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2024 Small Business Week Call for Nominations!
Nominations Due by April 29.
Since 1981 the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has set aside a special time each year to honor the achievements of small business entrepreneurs and their employees, and to thank them for their contributions to the economic vitality and community life of the Cape Ann region.
This year the Chamber has designated June 3 - 14 as Greater Cape Ann Small Business Weeks. Small Business Persons of the Year for Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport will be selected by committees comprised of past recipients of this annual recognition.
All local nominations are welcomed. Nominees for each community should be associated with established businesses or non-profits that have made significant contributions to the economic vitality and civic life of their community.
To submit nominations, please fill out this google form by Monday, April 29.
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2024 CACF Grant Cycle
April 1 - April 30, 2024
The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) invites 2024 proposals for grants. Applications will be available on Monday, April 1, 2024 and must be submitted by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Grants are awarded from the proceeds made from the Cape Ann License Plate and direct donations from the community. Our grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 for projects that support the Foundation’s mission in the following areas: Regional Promotion, Economic Development, and Training and Education. Learn More
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Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Auction is Now Live
It is time to show your Cape Ann pride and love in style through our exclusive low-number Cape Ann license plate online auction! Only 11 low-number plates remain. Bid for the chance to sport a low-number (or personally selected 3- or 4-digit number!) Cape Ann plate that reflects your love for this great community - all while supporting many local causes close to our hearts.
Visit https://bit.ly/CALP24 to BID NOW hrough Monday, April 15 (Patriot’s Day).
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Join the Fun and Register for
the Second Annual Swing into Spring: A Learn to Play Golf Event for Women
Driving Range and Short Game Golf Instruction (1 hour) plus 3 Holes of Playing Instruction (1 hour)
Two Sessions Available:
Monday, May 6 or Wednesday, May 8
9:30 - 11:30 AM
Sun ' N Air Golf Center
$65 Members | $80 Non-Members
Limited to 12 Golfers per Session
Registration Deadline is Monday, April 22
Download Flyer
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Motif No. 1 Day
Saturday, May 18 | 9 AM - 5 PM
Downtown Rockport
Motif No. 1 Day, a beloved community event long cherished by residents and visitors as a celebration of Rockport's iconic fishing shack, returns for 2024! We invite you to join us on Saturday, May 18 (rain date May 19) for this all-day, family-friendly event in the beautiful coastal community of Rockport.
Sponsor and vendor opportunities are available. Please contact Colleen for more information about participating.
Download Flyer
Download Sponsorship Form
Download Gallery Participation Form (Rockport Galleries Only - Free for Members)
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SAVE THE DATE
2nd Annual Blackburn Brew Fest
Saturday, September 21 | 1 - 5 PM
Stage Fort Park, Gloucester
Join us for Cape Ann's only Brew Fest this September, featuring 30 local breweries, two bands, food trucks, games, and more. (Rain date: Sunday, September 22)
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com for more details.
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Member Spotlight & Solopreneur | |
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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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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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Save the Date: Upcoming Town Meetings
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Annual Town Meeting, Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Memorial School
(Childcare will be available at Town Meeting. Registration link will be posted in April.)
Essex
May 6, 2024: Warrant yet to be posted
Ipswich
Annual Town Meeting, Tuesday, May 14: Ipswich Middle/High School View Updated Draft Warrant
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Sawyer Free Library Named Finalist for 2024 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service
Congratulations to Sawyer Free Library on being named as one of 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Award by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Sawyer Free Library is one of four institutions in Massachusetts to be selected as a finalist for this award.
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For 30 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging the Sawyer Free Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals. Read Full Press Release
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The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact
Thursday, April 18 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council in partnership with the MBTS Public Library has launched the Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring individuals with new knowledge and inspiration to share with the community. The 4th session will feature Chuck Wisner a leadership coach, consultant and the author of The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact. Learn More and Register
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SeniorCare 50th Annual Meals on Wheels Breakfast Fundraiser at The Gloucester House
“A Wicked Good Breakfast for a Wicked Good Cause”
Sponsors are needed for SeniorCare’s 50th anniversary Meals on Wheels Breakfast Fundraiser at The Gloucester House on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 7:00 am to 9:30 am. Information about sponsoring this important community event or purchasing tickets can be found online at www.seniorcareinc.org or call SeniorCare Development Officer Jeanette Nolan at 978-281-1750 x-589. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit SeniorCare’s Meals on Wheels program—providing lunch to more than 600 elders on the North Shore each day.
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Machinist Training Program: Train for a well-paying career as a Machinist for FREE at NSCC.
For the third summer, Gloucester is proud to announce the return of a technical career advancement initiative aimed at empowering its residents with manufacturing skills. With Foundational preparation provided by North Shore Community College, Gloucester High School will then host the adult vocational classes in their machine shop. This comprehensive 300-hour vocational training program in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and manual machining, is poised to equip individuals with essential skills needed in the manufacturing industry, including a NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) CNC Milling Certification. The next free class starts on May 22. Download Press Release | Learn More & Sign Up Today
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Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.
Learn More
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Youth Education and Empowerment, Next Generation Storytellers and Community Engagement Local Impact Grants Available
In 2024, NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants will award $2.5 million to nonprofit organizations in 11 NBC and Telemundo owned television station markets. The grant program will provide unrestricted funds to eligible nonprofits with total expenses between $100,000 and $1,000,000.
The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, NBC and Telemundo owned television stations will fund organizations that are doing work in three specific areas: Youth Education and Empowerment, Next Generation Storytellers and Community Engagement. These grants are general operating grants, and your application will be reviewed based on your overall work and impact in your local community. Applications due by April 19, 2024.
Apply Now | See List of 2023 Recipients
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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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