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September 8, 2026

Together, Let's Glow Auction Sneak Peak

39th Annual Greater Cape Ann Chamber Auction

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

Buy Tickets Here

Featutred Live Auction Item

John Terelak Oil Painting

26" x 30" original painting by renowned Gloucester artist, John Terelak. Terelak captures the beauty of Cripple Cove in Gloucester from a time long gone by with schooners aplenty docked along the waterfront.

Painting is on display for pre-auction viewing at the Chamber Office.

Featured Silent Auction Items

Strikes, Slices & Smiles: Ultimate Bowling Party for 24

Donated by Cape Ann Lanes


Experience a fun-filled Cape Ann Lanes Bowling & Pizza Party! This package offers 4 bowling lanes for 2 hours, accommodating up to 24 guests. Enjoy the thrill of bowling along with 4 delicious pizzas of your choice. Perfect for any celebration, be it a children's birthday party, a holiday gathering or a corporate event.

Valid for all ages

Ultimate Salt Cave Escape for 8!

Donated by Revive Wellness


Gather your favorite people and escape to a peaceful, restorative salt cave experience! This relaxing session is the perfect opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy some much needed time to unwind. Up to 8 guests can relax in zero-gravity chairs surrounded by beautiful Himalayan salt walls.

Chamber News & Updates

Business After Hours at Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum

Wednesday, September 9 | 5 - 7 PM


Please join us for our September Business After Hours at the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum! Come catch up with your fellow Chamber members, forge new professional connections, and explore Essex’s rich maritime history and living shipbuilding tradition. Learn firsthand from Executive Director KD Montgomery about EHSSM's background, educational events, plans for the future, and more. Register Now

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

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

Greater Cape Ann Career & College 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 College & Career 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.

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

Downtown Gloucester Listening Session

Tuesday September 15, 8:30-9:30 AM, Cape Ann Savings Bank Community Room

Essex Downtown Visioning Forum

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

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.

TownGreen to host first climate summit discussing success, steps forward for resiliency


(From Gloucester Daily Times) TownGreen is bringing residents, area officials, municipal staff and more together to discuss the successes, struggles and next steps of making the region more resilient to climate change.


The Inaugural Greater Cape Ann Climate Summit will take place at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main St. in Rockport, this Thursday Sept. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Featured will be a panel of local municipal staff and expert speakers throughout the day. Anyone wishing to attend must register at town-green.org and while registration is free, seating is limited to 100 people. RSVP Required Today - Limited Seats Remain

BankGloucester Announces the 2026 Banking for the Community Nominees


We’re proud to launch BankGloucester’s 19th annual Banking for the Community program—our signature giving program that invests directly in the nonprofit and community organizations making a difference in and around Cape Ann. This year, we’ve increased our prize pool to $35,000 and have added two more organizations to the nominee list!


Since 2008, Banking for the Community has awarded more than $380,000 to local organizations, all decided by you, our community members. This fall, we’re donating $35,000 to 21 deserving nonprofits across Cape Ann and surrounding communities.


Click here to view nominees and to vote for up to 3 of your favorite organizations.

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club Announces “Gears For Good” Community Bike Event at Masconomo Park on September 20


The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is excited to announce the Second Annual Community Bike Event, Gears For Good, on Sunday, September 20 at Masconomo Park in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Designed to promote healthy recreation and community engagement, Gears For Good invites riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy a morning of cycling while supporting the Club’s mission of service.


“Our Rotary Club is thrilled to offer this community event, Gears For Good, for the second year as part of our commitment to “Service above Self,’” said Club President Ron Parker. “We hope riders of all ages – especially children and families – will discover the fun, freedom and lifelong health benefits that come from riding a bike.” Learn More & Register

Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals to Hold Community Benefits Annual Public Meeting


Learn how Beverly and Addison Gilbert collaborate with community partners to support programs aimed at improving the health and wellness of our communities. All are welcome to attend this in-person meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, from 9 AM to 11 AM at Beverly Hospital. Please RSVP to Attend

Ipswich to offer CERT disaster-preparedness training in October


The Ipswich Emergency Management Agency is offering a free training program this October to help community members prepare for and respond to emergency situations.


The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program teaches people disaster preparedness skills for hazards that may affect their community. Training includes first aid care, fire safety, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology, and terrorism awareness.  Download Flyer | Register Now

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Meet Betty Boop, a beautiful 1year-old, all-black kitty with the most gorgeous green-yellow eyes! Betty Boop raised a litter of kittens and is now ready to start her new life. She may be a little nervous when meeting new people, but once she feels safe and comfortable, her sweet personality starts to shine. Betty is looking for a patient, loving person who will give her the time she needs to come out of her shell.  Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about the adoption process, Betty Boop, and all the other animals waiting for homes. 

 

Job Listings

Join Seaside Sustainability's Internship or Volunteer Program

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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