Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Conomo Point, Essex | Photo Credit: Peter Webber
Coffee & Connections
Thursday, January 7 | 9 AM
 
We invite you to join us via Zoom on Thursday, January 7 at our new and permanent time, 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.
 
SAVE THE DATE
How to Weather the Perfect Storm: COVID, the Vaccine and PFML
Thursday, January 28 | 9 AM 

Hear from Laurie LaBrie, President at Integrated Human Resources, Inc. on what all businesses and professionals need to know on these important topics as we enter the new year.

Hollywood Actress Lindsay Crouse, Keynote Speaker of the 2019 Businesswomen's Fall Luncheon
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.

2021 Advertising Deadline is Approaching! Don't Miss Your Opportunity to Promote Your Business in Our Premier Publications
 
The Cape Ann Guide & DirectoryCape Ann Map and Rockport Maare THE pre-eminent publications for the region and offer incredible promotional opportunities. Contact olivia@capeannchamber.com for more information.
 
Massachusetts Offers New Grants for Small Businesses

The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is now accepting applications for grants of up to $75,000 to support small businesses across the Commonwealth. The online application portal for the new Sector-Specific Relief Grant Program is now open and will close on Friday, January 15. You may read more about MGCC’s Sector-Specific Relief Grant Program here

COVID Relief Package Highlights

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. 

State’s COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
Now Interactive

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Daily Dashboard is now available in a more interactive format. To view the most recent (January 4) Massachusetts COVID-19 daily dashboard please click here

State Updates Vaccine Distribution Plan

On January 4, the MA vaccine distribution plan was updated so that individuals age 75 and older are included in Phase 2, Group 1, along with individuals of all ages with two or more comorbidities. View the latest Massachusetts vaccine update here. View the December 31 weekly vaccination report here
CDC Guidance on Vaccines, Helping Children Learn at Home

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention including guidance on vaccines and helping children learn at home please click here
Information Resources

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

To view the most recent (December 30) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here

For the latest 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

To view the latest nationwide case information published daily by the CDC please click here
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 jleavitt@leap4ed.org. 

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, 2021, at 6 pm via YouTube. The lottery for eligible households will be held on February 25, 2021, at 6 pm.

SCORE 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

Still 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.
 
MyLocalMA Business of the Week - 
Susie's Stories

Located on Bearskin Neck in Rockport, Susie's Stories is a bookstore that began by being primarily focused on children’s books, comics, and some beach reads and best-sellers. Susie's Stories carefully curates their selection to offer the best in books for a diverse world, including great stories from local authors.

Beauport Hotel is Giving Back to the Healthcare Community and Offering a Healthcare Workers Discount

Hospital and healthcare facility workers can receive 15% off stays 7 days a week through February 27, or opt to stay after February 27 to receive 15% off stays Sunday through Thursday. Take some much needed time off for a beachside getaway!


Design of Mine is Offering a BOGO Sale On Everything in the Store

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 and will be closed from January 11 to February 28.

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!

*Contact Olivia at olivia@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance
Rockport Music Presents
Concert View: Kenny Barron
Friday, January 15 | 7 PM

Tune into the virtual concert on Rockport Music's website, YouTube, or Facebook page.

Kenny Barron is one of the most sought-after pianists of the post-bop era and has played on literally hundreds of jazz recordings, many being some of the genre’s most iconic and beloved.

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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Cape Ann Youth Friendly Jobs & Internships

Click here to view available opportunities
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