Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Essex Marsh | Photo Credit: Bridgett Mathews
Our largest fundraiser, the Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction is now live. We sincerely thank many of you who have donated to and sponsored this year’s event. We have well over 100 items including fantastic overnight stays, home renovation packages, family fun items, schooner sails and so much more. You can pick something out for the whole family this holiday season. This year in addition to supporting the Chamber’s mission, a portion of the proceeds will be given to local businesses who have been most impacted by the pandemic.  
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Partner
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Act NOW! Early Bird Special for Cape Ann's Best Advertising Opportunities Ends November 30
 
The Cape Ann Guide & Directory, Cape Ann Map and Rockport Map are THE preeminent publications for the region and offer incredible promotional opportunities for businesses of all industries. Take advantage of 10% off display ads now until November 30!
 
Coffee & Connections
Thursday, December 3, 10 AM

We hope to see you in December at our new time, 10 AM. Our monthly networking event is a fantastic opportunity to get connected with other members.

Promising Vaccine News from Moderna and Pfizer

Cambridge-based Moderna Inc. said on Monday [November 16] its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial, becoming the second U.S. company in a week to report results that far exceed expectations. Together with Pfizer Inc.'s vaccine, also shown to be more than 90% effective, and pending more safety data and regulatory review, the United States could have two vaccines authorized for emergency use in December with as many as 60 million doses of vaccine available by the year's end.” Read the full story here.
Small Business Grant Deadline Extended Through Today.

The plan announced recently includes $50.8 million in direct grants to help small businesses that have been most severely impacted by the pandemic. The deadline for applying for these grants is Tuesday, November 17 at 11:59 PM. 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
CDC Offers Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Safety & Prevention

For the most up-to-date guidance from the Centers for Disease Prevention please click here. 
 State’s Daily Dashboard.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is now posting a revised COVID-19 daily dashboard. A key new data point presented in the dashboard is “Case Growth by Age Group,” which will help show the impact of COVID on different age ranges over time. The Commonwealth is currently seeing a larger proportion of cases in younger people compared to earlier in the pandemic. To view the most recent daily dashboard please click here: Dashboard for November 16.
Massachusetts Updates List of COVID-19 Lower Risk States

Washington, D.C., New York State and Washington State were removed from the list of lower-risk states on November 14. The remaining lower-risk states for purposes of the Massachusetts Travel Order are Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. 
Updated Mask and Public Gatherings Orders Now in Effect

The new guidelines and protocols took effect on November 6. The full list of sector-specific protocols is available on the Reopening Massachusetts website. Updated sports guidance has also been posted and took effect on November 7.
Information Resources

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

To view the most recent (November 5) 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.
The BEST Way to Support Local Businesses is by Purchasing
A Cape Ann Gift Certificate This Holiday Season Every Season
 
Cape Ann Gift Certificates are the perfect gift to give this holiday season and 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. 

MyLocalMA Business of the Week -
Ken Knowles Fine Art

Ken Knowles has been painting in oils for 35 years. He began studying with renowned artist Stapleton Kearns at the age of 15, and went on to study with greats like John Terelak and TM Nicholas. His Award winning works are part of many private and public collections here and abroad. One of his paintings is available now in our 33rd Annual Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction.

*Submit your #mylocalma photos to olivia@capeannchamber.com

Small Business Saturday Merchandise Has Arrived at the Chamber! Limited Supply Available
 
The Cape Ann Chamber is a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion again this year. Members are welcome to stop by to pick up tent cards, stickers, flyers, and other Small Business Saturday merchandise.
 
Cape Ann YMCA Membership Special - No Cost to Join Until February 15

From November 9 to Black Friday, you can join the Cape Ann YMCA cost free until February 15. The first 100 people to take advantage of this fantastic special can choose a piece of athletic apparel. Click here to view the options and contact Helene Feeley for more information: feeleyh@northshoreymca.org or 978 283-0470 ext 1708.

One-of-a-Kind Rugs and Tapestries Designed by J.S. Hurd Design

Owner Joanne Hurd of J.S. Hurd Design can customize the size, pattern, and colorway to fit both your personal style and home decor. The rugs & tapestries are finely hand-knotted by master weavers in Nepal. These treasures - entirely handmade - are designed to last a lifetime.

Esmeralda Jewelry, Accessories & Gifts in Rockport is Offering Custom Gift Boxes for Businesses

As we approach the Holiday season, many businesses will want to say "Thank You" to their hard working employees. Esmeralda Jewelry offers a variety of gift box options so you can find a gift for everyone. The gift boxes can be customized to whatever products you like, and are available directly in store or online.

Woodman's of Essex
Holiday Gift Card Sale

Our friends at Woodman's of Essex are starting their holiday gift card sale early this year. Now through December 31 get a $20 FREE gift card when you buy $100 in Restaurant Gift Cards.

Support Veteran-Owned Local Businesses

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, Gloucester. The list will be updated regularly.

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.

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!
Attention Businesses: Help Promote the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund

Action Inc., Pathways for Children, & Wellspring House, Inc. are collaborating to make sure that all Cape Ann children enjoy a magical holiday. In lieu of toys collections this year, we hope you might be willing to help fundraise by making a donation and/or promoting the Cape Ann Kids Holiday fund on your website, social media pages, newsletters, or in your business.

Donation to the Fund will allow the organizations to provide gift cards for hundreds of families in need. Scan the QR code below to donate, or click the link below.

Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals Announce Guidelines for Grant Program that Benefits Non-Profits

This year, Addison Gilbert Hospital and Beverly Hospital are seeking proposals that focus on addressing social determinants of health including access to technology. Through this grant process, up to $100,000 will be awarded to non-profit organizations. The deadline to be considered is December 4, 2020

Take Cape Ann Mass In Motion’s Bike Friendly Community Survey

The goal of this survey is to acquire important feedback on making Cape Ann roads safer for all. Whether you drive, walk, or bike, your participation in this survey will help to better inform community leaders on Active Transportation opportunities.

Arts Abound Launches New E-Commerce Website Just in Time for the Holidays

After several months in the works, Arts Abound is pleased to announce that they now have an e-commerce site. It is now easier than ever to support local artists and your favorite small business.

Support the Robicheau Family, A Local Family in Need

A local family needs our help with the costs of their beloved husband and father, David Robicheau's medical expenses. David has faced medical challenges which have severely impacted him and his young family. Click the link below to learn more about the family and how you can help.

Awesome Gloucester Partners with Persistent Productions to Honor Those Who Have Made a Living Working “On Fish”

In June, Awesome Gloucester commissioned Studio Fresh to create original public art to honor the legions of people in Gloucester who have made a living working “on fish” in “on land” jobs. The mural includes images of women processing fish, a lumper, and a fish cutter. The film will debut on November 12 at 6 PM on their Facebook page.

North Shore 104.9 FM Turns on the Christmas Lights Early This Year
 
North Shore 104.9 FM WBOQ, Gloucester, Boston will play all holiday music from November 2 until the end of 2020 because this year we all need a little Christmas!
 
Happy Valley Launches Food Collection Site to Help The Open Door
 
Happy Valley is gearing up to help The Open Door by safely organizing a food collection site to benefit people right here in our community. The site will be open from November 1 through November 23. Happy Valley will be offering 10% off any accessory for every 5 food items brought to the Happy Valley collection site.

Wheelhouse Cowork to Open Their Second Location This Month
 
The Gloucester Daily Times recently published an article announcing Wheelhouse Cowork's new location. This marks a milestone for the business and its founder, Nate Cahill. The new location will offer ocean views and special amenities. 

Jane Deering Gallery Presents Joy! by Joy Halstead, November 13 - 22

Artist Joy Halstead will be sharing the work she has been creating in the time of COVID-19. Her work showcases her passion for knitting. Joy will have knit hats with corona pompoms attached at the top available for sale. Anti-corona hats, as Joy nicknames them. Jane Deering Gallery will be donating proceeds to The Open Door.

YMCA's Back Fathers Fiesta
Virtual 5K and 5M Road Race
November 14 - 21
 
Support the YMCA's work in the community as you run virtually on the backshore. You choose, run the 5 Mile Course or the 5K course. Each takes you through Gloucester’s picturesque Back Shore. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Twin Lights and watch the waves crash onto the rocky shoreline.
 
Christmas in Gloucester:
Shop Local • Shop Downtown
November 27 - December 17

There are many fun and safe events happening this holiday season, including the ever so popular, Ladies and Men's night. Click the link below to view the extended flyer and schedule of "Christmas in Gloucester" events.

First Annual Winter Lights November 27 - January 2
 
Over 175 businesses will be lit up throughout Cape Ann to help us all celebrate the joys of the season. A Drive- Map will be produced, highlighting Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester's participating businesses and offered to all for an enchanting exhibit. 
 
Backyard Growers is Seeking a Full-Time Program Coordinator

Click Here to Read the Job Description
Visit the Website
Forklift Operator Position Available at Americold Logistics is Hiring for a Forklift Operator Position

Click Here to Read the Job Description
Visit the Website
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