Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Aerial View of Essex | Photo Credit: Essex River Cruises and Charters
Save the Date Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event
Thursday, October 1, 8:30 am

We recently hosted our first Coffee & Connections event, formerly known as our Zoom Informational Sessions. We were joined by our valued members, community and municipal leaders, and the Chamber team. Now that Cape Ann has entered a new normal, we look forward to getting together again, hearing updates from our members, and working together to come out of the pandemic even stronger.

Tickets Going Fast for Our Virtual $25K Game on Thursday, October 15

Every October, The Cape Ann Chamber hosts the premiere giveaway night on Cape Ann: The $25,000 Game. This year, the event will be hosted on Facebook Live but there will still be plenty of opportunities to win big!

12 Chances to Win
Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $5,000
Third Prize $2,500
Fourth Prize $1,000
Fifth Prize $500

Call or visit the Chamber to purchase your ticket right now.

Cape Ann Community Foundation Presents $2,500 Grant to Backyard Growers

On Friday, September 11 the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) presented a $2,500 grant to Backyard Growers. The event took place at the site of their school garden at Gloucester’s West Parish Elementary School. Backyard Growers was one of six successful applicants for the 2020 round of grants awarded by the CACF and funded by sales and renewals of the Cape Ann license plate. The grant will help maintain and adapt Backyard Growers’ programs to support their food security mission and to meet the growing need for their services. This will include adapting school garden programs to deliver content to students in grades K-7 to coordinate with schools’ COVID-19 operating plans. 

*Pictured from left to right: Ken Riehl, Pat Slade, Melanie Murray-Brown, Ruth Pino, Lara Lepionka, Emily Brown, and Britta Cahoon 

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts Presents Quarry Dance IX Film to be Released Before the End of September

Quarry Dance lX was filmed at three private quarries on Cape Ann this past July. The Quarry Dances are the result of the birth of a vision by Windhover’s founder Ina Hahn, which marries the art of dance with the pristine granite landscapes of the quarries of Cape Ann.

Manchester Historical Museum Now Offering Lectures at Home

Manchester Historical Museum has moved to a virtual platform and is connecting the community with lectures on their youtube channel. You'll find over thirty of their previous lectures including the newest videos, "Manchester 101," "Turn of the Century Magnolia" and "Iron Men, Wooden Ships." More lectures will be available soon. If you haven't already, like and follow Manchester Historical Museum on Facebook. You will find the latest news on their lectures, art shows, videos, special events, and more.

New Website for Local Artists
 
Capeann MADE is a new online site featuring New England Artists and Makers. It was created to help promote sales during this challenging time. Come visit, browse, shop, and support local art.
 
*Interested Artists and Makers go to the “participate” link on the website for details.
 
Attention Professional and Recreational Photographers
 
The Gloucester Rotary Club is now taking submissions for their 2021 Raffle Calendar. Three entries are allowed per person, and $50 will be paid for each winning entry, as well as photo credit.
 
MA Office of Travel and Tourism Launches ‘MYLOCALMA’ Campaign

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism recently launched a campaign to promote shopping local to support small businesses across the Commonwealth. You’re invited to participate and help businesses in your community promote the campaign, particularly through social media, retail websites, and by posting the campaign flyer in brick-and-mortar spaces.

2020 Seasonal Flu Season Information From the Gloucester Health Deptartment

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that can be serious. We urge you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from flu.

Photo Credit: Jaime Campos
"Just Wear It. Masks Are For Everyone" Posters Available at the Chamber Office

We welcome all businesses and community members to stop by the Chamber Office and pick up a free poster. The Gloucester Youth Leadership Council started the poster campaign to encourage Gloucester residents to take the mask mandate seriously. The Cape Ann Chamber salutes the Gloucester Youth Leadership Council's initiative to protect our residents, business owners, and visitors.

Voting is Now Open for BankGloucester's Banking for the Community Program

BankGloucester has donated over $200,000 to local community organizations through this program alone. This year, the Bank will donate a total of $25,000 to 21 organizations. Recipients are determined by the number of votes cast, so vote now!


Please Show Your Support For Our Community and #ShopSmall
 

Make a single purchase of $10 or more
directly with an eligible U.S. small business
on the Shop Small Map by 9/20/20, and
get a $5 statement credit back.
 

Voting Has Begun for the Best of North Shore Wedding Awards

Don't forget to vote for your favorite wedding venues, attire, beauty services, catering, and more. Many of the busiesses nominated are Cape Ann Chamber members, so please show your support and vote! The last day to vote is October 15.

Schedule a Private In-Store Digital Kiosk Tasting at Savour Wine & Cheese 
Tuesday, September 15 to Saturday September 19, between noon and 5PM 

Complementing their ongoing virtual grand tastings, Savour Wine & Cheese is happy to provide their clients with the full sensory experience of the traditional, bi-annual Savour Grand Wine Tastings. To reserve your complimentary private tasting please call Kathleen & Courtney at (978) 282- 1455.

Sawyer Free Library Presents: A Cape Ann Conversation on Climate Change with Bill McKibben on September 22 

David Abel, Pulitzer-prize winning Boston Globe reporter, will interview Bill McKibben, environmental advocate, author and founder of 350.org, about lessons learned and future solutions concerning the climate crisis.
 
Join the SBA as They Celebrate the Important Achievements of Local Honorees!
Wednesday, September 23, 9:00am - 10:30am 

You're invited to a special networking and awards presentation ceremony highlighting all of the SBA winners from Massachusetts! Want to see who the honorees from across the state are? Click the REGISTER link and reserve your spot to meet everybody during Small Business Week. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.

Vintage Open Market Hosted by In Home Design Center on September 26

In celebration of In Home Design Center's New Home, Anna Hardy, Owner and her fellow designers welcome you to their first Vintage Open Market on September 26th. From 10am - 3pm enjoy shopping outside with vintage decor offered for viewing and purchasing. Social Distancing will be required on the grounds at all times.

Care Dimensions Walk for Hospice
Virtual Celebration on September 27

Walk in memory of a loved one, when and where you feel comfortable by September 27 while raising awareness and funds for this important cause. Walk proceeds benefit the 2,000 patients Care Dimensions care for every day.

Backyard Growers 5th Annual Great Gloucester Growdown Virtual Fundraiser on September 29 

The 5th Annual Great Gloucester GrowDown has gone virtual. On September 29, support their school, community, and backyard garden programs while enjoying a delicious picnic-to-go from Short & Main and Backyard Growers movie premiere in the comfort of your own home.
 
Cape Ann Artisans 2020 Fall Open Studios, October 10 - 11
 
Appointments with each artisan are strongly encouraged, and will be given priority access.
 
Featured Artists: 

 
Recurring Events:
Daily Museum Tours - Hammond Castle Museum
Candlelight and Spiritualism Tours - Hammond Castle Museum
Monthly Community Reiki Share - Manchester Community Center
Monday Morning Yoga Sessions - Missy Anzivino Yoga
Wake Up Spirit - Floating Lotus
Dashboard for September 14. The most recent daily Dashboard of Public Health Indicators continues to report encouraging trends overall. The positive test rate (7-day weighted average) has remained below 2% since early July and is down to 0.8%, its lowest observed value since data collection began. The 3-day weighted average number of hospitalized patients is now at 315, 4% above its lowest observed value (302), with 302 patients reported hospitalized on September 14.
     
Travel Order Revised. Effective September 12, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have been removed from the list states that are exempt from the Massachusetts Travel Order. Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, Washington and Wyoming have been added to the list of lower risk/exempt states.

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

To view the most recent (September 10) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here

For the most recent legislative and COVID-19 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.
Help Slow the Spread

Apply to win $25,000 in the COVID-19 Health & Safety Challenge and accelerate your innovative solutions to help slow the spread of COVID-19.The Challenge is a five-week business accelerator to develop next-level innovations that support the health and safety of businesses, communities, and people across Massachusetts.   

Types of innovations sought include, but are not limited to: UV disinfecting technology |Air purification & ventilation technology |Sanitization tunnels/booths | Touchless payment technology | Touchless door openers, elevator panels, etc | Social distancing monitors |Any innovation that helps slow the spread of COVID-19

To Learn more and apply today, please click here. Application deadline September 18
Local Sales, Discounts & Promotions
This 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!
Start Your "Together Forever" Story with a
Petite Wedding at Hammond Castle Museum!

Say "I Do" in the expanse of our Great Hall or embrace while perfectly framed by our iconic arches with sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor. Our new Petite Weddings option offers you the opportunity to host an intimate wedding ceremony with your closest family and friends. You will enjoy exclusive access to the museum, ocean-front lawn and surrounding gardens for your ceremony and photographs.

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