The weather has been hot & humid and the crowds have been great. Ipswich Cable Access Media has been posting videos of perfomances on YouTube.
Click here to view the Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays Videos
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Gloucester Main Street Block Party
The weather forecast was not promising initially but it ended up being a stellar night on Main Street for the first 2024 Block Party on July 13th! We had max capacity for the vendor booths. The street was packed with families enjoying shopping, music, street performers, food and more.
View Photo Album
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Summer Sips Multi-Chamber Business After Hours
The Chamber collaborated with Project Adventure and the Beverly Chamber of Commerce for a fun night of networking featuring libations from Bubble Bar Boston and charcuterie from Board for Days, View Photo Album
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Next Gen Young Professionals Sunset Sail
Over 40 of the Next Gen Young Professionals group embarked on an an evening sail aboard Schooner Thomas E. Lannon for a cruise around Gloucester Harbor to mingle and view the magnificent sunset.
Join the Next Gen Email List
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Businesswomen's Summer Mixer at Boo-Bird
Our Greater Cape Ann Chamber's businesswomen met up for their annual summer mixer on July 31 at Boo-Bird in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Each attendee wrote down three things others may not know about them and then had to discover the person who matched the card. A lot was learned in this fun networking exercise!
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July Ribbon Cuttings
Cape Ann Olive Oil celebrated new ownership
Ocean Breeze Cultivators celebrated the grand opening of their dispensary
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August Featured Advertiser | | |
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Cape Ann Compass
Meet Marcy Plante, Certified Life / Health / Wellness Coach and founder of Cape Ann Compass. Marcy's mission is to help you see that you can achieve anything you set your mind to and live the best life possible, no matter what your circumstances might be. Cape Ann Compass will help you create better habits, motivate you, challenge your beliefs and reset your compass… Finding your TRUE NORTH & SELF WORTH, while holding you accountable. Full Member Spotlight
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Do You Want Your Business Featured in a Chamber Member Spotlight?
If you would like to be considered, please let us know by filling in the Member Spotlight Request Form. These spotlight opportunities are open to all members, on a first-come, first-served basis. 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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Special New Member Advertising Section | |
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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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Congratulations to our members and area attractions named
BONS 2024 Winners! | |
Motif No. 1 in Rockport and Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester were voted the "Most Instagrammable" spots on the North Shore! | |
Margaret Noonan Driscoll appointed as a Trustee of the Cape Ann Savings Bank
Cape Ann Savings Bank announces the appointment of Margaret ‘Muffin’ Noonan Driscoll as a Trustee of the Cape Ann Savings Bank. The appointment was made by unanimous vote at the July 24, 2024, quarterly meeting of the Cape Ann Savings Bank Board of Trustees.
Marianne Smith President of Cape Ann Savings Bank states, “Margaret ‘Muffin’ Driscoll has many of the characteristics that we look for in a Trustee. She is deeply dedicated to the Manchester Community as exhibited by amongst other things, her years of service on the Manchester Affordable Trust and the Manchester Board of Selectman. She is a lifelong resident and worked in the community for many years, and as an added bonus, she has past banking experience. Muffin grew up with long standing roots in Manchester-by-the-Sea and holds true to the cornerstones set forth by her family of hard work, public service, and generosity.”
Read Full Press Release
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Hammond Castle Museum Expands Leadership Team with Appointments in Development and Special Events
Hammond Castle Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan d. Garvey as Director of Development and Grace Giambanco-Numerosi as Director of Special Events. These newly created director-level roles are a testament to the Museum's ongoing expansion and revitalization efforts. Both of these talented professionals bring a wealth of experience, success, and connections, which will help the Museum meet its strategic goals to fulfill the critical restoration needs in the coming years, underscoring our commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and strengthening community engagement. Read Full Press Release
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Cape Ann Museum 150th Renovation
Building on the generous support of the Museum’s Board, donors, and supporters, the Cape Ann Museum has generated over $18 million in commitments to the CAM-150 Campaign, marking the 150th Anniversary of the Museum’s founding in 1875. This significant support will fund renovations to the Downtown facility, provide upgrades to the CAM Green campus, enhance programming, and augment the Museum’s endowment. To accommodate the renovations while the Downtown campus is closed from October 7, 2024, through Spring 2026, the Museum will pivot operations to the CAM Green campus starting on October 11, 2024. These activities will commence with the opening of a new exhibition at the Janet & William Ellery James Center dedicated to the work of artist and teacher, Umberto Romano. Learn More
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CATA Introduces New Busline to Essex
(From Gloucester Daily Times) The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) recently introduced a new bus line to Essex, which will connect with other buses in Gloucester. The West Gloucester route was extended to Essex last month and now provides service on Route 133 over the Essex River Causeway, to the Essex Housing Authority on Chebacco Terrace and the area near Shepard Memorial Park off Martin Street. The West Gloucester route will run every two hours, Monday through Friday, according to CATA website. Buses will leave Essex starting at 7:50 a.m. Read Full Article
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Where are job seekers searching for jobs?
According to HireClix 2024 Candidate Experience Survey it's quite the mix.
Understanding how candidates find and engage with opportunities is crucial in today's evolving job market. Our recent data reveals the top resources used for company research:
- Indeed leads the pack at 58%
- LinkedIn comes in strong at 48%
- Google searches account for 39%
- ZipRecruiter at 31%
- Corporate career sites at 29%
- Facebook rounds out the list at 21%
What does this mean for your recruitment strategy? A multi-platform approach is key. To attract top talent, ensure your employer brand shines consistently across these channels. This mix demonstrates the importance of consistent messaging across platforms to reinforce a company’s employer brand. Learn More
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Massachusetts is expected to reopen two tradesperson contracts between late summer and early fall 2024 The contracts are: | |
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TRD02 - Repair and Maintenance for:
• Asphalt Paving;
• Carpentry;
• Excavation;
• Masonry;
• Septic Services.
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TRD04 - Installation, Repair, and Maintenance for:
• Pump & Motor Services;
• Compressor Services;
• Roofing Services;
• Kitchen Exhaust Services;
• Decontamination Services;
• Cleaning & Janitorial Services;
• Building Component Cleaning Services;
• Building Site Clean Up & Biohazardeous Site Cleaning.
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Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week
Tony T-Bone, a 2-year-old domestic shorthair mix, is an incredibly sweet and handsome feline looking for his forever home. He thrives in a calm environment where his adopter understands the importance of giving him the time and space he needs to feel comfortable. With patience and love Tony will undoubtedly become a cherished companion. Tony has really come out of his shell here at the shelter over time. Consider opening your heart to this gentle soul and watch him blossom. If you think he sounds like a good fit for your home, please fill out an application. Tony is part of our Extended Stay Program and his adoption fee has been waived to help him find a home soon! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about Tony T-Bone and all the other animals waiting for homes
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Bring Your American Dream Home To Life with Coastal Windows & Exteriors!
50% off installation AND no interest financing for 12 Months*
Learn More
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Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.
Learn More
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Virtually Eliminate Credit Card Fees with i3 Commerce Technology
Learn More
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Do you have a special offer or hot deal to offer to your fellow chamber members?
if so, you can post this to our website via the Member Portal. These special deals will automatically post to the Chamber Facebook, and will be featured here in Business Soundings.
Contact Becca for more details.
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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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