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September 22, 2026

Together, Let's Glow

Silent Auction Now Open for Bidding!

39th Annual Greater Cape Ann Chamber Auction

Thursday, September 24 | 5 - 9 PM | Cruiseport Gloucester

Featured Live Auction Item

The "Sweet Caroline" Fenway Experience: So Good, So Good, So Good!


The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd. The singing of Sweet Caroline. Good times never seemed so good! Now imagine experiencing the magic of America’s Most Beloved Ballpark from some of the best seats in the house. Up for auction is the ultimate baseball getaway for you and three guests: four premium tickets to a Monday through Friday regular-season Boston Red Sox home game.Your seats are located in the highly coveted Loge Box 128, Row CC, Seats 1–4.

Featured Silent Auction Items

Lot # 509

28" x 50" Framed Gyotaku Fish Print Montage by Joe's Fresh Fish Prints

Donated by Joe's Fresh Fish Prints


Capture the raw, authentic beauty of maritime life with this stunning, large-scale Gyotaku montage print.

Lot # 207

Golf Foursome at Ipswich Country Club

Donated by Dave Lazarakis, ICC Golf Pro


Experience premier, championship golf on the North Shore with this exclusive opportunity for a foursome at the strictly private Ipswich Country Club. 

Chamber News & Updates

Small Business University Presents: Increase the Value of Your Business

Presented by Tim Sanborn, Right Choice Business Solutions.


Thank you to those who attended the Small Business University seminar last Thursday.


For those who could not make it live, the video recording is now available for viewing.

Attention Amateur Bakers! Enter the Rockport Harvest Fest Apple Pie Bake Off!


Think your secret crust or spiced filling has what it takes to be crowned Rockport Apple Pie Royalty? Now is your chance to prove it!


The Rockport Harvest Fest is looking for local amateur bakers to step up to the plate and enter our friendly competition. Whether your style is traditional double-crust, caramel-drizzled, or loaded with local orchard apples, we want to taste your best creation. Click Here to Enter Online | Download Rules & Regulations

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.

MA House 2nd Essex District Candidate Forum 2026

Monday, October 5 | 6:30 - 8 PM

True North Ale Company


On Monday, October 5, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Ipswich Local News and Hamilton Wenham News will host a Candidate Forum for State Representative for the Second Essex District on the November 3rd Election ballot.  


The forum will be held at True North Ale Company from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. This event will be open to the public and will be moderated by Richard Lodge, former editor of Newburyport Daily News


The candidates participating in alphabetical order are:

  • Kristin Kassner (D) incumbent
  • Daniel Kelly (R)


The candidates will each be given the opportunity to answer several questions on a wide range of topics.


The event will be recorded by ICAM.

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

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

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!

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.

Member Spotlight

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.

Are you a solopreneur? Do you want to be featured in our Solopreneur Blog Series? 


Check out our Introduction to the Solopreneur blog article which provides a little background of just what a solopreneur is, as compared to a freelancer and an entrepreneur. If you are running your business as a solopreneur (no partners, no employees), please fill out this form to submit your request. (Please note that Solopreneur & standard Member Spotlights will be published on a first come, first served basis.)

Member & Community News

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.

SAVE THE DATE

Essex Downtown Visioning Forum

Tuesday, September 29 | 6:30 - 8 PM, Essex Town Hall

 The Cape Ann League of Women Voters is Seeking Candidate Questions


Candidates for State Representative for 5th Essex District have been invited by the League of Women Voters of Cape Ann (LWVCA).  to participate in individual televised interviews. Candidates Andrew Tarr (Democrat), Christine Delisio (Republican), and Gilbert Frieden (Unenrolled) will have the opportunity to present their ideas and respond to concerns. The LWVCA asks interested voters to send in questions for the candidates.  Send your questions to: LWVCapeAnn@gmail.com or call or text 508-284-2418. The general election is 11/3/2026.  Submit questions by 10/5/2026. 


The same three candidates spoke in an LWVCA forum held on 3/14/2026. The entire forum is viewable on YouTube - 1623 Studios channel and on the LWVCA website (LWVcapeann.org).

The Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the potential development of 65 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester went live today on BidNet Direct.


 For complete details about the opportunity, the site visit, and submittal requirements, please register on BidNet to access the official EOI documents. 

Fall Cider & Donut Cruises


Embark on a journey to experience the award-winning flavors of Fall in New England! Cruise near Hog/Choate Island and behold the mesmerizing dark spruce forest. Watch as nature paints the landscape with brilliant hues of yellow and orange. Treat yourself to complimentary hot cider and delectable donuts from the acclaimed Russell Orchard of Ipswich. Join us for an unforgettable adventure amidst New England's most magnificent fall foliage. Don't miss out on this enchanting opportunity. Peak foliage times may vary.

North Shore Adventures Now Scheduling Business Kayak Team Building for the Fall!


Come celebrate and reward your team with an exciting one of a kind team building experience out in nature and on the water. Most of our corporate groups like the fall as it's more relaxing now that the craziness of the summer is over. We can meet you with our kayaks, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and safety equipment in Gloucester, Ipswich, Salem, Essex, and the greater North Shore area.  

Al Temkin excited to be Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer at the Chamber's ''Together, Let's Glow'' Fundraising Auction


"I am very excited to be the Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber's "Together, Let's Glow" fundraising auction on Thursday, September 24, from 5 to 9 PM at Cruiseport Gloucester. The Auction Committee has done an amazing job planning a fun, informative program."

Ipswich Museum launches $1M fundraising campaign 


(From The Local News) For more than a century, the Ipswich Museum has preserved the stories, architecture and artistry of the community, inviting visitors to explore the town’s history. Now, the museum is looking to the future with a $1 million capital campaign to restore and transform its historic Carriage Barn into a Modern Arts and Education Center. 


The project comes as the museum has outgrown its existing education and event space, the Appleton Room. The room can accommodate about 50 people on its own or up to 70 when the adjacent gift shop space is included. 

MORE OR LESS: A SHOW ABOUT HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH at Cove Gallery

September 24 - October 18

Four artists explore the balance between what is shown—and what is left out


YES! Rocky Neck Members Year End Show

September 24 - November 1

This dynamic exhibition brings together an exciting and diverse collection of recent works from 72 RNAC artists, offering a stunning reflection of talent, vision, and artistic passion. 

State Contract Opportunities


  • The Statewide Contract, FAC120 Landscaping Services, Snow Removal, Tree Services, and Related Services, is reopening for all categories. 
  • Statewide Contract FAC116 will be replaced by a new statewide contract, LND001 Lawns and Grounds Equipment, Parts and Services, with an effective date of May 1, 2027. 

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

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Meet Kazoo, a 1-year-old spayed female, house-trained cat who is part of Cape Ann Animal Aid’s extended stay program, meaning her adoption fee has been reduced!


Kazoo enjoys lounging on fluffy blankets, throwing around her mice toys and getting love. She is considered a special needs adoption since she may have health issues in the future from having battled panleukopenia as a kitten. If you have any further questions about this virus, you are more than welcome to call the shelter to talk with one of our adoption counselors.  Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about the adoption process, Kazoo, and all the other animals waiting for homes. 

 

Job Listings

Building Center is looking for FULL TIME- YEAR ROUND Yard Help


Join Seaside Sustainability's Internship or Volunteer Program

Carroll Steele Insurance Agency seeks a Personal Lines Insurance Account Manager

Event Manager opening at Cruiseport Gloucester

Event Sales Manager needed at Beauport Hotel

Do you have a job opening at your business? All members may post open positions for free on the Chamber website. Simply log into the Member Portal, click on Job Postings on the left-hand menu, select Add Job Posting, and enter the relevant details. Once the posting is approved, it will appear on the Jobs page of Chamber website for the length of time selected.


Download PDF Tutorial for Posting Jobs

If you need help, please contact Cindy at cindy@capeannchamber.com.

Member to Member Deals

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

Shop Our Members

 

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

 

Soundings Sponsors

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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