Together, Let's Glow Auction Sneak Peak | | Featured Live Auction Item | | |
"Sea Rover"
Framed 24" x 20" Oil on Canvas by Robert Gruppe
Robert C. Gruppé’s plein-air paintings of landscapes and harbor scenes capture the images and spirit of his native Cape Ann, MA and reflect his own evolving personal vision and style. He records the impressions of a scene with powerful expressive brush strokes in his characteristic palette of vibrant colors capturing the light, movement and mood of the composition.
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Sail the Legend! 2 Tickets for the 2027 Mayor's Cup Race & Parade of Sail aboard Schooner Adventure
Grab your chance at the holy grail of maritime experiences—two highly coveted tickets to be active passengers aboard Gloucester's flagship vessel, the Schooner Adventure, during the grand finale of the 2027 Gloucester Schooner Festival!
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The Ultimate Rockport Date Night: Dinner & A Show
Featuring a Three-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings at Feather & Wedge and a $100 Rockport Music Gift Card.
Whether you are looking for a romantic evening for two or the perfect excuse to celebrate a special occasion, this package offers the very best of Rockport's vibrant cultural and culinary scene.
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Small Business University Presents: Increase the Value of Your Business
Thursday, September 17 | 12 - 1:30 PM
Whether you plan to sell your business in 5 years or 25 years, the work to maximize its value starts today.
Most small business owners spend years building their company but very little time preparing it to become a valuable, transferable asset. In this session, Tim Sanborn—who has participated in more than 65 business acquisitions and successfully built and sold his own company—will explain what buyers actually look for and what determines whether a business commands a premium price or struggles to sell. Presented by Tim Sanborn, Right Choice Business Solutions. Learn More & Register
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Swing into Fall - Annual Businesswomen's Golf Event
Monday, September 21 | 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Rockport Golf Club
Please join the Businesswomen of Greater Cape Ann for our "Swing into Fall' Annual Golf Event at the Rockport Golf Club.
Newcomers are invited to start their day with basic instructions taught by Golf Pro, Steve Clayton at 8:30 AM. The Shotgun start will be sounded promptly at 10:00 AM for 9 holes of 'Scramble' format, to keep our foursomes moving at a good pace.
This event is for players of all levels- from first timers to accomplished players. There will be at least one experienced player in each foursome. Plan on enjoying a great day with other women while learning a game that is so important for 'doing business on the course'. Download Flyer | Register Now
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Greater Cape Ann College & Career Fair
Wednesday, September 30 | 6 - 7:30 PM
Ipswich High School
Help Inspire the Next Generation of Greater Cape Ann’s Workforce
Local businesses are invited to participate in the 2026 Greater Cape Ann Career & College Fair! Join us on Wednesday, September 30, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Ipswich High School and help local students explore the many career paths and opportunities available right here in our region.
We’re looking for businesses from a wide range of industries to meet with students, share what you do, highlight different career pathways, and introduce opportunities such as jobs, internships, apprenticeships, and other ways to enter your field. Whether your positions require a four-year degree, specialized training, certifications, or learning on the job, your perspective can help students better understand the possibilities available to them after high school.
The fair brings together students and families from Ipswich, Gloucester, Rockport, and Manchester-Essex High Schools, alongside more than 100 colleges and universities and representatives from local industries. There is no cost for businesses to participate.
Interested in representing your industry and helping build Greater Cape Ann’s future workforce? Contact Colleen at colleen@capeannchamber.com to participate.
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Building Connections: An Ipswich Business Meet-Up
Wednesday, October 7 | 5 - 7 PM
Ipswich Country Club
Ipswich businesses are invited to join us for an evening of connection and opportunity at Ipswich Country Club!
- Do you want to expand your network?
- Are you looking for new opportunities for your business?
- Are you interested in ways you can engage with fellow entrepreneurs and get more involved in our community?
Ipswich Division Chamber members are encouraged to invite non-member Ipswich businesses to attend this networking evening, to come meet the new Ipswich Town Manager, Brendan Sweeney, and enjoy light appetizers, a cash bar, and great connections. Engage with fellow and prospective chamber members and learn more about how we can work together for a stronger Ipswich business community.
Registration Required
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Essex Town Center Vibrancy Survey
Sponsored by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Essex
The Essex town center is the heart of its coastal and historic community, primarily encompassing Main St from John Wise Ave to Southern Ave. Please consider providing feedback to make the Essex town center more lively, welcoming, and economically strong. Your input will help shape plans and future improvements. Open to Essex residents, Essex businesses, community neighbors and visitors. Take the Survey
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Get ready to hit play, Cape Ann!
Recording slots for Chamber Members are now officially open! Spaces are limited, so do not wait to claim your spotlight and book your session. Please contact Colleen for details on how to book your interview.
Turn up the volume and help us kick off this exciting new chapter!
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Membership Drop-In Hours
Tuesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM
Are you a new member who would like to learn more about member benefits? Do you need a refresher on how to post events or update your profile? Members are invited to join us for Membership Drop-In Hours, a dedicated time for members to stop by and meet with Keri Conlon, Member and Visitor Services Manager. This is an opportunity to ask questions, review benefits, and discuss business concerns in a small setting. No appointment is needed! Don’t miss this opportunity to make the most of your membership! If these times don’t work, Keri would be happy to meet at your convenience.
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Do You Want Your Business Featured in a Chamber Member Spotlight?
If you would like to be considered, please let us know by filling in the Member Spotlight Request Form. These spotlight opportunities are open to all members, on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we receive your request form and confirm that you are a member in good standing, we will send you a profile questionnaire.
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Do you have a news story or helpful resource to share? If so, send it to us by Monday of each week and we will try to include it in our Tuesday Business Soundings!
Please upload your news stories to your Member Portal or email to cindy@capeannchamber.com.
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Cape Ann Artisans Announce Fall Open Studios: Experience Art in Fall Colors!
After a full summer of activities and a special one-day event in August, the Cape Ann Artisans are back to their studios to welcome neighbors and visitors the weekend of October 10-11.
Many people have never been exposed to “open studios” which was originated here on Cape Ann over 43 years ago. A recent post on the North of Boston Visitor’s and Convention Bureau website sums up the event in this way. “There’s something special about stepping inside an artist’s studio. You don’t just see the finished work—you experience the creative process, meet the artist, and discover the inspiration behind every piece. It’s one of the most memorable ways to explore Cape Ann, whether you’re visiting Gloucester, Rockport, or planning a North Shore getaway.” Read Full Press Release
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2026 whale watching season one of best in recent years, local captains say
(From Gloucester Daily Times) Area whale watch captains are reporting that this past spring and summer season has been one of their best in recent memory — seeing high numbers of humpback whales, mother-calf pairs and older whales first spotted during the early days of whale watching.
“It’s absolutely been a phenomenal year,” said Capt. Jim Douglass of Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester. “The different factors into a successful season — it seems we hit them all this year.”
“Starting right from the end of April when we began, there were some of the largest concentrations of whales we had seen in over a decade,” said Capt. Jay Frontierro of 7 Seas Whale Watch in Gloucester. “And it all has to do with the abundance of food.” Read Full Article
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Wolf Hollow welcomes three new pups
(From The Local News) Wolf Hollow announced last Monday that it has welcomed three new Arctic wolf pups into its pack. The five-month old pups, two females and one male, were born at Maryland’s Plumpton Park Zoo in late March and needed a home, the nonprofit said. The sanctuary initially planned to welcome new pups next spring after taking time to grieve the loss of two beloved wolves earlier this year, but when the opportunity arose, staff said they just couldn’t ignore it. “The arrival of these pups signifies the circle of life,” they said. “A summer that began with heartache is closing with hope and new possibilities, reminding us of the beauty of life’s cycles.” Read Full Article
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Established & Highly Reputable Boat Charter Business – Strategic Partnership & Successor Opportunity
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a premier, long-standing boat charter business known for its stellar reputation, top-tier vessel, and deep-rooted community respect. The current owner is seeking a passionate, qualified partner for a structured, long-term takeover and eventual full purchase. To ensure your continued success, the owner is committed to providing comprehensive, hands-on operational training and a seamless transition period. Includes all equipment and supplies, customer lists, and marketing. Call 978-290-3729 for more details.
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Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week
Guppy is a Labrador retriever mix just under 11 years old who is hoping to find a loving home to call his own once again. Guppy was adopted from Cape Ann Animal Aid in 2016, and after many years in a loving home, he recently found himself back in our care due to a change in his owner’s living situation. Guppy still has a playful puppy side, enjoys being around his people and is always happy to soak up some affection. He’s also potty trained, making him an easygoing companion to welcome into your home. Guppy may be a little older, but he has so much love and life left to give. Could you be the forever home he’s been waiting for? Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about the adoption process, Guppy, and all the other animals waiting for homes.
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Exclusive Member Deal from Vrtical Media: 360° Google Street View for $360
Enhance your business’s online presence with a professional 360° image added to your Google Street View profile. Chamber members can take advantage of this special offer—one immersive 360° photo for just $360. Give customers an inside look and stand out on Google Maps! Contact: jaysalois@vrticalmedia.io
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Month's Worth of Social Media Reels
Fast, easy, and affordable content creation without the stress. You walk into Streamography’s video production studio, ready to take your social media presence to the next level. No cluttered home setup, no loud background noise at your business, no shaky phone footage—just a professional, fully-equipped space waiting for you. The lights are perfect, the sound is crisp, and the camera is ready to roll. Learn More
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We extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors.
If you are interested in promoting with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Sam Bevins at sam@capeannchamber.com
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