Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Annisquam Lighthouse photographed by Arlene Taliadoros
New Location Coming Soon

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and our affiliated Cape Ann Community Foundation are excited to announce the grand opening of our new location.
Introducing Our New Member Savings Program

The Chamber has partnered with TableBoost, the leading Facilities Management app for small, independent restaurants. TableBoost automates the process of managing all of your equipment and systems. TableBoost is free and Chamber members will also receive implementation support at no charge. TableBoost is offering up to $200 in credits for new customers!
Join us this Saturday, August 15
to help us support Main Street businesses

Focusing on shopping and dining along Main Street, shops and restaurants will be open and selling wares along Main Street beginning at 5 PM. Masks will be required inside and outside of businesses! Come and enjoy a low-key evening in Gloucester
Save the Date! Sale By The Sea in Manchester on August 29

Sale By The Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with Cape Ann in the summertime: our community! Show your support to our downtown retailers and restaurants by joining us on August 29
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Cornerstone Creative on August 17

The Cornerstone Creative is a non-profit, apprenticeship/mentorship program utilizing woodworking and craftsmanship to help shape the futures of the young men and women in Gloucester, MA
The History of Medieval Arms and Armor Returns To Hammond Castle

Hammond Castle is hosting two programs this August with special hosts former Executive Director and Curator John Pettibone, and the castle's Creative Director and Curator Scott Cordiner
Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks Named One of 10 Best Seaside Inns in New England

"An easy reach from Boston, the rugged shores of Cape Ann feel surprisingly distant. Face the bracing Atlantic and Thatcher Island’s twin lighthouses from all 51 rooms of this classic seaside inn" writes Tracey Minkin
Essex County Artist Webinars for
a Post-COVID World

Assets for Artists has redesigned its business and financial education programming to provide artists with new, crisis-focused, distance-learning opportunities that largely retain the intimate cohort-focused style of our in-person workshops

These workshops are only open to artists who currently reside in Essex County, Massachusetts
Cape Ann Artisans 2020 Summer
Mini-Tour

Join a select group of the Cape Ann Artisans for another mini tour of the season. Not available on August 15? Just call and Cape Ann Artisans will do their best to accommodate your schedule
Recurring Events:
Daily Museum Tours with Hammond Castle
Candlelight and Spiritualism Tours with Hammond Castle Museum
Monthly Community Reiki Share at Manchester Community Center
Summer Dinner Cruise Series with Beauport Cruiselines
Wake Up Spirit at Floating Lotus
Yoga Sessions with Missy Anzivino Yoga
Outdoor Yoga (Various Locations) with Treetop Yoga
Virtual View Concerts with Rockport Music
Dashboard for August 10: The most recent daily Dashboard of Public Health Indicators shows encouraging trends once again. The positive test rate (7-day weighted average) - after briefly rising above 2% - dropped back to 1.9 % on August 6 and is now down to 1.8%. The 3-day weighted average number of hospitalized patients has stayed below 400 since July 24, with 380 hospitalized on August 10.

Updated Gathering Order Takes Effect Today. Governor Baker on Friday signed an updated gatherings order, effective Tuesday, August 11, which will:
  • Reduce the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people)
  • Apply these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property
  • Require face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.
  • To read the gatherings order, click here. To read the Governor’s press release, please click here.

Restaurant rules have been updated to state that alcoholic beverages may only be served for onsite consumption if accompanied by orders for food prepared onsite. To read the updated restaurant rules and protocols, please click here.

New Travel Order Now in Effect. As of August 1, with certain exemptions, visitors to Massachusetts and Massachusetts residents returning from states other than Hawaii, New York and the other New England states (with the exception of Rhode Island) are now required to self-quarantine for 14 days unless they have had a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving. For details, please click here. For a one-page printable flyer on the travel order, please click here.

SBA Provides Answers to PPP Loan Forgiveness Questions. Last week the Small Business Administration issued guidance on the loan forgiveness process for businesses that have received PPP loans. For the full FAQ document please click here.

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

For the latest COVID-19 news and information for Massachusetts, please visit www.mass.gov.

For Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante’s most recent Legislative and COVID-19 blogs please click here.
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!
The Country Sweep is Offering 20% off Chimney Services

The Country Sweep is ready to inspect, clean, and repair your chimney. Call before August 31st to take advantage of this special promotion. Make sure to reference this coupon and The Country Sweep will give you the discount in their quote. Call 603-387-8716 or email Adam at countrysweepma@gmail.com

Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager - Beauport Hospitality Group
Multiple Positions - Seaport Grille
Multiple Positions - 1606 Restaurant & Bar at Beauport
CNAs, CHHAs, and Nursing Students - Aberdeen Home Care, Inc.
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