Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
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Gloucester Fishermen's Memorial | Photo Credit: Cape Ann Photography
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Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event
Thursday, November 5, 8:30 AM
As Cape Ann continues to adapt to this Phase 3 normal, we invite you to join for our monthly online networking and information sharing event. We want to hear how you are doing, help to connect you to other members, as we all work together to weather this pandemic and emerge even stronger.
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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Our largest fundraiser and the biggest auction on Cape Ann - the Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction -turns 33 this year, and we are taking it online! Complete your holiday shopping by bidding on amazing items, including beautiful paintings from Ken Knowles, John Terelak and many others, fun Fishing Charters, Whale Watches and lot of other outdoor adventures, and fantastic get-aways both near and far including Tuscany and an amazing South African Safari. Consistent with our mission focus this year, a portion of the proceeds will be given to local businesses who have been most impacted by the pandemic.
This auction also provides a fantastic way to promote your business and support the community - consider sponsoring, donating an item, or purchasing a gift card for the auction at one of our local businesses.
We look forward to seeing you online next month; we’re all in this together!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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Photo of Ken Riehl, Susan Coviello and Ruth Pino |
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Cape Ann Community Foundation Presents Grant to North Shore Health Project
On 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.
To learn more about the Cape Ann Community Foundation please click here.
To learn more about the North Shore Health Project, please click here.
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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, and are distributed throughout and beyond the North Shore, and online. Take advantage of early bird 10% discounts by signing up now 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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First Annual WINTER LIGHTS
2020
Here's an opportunity to showcase the
magic and glow of winter on Cape Ann.
We are asking for your commitment to decorate your business with lights. Celebrate Winter Lights with us.
Co-Sponsored by Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Discover Gloucester, Manchester Cricket & Town of Rockport.
Deadline for participation is October 30th
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Give a Gift for the Holidays and Support Local Businesses by Purchasing a Cape Ann Gift Certificate
Cape Ann Gift Certificates 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 - Sea Meadow Gifts & Gardens
Sea Meadow Gifts & Gardens is located on Main Street in Essex. Owner Georgeanne Richards offers exceptional service that brings customers who live all over the country, back to the store to shop. Sea Meadow Gifts & Gardens has five rooms that have their own individual themes, offering gifts for people of all ages. Georgeanne also offers gift wrapping services, as well as a custom registry to help you find the perfect gift for that special someone. The majority of gifts at Sea Meadow are made by local makers and are USA made. The next time you are in Essex be sure to stop by Sea Meadow Gifts & Gardens!
Send us a picture of you in your establishment and we will include you in a future newsletter and Facebook post.
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Move Your Business with Tobin & Sons Moving & Storage
The benefit of over forty years of commercial moving experience will make your relocation easier for your employees while providing a cost effective solution for your business. Tobin & Sons’ project managers and supervisors will assist and coordinate the organization of floor plans, flow charts, a color-coded numbering system, as well as providing an interface with your telephone and computer networks.
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The Businesses on Lexington Avenue Are Offering Special Fall Savings
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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Book A Reservation on The Schooner Lannon Before the Sailing Season Ends
With only five sails left, say goodbye to the end of the 2020 sailing season by embarking on the Schooner Lannon. The Lannon offers beautiful views of the Gloucester Coastline while on the deck of the 65-foot schooner. Book your trip today!
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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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Tonight is the Final Session for the Online Community Forums on Gloucester Ballot Question 3
The final session will take place tonight, Tuesday, October 27 at 7:30pm. Ballot Question 3 covers the East Gloucester & Veterans MSBA Building Project.
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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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Slingshot Information Systems, Inc. Can Help Solve Your Password Problem
Everyone needs to be using a password manager. Without one, people reuse simple, easy to remember and easy to hack passwords. When one account gets hacked, there is a domino effect where every account with similar passwords is at risk. Invest the time to pick out a password manager that works for you.
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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 [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
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Legion Post 3 Introduces New Program to Support Veteran Owned Businesses and Announces They Will Deliver Thanksgiving Holiday Dinners to Those in Need
Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3, Gloucester will again be proudly delivering Thanksgiving holiday dinners to the elderly, shut-ins, veterans, and needy in the Cape Ann area on Thursday, November 26, 2020. The meals will again be Free. Legion Post 3 will be serving Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Ipswich. Due to COVID-19 safety and health concerns, ONLY Volunteer Drivers are needed for Thanksgiving Day. They will need drivers from 10:15am until all of the meals have been delivered.
Legion Post 3 has also started a program to identify all veteran owned businesses and they are asking the citizens of Gloucester to help them. The Cape Ann Chamber strongly supports this endeavor. Legion Post 3 encourages all veteran owned companies who are not identified to send their business cards to 8 Washington Street, Gloucester as the list will be updated regularly.
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Volunteers Needed at Wellspring Educational Resource Collaborative
Wellspring is looking for mentors to volunteer. Mentors provide students with resources and support to identify education and career goals to get and keep a family-sustaining job. Mentors will build lasting relationships directly connected to our community and gain transferrable skills like creative thinking and coaching Call Becky today at (978) 281-3558, ext. 323 for more information.
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Please 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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Department of Housing and Community Development Announce New Eviction Diversion Initiative
While there is a temporary halt to evictions and foreclosures in Massachusetts, you still have to pay your rent or mortgage. If you are having trouble due to COVID-19. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development may be able to help.
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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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Manchester Historical Museum Presents A New Lecture Titled, "What's In A Name", Watch Online Now
John Huss' lecture, "What's In A Name - Origin of Names of Manchester sites," was originally scheduled for this fall. Manchester Historical Museum has made the lecture available online so their members and the community can still enjoy Huss' lecture. The museum has made many other lectures available so be sure to click the link below to watch.
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Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken & Kops N Kids Present Trick or Treat on Main Street, October 29
From 2pm-4pm downtown Main Street will be closed for a late afternoon of trick or treating. Businesses who aren't located in the closed off area may also set up a table along Main Street. All safety measures for this event will be implemented.
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Windhover Center for the Performing Arts will be Live Streaming the Premiere of Quarry Dance IX, October 29
The Quarry Dance lX film is 35 minutes in length. The premiere of the film will be followed by 15 minutes of questions from the audience with answers from the quarry dance team.
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Rockport Music Presents Concert View Virtual Series: Hanneke Cassel & Mike Block, October 30
Hanneke Cassel (fiddle) and Mike Block (cello/voice) have been playing music together since 2007. Together, these dynamic performers present a diverse and exciting show featuring traditional and original music drawing from their Celtic, Americana, and Classical backgrounds
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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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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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Dashboard for October 26. The state’s positive test rate (7-day weighted average) rose to 1.6% on October 22 and has remained at this level since. This is about double this rate’s lowest observed value (0.8%) where it stood during much of August and early September. The 3-day weighted average number of hospitalized patients was 546 on October 25 -81% above its lowest observed value (302, this past summer) - with 550 patients reported hospitalized on October 26.
Governor Announces $774 Million “Partnerships for Recovery” Economic Recovery Plan. The plan announced on October 22 includes $50.8 million in direct grants to help small businesses that have been most severely impacted by the pandemic. For more information about Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation’s COVID-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 Unchanged. As of October 17, the list of COVID-19 lower risk states that are exempt from the Massachusetts Travel Order includes California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont and Washington, plus the District of Columbia.
Baker Administration Updates 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.
CDC Offers Toolkit for Youth Sports. CDC’s latest toolkit includes resources and tools to help youth sports administrators, coaches, and parents protect their teams and players and communicate with their communities. Find the full youth sports toolkit plus additional information and guidance in the most recent CDC newsletter here.
Information Resources:
For comprehensive COVID-19 information please visit the Chamber’s special Coronavirus page.
To view the most recent (October 22) 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.
For the most recent Legislative and COVID-19 update from the office of State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante 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 [email protected]
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