Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
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Annisquam Lighthouse | Photo Credit: Abbott Cove Photography |
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CEO and President Update
Happy New Year from 2021 Chamber Board President Susan Gould Coviello and Chamber CEO Ken Riehl. They are so looking forward to working with each other, and most importantly, with each of you. For an overview of the Chamber's imperatives for 2021, and to learn more about our new Board President, click the link below.
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Love Cape Ann Podcast
Join Chamber CEO Ken Riehl, 2020 Chamber Board President Tony Sapienza and Director of Events Sara Bowen as they take a look back at 2020 and the incredibly challenging year for Cape Ann businesses.
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Government Affairs Council Report
At the Council’s regular monthly meeting on December 8, Chamber CEO Ken Riehl gave an update on the Chamber operations and initiatives, and the council discussed the annual process of tax classification in the city of Gloucester, and the Chamber’s long-standing position in support of tax rate parity among all classes of property in the city.
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Tourism Council Report
Late November and December is a special time for everyone on Cape Ann, but this is particularly true to the region’s tourism community. These are typically the busiest weeks of the off-season in terms of visitors, and it’s when many of our tourism businesses plan for the year ahead.
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Health & Wellness Committee Report
The Health & Wellness Committee met virtually via Zoom on Friday morning, Dec. 4. We learned that committee member and Insurance Benefits professional, Heidi Herdman, has not let Covid-19 slow her down one little bit. She uses no less than 5 (that’s five!) personal computers, daily, to deliver appropriate services to her clients.
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Businesswomen's Committee is Accepting Carolyn M. O'Connor Scholarship Applications Until February 28
One $1,500 scholarship will be awarded. The committee welcomes applications from women who are returning to the workforce after an absence or are considering a career change, in an effort to better their life situation.
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2021 Advertising Deadline is Approaching! Don't Miss Your Opportunity to Promote Your Business in Our Premier Publications
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Screenshot of December Coffee & Connections
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Coffee & Connections
Thursday, January 7, 9 AM
We invite you to join us on Thursday, January 7 at our new and permanent time via Zoom, 9 AM. Our monthly networking event is a fantastic opportunity to expand your business connections, and stay in touch with friends and colleagues.
This event will feature an update from our Businesswomen's Committee.
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Churchill Properties - Michele Allison-Elwell
127 Eastern Avenue| Gloucester
Gloucester Design
108-110 Commercial Street | Gloucester
Natalie Warren
Individual Member
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Looking for a New Year's Resolution? Add Supporting Local Businesses to Your List!
A great way to support local businesses is by purchasing a Cape Ann Gift Check. This program encourages our community to shop local and keeps our dollars on Cape Ann. These can be purchased at the Chamber Office, both Shaw's locations, and Tuck's Candy & Gifts in Rockport. And recently added, Cape Ann Savings Bank in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
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MyLocalMA Business of the Week -
Blackbear Barbershop
Blackbear Barbershop is a traditional barbershop with old school values. They provide a variety of barbering services with the modern-day gentleman in mind. The barbershop is a wonderful veteran-owned business to support and offers exceptional service.
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Beauport Hotel is Offering a"WFH" Work From Hotel Weekday Workation Package
Relax, remote work, and have a break from your home office. Enjoy comfortable guest rooms, luxurious beds, and in-room seating, spacious desks, secure wi-fi, and all day in-room dining. Get 10% off one night, 15% off two nights, 20% off three nights, and 25% off four nights for your full stay.
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Design is Offering a BOGO Sale
From January 2 - January 10 Design of Mine will be offering a buy one get one free sale on all items before taking a winter hiatus. Start the year off right and stock your closet with great bargains!The store is located on Main Street in Gloucester will be closed and January 11 - February 28.
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Local Sales, Discounts & Promotions
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!
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The Gloucester Rotary Club is Hosting Two Virtual New Year's Eve Comedy Shows on Thursday, December 31, 2020
Boston comedians Steve Bjork, Bethany Van Delft, Rick Jenkins, Dave Rattigan and Carolyn Riley lead a powerhouse lineup as two production companies combine forces and resources for virtual New Year’s Eve comedy presented by the Rotary Club of Gloucester. Shows at 7 & 9pm.
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Winter Lights on Cape Ann
Continues Through January 1
Take a drive through Cape Ann and view beautiful winter light displays. Over 150 local businesses throughout Cape Ann are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their establishments with twinkling lights and/or creative window displays.
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Rockport Music Presents Concert View: Guy Fishman & Ian Watson
January 1
Tune into the virtual concert on Rockport Music's website, YouTube, or Facebook page at 7 pm on Friday, January 1. The concert will feature Guy Fishman on cello and Ian Watson on the harpsichord.
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Windhover YEAR-END APPEAL
Thanks to generous financial support, Windhover was able to remain open this past summer, sustain its dance residencies and produce the Quarry Dance lX film.
Windhover asks that you consider making a year-end gift of any amount to their non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are fully tax deductible.
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Attention Employers and Community Members: Help Mentor Our Next Generation of Youth and Young Adults - Your Future Employees!
Are you available one hour per week for 6 weeks this summer to mentor a local youth or young adult on Zoom? LEAP for Education’s Summer Internship Program is now recruiting employers and volunteers to be “Career Mentors” who will virtually guide teens and young adults 1-1 on summer projects while teaching invaluable career skills. *For more information, please email Program Coordinator JoAnn Leavitt at [email protected].
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Affordable Housing Lottery for the New Halyard Apartments at Gloucester Crossing
The new apartment complex located next door to the brand new Cape Ann YMCA will be hosting a public information session on January 11, 2020, at 6 pm via YouTube. The lottery for eligible households will be held on February 25, 2021, at 6 pm.
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Sawyer Free Library Seeks Support for 2020 Annual Appeal
Past gifts to the library's annual appeal have enabled them to offer a wide range of new collections and resources, state of the art technology, and innovative programming for all ages.
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Local Small Business Webinars
- Start Your Own Business | Thursday, Jan 7 | 12:00 pm
- Digital Transformation | Friday, Jan 8 | 9:30 am
- Cybersecurity | Tuesday, Jan 12 | 9:00 am
- More Clients Less Marketing | Tuesday, Jan 12 | 12pm
- Pictures Speak Louder Than Words: The Power of Visuals In Your Marketing | Wednesday | Jan 13, 12 pm
- Business Planning - The Simpler Way | Thursday, Jan 14 | 12 pm
- Planificación Empresarial – Simplificada | Jueves, 14 de enero | 12 pm
- And many more
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COVID Relief Package Enacted
With the President’s signature Sunday the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package approved by Congress is now law. The legislation provides aid for small businesses totaling $325 billion, including about $284 billion for a renewed and extended PPP loan program.
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Delivery of Second Round of Economic Impact Payments Has Begun
The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department has begun delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year. The initial direct deposit payments began arriving as early as last night for some and will continue into next week. Paper checks will begin to be mailed today, Wednesday, December 30. Read the full news release from the IRS here.
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State Launches Weekly Vaccination Reporting
Last week, the Baker-Polito administration launched a COVID-19 vaccine dashboard to update the public on vaccine distribution and progress on a weekly basis. The dashboard will be posted every Thursday by 5 p.m. and will include information on vaccine supply distribution, administration and other data. Read the Governor’s press release here. View the December 24 weekly vaccination report here.
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Massachusetts Announces New Support for Small Businesses
Late last week Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Kennealy announced substantial new support for small businesses across the Commonwealth. This support totals $668M in grant funding to stabilize our small business community. The online application portal for the new program will open this Thursday, December 31 at noon, and will close on Friday, January 15
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CDC Offers Guidance for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and holiday season guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention please click here.
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State’s Daily Dashboard for December 29, 2020
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Information Resources
For comprehensive COVID-19 information please visit the Chamber’s special Coronavirus page.
To view the most recent (December 23) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here.
For the latest legislative and COVID-1 update from the office of State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, 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.
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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.
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Forklift Operator Position Available at Americold Logistics is Hiring for a Forklift Operator Position
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Cape Ann Youth Friendly Jobs & Internships
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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 [email protected]
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