Stacy Boulevard in Spring, Gloucester | Photo Credit: Bridgette Mathews

CEO and President Update

Spring is definitely in the air and we are in a race to defeat the pandemic with thousands in the Commonwealth and millions across our nation being vaccinated every day. With the warming weather, we offer new opportunities to connect and grow your business. We continue offering two virtual networking opportunities each month.

Ken Riehl, CEO of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, is joined by special guest Ruth Pino, President of the Cape Ann Community Foundation, to discuss the Cape Ann license plate and the low number online auction.

During their most recent meeting, the Council discussed plans to organize a “spring social” that would enable members of the region’s tourism community to come together – virtually or in-person – to share updates and questions for the coming summer seasons. This is tentatively planned for early May – we’ll be sharing details shortly on this.

At the Council’s most recent meeting, the Chamber's CEO Ken Riehl gave an update on a series of issues in the town of Essex, including a proposed moratorium on changes of use from residential to commercial to be considered at the annual town meeting.

Did you know that the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce promotes your business online, increasing your web presence? When people Google your business category or directly search on capeannchamber.com, capeannvacations.com and rockportusa.com for Rockport businesses, your business page appears. This increases your online presence and acts as an additional website for your business. To get the most value from your online business listings, we urge you to log in to your online account where you may greatly enhance your business page and update your information.

Submit Your Reopening Information and Bring Your Updated Brochures to the Chamber's Visitor Center

With Spring in full swing, Cape Ann is beginning to welcome more and more visitors. Please email [email protected] to submit your business's reopening information. Please also ensure that your information on our visitor websites, capeannvacations.com and rockportusa.com is up to date. To make changes, please log in to your CACC account. If you have rack cards and promotional materials, please stop by our Visitor Center and drop them off. 

Thursday, April 1 | 9 AM

The beginning of the event will feature an update from our Next Gen Young Professionals Group

 

Next Gen Virtual MeetUp

Monday, April 5 | 6 - 7 PM

Register Now

The Basics of Investing Seminar

Tuesday, April 6 | 9 - 10 AM

Register

SAVE THE DATE

Business After Hours

Wednesday, April 28 | 4:30 PM

The net proceeds of this event help fund five $1,000 scholarships awarded annually by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to Cape Ann residents graduating from Essex Tech, Gloucester High School, Manchester-Essex Regional High School and Rockport High School.

Coffee & Connections

On March 6, the Chamber hosted its coveted annual winter birding boat trip. Freezing temperatures with a clear blue sky didn’t stop these birders from a great day on the water with 7 Seas Whale Watch!

The Chamber’s Annual Economic Outlook Forum was held virtually on March 9. Members heard an informative session from Secretary Mike Kennealy, Secretary Marylou Sudders and Gloucester’s Community Development Director Jill Cahill on the state of the Commonwealth and the prospects for the coming year coming out of the pandemic.

At the March 10 event, new Chamber members joined the Chamber team, Board of Directors, and the Ambassadors Committee for a night of introductions and networking followed by a new member orientation presentation. This event is held quarterly and is an opportunity for new members to introduce themselves and become acquainted with other new members and the Chamber's program of work.

Business After Hours

Several folks found they had the luck of the Irish this year at our Annual Irish Sweepstakes held at Laneside Pub and Brewery at Cape Ann Lanes. The Chamber gave $20,000 away to a few lucky winners. Missed out on all the fun? Watch the event here

The Cape Ann Community Foundation hosted its coveted low number plate auction March 22-29. The funds raised - over $11,000 - will directly support Cape Ann non-profits and their missions. If you missed your chance to bid, don’t fret, you can still make a difference by making a donation at lovecapeann.com

(978) 406-1601

93 Atlantic Road | Gloucester

(978) 836-3684

(978) 281-3237

(978) 491-0222

(702) 575-9364

100 Cummings Center Suite 107-L | Beverly

(978) 922-9000

59 Main Street & 61 Main Street| Rockport

(978) 380-8821

10 Bearskin Neck | Rockport

(508) 397-9015

Gloucester

(978) 290-2360

25 Rogers Street | Gloucester

(978) 219-4004

Gloucester

(508) 843-2447

3 Duncan Street | Gloucester

(978) 515-7337

P.O. Box 335 | Gloucester

(860) 471-9809

This Week's Takeout Today Featured Members: Woodman’s of Essex and Sea Meadow Gifts & Gardens

There’s something for everyone at Woodman’s of Essex. Known for inventing the fried clam, this restaurant has been serving traditional New England fare for over 100 years. Visit any day this week for $5 kids meals, all day! After your bellies are filled with delicious seafood, we recommend visiting Sea Meadow Gifts & Gardens shop down the street for some one of a kind selections!

Design of Mine, located on Main Street in Gloucester, houses an eclectic mix of clothing for women of all ages. The store offers fabric that ranges from Italian linen to blue jeans and is the creator of the versatile fashion accessory called The Flutter Shawl (made in house). Currently, Design of Mine is working on a sustainable clothing line made from upcycled garments.

Repurposed with passion, the clothing line consists of pieces that are one-of-a-kind and playful. Self-expression at its best. Whether you need a new dress for a wedding, beach wear, an outfit for the office, or you want to dabble in one of their handmade pieces of jewelry or clothing, Design of Mine has got you covered!

We encourage our community to shop, stay, and dine local this Easter! A Cape Ann Gift Check is a wonderful addition to the traditional Easter Basket. The Cape Ann Gift Check program encourages our community to shop local and keeps our dollars on Cape Ann. Now, more than ever, it is important to support local businesses and

Seniors at Sea Package at Beauport Hotel Gloucester

Take advantage of Beauport Hotel Gloucester's senior savings, available for guests aged 60 years and older. Enjoy 10% off of the best available rates and a $50 breakfast for two dining credits. Valid for stays now through May 15, 2021.

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 help)

The New Cape Ann YMCA is Opening its Doors to the Public on April 5

The Glen T. Macleod Cape Ann YMCA will officially be open to the public on Monday, April 5. Members can look forward to all of the great programs, expert support, community, and services they have come to love PLUS additional services and amenities. To learn more about the member benefits, please click here and note that all Chamber members receive a 15% discount on a Cape Ann YMCA membership! For membership questions, please contact Helene Feeley at [email protected].

In an article written by Alex Erdekian, the town of Rockport is the second featured "Best Beach Town on the East Coast." Erdekian writes, "There are many towns worth visiting, but Rockport is a favorite among travelers.Forty miles north of Boston, the town has a can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance."

Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge owners, Krystle and Eric, are working with Cazeault Solar & Home of Gloucester to make new renovations to prepare for a new and exciting season. A new roof was installed for opening day, April 1st! For a great place to stay on the ocean call Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge at 978-546-6677. For your roofing and solar investments, call Cazeault Solar & Home at 978-281-4625

Once Manchester-by-the-Sea's most influential resident, Abigail Trask owned its largest store, wrote one of U.S. history's first prenups, and so much more. Watch as Kory Curcuru explores the industrious, driven, and diligent Abigail Hooper Trask in the latest Timeline: Cape Ann for 1623 Studios.

SeniorCare Completes Annual March for Meals Awareness Campaign

Economic Development Funding Information Session With Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Thursday, April 1 | 2 - 3 PM

Looking to fund economic recovery and development efforts in your area?

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) offers multiple funding opportunities to help local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations serve economically distressed areas.

At this information session, learn about the various grants available, find out how to apply, and hear from past EDA grant recipients about their recent projects. There will be time for Q&A!

Join Backyard Growers for this Zoom training 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.

Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the art of the ensemble through time and across traditions – from folk and gypsy melodies to rock n roll and beyond.

Working on Cape Ann, Ganim-DeFalco and Heffron have drawn their own lines in the sand through keen observation and commitment. The exhibition presents interpretations of the seaside through Heffron’s paintings and Ganim-DeFalco’s Wearable Art. The exhibition will be on display at the Jane Deering Gallery for the month of April.

Backyard Growers will be hosting a free seed giveaway at Burnham’s Field, outside the Community Garden. The Community Seed Giveaway is open to the public to stop by and pick from a range of vegetable seeds, as well as a small selection of flower seeds.

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.

Manchester Historical Museum Spring Art Show Open Now Through April 16

Tuesdays - Fridays | 10 AM - 3 PM

On Tuesday President Biden signed legislation to extend the deadline for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for two more months, through May 31. The bill received strong bipartisan support in both branches of Congress. To learn more about PPP and other SBA business relief programs, please click here

The Massachusetts travel order has been replaced by a travel advisory with a list of exemptions, including travelers who are fully vaccinated and who do not have symptoms.

Full details on the state’s travel advisory are available here.

For detailed information about this SBA grant program for performance centers and other event and entertainment venues, and to register for program updates, please click here.

Beginning April 5, those 55 and over or with one certain medical condition will become eligible, and on April 16 all residents 16 and over will be eligible. 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 March 25 weekly vaccination report here

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Daily Dashboard is now available in interactive format. To view the most recent Massachusetts COVID-19 daily dashboard please click here. For the most recent weekly public health report (March 25) please click here

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

To view the most recent (March 25) 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

To read the most recent Legislative and COVID-19 update from State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, please click here

Nursing graduates and experienced nurses interested in hospice and palliative care are invited to apply for the 2021 Hospice Nurse Residency Program, which introduces the vocation of and trains nurses in hospice and palliative care

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

Cruiseport Gloucester, Seaport Grille, the Beauport Hotel, and 1606 Restaurant & Bar are looking to hire various positions!

Top Dog of Rockport is Hiring a General Manager

The Career & Education Advisor will work with Youth & Young Adults on Cape Ann, specifically at Gloucester High School.  Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in counseling, education, or related field or equivalent experience required.

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is Seeking an Associate Director of Research & Assistant Laboratory Manager

GMGI is currently looking for qualified candidates to fill two positions within their organization. To view the job description, qualifications and responsibilities, click the links below.

Associate Director of Research

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists

 

 

Visit the Website

Cape Ann Youth Friendly Jobs & Internships

Click here to view available opportunities 

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