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March 19 2024

Chamber News & Updates

Upcoming Division Meetings


Rockport Division Meeting: Monday, March 25 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM @ Rockport Townhall Basement Conference Room

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 25th ANNUAL IRISH SWEEPSTAKES TOP PRIZE WINNERS, KEN & HOLLY RIEHL!


And, thank you to all who sold tickets, bought tickets, volunteered, sponsored, and more! We couldn't do it without your help

Business After Hours at The Open Door

Wednesday, March 20 | 5 - 7 PM


Join us and fellow chamber members at The Open Door for our March Business After Hours.


Network over light refreshments, see the NEW Food and Nutrition Center, enter a raffle for The Open Door Swag, and more! Register Today

WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT

Unlocking Creativity and Efficiency: Generative AI for Small Businesses

Tuesday, March 26 | 5:30 - 7 PM


In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, small businesses must prepare for a transformative era powered by artificial intelligence. The upcoming workshop, hosted by 1623 Studios and the Arts & Culture Alliance of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber, aims to introduce the capabilities of generative AI for SMBs, including practical, innovative workflows that can be seamlessly integrated into daily operations. Join us and Erich Archer of 1623 Studios to explore the untapped potential of AI and transform your business practices for the digital age. Learn More - Free Registration Required

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

SAVE THE DATE: April 8 - April 15

The Annual Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Auction


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.

Are you a solopreneur? Check out our Introduction to the Solopreneur blog article which provides a little background of just what a solopreneur is, as compared to a freelancer and an entrepreneur. Do you want to be featured? If you are running your business as a solopreneur (no partners, no employees), please fill out this form to submit your request.

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

Member Spotlight

Meet Lesley Anderson of Search Party Digital Marketing, a search engine optimization consultancy in Rockport


My name is Lesley Anderson and I run Search Party Digital Marketing, a search engine optimization consultancy in Rockport specializing in local and enterprise SEO strategies that blend the creative and the technical to help make site visitors and search engines happy! I’ve been providing SEO strategies to clients for a decade and officially registered Search Party in 2023. I provide the SEO services, and for clients interested in social media management, paid search, or web design, I have a tight-knit expert network that I collaborate with and refer to. Learn More about Search Party Digital Marketing

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.

Member & Community News

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

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.


Download Press Release | Learn More & Sign Up Today

2024 National Small Business Week Awards Winners for Massachusetts


Congratulations Stephanie Vanderbitl of Coastal Windows & Exteriors for being named the Small Business Person of the Year for MASSACHUSETTS! 

  

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, National Small Business Week takes place April 28 - May 4, 2024, and is when SBA officially recognizes their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy. This year’s activities include in-person events and an educational virtual summit on a variety of business topics. For additional National Small Business Week information visit www.sba.gov/NSBW.

Fighting Food Insecurity with Meals on Wheels


Hunger is a very real problem in the United States. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 12.8% of all U.S. households (17 million households) are “food insecure.” Food insecure is defined as uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food to meet the needs of all the members of a household because of insufficient money or other resources for food.


One very successful program for food assistance is the Meals on Wheels home-delivered meals program for home-bound elders. In 2023, SeniorCare delivered Meals on Wheels to 192,000 meals via our Meals on Wheels home-delivered meals program and our community dining rooms. Learn More About Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed

Cape Ann ARTWaves to Present: Why I Create


From 2020 through 2022, co-producers Jacqueline Ganim DeFalco and Kristine Fisher conducted interviews with local artists in a series called Cape Ann ARTWaves. The interviews, kickstarted as a way to keep in touch during the COVID-19 Pandemic, have become a tool to promote the cultural economy and to provide an important historic perspective on the creativity that emerged during the pandemic. The videos, sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank, are now available in the Cape Ann Museum’s video vault.


Join Ganim DeFalco and Fisher along with invited artists to discuss pathways to creativity and the nuances of artist and viewer engagement. Among the panelists will be Shelly Bradbury, sculptor; Nella Lush, painter, Dana Woulfe, Muralist, and Adin Murray, painter. Registration is Required

Photo Contest for the Rockport Rotary Club Calendar Fundraiser


Do you have great photos that showcase the beauty of Rockport? The Rockport Rotary Club will be producing a 2025 photo calendar as a fundraiser this year and is requesting amateur and professional photographers alike to submit their best high-quality photos of Rockport to be entered into our contest. Learn More

TownGreen’s Planning for Reality Webinar Series Heads to Manchester-by-the-Sea to Address Sea Level Rise and Flooding


TownGreen, the Cape Ann non-profit focused on climate awareness education, is heading to Manchester-by-the-Sea to address sea level rise and flooding in the downtown area and nearby Masconomo Park, Reed Park, and Singing Beach. Whether you live in Manchester-by-the-Sea or in another community on Cape Ann, attending a TownGreen Planning for Reality Series webinar provides insight on where climate change is having an impact. Read Full Press Release


Register for Webinar #1: Tuesday, March 19

Register for Webinar #2: Tuesday, April 2

MBTS Cultural Council Presents: D McCullough III, CEO of American Exchange Project

Thursday, March 21 | 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 are excited to host a distinguished speakers lecture series this winter and spring. For our 3rd session we will be hosting David McCullough, CEO of the American Exchange Project. Free but Registration is Required


Rockport Exchange is now accepting applications for the 2024 Farmers Market Season!


The 2024 Rockport Farmers Market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Harvey Park at the intersection of Broadway and Mt. Pleasant Street. The market season will run from June 15 through October 12, 2024. They look forward to welcoming back their returning farm and food vendors and are hoping to see some new vendors as well! Also for every market day they are accepting one craft vendor with a food-related product! They are also looking for musicians! Click here for the 2024 application.

Please contact rockportexchange01966@gmail.com if you have any questions -

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.

BONS 2024 is Now Open through May 1.


Businesses may also self-nominate themselves to be eligible for voting in the categories of Dine, Drink, Live, Play, Renew, and Shop.

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


The story of a lovely lady. A chilly night in Houston, this girl wandered onto a kind someone’s porch. Unsure of what to do, they did what any kind-hearted person would, they gave her some heavy blankets and a safe place to be for the night. In the morning, puppies had arrived. They immediately reached out to a local rescue and got mom and the whole Brady Bunch into foster. Greg, Bobby, Marsha, Jan and Cindy have all found their forever homes and now it’s Momma Carol’s turn. This loving girl is truly what dreams are made of. She’s lived with and does well with other dogs, though she’s not particularly fond of puppies (understandably so) and really enjoys people (though we’re unsure of any history with children). She’s still learning how to walk on a leash but her progress is wonderful. It may take her a bit to get comfortable again in a new environment but the staff here as well as her Texas foster can attest to her loving and snuggly behavior — the foster mentioned how much she likes to get under the covers to cuddle.


Does Momma Carol sound like the lovely lady you’ve been waiting for? Fill out an application to get a meeting scheduled. To submit an application for Carol, go to capeannanimalaid.org/adopt.

Shop Our Members


Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.

Learn More

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

Business Resources

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


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

Job Listings

Happy Valley is seeking an Assistant Warehouse Manager

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute has two openings: Executive Administrative Assistant, Research and an Events and Fundraising Intern.

Spaulding Outpatient Opportunities: Spaulding Gloucester - Full Time Physical Therapist; Spaulding North Shore Patient Service Rep - SNS Float; and Spaulding Lynn - Full time Physical Therapist

Pathways for Children is in need of an Early Childhood Education Teacher Apprentice

Welcome Center Assistant needed at Rockport Art Association & Museum

SeniorCare has a wide variety of openings.

Full Time Care Manager, Part Time Care Manager, Nutrition Director, Clinical Assessment and Eligibility RN, Caregiver Support Specialist


Soundings Sponsors

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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