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September 16, 2025

Chamber News

Businesswomen's Opportunity Fund

Fall Application Deadline: October 20


The Businesswomen’s Opportunity Fund is a need-based fund created with the intention of giving back to the community by helping greater Cape Ann women achieve their business and career goals. We welcome applications from women who are pursuing undergraduate education, a certificate program or any form of specialized training. We also welcome applications from women who would benefit from a particular Business Essential (store fixtures, technology, software, etc.) or Professional Services (financial or legal consult, etc.) that would help to advance their objectives. 


The Businesswomen’s Opportunity Fund is in honor of Carolyn M. O’Connor, the first Chairwoman of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee.


Learn about the Businesswomen’s Opportunity Fund guidelines and apply at:

https://bit.ly/GCACC-BWC

Seminar Replay Available

Bookkeeping and Taxes Made Simple


Last Thursday, the Chamber held the second installment in our Small Business Seminar Series, in which Mark Lacroix discussed the ins and outs of bookkeeping and taxes for small businesses. The video recording of the hybrid event is now available for viewing.


Stay tuned for details on the next seminar, which will focus on health insurance plans available to small businesses.

Upcoming Sponsorship Opportunities

Download 2025 Event Information & Sponsorship Opportunities Packet



For more details, please get in touch with Sam Bevins or Michelle Pepin.

If you have sold $20K Game tickets, please make sure you deliver the ticket stubs and payments to the Chamber office as soon as possible or contact us and we can pick them up. The drawing is only 9 days away!

Get Your $20K Game Tickets Now - Time is Running Out


The $20K Game tickets are still available for purchase. Only 400 tickets will be sold, so get your chance to win up to $10,000 today! Reach out to a Chamber Board Member or contact the Chamber directly at 978-283-1601 or at info@capeannchamber.com.


The drawing will be held at The Cut on September 25.


Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor: Seashore Comfort Solutions

Did you catch the latest Cape Ann Conversations episode featuring Troy Scarbrough, new owner of Nor'East Cleaners? Listen or watch now on the channels below:

 

Audio Only: SpotifyApple Podcasts, I Heart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Video: YouTube and Facebook


Please join us for this Thursday's podcast featuring Samantha Morrison and Rosanna Niosi of Build Health International.


Our podcast schedule is filling up! If you are interested in being interviewed for a future podcast, contact Colleen at colleen@capeannchamber.com for details.


Please visit our partners who make this podcast possible!

  • Streamography.com, to learn more about their podcasting, live streaming, and audio visual services.
  • Visit Best Vending Solutions to learn about getting a FREE vending machine for your business or school

Membership Drop-In Hours

WEDNESDAY 10 AM - 11:30 PM

 

Members are invited to join us for Membership Drop-In Hours, a dedicated time for members to stop by and meet with Becca Campbell, Director of Member Services. 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, Becca would be happy to meet whenever it is convenient.


Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Common Crow Natural Market 25th Anniversary

200 Eastern Ave., Gloucester

Thursday, September 18 | 2 PM

Feather & Wedge Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate New Ownership

5 Main St., Rockpot

Thursday, September 18 | 3:30 PM

Treetop Yoga 16th Anniversary

3A Pond Road, Gloucester

Friday, September 19 | 3:30 PM

Three Sisters Garden Project

Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate New Headquarters

1-2 Washington St., Ipswich

Friday, October 10 | 10:30 AM

Grand Opening of Mariposa & Friends Retail Store

5 Elm St., Manchester-by-the-Sea

Wednesday, October 15 | 4:30 PM

Grand Opening of Tide Pool Pet Services

26 Walker Street, Gloucester

Friday, October 24 | 4 PM

Member Spotlight

Meet Psychic Annette Dion


Are you facing a life transition, feeling uncertain about your next step, or simply seeking clarity in the chaos? Annette Dion brings over three decades of experience helping people uncover truth, find peace, and confidently move forward. With a powerful blend of psychic insight, intuitive coaching, and grounded spiritual guidance, Annette helps clients from all walks of life connect to their inner wisdom and make empowered decisions. Her sessions are known for being remarkably accurate, compassionate, and transformative. Learn More | Visit Website

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 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.

Essex Listening Session: Wednesday, September 24 | 5 - 6:30 PM at

Essex Shipbuilding Museum

Ipswich Listening Session: Thursday, October 9 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM at M Cafe

BankGloucester's Banking for Community

Voting Period Open through September 30


BankGloucester is proud to launch the 18th annual Banking for the Community—BankGloucester’s signature giving program that invests directly in the nonprofits making a difference in our community. This year, we’re excited to roll out our new look—our updated logo reflects our ongoing commitment to the community we proudly serve.


Since 2008, this program has awarded more than $350,000 to local organizations, with funding amounts decided entirely by your votes. This fall, they’re donating $30,000 to 19 deserving nonprofits across Cape Ann and surrounding communities.


View List of Nominees and Vote Now

New owners to celebrate Rockport restaurant's reopening Feather & Wedge under new ownership


(From Gloucester Daily Times) The Feather & Wedge Restaurant has been around for some time, but is now headed in a different direction under new ownership. Benjamin and Nicole Kaplan took ownership on June 3 and reopened the restaurant at 5 Main St. later that month.


“Our goal is to continue to elevate the dining scene within Cape Ann,” Ben Kaplan said. “Feather & Wedge has become known for its high quality sourcing, a seasonally rotating menu, warm and inviting service and a diverse but approachable beverage program.” Read Full Article

Do you have a breast cancer story to share?


North of Boston Media Group is preparing to launch its 14th annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Their special Breast Cancer Awareness supplement due out on Oct. 15 will highlight stories of survival, courage, determination and hope. Do you have a personal story to share or know someone who has waged a courageous battle against breast cancer? Do you know of individuals, organizations or agencies that have stepped up to support patients and their families as they navigate through the challenges of the disease?


They hope to showcase these stories and more in our annual report and, in doing so, inspire, educate and raise awareness about the “Power of Pink” and the ongoing commitment to the fight for a cure. Contact Ann Reily at areily@northofboston.com. Deadline is Sept. 19.

Gloucester marks Hunger Action Month; 1 in 6 residents receive food aid


(From Gloucester Daily Times) Heading into the holiday season, Gloucester is proclaiming September as Hunger Action Month and marking The Open Door’s efforts to fight food insecurity in the city and region. On Thursday, Sept. 18, at noon, Mayor Greg Verga is scheduled to issue a proclamation at the food pantry’s headquarters at 28 Emerson Ave.


The event is being held after the City Council at its most recent meeting at City Hall recognized the nonprofit food pantry’s efforts to help thousands of families in the region get by. Read Full Article

Rocky Neck Art Colony presents: Exhibition & Panel Discussion: Navigating Art & Science


Eight artists focused on the health of the ocean and our relationship to it make up the multimedia exhibition, Navigating Art & Science, now showing at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck through October 13. The public is invited to join several of the artists at the Cultural Center on September 28, from 4:00-5:30 PM for a lively conversation exploring how connections between artistic expression, scientific understanding, and imaginative thinking can address the challenges of the changing ocean. Read Full Press Release

Cape Ann Summer School of Art Lecture Series from Rockport Art Association & Muesum

  • THE CAPE ANN SCHOOL OF ART by T.M. Nicholas and Stapleton Kearns: September 18
  • THE BUSINESS OF ART by Cindy Baron and Harley Bartlett: September 25

Click to Learn More

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Meet Octavia! This pretty lady and her kittens were rescued in North Carolina. She’s endured many hardships before she came to Cape Ann Animal Aid’s Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, and when she arrived, it was discovered she was once again pregnant. With her older kittens adopted and her younger kittens now in foster care, it’s time for her to find her forever home. Her southern charm shines through with how sweet and friendly she is. If you can see yourself loving and snuggling with our lovely Octavia, apply today at capeannanimalaid.org/catapp. Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about Octavia and all the other animals waiting for homes 

Rotary News

Rockport Rotary 2026 Calendars for sale now!


Featuring all photos of Rockport, this calendar funds the Rockport Rotary’s various initiatives, including support of local nonprofits and other benefits for the Cape Ann community. Calendar purchasers will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win $50 weekly and $250 twice a year.


Calendars are $25 and can be purchased at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce on Rogers St in Gloucester or Tuck's Candy on Main St in Rockport.

27th Annual Manchester-Essex Rotary Fundraising Golf Tournament

Tuesday, October 7 | 12 Noon Shotgun Start

The Meadows at Peabody

$150 for Golf & Prime Rib Dinner | $50 for Prime Rib Dinner Only

$100 Hole Sponsorships available for local businesses.

Register Onlineor contact Chris Shea at 508-843-4979, or cknsshea@aol.com

Job Listings

35 Beach is Hiring - Openings for Line Cook, Bartender, Host

Nor'East Cleaners seeks a Dry Cleaning Presser - Full / Part Time

Macacha Taco & Tequila Bar has several open positions: Dishwasher, Server, Bartender 

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 Becca at becca@capeannchamber.com.

Special Member to Member Only Deals

Log In to Your Member Portal to Check Out the Great Member to Member Deals

Exclusive Member Deal from Vrtical Media: 360° Google Street View for $360: Offer Valid Starting September 1


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

Wylie Center Booking Special Endicott College


Bring your team together at the Wylie Center and receive 10% off your package rate with this Chamber Member special.


For a personalized proposal please contact wyliesales@endicott.edu or call 978-867-1955. 

Shop Our Members

1 hr $20 Kayak Rental for Members and Locals from North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center

Come rent a kayak, paddle, and PFD for one hour for just $20! No reservations needed just come in during normal business hours!

10 AM - 6 PM weekdays, 9 AM - 6 PM weekends. Learn More

Gloucester Gratis Days: Complimentary Self-Guided Tours for Gloucester Residents


Hammond Castle Museum is pleased to offer free self-guided tours to Gloucester residents every Tuesday throughout the regular tour season, which runs through early November and during the holiday season, Museum-wide temporary exhibit, Deck the Halls. Proof of residency is required for all Gloucester Gratis admissions. Learn More

Months 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

Ribbon Cutting Exclusive Deal


Sassy Square Marketing is offering an exclusive discount on ribbon cutting photography & videography. Capture this important milestone, showcase your success to the community, and increase brand awareness. (For new clients only.)

Get FREE Vending Machines For Your Business, School, or Health Facility.

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


Pivotal Partners

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