Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Tuck's Point, Manchester-by-the-Sea | Photo Credit: Amanda Loebelenc
SAVE THE DATE
Business After Hours
Wednesday, January 27 | 4:30 PM

Grab a cocktail or beverage of choice and join us after a day of work to network and relax in an informal setting, virtually! 

JOIN US
How to Weather the Perfect Storm: COVID, the Vaccine and PFML
Free Virtual Seminar
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.
 
Bob Hastings ~ In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the recent passing of Bob Hastings, who succumbed to cancer last week in Florida. Bob served as the Executive Director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce for nearly three years, from January 5, 2009 until his retirement at the end of 2011.

PPP Loan Applications Now Being Accepted 

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) re-opened on Monday, January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. For detailed information please click here
Massachusetts 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

State’s Interactive COVID-19 Daily Dashboard

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Daily Dashboard is now available in a more interactive format. To view the most recent Massachusetts COVID-19 daily dashboard please click here
State Updates Vaccine Distribution Plan

On January 8 new groups were detailed in Massachusetts’ vaccine distribution plan. View the latest Massachusetts vaccine update here. View the January 7 weekly vaccination report here
Information Resources

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

To view the most recent (January 7) 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
Muffy White Organizing & Styling was Recently Interviewed by The North Shore Local Moms Network

Just in time for the New Year, when our minds often turn to organizing, cleaning and purging, Muffy White of Muffy White Organizing and Styling shares why it’s important to create organizational systems for your home that work and how she can help.

Alliance Policymakers Series: The Health of Health Care on the North Shore
Wednesday, January 13 | 8:30 AM

Join the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development as they discuss the current COVID environment on the North Shore, how this is impacting our hospitals and healthcare system, what we should be doing as community members and vaccinations.

Essex Heritage Announces 2021 Partnership Grant Program

Twelve grants are available to local organizations stewarding heritage in the region.

Massachusetts Employers Can Receive Up to $250,000 in Grant Funds Through the State's Workforce Training Fund

Come to the Workforce Training Fund Information Session on January 14 to learn more. This session, hosted by Corporate and Professional Education at North Shore Community College, will provide an overview of all of the Workforce Training Fund programs.

The MassTech Collaborative is Accepting Applications for Their New Accelerator Challenge: Connect Tech Innovations

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Innovation Challenge is a six-week business accelerator program to identify and grow Massachusetts companies developing innovative solutions to challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Application Deadline is Friday, February 19.

William J Funk Procurement Consulting Services Gives An Important Update

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Operational Services Division (OSD) has just posted a World Trade Organization (WTO) Notice for a new bid. The procurement will be an RFR (Request for Response) to obtain services pertaining to data and cybersecurity, excluding PCI-related services.

Cape Ann ARTWaves, A Member Program of 1623 Studios Will Continue Throughout 2021

ARTWaves was launched during the pandemic to help artists tell their stories during a period when galleries, museums, and exhibits opportunities were severely diminished. Watch the video for a brief sampling of 2020 artist interviews and testimonials as well as a preview of things to come in 2021.

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

  • 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

Support Local Businesses and Purchase a Cape Ann Gift Check
 
The Cape Ann Gift Check program encourages our community to shop local and keeps our dollars on Cape Ann. Now, more than ever, it is important to support local businesses.
 
MyLocalMA Business of the Week - 
Thai Choice

Located on Main Street in Gloucester, Thai Choice is proud to have their exotic Thai cuisine accepted as part of Cape Ann. Thai food is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy. Every dish is made to order. All of this combined with the lengthy experience of their chefs and friendly staff will make you feel the joy of dining.

Ray D'Amico of Mortgage Network, Inc. Is Offering A $500 Closing Cost Credit

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce shoppers can now enjoy a $500 Closing Cost Credit on their next Purchase or Refinance. Act now to save on your next mortgage!

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

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.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation Presents the Fifth Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Online
Monday, January 18 | 2 PM

The presentation is a collage assembled from videos of Cape Ann residents interwoven with excerpts from speeches by Dr. King and John Lewis.

The City of Gloucester's Health Department is Seeking an Administrative Assistant
 
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