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President's & CEO's October Update
October brings a noticeable change of pace to Greater Cape Ann as we move from the busy summer season into fall. While the crowds and rhythms may shift, there is still plenty happening throughout our communities. Our downtown Gloucester Visitor Center will remain open on weekends through the end of October, helping visitors discover local businesses, attractions, events, and all that Greater Cape Ann has to offer during this beautiful time of year. The Chamber’s calendar is just as active, with opportunities to connect our business community, bring visitors to the region, and celebrate some of the traditions that make the fall season so special. Read Full Update
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October Tourism Council Report
New Opportunities and Time-Honored Events Help to Drive Fall Tourism: Fall is off to a busy start for tourism on Greater Cape Ann, and opportunities in the months ahead promise to make this our best season yet. This was the focus of the September 18 meeting of the Chamber’s Tourism Council, as tourism community members came together to discuss established events and activities expected to attract visitors this fall, as well as new opportunities that could further boost our visitor-based economy. Read Full Report
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Community Relations October Update
Fall is here, and as we welcome the crisp air and cooler nights, our focus remains on both new and returning programming across Greater Cape Ann. One of the Chamber’s greatest strengths is our ability to bring people and organizations together, and partnership continues to be at the heart of much of our work. As we finalize logistics for key community events this month and begin looking ahead to the holiday season, we continue collaborating with businesses, schools, municipalities, community organizations, and local and state officials to expand opportunities, strengthen communication, and support our communities. Read Full Report
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Introducing Harvest to Holidays!
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber is excited to launch Harvest to Holidays, a new seasonal tourism campaign showcasing everything to experience across Greater Cape Ann from fall through the holiday season.
From apple picking, corn mazes, and harvest celebrations to holiday shopping, festive events, and beloved community traditions, Harvest to Holidays is designed to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius and encourage them to discover Greater Cape Ann beyond the traditional summer season — and stay a little longer while they’re here.
Featuring seasonal experiences and events across our five communities, the campaign will help extend our visitor season while supporting local businesses throughout the fall and holidays.
Visit the Harvest to Holidays landing page on the Cape Ann Vacations website to learn more. This page will be updated throughout the holiday season.
We thank our seasonal partners, Hammond Castle Museum and The Trustees of Reservations, The Crane Estate, for their support of this inaugural program. Harvest to Holidays is funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. North of Boston CVB.
| The Chamber of Commerce extends its deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteers for their outstanding dedication and service. | |
Betsy Eck, Bob and Maryellen Magner, Chris McGrath, Terry Byrne, Elaine Beggan, Karen Roller,
Roslyn Michelson, Bill Previdi.
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As the welcoming face of the community, our volunteers keep daily operations running smoothly by greeting visitor center guests, answering phone calls, guiding tourists, and helping with essential office and event tasks.
This spirit of connection shone through at the recent Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, which gave volunteers—many of whom had never met before—a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another and share amusing stories from their time serving the community.
The Chamber is incredibly grateful for everything these volunteers do to make our community a wonderful place to visit, work, play, and live.
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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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Early Bird Publication Advertising - Book Now, Save 10%
Reach Visitors. Reach Residents. Stay Visible All Year.
When visitors come to Greater Cape Ann, they’re looking for places to eat, shop, stay, explore — and businesses to discover along the way... make sure yours is one of them!
Advertising in the Greater Cape Ann Guide & Directory, companion Map, and Rockport Map & Guide is an exclusive Chamber member benefit, putting your business directly in the hands of visitors and residents throughout the region and across New England.
Be Part of the Guide and Maps that Visitors & Locals Rely On.
Download Greater Cape Ann Guide & Map Advertising Contract
Download Rockport Map Advertising Contract
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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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Business After Hours
Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum
September 9
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Small Business University
Increase the Value of Your Business
Presented by Tim Sanborn, Right Choice Business Solutions.
September 17
View Recording
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Businesswomen's Committee Swing Into Fall Golf Event
September 21
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39th Annual Greater Cape Ann Chamber Auction
Together's Let's Glow
September 24
View Photos
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Greater Cape Ann College & Career Fair
Ipswich High School
September 30
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Renew by the Sea Ribbon Cutting
Manchester-by-the-Sea
September 24
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City of Gloucester Wayfinding Ribbon Cutting
Rogers Street/Harbor Loop
September 25
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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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The Sawyer Free Library Tech Expo: A Day of Digital
Discovery invites the community to bring their curiosity to a fun, free, community event celebrating the past, present and future of technology on Saturday, October 17th from 10 am to 4 pm. The Tech Expo showcases the Library’s growing technology offerings—including lendable devices, digital learning programs, and new technology tools in the Digital Learning Lab—while connecting residents with community partners using technology in innovative and practical ways. Read Full Press
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Elizabeth Bish to Present Closing Talk
Open Studio on Saturday, October 24 from 2-4 PM
51 Main Street (Rear), Gloucester, MA
Elizabeth Bish Closing Talk on Friday, October 30 at 6 PM
51 Main Street (Rear), Gloucester, MA
As the 2026 Gloucester Invitational Artist, Bish will share her artistic journey and process to date and how she's looking forward to the Goetemann Artist Residency providing her with the time and space to explore new directions in her painting, pushing her familiar language of landscape and still life toward greater abstraction. Read Full Press Release
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Fishing Partnership Support Services offers free CPR, first aid training to fisherman
Fishermen and fisherwomen can pick up some critical lifesaving tips through a free all-day course being offered next week. Fishing Partnership Support Services will offer the free, fishing-specific first aid and CPR training to Cape Ann fishers on Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DES Portuguese Club.
The course will teach attendees to care for an injured crewman. Depending on weather and distance from shore, fishermen are first responders and may continue to respond for a long time until medical experts take over.
The training is free. Fishermen can register at fishingpartnership.org/calendar or by contacting Fishing Partnership Navigator Maria Carpenter at mcarpenter@fishingpartnership.org or by phone/text at 774-770-5685.
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Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week
Wilma is a sweet, shy 2-year-old who takes a little time to come out of her shell. Wilma would love a calm, patient home where she can take things at her own pace and learn that she is safe and loved. Once she feels comfortable, her soft personality will begin to shine. If you’re looking for a gentle companion and are willing to give her the time she needs, Wilma might just be your perfect match.
Wilma has joined Cape Ann Animal Aid’s extended stay club, meaning her fee has been reduced in hopes to find her forever home! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about the adoption process, Wilma, 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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Woodman's Weekday Specials & $8 Kids Meals All Day Every Day!
Starting October 13 and running through May 7, Woodman's will be offering weekday specials (Monday through Friday), with $8 kids meals every day. Click for More Info
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Month's Worth of Social Media Reels
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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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