We are excited to announce an important change to our Team - Rebecca (Becca) Campbell has started as our new Office Administrator. Becca has taken over the office helm from Dylan who is off to Scotland pursuing a master’s degree. Becca is responsible for managing our office operations including front desk and volunteers, greeting our members and visitors, and supporting the team. She comes to us with terrific local experience and lives in Rockport with her family.

Please welcome Becca to her new position, and do not hesitate to reach out to her with any questions about the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

CEO and President September Update

Wow, what a wet and wild summer – where did it go?! Rain was the name of the game for many of our weekends, with Tropical Storms Henri and Ida capping it off. The cooler air is rolling in, the humidity is rolling out, and Summer 2021 on Cape Ann is fast fading as fond memories. Although it was a slow and wet start in June and into July, we still had lots of beautiful weather, and our business community fared well, hampered slightly by a lack of workers.

At the August meeting of the Tourism Council, there was a mix of celebration, caution, and optimism. We celebrated a successful start to the summer season, with reports of an uptick in business among our accommodations, restaurants and attractions.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Council met on August 10 and discussed a wide range of topics. These included the pending roll-out of the Phase 1 North Shore Blue Economy report, and planning for Cape Ann Small Business Week, September 20-24.

Watch and listen to Greater Cape Ann Chamber CEO Ken Riehl and 2021 Chamber Board President Susan Gould Coviello, as they speak on the merger of the Cape Ann and Ipswich Chambers. Lisa Shanko, of Bank Gloucester and Ipswich Chamber Board VP, highlights the decisions made to spur the merger along with the excitement and recognition she expects it will brings to Ipswich.

The Cape Ann Regional Grant continues to promote and support Cape Ann’s small businesses through a variety of focused efforts.

In September we’ll roll-out several of these promotional and supportive services including:

Learn more at CapeAnnChamber.com/regional-pilot-grant or contact Grant Manager Anne Williams at [email protected].

Did you know that the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce produces and distributes more than 250,000 printed pieces annually promoting our amazing region - 75,000 Greater Cape Ann Guide & Directory magazines, 110,000 Greater Cape Ann maps, and 75,000 Rockport maps? These publications are distributed throughout the state and beyond, with a focus on Boston, the North Shore and Cape Ann. Further, the Greater Cape Ann Guide & Directory gets delivered to every area household and business, and all are available on our multiple websites.

We are pleased to announce that our 2022 advertising opportunities are now available. Take advantage of early bird 10% discounts on our display ads by signing up now to advertise in our publications. You can also increase your web presence by advertising on our three websites CapeAnnChamber.com , CapeAnnVacations.com and/or RockportUSA.com

The current editions of our publications are still being widely distributed and are available for pick up at our new office and visitor center.

The Cape Ann Regional Grant team invites Cape Ann businesses to join us for a visual merchandising workshop and complimentary lunch at the Castle Manor Inn, Gloucester.

Essex native Jenna Aiello, a visual and brand merchandising expert will lead this workshop and attendees can also sign up for a limited number of visual audits with Ms. Aiello. Will be held in person and on zoom. Preregistration is required by contacting Anne Williams, Grant Manager at [email protected] or 978-283-1601.

Coffee & Connections

Thursday, September 2 | 9 - 10 AM

Occurring on the first Thursday of the month at 9am, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber hosts Coffee & Connections, a virtual networking event! We will continue holding these via zoom so that anyone may join us from anywhere. Meet new people, expand your business connections and stay in touch with friends and colleagues.

Gloucester Block Party on Main Street

Friday, September 3 | 6 - 10 PM

Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, al fresco dining, non-profits, food vendors and more! Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Rockport Mortgage Corporation and Beth Israel Lahey Health / Addison Gilbert Hospital.

Join us across the Greater Cape Ann Region for a week of celebrating local business people. Each of our five communities has selected a recipient of this year's small business person award. Each weeknight the public is invited to attend the receptions for free. To conclude small business week, we will be hosting a luncheon at the Castle Manor Inn on October 1 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

If you haven't yet been to see Cape Ann Museum's 'new' space- now is your opportunity- it is fabulous! Join us as we help the Museum celebrate their new Green and officially Welcome them with a Ribbon Cutting.

The Board and Staff of the Cape Ann Museum invite you to come see and enjoy this wonderful space, along with area Businesspeople, as they host our September Business After Hours Networking event. The Greater Cape Ann Chamber will also be conducting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6 PM for the Cape Ann Museum's Green. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

The highly anticipated $25K Game is back for 2021. There are 12 chances to win with prizes ranging from $10,000 to $500. Swing by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber to purchase your tickets today. 50/50 Raffle tickets are also available for purchase.

August is peak ribbon-cutting ceremony season for us. We performed five ribbon cuttings during August that included The Weathervane, iartcolony, Folly Cove Fine Art and Lanes Coven Theater Company. Does your business have something to celebrate? Email Sam at [email protected] to schedule your ribbon cutting today.

Stan Patey of Slingshot Information Systems Inc. hosted an informative hybrid seminar during the first week of August. Stan explained the history and evolution of malware and cyber threats, best practices for protecting yourselves using multi-layered security services and applications.

We had another terrific day for Festival, and now also Sale by the Sea. The weather was perfect and turnout terrific as more than 75 artisans and food vendors participated as well as downtown shops and restaurants. Thank you to our presenting sponsors Applied Materials and Kelly Auto. Group, and the Manchester / Essex Rotary for a delicious variety of fun summertime eats.

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to put on The Gloucester Waterfront Festival in August. While the festival was scheduled to run both Saturday and Sunday, tropical storm Henri said otherwise as the festival only was held on Saturday due to the weather. Saturday was beautiful however, as droves of people descended upon Stage Fort Park for the classic seaside festival.

Our third in-person Business After Hours was hosted by Hammond Castle Museum, located in the great hall. The evening was a success as we gathered with our members, enjoyed sushi courtesy of Minglewood, reconnected with old friends and colleagues, and learned more about the amazing story of Hammond Castle and the exciting events still to come. We also heard from some of our newest members and learned more about their businesses.

 5 Dartmouth Dr. Suite 301| Nashua, NH

(603) 625-8448

23 Essex Street | Beverly, MA

(978) 921-4242

139A Main Street|Gloucester

(978) 764-4942

Ipswich

(978) 319-0271

405 Cochituate Road | Framingham, MA

(978) 821-8529

21 Great Republic Drive | Gloucester

Egan Law Center is a boutique law firm located in Manchester-by-the-Sea. They specialize in family law primarily but also do some estate planning. Egan Law Center has a unique approach that focuses on empowerment and advocacy. Founder and attorney Lindsey Egan understands that family issues can be complicated. That is why she adapts her methods for each client she represents. Contact Egan Law Center at [email protected] or (978) 225-0765. To learn more about Lindsey and Egan Law Center, check out the full member spotlight.

Early last week, Captain Carlo's announced their final day of business as Saturday, September 4. The Greater Cape Ann Chamber would like to thank Captian Carlo's for their unwavering dedication to the community and to Cape Ann's residents and visitors. Make sure you head down to Captain Carlo's before this Saturday to say your farewells.

On Sunday, August 22, Works by JD was honored to host Massachusetts's OCABR Undersecretary, Edward A. Palleschi, as he recognized their CEO, Jesse DeBenedictis, with a Certificate of Appreciation for 20 years of being a "shining example of the gold standard of licensees" in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Congratulations Jesse, keep up the tremendous work!

In this special episode of Dive in with Seaside, Dr. Britt Crow-Miller, a Senior Lecturer in the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins Nikita and Laine to discuss environmental education at the collegiate level.

A 12-month Cape Ann photo raffle calendar that will be sold through the Gloucester Rotary Club. This includes photos from Cape Ann that reflect our many seasons, whether social seasons or environmental seasons. It could be a person, a place, or an event or any other subject that reflects Cape Ann seasons. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted. A selection committee from the Rotary Club will make the choices. (a photo release must be included for all individuals in image)

Sail with the Schooner Adventure for the Schooner Festival Parade of Sail

The Schooner Adventure has seats available for its upcoming sails during the 37th Annual Schooner Festival Weekend. Join them on September for the Parade of Sail and race on Sunday, September 5. Don't miss the incredible opportunity to take part in one of Gloucester's most storied traditions.

The 100 Years of RAA&M Presidents Exhibition celebrates RAA&M by highlighting key sustaining members whose leadership have carried RAA&M forward from its inception to its present 100th year. Many of these works have been drawn from our Museum collection and are on loan from private homes, and have never been seen publicly before. Others are for sale and can go home with you today.

Taste Gloucester Foodie Tour

Tuesdays | 11:30 AM - 2 PM

September 1 - October 27 | 5 - 7 PM

Learn to read Tarot in the famous, mystically medieval Hammond Castle! During this 8-session class, professional tarot card reader and psychic, Annette Dion will lead you through the deck of cards. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certification to read tarot.

Cape Ann Farmers Market

At Harbor Loop

Thursdays | 3 - 6:30 PM

The Cape Ann Farmers Market will take place on Thursdays until October 14. The Cape Ann Farmers Market provides consumers with fresh, nutrient-rich food produced with environmentally benign methods and delivered with a smaller carbon footprint. Buying from local producers keeps food dollars in the local economy.  

Guides will escort visitors through the castle’s many rooms, placing an emphasis on the Hammonds themselves and the time that they spent in their castle home. Visit and immerse yourself in the lost era of quiet luxury and candlelight. “Candlelight Tours” and "Spiritualism Tours" are offered Thursday evenings during the months of August and September. Advanced reservations are required. 

Lanes Coven Theater Company Presents: The Taming of the Shrew at Beverly's Hale House

Lanes Coven sets sail upon their Maiden Voyage Summer 2021 with Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Set in 1910’s Gloucester within the seafaring and quarrying industries, they brave a tumultuous sea of humor, slapstick, and the ultimate battle of the sexes. It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it!

With two dozen schooners, Gloucester Harbor comes alive this Labor Day Weekend for an event the whole family can enjoy. A race with a 100-year lineage, dory exhibition races, schooner sails and dockside tours, once-in-a-lifetime exhibits, and an active working waterfront for Maritime Heritage Day. Plan your trip today!

Friday Music Series with Gloucester Meetinghouse Green Featuring

Concert to Benefit Pathways for Children Friday, September 3 | 6 - 8 PM

The John Baboian Ensemble featuring Sandi Bedrosian is an all-faculty band from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. It includes guitars, trumpet/flute, vibes, bass and drums. While rooted in the “Bop” tradition, the band plays a variety of materials that reflect the long history of Jazz music. Since its beginning in 1990, the ensemble has garnered a steady following of fans that enjoy guitar-oriented Jazz, and recorded several CDs.

The spectacularly-talented pianist, a Deutsche Grammophon recording artist and winner of the Leonard Bernstein Award, makes his Rockport debut. Jan Lisiecki’s interpretations and technique speak to a maturity beyond his age. At 25, the Canadian performs over a hundred yearly concerts worldwide, and has worked closely with conductors such as Antonio Pappano, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Daniel Harding, and Claudio Abbado.

To view more performances coming up at Rockport Music's Shalin Liu Performance Center, visit their calendar of events 

Rockport Farmers Market

Saturdays | 10 AM - 1 PM

Join the Jane Deering Gallery for an open house and light refreshments this coming Saturday. Come and see the unique exhibit: The cyanotype, and the end-of-summer blues, Elizabeth Awalt & Tom Fels. The gallery is delighted to bring to light different algae, Elizabeth Awalt's cyanotypes of tried kelp which the artist found in the waters of Maine. Her works provoke curiosity and concern of the natural world

Step aboard a schooner, learn about traditional shipbuilding and fitting out, watch America’s oldest marine railway in action, or explore the unique biology that makes our oceans so amazing. You can find it all at Maritime Heritage Day! Maritime Gloucester will be hosting a variety of local community organizations with an exciting array of demonstrations and interactive options for all ages

Come out on Sunday night to watch the annual Parade of Lights procession. Local boats will pull out all the stops to decorate as they parade down the Annisquam River, and around the inner harbor before settling in the harbor for the firework display. You do not want to miss Gloucester's end-of-summer spectacular this weekend!

Cynthia Curtis Pottery is now accepting registrations for all levels of experience. This upcoming fall. Learn diverse pottery techniques such as wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, and more.

Join Essex National Heritage Area for a morning of networking & regional engagement! Attendees are welcome to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 am for coffee and networking. The agenda will include a celebration of Essex Heritage over 25 years, voting in new Commissioners, and more!

On September 12 Essex's town baseball field will be formally named for Essex resident Annie Gosbee.  Annie was a tremendous athlete who fought her way onto some local boys baseball teams in the late 1940's. She worked long hours as a teenager to help fund her dream to try out for the All American Professional Girls Baseball League, the organization made famous in the movie "A League of Their Own" and recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The festivities will begin at 11 am with an informal friendly girls softball game played in Annie's honor.  The actual naming ceremony will begin at 12:30 pm. Hot dogs will be served!

There is a great opportunity for restauranteurs coming up in Boston. At this event, you’ll hear from leading experts, operators, government officials on the state of the restaurant industry and the challenges restaurants are facing.

Experience a taste of Essex County's historic, cultural, and natural sites during the 20th annual Trails & Sails event series—10 days of free in-person, DIY, and virtual heritage events. Connect with the spectacular places and stories that define the Essex National Heritage Area.

This diverse 17-piece big band entertains and delights audiences with danceable music infused with jazz, swing, New Orleans street bands, soul, and rock n’ roll that will bring you back in time. Known for operating like a family, Cape Ann Big Band prides itself with having a repertoire that has no boundaries. Their program includes such classics as “Mack the Knife,” “I’ve Got You Under my Skin,” and “Take the A Train.”

Enjoy flickering bonfires on the Ipswich River as well as art installations, live music, food and drink. Events wind through Ipswich along the river between EBSCO and Town Hall. From 6-9 enjoy: Bonfires on the river, Illumination along the river, Stairway to Heaven on the Shurcliff Path, Ipswich Police Dept's Black Light Alley

Ruben’s Tube, Selfie Station, & Shadow Box at Memorial Green, Jeanette Steele Esposito Art Exhibit at the Hall Haskel House, Harvard Astronomers at Town Hall Field, Art Truck at Ascension parking lot and much more!

This will be a truly unique program that will premier all new music written by Ipswich composers Tom Palance, Chris Florio, G. Paul Naeger, David Andrew Moore and Jerry Gates. Each piece has collaborative elements featuring local artists working with film, poetry, dance and animation. These are all original pieces being performed for the first time.

Help support the Backyard Growers Great Gloucester (un)GrowDown. Unfortunately, they had to cancel the in-person auction but have alternatively decided to host the event virtually. Proceeds will aid Backyard Growersexpand and build more raised garden beds at some of our sites in order to meet our community's growing needs for fresh, healthy produce.

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 Sam at [email protected] if you need assistance

With supplemental Federal unemployment benefits coming to an end this week, many employees will be returning to the workforce in the coming weeks. MassHire, the state’s primary service agency for job seekers, is also a great resource for employers looking for support with recruiting and training employees. MassHire is now offering weekly Employer Resources Webinars every Thursday at 2 PM through September. To learn more about services that can help you hire new employees – including the state’s WorkShare Program

Employers can take advantage of employment and training resources such as help with recruitment and hiring, job matching with potential hires, workforce training grants, and tax credit programs. To find a Business Service Representative, call your local MassHire Career Center and ask for Business Services.

For a complete list is the state’s Career Centers please click here.

Join the small business and energy experts from the National Federation of Independent Businesses and National Grid to discuss the very latest federal, state and National Grid programs for small businesses. All registrants will also have access to a copy of the recorded event and accompanying materials. Registration is FREE but capacity is limited.

The Department of Early Education and Care, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation and the Business Coalition for Early Childhood, is hosting a series of Business Dialogues to better understand what innovative models in child care can meet new needs in the future of work.

Onsite COVID Vaccinations for Businesses and Employees Available for FREE at Conley's Drug Store - Ipswich

The GCACC serves the 4 Cape Ann communities, including Boxford, Ipswich, Hamilton, Middleton, Topsfield and Wenham. Vaccines are free to all Massachusetts residents age 12 and above. Identification and health insurance is not required. Walk-ins will be accepted while supplies last at each clinic.

Grand Banks Building Products, located in Gloucester, MA is currently hiring a full-time team member for Warehouse Sales & Delivery. We specialize in high end building product sales including cabinetry, windows, doors, millwork, hardware and more. Grand Banks has been serving our local community for over 30 years and is a family owned, family run business who values their employees.

Rockport Music, home of the Shalin Liu Performance Center, is seeking an Assistant Box Office Manager. Working with the Ticketing Operations Manager, as well as other administrative and operations staff, the Assistant Box Office Manager will help build concerts and events in Tessitura, provide a high level of courteous and informed service to all customers, manage that all policies and concert details are accurate and current for the box office, and work the concerts and events. The Assistant Box Office Manager is also responsible for troubleshooting Tessitura issues, exploring best practices for ticketing operations, as well as organizing many of the box office activities in preparation for concert events.

The Windward Grille is hiring servers and line cooks for year-round employment. Experience is preferred they're willing to train the right people. They offer night-time hours which are perfect for students. Please apply in-person Wednesday - Saturday at Windward Grille, 109 Eastern Ave,

Essex MA

Positions available include hosts, servers, and line cooks. Applicants must be friendly, motivated, reliable and willing to work in a team environment. Spring and Fall availability required.

Please apply by visiting the restaurant at 21 Dock Square, Rockport or by emailing Charlene at [email protected]

Fisheries Molecular Biology/Genomics Position Available at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

GMGI has a full-time position for a Research Associate who will play an important role in contributing to our fisheries research programs. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in molecular biology/ecology applied to fisheries questions and knowledge of common molecular laboratory techniques and data analysis.

Payne|Bouchier Fine Builders is Seeking Skilled Carpenter

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists

 

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 Sam at [email protected] if you need assistance

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