Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Essex Marshland | Photo Credit: Arlene Taliadoros
$25,000 Game is This Thursday, October 15

This week we will be announcing the winners of our big night, the $25,000 Game! Don’t forget to tune in to Facebook Live on Thursday at 5pm to see if you or a friend is the lucky winner of one of our many prizes, including the grand prize of $10,000! It’s guaranteed to be an exciting night, full of anticipation, fun, and laughs!

Don’t forget, 50/50 raffle tickets are still for sale at the Chamber. Call 978-283-1601 or stop by to pick yours up today for a chance to win!

Gold Sponsor
Save the Date - Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event
Thursday, November 5, 8:30 AM

We recently hosted our second monthly Coffee & Connections event, formerly known as our Zoom Informational Sessions the we hosted weekly April - June. Many members participated, sharing their stories and connecting to other members. As Cape Ann continues to adapt to this Phase 3 normal, we look forward to getting together monthly, hearing how you are doing, helping to connect you to other members, and working together to weather this pandemic and emerge even stronger.

33rd Annual Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction Will be Going Live on Monday, November 16 - Saturday, November 28

This year’s holiday shopping has gotten a lot more fun, and a lot more meaningful! Join us online this November and support the Cape Ann community in the Chamber’s largest fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will be given to local businesses who have been most impacted by the pandemic. We welcome you to consider sponsoring this event, donating an item, or purchasing a gift card for the auction at one of our local businesses. We hope to see you online next month; we’re all in this together!
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
2021 Advertising Now Available

We are pleased to announce that our 2021 advertising opportunities are now available. Take advantage of early bird 10% discounts by signing up now to advertise in our publications. You can also increase your web presence by advertising on CapeAnnVacations.com and/or RockportUSA.com

The current editons of our publications are still being widely distributed and are available for pick up at our new office and visitor center.

Support Local Businesses by Purchasing a Cape Ann Gift Certificate

With the holidays around the corner, there is no better gift than the gift of Cape Ann. As an organization that stands committed to promoting, advocating for, and supporting our members and the region, we hope this message of shopping local touches our community now, more than ever.

Gift Certificates can be purchased at the Chamber Office, both Shaw's locations, and Tuck's Candy & Gifts in Rockport

Support Our Community by Participating in the MyLocalMA Campaign

This week's MyLocalMA spotlight is Carol Lee's Cottage located on Bearskin Neck in Rockport. Carol Lee Kelliher (second from right) is pictured modeling some of her new fall wear with customers last recently. Rockport is the perfect Fall destination with many places to shop, eat, and stay. Send us a picture of you in your establishment and we will include you in a future newsletter and Facebook post.

SBA and Treasury Announce Streamlined PPP Loan Forgiveness Process

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, recently released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. For more information and to download the streamlined loan forgiveness application, please click here.

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.

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.

Supporting Veteran Owned Businesses

Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 has 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 as the list will be updated regularly.

Online Community Forums on Gloucester Ballot Question 3

There will be two more online community forums on Gloucester's Ballot Question 3, regarding East Gloucester & Veterans MSBA Building Project. The next will take place on Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30pm and the final session will take place on Tuesday, October 27 at 7:30pm.

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.

Cape Ann Sup Announces Major Renovation to the Board Barn

Over the weekend, Cape Ann Sup annouced that they are beginning renovations to their infamous Board Barn. Their goal is to make the space feel even more welcoming so that they can continue to grow their community, share their love for the water and provide the best possible inventory selection for their customers. This renovation means that Sunday, October 18 will be the final day for the Board Barn of 2020. They will be slowly transitioning to online-only for the end of the Fall and Winter.
October 15 is Your Last Chance to Vote for the Best of North Shore Wedding Awards

Many of our members are nominated so please show your support and vote for Cape Ann's wedding venues, attire, beauty services, catering, and more.

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.

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 Fall savings including everything from health & wellness to home decor and arts & culture. Magnolia is a must see this Fall season! Please use the hashtag #meetmeinmagnolia to share your pictures of Lexington Avenue.

Participating Businesses:


Flu Shots Available at Lahey Health Urgent Care Locations

A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Please call and make an appointment at one of the three Urgent Care Locations.

Lahey Health Urgent Care, Gloucester
305 Gloucester Crossing Road

Please Call for an Appointment (978) 381-7700
Concert View Virtual Series: Timothy Chooi & Max Levinson, October 16

Two phenomenal chamber soloists team up for an incredible evening of music! Canadian-American violinist Timothy Chooi has garnered huge critical and public acclaim through his remarkable competition success and his high profile appearances around the globe. Pianist

Max Levinson is known as an intelligent and sensitive artist with a fearless technique.Levinson has received overwhelming critical acclaim and international accolades for his recordings, and has been awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant.

The performance starts at 7pm and is free to watch. Go to their website, Youtube Channel or Facebook Page at 7pm on Friday October 16.

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 October 13. The most recent daily Dashboard of Public Health Indicators includes some concerning overall trends. While the state’s positive test rate (7-day weighted average) has remained below 2% since early July, it rose to 1.2% on October 9 and has remained at this level since. This rate had stayed at 0.8% - its lowest observed value - for much of September. The 3-day weighted average number of hospitalized patients dropped from 514 to 509 on Tuesday but is still 68% above its lowest observed value (302), with 514 patients reported hospitalized on October 13.

City of Gloucester Will Host Community Testing Site. Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken provided the following update regarding COVID-19 community testing later this week: 
“Gloucester’s COVID-19 case count has risen over the past week. The uptick in cases is associated with gatherings/social events. As of this morning, the status of cases in the City of Gloucester were as follows: 379 overall cases (331 confirmed and 48 probable); 321 recovered; 26 COVID-19 related deaths; 32 active cases. 

  • As a result of this uptick in cases, the City of Gloucester along with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will offer FREE COVID-19 testing, open to all residents, at Stage Fort Park from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. on Thursday October 15th and Friday October 16th.  Translators for multiple languages will be onsite.

  • Cars will enter from the Boulevard side adjacent to the tennis courts and exit by the Cupboard Restaurant and onto Western Avenue. Hough Avenue will temporarily be one way for the duration of the 2 testing clinics. Please plan accordingly, as wait times could be significant. 

  • Residents will not be required to provide any official form of identification or insurance information but will be asked for their name, date of birth, address, telephone number and email address in order to be contacted with the test results. Test results will be provided to each participant confidentially and should be shared with your primary care provider. 

  • If you are unable to participate, there are other testing options available to residents. COVID-19 tests can be requested through your primary care provider’s office. You can make a local appointment through the CVS website. You can register for testing at AFC American Family Care – Urgent Care in Beverly.  

  • Please get tested and help us stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Thank you. Be well and stay safe.”  

CDC Offers Tips for Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activities.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted some helpful guidance and safety tips for trick or treating and other Halloween activities here. To view the latest nationwide case information published daily by the CDC please click here.

Travel Order List of Lower Risk States. As of October 2, the list of COVID-19 lower risk states that are exempt from the Massachusetts Travel Orderincludes Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. (The District of Columbia was added as an area of lower risk, effective October 3.)

Information Resources:

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

To view the most recent (October 8) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here.

For the most recent Legislative and COVD-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

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!
Blackbear Barbershop is Open 7 Days a Week and Offers Special Discounts for Military Veterans, Police and Fireman

Open from 7am to 7pm, with free and accessible parking, book your Fall haircut today.

The BlackBear Barbershop is a traditional barbershop with old school values. They provide a variety of barbering services with the modern day gentleman in mind.

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