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AI WORKSHOP IS TONIGHT!
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 LIMITED SEATING REMAINS
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32nd Annual Rockport Community Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30 | 2 PM Sharp
Bring the kids to Millbrook Meadows for the annual Rockport Community Easter Egg Hunt and photo opp with the Easter Bunny. Donations are still being accepted and always greatly appreciated. Small prizes may be dropped off at the Rockport branch of the Institution for Savings or at the Chamber office. Financial gifts are also welcomed (to offset costs of the prizes) and may be made online or at the Chamber office. Please contact Michelle for details.
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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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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.
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Publication Advertising - Time is Running Out
2024 Greater Cape Ann Map Advertising is Sold Out. Opportunities are still available in the 2024 Guide & Directory.
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 is distributed throughout all communities, as well as placed in prime travel locations in Boston, New England, and New York. This year-long publication provides 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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Meet Amy L. Connors, Real Estate Lawyer at Gilmore & Gilmore, LLC
Amy Connors has been a real estate lawyer for almost 19 years! She just opened an office at 189 Main St., Gloucester— in the amazing Wheelhouse Collaborative space. She is with the firm Gilmore & Gilmore, LLC, who also have locations in Newburyport, Danvers, and Boston. The firm has been in existence for over fifty years. They help with real estate matters, estate planning, and litigation but can also help point you in the direction of another trusted lawyer if you need a referral. Learn More about Amy Connors of Glimore & Gilmore
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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
Rockport
Annual Town Meeting, Saturday, April 6th: Rockport Middle/High School Gymnasium
MBTA Zoning will NOT be discussed at this meeting
Special Town Meeting, Monday, April 8th: Rockport Middle/High School Gymnasium
**This meeting is for the MBTA & Zoning Articles Only**
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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Gloucester Stage Company Proudly Announces 45th Anniversary Season of Theater with Diverse, Empowering Stories and Artists
Gloucester Stage Company is excited to announce the upcoming season, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 45th year of bringing exceptional theater to audiences in Gloucester and beyond. With a legacy of producing innovative and thought-provoking performances, the 2024 season promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, talent, and the enduring power of theater. From a laugh out loud comedy to poignant world and regional premieres, this season presents a dynamic lineup of plays with a diverse representation in both the storytellers and the stories on stage that will entertain, inspire, and engage audiences of all backgrounds.Read Full Press Release
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Two community organizations receive $275K in ARPA funds
(From Gloucester Daily Times) Action Inc. and the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute are among the latest community organizations to get support from COVID Local Fiscal Recovery Funds by way of the $23 million the city received under the American Rescue Plan Act’s local funding provisions. Combined, both nonprofits are receiving $275,000 — $175,000 for Action Inc. and $100,000 for GMGI — in ARPA funds to help further their missions. Read Full Article
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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. Next free class starts on May 22. Download Press Release | Learn More & Sign Up Today
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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
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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. Entries must be received by April 30, 2024. 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
Vlad here! I am an 8-year-old ready to charm my way into your life. It may take me some time to warm up to you but once I do I like to nudge my head on you to say hello and will seek out all the attention I desire. Playing is a favorite past time, I especially love the wand toys with the long string attached to them. Vlad is in a foster home and available to meet by appointment only, but is part of Cape Ann Animal Aid’s foster-to-adopt program which is a 2-week trial to take him home and see if he’s the right fit for you before deciding to adopt! He is also part of the shelter’s extended stay program, so his adoption fee has been waived. Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about Vlad and other animals waiting for homes at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester.
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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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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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