CEO and President Update

April was windy and wet, as usual, but the weather also brought a fantastic opportunity for our region. The Chamber has been working with all Cape Ann communities on their recently received recent Local Rapid Recovery Program (LRRP) grants. The Chamber was also awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business, called Cape Ann Comeback which will provide additional pandemic relief for Cape Ann businesses hardest hit by the pandemic.

Cape Ann Awarded Regional Pilot Project Grant to Benefit Small Businesses

Cape Ann has been selected for an exciting and innovative Regional Pilot Grant designed to support local businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic and help them make a strong recovery. The state grant was awarded to the Cape Ann Chamber, in partnership with the Cape Ann communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex, to carry out the Cape Ann Comeback program. 

Watch as the Chamber CEO Ken Riehl, Chamber Board President Susan Gould-Coviello, and Cape Ann Comeback Project Manager Anne Williams review the busy month of April and look ahead at the events, celebrations, and exciting updates May brings.

At the Council’s most recent meeting, The Chamber's CEO gave an update on reopening progress, reporting that many area businesses are having a hard time finding employees. After some discussion, it was recommended that Chamber staff follow up with legislators on a range of unemployment-related policy issues. Essex’s special events permitting policy, CATA "On Demand" and other topics were also discussed and reviewed by the council.

Friday, May 7 | 9 AM

*This months event has been rescheduled to

Friday, May 7.

Endicott Entrepreneurial Training Seminar Series | The Secret to Memorable and Moving Marketing | May 12

Interested in sponsoring the Series? Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Golf Tournament

Monday, May 24, 2021

Although player spots have filled up quickly for this year’s tournament, there are still opportunities to support this important initiative as a sponsor or volunteer. Contact Sara at the Chamber today: [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE

Business After Hours

Wednesday, May 26 | 4:30 PM

April Coffee & Connections

(978) 432-2147

417 Main Street | Gloucester

(617) 938-9544

Gloucester

(781) 799-1911

(860) 978-4474

(978) 290-2295

Over 100 years ago, the 1918 Flu Epidemic ravaged Cape Ann. Explore this pivotal moment in local history uncovered by Kory Curcuru in the latest "Timeline: Cape Ann."

Local Colors is excited to welcome Melissa Cox as a new member. Melissa’s work includes stunning nautical scenes and landscapes – a big change in scenery from her earlier life growing up on a ranch in Oregon. Melissa writes, "I enjoy being a part of Local Colors and being a part of a positive and enjoyable group of artists that really just want to see each other do well."

This May, the museum will be coordinating a series of virtual Family Focus Groups to help shape future programming at Cape Ann Museum. Each focus group will include 8-10 participants and will last for no more than an hour and a half. All participants will be offered a free family pass to the Cape Ann Museum.

Celebrate Older Americans Month With the Council on Aging and Rose Baker Senior Center

May is Older Americans Month and once again the Council on Aging and Rose Baker Senior Center will be celebrating older Americans all month with special events and activities. The main event, honoring seniors, will take place on Wednesday, May 26 with a "Celebrate Older Americans" drive-through gift bag distribution in the parking lot of the Senior Center. If you would like to provide an item to be included in the gift bags contact Howard Frisch at [email protected]

The Gloucester Health Department encourages all eligible residents to get the vaccine as soon as possible. The city will be administering the Moderna Vaccine which is available to everyone 18+. Please register for your 1st dose using one of the links below. If the clinic fills up before you have a chance to register, please add yourself to the waiting list as they frequently have cancellations, and will reach out to those on the waiting list should they receive additional vaccines.

Because Cala's and Minglewood Harborside believe that Moms deserve something extra special this year, every Mom who dines at either restaurant will receive a flower. To view the Mother's Day Specials at Cala's please click here and to view the specials at Minglewood Harborside, click here

Wednesday, May 12 | 6 - 7:30 PM

Join Backyard Growers on Zoom to learn how to plan your own vegetable garden according to what you like to eat, the space you have for growing, and the amount of time you have to spend tending to it.

Soon the galleries of North Shore Arts Association (NSAA) will be full of amazing art for the public to enjoy. From May 15 - June 19, NSAA artist members and NSAA Associate Artist members will have their works available for viewing. Open free to the public!

Gloucester Stage & Gloucester Writers Center Presents Fish Tales: JOY

Saturday, May 1 - Sunday, May 16

Cape Ann Makers Market

Spring Pop-Up

Saturday, May 8 | 10 AM - 4 PM

Sylvina W. Beal Restoration

Thursday, May 13 | 7 - 8 PM

Join Katherine Dench, Mass Cultural Council’s granted apprentice to master shipwright Harold Burnham, as she chronicles her experience in taking part in the restoration process of the historic Sylvina W. Beal and wooden boat building - from sketch to launch.

Friday, May 14 | 7 - 8 PM

From upbeat storytelling to touching ballads, Livingston Taylor is known for his ability to take audiences on a musical journey, whether singing hits “I’ll Come Running,” “I Will Be in Love with You” or other favorites.

Posting an event on our community calendar is a great way to gain exposure and promote your business's upcoming events. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and post yours today by logging into your account!

*Contact Olivia at [email protected] if you need assistance

Wish Your Mom a Happy Mother's Day With the Gift of Cape Ann Love, and a Cape Ann Gift Check!

 

This Week's Takeout Today Featured Members: Bravo by the Sea and Madam Had’em

This week’s Takeout Today brings us to Manchester-by-the-Sea. Open Tuesday-Sunday, you’ll find Detroit Style pizza every night at Bravo by the Sea; be sure to order online or call ahead as there are limited quantities! Just across the way say hello to Cheryl at Madam Had’em. A boutique consignment store with a selection of curated quality items, you’ll have fun adding to your closet any day of the week! 

Anyone who identifies themselves as a teacher at Cala's or Minglewood Harborside during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 - 7) will receive 10% off their meal. OR use the code TEACHER to receive 10% off when ordering takeout or delivery online

Located in beautiful Rockport. Owner, Esmeralda Lambert has curated a diverse selection of local and international hand-crafted jewelry, accessories and gifts, representing seventeen countries, 12 U.S. states and nine Massachusetts makers. Esmeralda works to empower women artisans and is committed to curating responsibly sourced items. With Mother’s Day next weekend, shop Esmeralda - Jewelry, Accessories & Gifts online or in store and purchase the perfect gift for Mom!

Posting a Shop Our Member 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 Olivia at [email protected] if you need assistance

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business. Applications are now open. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please click here

Chamber to Co-host SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund Webinar May 6

On Thursday, May 6 at 9 am SBA Lender Relations Specialist Dan Martiniello will present a webinar on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business. The Chamber is co-hosting this webinar with the City of Gloucester and Discover Gloucester. To register please click here

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal reopened Monday, April 26, 2021 at noon. Applicants will need a smartphone and a multi-factor authenticator app to register and apply. For additional information and to review applicant resources, visit sba.gov/svogrant

According to the May Daily COVID-19 Vaccine Report from the Department of Public Health 2,626,191 people have been fully vaccinated in Massachusetts. All residents age 16 and above are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. All who live, work or study in Massachusetts may pre-register for an appointment at a mass vaccination location here. View the latest Massachusetts vaccine update here. View the April 29 weekly vaccination report here

Stays Below 2%

The state’s 7-day weighted average positivity rate fell further over the past week, reaching 1.49% on May 3. Other key indicators, including hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID are also continuing to show encouraging downward trends. To view the most recent Massachusetts COVID-19 daily dashboard please click here. For the April 29 weekly public health report please click here 

The state’s My Local MA campaign recently launched a new feature on their website where businesses can share their stories of resilience, customer service and innovation. The Chamber encourages all Cape Ann small businesses to submit their own stories about how they have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. View this new feature and submit your business’s story here

For comprehensive COVID-19 information please visit the Chamber’s special Coronavirus page

To view the most recent (April 29) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here

For the latest COVID-19 news and information for Massachusetts, please visit www.mass.gov. To view the latest nationwide case information published daily by the CDC please click here

Cape Ann's Marina Resort, Mile Marker One & Cape Ann Marine Sales & Service are Looking to Hire Multiple Positions

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists

 

The Gloucester Housing Authority is looking for two highly motivated individuals to provide ongoing support, guidance, and case management.

The Timberline team is always looking for bright, motivated individuals to help lead their company into the future. As a full-time employee, the delivery driver will be eligible to participate in an attractive and competitive benefits program.

Atlantis Oceanfront Inn Is Looking to Hire a Hotel Maintenance Person

Beauport Hospitality Group is Hiring   Multiple Positions

 

If you are interested in promoting with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Ken Riehl at [email protected]