Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
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Think Local for the Holidays: Good for Cape Ann…Safe for Us All
As we turn our clocks back and our calendars ahead, we are reminded that the holiday season is close upon us. November’s Veterans Day and Thanksgiving holidays are good reminders for us to be grateful to all those who serve and have sacrificed for our nation, and thankful for the spirit, generosity and resilience of our entire Cape Ann community through the pandemic. And as we look ahead and prepare for Cape Ann’s holiday celebrations in December, a great way to show our gratitude is to support the local businesses that have supported us all year long.
The Cape Ann Chamber is a partner in the My Local MA campaign. The goal of this statewide campaign is to make the case that buying local is “how we do our part to preserve the Massachusetts that we know and love.” This holiday season, we invite all to be part of this campaign and help local businesses across Cape Ann recover from the impact of COVID-19. Let’s put our money where are hearts are: right here on Cape Ann.
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CEO and President Update
Work on our three Mission Imperatives – Promoting Our Region, Strengthening Our Businesses, and Supporting Our Community – continues on all fronts. We have started our 2021 publications, which are key to raising the visibility of our region and our members. Holiday planning is well underway, and this work is an essential part of our second two Imperatives.
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Government Affairs Council Update
At the Council’s most recent meeting on October 13, Ken gave an update on the Chamber operations, and the Council discussed the agenda for the upcoming Cape Ann Caucus. A focus topic of this month’s meeting was Gloucester’s proposed new elementary school at the site of the current Veterans Elementary School.
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Tourism Council Update
The fall has always been a special time for Cape Ann’s tourism community, and despite this year’s unique challenges, that is true in 2020. The Chamber’s Tourism Council discussions in October were a reflection of this.
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The BEST Way to Promote Your Business in 2021: Advertise in Cape Ann Publications - Early Bird Special Extended to November 30
The Cape Ann Guide & Directory, Cape Ann Map and Rockport Map are THE preeminent publications for the region and offer incredible promotional opportunity with over 250,000 pieces printed. They are distributed throughout the North Shore, and beyond, as well as online. Take advantage of early bird 10% discounts by signing up to advertise in these publications right now. You can also increase your web presence by advertising on CapeAnnVacations.com and/or RockportUSA.com
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Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event
This Thursday, November 5, 8:30 am
Register NOW
Grab a coffee from your local cafe, get comfy in front of your computer and get ready to network with other local businesses and organizations!
This month we will be featuring an overview of work performed by our Tourism Council, led by the Chair and Board President, Tony Sapienza. Please join us and learn about this important aspect of our mission.
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With less than two weeks to go, our largest fundraiser, the Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction kicks off on Monday, November 16. Keep your eye out for our email informing you how to register. You won’t want to miss it! Your fellow neighbors have come out to support and donate fantastic items to this year’s efforts. We have great overnight stays, home renovation packages, family fun items, schooner sails and so much more. You can pick something out for the whole family this holiday season. You can feel good about it too, as a portion of this year’s proceeds will be given to local businesses who have been most impacted by the pandemic.
If you’re still interested in donating an item or becoming a sponsor, there’s still time. Let us know by this Thursday, November 5.
We look forward to seeing you online; we’re all in this together!
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Partner
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Bronze Sponsors:
Suppoting Sponsors:
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Cape Ann Community Foundation Presents Grant to North Shore Health Project, October 21
The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) presented a check for $2,500 to the North Shore Health Project (NSHP). The grant, one of six awarded this year by the CACF to Cape Ann area non-profit organizations, will help NSHP shelter Cape Ann’s homeless population and continue their robust nutrition programming. CACF grants are funded from the proceeds of sales and renewals of the Cape Ann license plate.
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Virtual Drawing for Our Signature Event: $25,000 Game, October 15
Congratulations to the winners in this year's $25,000 Game, and a big thank you to our sponsor Engel & Völkers.
While the event couldn't take place in person this year, a lot of fun was had during the live stream of the event. Check out the link below to watch us announce the winners.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Craft Sportswear North America, October 15
The Chamber performed a ribbon cutting ceremony for Manchester-by-the-Sea's new business, Craft Sportswear North America.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Laneside Pub & Brewery, October 8
At the beginning of October we held a terrific ribbon cutting at Cape Ann Lanes’ new addition, Laneside Pub & Brewery.
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The BEST Way to Support Local Businesses is by Purchasing
A Cape Ann Gift Certificate This Holiday Season Every Season
Cape Ann Gift Certificates are the perfect gift to give this holiday season and are THE BEST way to support local business, as they can only be redeemed at more than 200 participating local businesses. We sell more than $70,000 GCs a year, and have put over $1,000,000 back into the local economy over the life of the program. These can be purchased at the Chamber Office, both Shaw's locations, and Tuck's Candy & Gifts in Rockport.
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MyLocalMA Business of the Week - Sharon's Studio of Gloucester
Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester is located on Washington Street in Gloucester. The owner and main photographer, Kendra Dott, took over the family business from her mom Sharon Howard in 2010. Hence the name Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester.
Sharon's Studio loves to capture weddings, engagement, birthdays, anniversaries, portraits, and more. In these COVID times they are offering socially distant photoshoots for your business or custom photoshoot needs.
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Get Ready for Small Business Saturday
The Cape Ann Chamber is a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion again this year! We are still waiting to receive our merchandise but when we do, you can stop by our office to pick up tote bags, posters, and more.
The Chamber team will be out and about on Small Business Saturday, November 28. We look forward to shopping local, taking pictures, and documenting this special day.
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Happy Valley Launches Special Discount and Food Collection Site to Help The Open Door
With the holidays just around the corner, Happy Valley is gearing up to help The Open Door by safely organizing a food collection site to benefit people right here in our community. The site will be open from November 1 through November 23.
Happy Valley will be offering 10% off any accessory for every 5 food items brought to the Happy Valley collection site . Only one discount per day will be honored. Please only bring food items that are not expired. Glass items will not be accepted.
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Donate NOW to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund: A Collaboration Between Action Inc., Pathways for Children & Wellspring House, Inc.
Because our local businesses and non-profits are unable to collect toys, have holiday stores, or host parties this year, Action Inc., Pathways for Children and Wellspring House have come together to form the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. The non-profits think that raising cash donations to purchase and distribute gift cards will be the best way to help families through the holidays.
We hope that in lieu of toys collections this year, you might be willing to help these essential community organizations fundraise by making a donation.
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Re-Discover Magnolia and Visit the Businesses on Lexington Avenue
This Fall season don't forget to stop by Lexington Avenue in Magnolia. Participating businesses are offering special discounts on CBD, home decor, gift items, and more! Magnolia is a must see this Fall season. Use the hashtag #meetmeinmagnolia to share your pictures of Lexington Avenue.
Participating Businesses:
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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!
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Wheelhouse Cowork to Open Their Second Location This Month
The Gloucester Daily Times recently published an article announcing Wheelhouse Cowork's new location. This marks a milestone for the business and its founder, Nate Cahill. The new location will offer ocean views and special amenities.
"Wheelhouse Cowork, 189 Main St., Suite 3, is scheduled to open in early November a second location at 33 Commercial St., formerly the home of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. " - Taylor Ann Bradford
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North Shore 104.9 FM Turns on the Christmas Lights Early This Year
North Shore 104.9 FM WBOQ, Gloucester, Boston will play all holiday music from November 2 until the end of 2020 because this year we all need a little Christmas! North Shore 104.9 hopes to brighten everyone’s day and lift everyone’s spirits with holiday cheer.
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Receive Free Business Counseling at Salem State University
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Salem State University is offering free business counseling services to area small businesses. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free one-on-one advising session with one of their advisors, please contact Client Services Coordinator Kaitlin Muldoon at kmuldoon@salemstate.edu to schedule an appointment.
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Take the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Impact Survey
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA-DPH) is trying to better help people through the COVID-19 crisis by hearing about their experiences and challenges right now. By taking this survey, you can help find new solutions to community problems, and give MA-DPH the information they need to take action and support the communities that need it most.
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Mass Save Program Provides Energy Cost Savings For Local Businesses
Looking to save money on overhead costs, and boost the comfort of your customers and employees in your small business? Start with a no-cost energy assessment from the Sponsors of Mass Save, and take advantage of their limited time offer to receive up to 100% off.
Virtual assessments are also available for businesses that may not feel comfortable with the auditor coming through their space.
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Take Action Inc.'s Greater Cape Ann COVID-19 Community Needs Survey
Action Inc. wants to learn more about what our community needs to get through the COVID-19 crisis together. By completing this survey, you are helping inform local nonprofit service providers, government officials, community groups, and your neighbors about the true needs of Cape Ann’s residents as we all face COVID-19 together.
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Rockport Music Presents Convert View Virtual Series: Alicia Olatuja & David Rosenthal, November 6
Brooklyn Born Alicia Olatuja’s artistic coming out party occurred when she was featured at President Obama’s 2013 inauguration, taking a solo during the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and leaving the music world buzzing about the show-stopping singer.
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Hook-A-Cure Blood Drive at
True North Ales, November 6
The Blood Drive will take place at True North's North Side Event space on November 7th from 9am to 2pm. You must register either online @ redcrossblood.org and enter HAC20 or call 1-800-733-2767.
All registered donors will receive a t-shirt as a thank-you for helping to OBLIVIATE Cancer one mile, one fish and one step at a time!
To make this a total success, Hook-A-Cure needs 36 folks to register. Pre-registration is due to new COVID-19 protocols.
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1623 Studios: Cape Ann ARTwaves Series, Loren Doucette Episode Out Now
With a terrific following of collectors and colleagues, Artist-Educator, Loren Doucette shares with Kristine Fisher for Cape Ann ARTWaves what she has learned from her flourishing art practice. "I have learned and now teach that painting for me is about stimulating the senses, loving what you love, attacking the medium, and being in full connection with the divine source of creation." Loren Doucette
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Hammond Castle Presents Horror of Abbadia Mare: An Adaptation of Five H.P. Lovecraft Stories, November 6
Due to popular demand, Hammond Castle just added an extra night to The Horror of Abbadia Mare for Friday November 6. Adapted around Hammond Castle's founder, John Hays Hammond Junior, the castle offers a room-to-room theater performance and you will not want to miss the opportunity to purchase your tickets before it sells out.
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Beauport Cruiselines Harvest Dinner Cruise, November 7
Enjoy a delicious harvest-themed dinner, cocktail service, and music in the background alongside the ocean breeze and a gorgeous New England ocean view.
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YMCA's Back Fathers Fiesta Virtual 5K and 5M Road Race, November 14 - 21
Support the YMCA's work in the community as you run virtually on the backshore. You choose, run the 5 Mile Course or the 5K course. Each takes you through Gloucester’s picturesque Back Shore. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Twin Lights and watch the waves crash onto the rocky shoreline.
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First Annual Winter Lights November 27 - January 1
Mark your calendars to pack up the family and head up to Cape Ann for our Winter Lights Display! Over 100 businesses will be lit up throughout Cape Ann to help us all celebrate the joys of the season. A Drive- Map will be produced, highlighting Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester's participating businesses and offered to all for an enchanting exhibit.
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Governor Issues New Stay at Home Advisory, Updated Mask and Public Gatherings Orders. Governor Baker yesterday announced a series of new restrictions aimed at curtailing the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across the Commonwealth. While the Governor will not be rolling back the phased re-opening of the MA economy, these steps will impact operations and capacities for businesses in the travel and hospitality sector. Restaurant table service must end by 9:30 pm, although takeout service is still allowed after that time. Gyms, theaters, and casinos will also have to close by 9:30pm. Please review the full list of businesses that must close by 9:30 pm. The Governor also announced a more stringent face-covering order requiring masks in ALL public places. In addition, the Governor issued a stay-at-home advisory to be observed between 10 pm and 5 am. These changes go into effect at 12:01am this Friday, November 6.
State’s Daily Dashboard Revised. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is now posting a revised COVID-19 daily dashboard. A key new data point presented in the dashboard is “Case Growth by Age Group,” which will help contextualize the impact of COVID on different age ranges over time. The Commonwealth is currently seeing a larger proportion of cases in younger people compared to earlier in the pandemic. To view the state’s revised daily dashboard please click here: Dashboard for November 2.
$774 Million “Partnerships for Recovery” Economic Recovery Plan. The plan announced recently includes $50.8 million in direct grants to help small businesses that have been most severely impacted by the pandemic. The deadline for applying for these grants is Thursday, November 12 at Noon.For more information about Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation’sCOVID-19 Grants for Massachusetts Small Business and to apply please click here. To read the full announcement please click here.
Travel Order List of Lower Risk States Updated. As of October 30, the list of COVID-19 lower risk states that are exempt from the Massachusetts Travel Order includes California, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington, plus the District of Columbia.
Eviction Diversion Initiative. In response to the recent lifting of the state’s moratorium on evictions and mortgage foreclosures, the Department of Housing and Community Development has developed the Eviction Diversion Initiative. The initiative includes substantial funding, expanded programming and new resources aimed at ensuring housing stability for thousands of households across Massachusetts. For the latest information, including resources for renters, homeowners and landlords, please click here.
Information Resources:
For comprehensive COVID-19 information please visit the Chamber’s special Coronavirus page.
To view the most recent (October 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.
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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 ken@capeannchamber.com
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