Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Essex Bay | Photo Credit: Essex River Cruises & Charters
Cape Ann Chamber Special Announcement

We have some exciting news to share with our members that will benefit all of you and the communities we now serve and one of our neighboring communities.

In early February, the leadership of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce approached us about a possible merger between our two entities, which would result in the strengthening of both organizations. As a result of that conversation, we formed a Special Project Team which met several times with Ipswich Board Leadership to discuss this terrific opportunity.

The discussions between the Special Projects Team, Cape Ann Chamber Board and Ipswich Chamber Board have been very positive, and we are pleased to report that both Boards have voted to proceed with merger discussions, entering the due diligence phase this month.
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. 
Love Cape Ann Podcast

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.
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Government Affairs Council Report

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.
Did You Know This Fact About Your
Cape Ann Chamber Membership?

Did you know that as a Chamber member there are several FREE ways for you to promote your business or organization?

  • Share your business news with us so we can put it in our weekly newsletter (send to olivia@capeannchamber.com
  • Contact us to be featured in a social media spotlight
  • Post your events/workshops/seminars, job openings, specials (like Mother’s Day promotions) by logging in to your account. We also feature these in our weekly newsletter
  • Network with us and raise your business’s profile at our networking events and industry specific committees
  • Bring your rack cards and/or business cards to our office to display
Coffee & Connections
Friday, May 7 | 9 AM

*This months event has been rescheduled to
Friday, May 7.
 
Start the month off right and join us for a morning of coffee and connections! Meet new people, expand your business connections and stay in touch with friends and colleagues. 
Endicott Entrepreneurial Training Seminar Series | The Secret to Memorable and Moving Marketing | May 12
 
Think about marketing campaigns that stand out in your mind and stand the test of time. All of them have one element in common: they tell a story. With the advent of digital marketing, small businesses can now compete head-to-head with big firms. The trick is to understand how to get to your story…the story that is uniquely yours. Once you do that, and by leveraging the right digital assets, you can make your business stand out and stand strong.
 
Interested in sponsoring the Series? Contact sara@capeannchamber.com for more information. 
SOLD OUT / SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Business Education and Scholarship
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: sara@capeannchamber.com.
SAVE THE DATE
Business After Hours
Wednesday, May 26 | 4:30 PM
 
Join us for our last virtual event before we resume our in person Business After Hours events! This after-hours event is a fun way to catch up with business colleagues and expand your connections in a fun and casual environment.
April Coffee & Connections

The April 1 event kicked off with an update from the Chamber's Next Gen: Cape Ann Young Professionals Committee. Members learned more about the young professionals of Cape Ann and the fun events they plan throughout the year. We then opened the event to our members where we heard exciting and informative business updates and news.
The Basics of Successful Investing Seminar

On April 6, David Umstead, Founder of Cape Ann Capital, shared his knowledge and experience on how to apply investing strategies to your long term goals. 
April Business After Hours

April's virtual Business After Hours came to us live from Windhover Center for the Performing Arts in Rockport where hosts Lisa Hahn of Windhover and Chris Griffith of Gloucester Stage Co. shared their partnership plans for this Summer. Later, breakout rooms, cocktails, icebreakers, and plenty of networking took place. 
Cape Ann Bookkeepers
12 Riggs Point Road | Gloucester

Fine Fettle
116 Newburyport Turnpike | Rowley
(978) 432-2147

Hefring LLC
417 Main Street | Gloucester
(617) 938-9544

Memory Layne Creative
Gloucester
(781) 799-1911

Verve Design LLC
Gloucester & Beverly
(860) 978-4474

Young Legends Street Hockey Inc
5 Bray Street | Gloucester
(978) 290-2295
1623 Studios Timeline: Cape Ann
1918 Flu Epidemic

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 Artists' Collaborative Welcomes Melissa Cox as New Member

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."
Receive a FREE Family Pass to the Cape Ann Museum by Participating in Their Family Focus Group

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 howard@horvitzfrisch.com
The City of Gloucester is Hosting a Vaccination Clinic This Thursday, May 6 from 2:30 - 5:30 PM

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.
Celebrate 10 Years of Business and the Grand Reopening of the Castle Manor Inn

The Inn and SeaGlass Restaurant officially opens for the 2021 season on Thursday, May 6. Dinner service will begin at 5 pm (Dinner service will be Thursday - Saturday). Mother's day Brunch will be on Sunday, May 9, 11 am to 3 pm.
Spend Mother's Day at Cala's and Minglewood Harborside
Sunday, May 9

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
Backyard Growers Virtual Workshop: How to Plan Your Vegetable Garden
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.
North Shore Arts Association Opening Day is Saturday, May 15

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
 
What started as a cozy storytelling evening at the Gloucester Writers Center (GWC), has developed into a happening weekend night event every other month showcasing real people, telling true stories from the heart. Reserve your ticket today to watch local storytellers bare their funny, vulnerable and honest tales during this virtual streaming event.
Cape Ann Makers Market
Spring Pop-Up
Saturday, May 8 | 10 AM - 4 PM
 
join Hold Fast Company and several other makers for this Spring Pop-Up outdoor event. There will be many Mother's Day gift options including jewelry, art, home decor, body care, sea salts, and more! 
Essex Shipbuilding Museum Presents
Frame Up to Fit Out
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.
Rockport Music Presents
Concert View With Livingston Taylor
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 olivia@capeannchamber.com 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!
 
Say I love you and give back to the local business community by gifting a Cape Ann Gift Check this Mother's Day. Many of Cape Ann's restaurants, retailers, lodging and attractions are also offering amazing specials and discounts! Shop, dine and play local this Mother's Day!
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! 
Shop Our Member Spotlight of the Week: Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at Cala's and Minglewood Harborside

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
MyLocalMA Business of the Week - Esmeralda - Jewelry, Accessories & Gifts

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 olivia@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance
SBA Now Accepting Applications for Restaurant Revitalization Fund

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
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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Reopens

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
Over 2.6 Million Now Fully Vaccinated in Mass

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
State’s COVID-19 Positivity Rate
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 
My Local MA Campaign Invites Business Stories

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
Information Resources

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
 
The resort, marina, and restaurant are currently looking to hire various positions including: hotel maintenance associate, server, bartender, kitchen expeditor, front desk associate and more.
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists
 
Exhibit your work in the gallery and enjoy being among artists where you'll find a positive, creative, and collaborative environment.
Gloucester Housing Authority is Seeking a Homeownership Coordinator and A Better Life Caseworker

The Gloucester Housing Authority is looking for two highly motivated individuals to provide ongoing support, guidance, and case management.
Timberlines' Gloucester Location is Hiring a Delivery Driver

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
 
The position will be 2-4 days a week at a seasonal 40 room property located on the beautiful Back Shore. 
Hammond Castle Museum is Hiring an Events Manager
 
Hammond Castle Museum is looking for an Events Manager for the season of 2021. The position will be available from June through the month of October.
Atlantic Vacation Homes is Seeking a Full Time Property Manager

Atlantic Vacation Homes is seeking a full-time Property Manager to assist in growing the Property Services division of the company, driving initiatives that contribute to operational excellence and profitability.
Beauport Hospitality Group is Hiring   Multiple Positions
 
Seaport Grille, the Beauport Hotel, Cruiseport Gloucester, Cruiselines, and 1606 Restaurant & Bar are looking to hire restaurant supervisors, event sales manager and a general maintenance/ engineering assistant, and deckhand.
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Cape Ann Youth Friendly Jobs & Internships
We would like to extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors.

If you are interested in promoting with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Ken Riehl at ken@capeannchamber.com
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce capeannchamber.com