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October 13, 2026

Chamber News & Updates

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

In-Person Coffee & Connections

Wednesday, October 14 | 8 - 9 AM

Chamber Office


Hosted by MassHire. Join us for a morning networking event where you can expand your business connections, explore resources, and discover new opportunities.

Register Today

LAST CALL for 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

Business After Hours:

Cape Ann Savings Financial Advisors

Wednesday, October 21 | 5 - 7 PM

Cape Ann Savings Bank, Gloucester


Join us for an evening of connection and conversation at Cape Ann Savings Financial Advisors! As a department of Cape Ann Savings Bank, CASFA is proud to unveil its fresh new brand following a recent rebrand from Cape Ann Savings Trust & Financial Services. Celebrate this exciting new chapter with them while enjoying a relaxed and welcoming evening of networking, relationship-building, and community.

 

Whether you’re a longtime Chamber member or new to the community, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders from across the region.

Register Now: Free for members | $15 for non-members

41st Annual Essex ClamFest

Saturday, October 24 | 11 AM - 4 PM

Clam Chowder Contest: 12 PM - 1 PM (or while supplies last)

Shepard Memorial Park


Join us at the Essex ClamFest, Arts & Crafts Festival in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. Come taste Cape Ann's finest chowders from Noon to 1 pm and vote for your favorite! (Tasting only while supplies last) While the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition, there are also a variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of on-site food vendors! 


Chowder Competition Participating Restaurants: 

  • 35 Beach
  • Addison Gilbert Hospital - Sodexo
  • Castle Manor Inn
  • CK Pearl
  • Machacha Taco & Tequila Bar
  • The Burn
  • The Farm
  • The James Pub & Provisions (2025 Winner)
  • Woodmans of Essex


Important Note: Martin Street will be closed in one direction for increased on-street parking. Parking is also available at Essex Elementary School on Story Ave, with a free shuttle bus (sponsored by Beauport Limousine) running every 10 minutes.

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.

Local Colors Artist Cooperative to Celebrate 37 Years on Main Street


On Friday, November 6, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative invites the public to join in celebrating its 37th anniversary. Since 1989, Local Colors has operated as an ongoing center for creativity and commerce in downtown Gloucester.


What does it take for a relatively small business to endure for nearly 4 decades? For Local Colors’ member artists, it means taking on the collective responsibility of maintaining a gallery and staying active on the Cape Ann art scene while upholding a commitment to their respective art forms.

For thirty-seven years! Read Full Press Release

Businesses Sought for Rockport High School Career Day


Rockport High School DECA program is planning a Career Day on Monday, December 7, from 8-10:30 am. They are looking for businesses that are interested in participating and presenting 35-minute sessions. Speakers discuss their backgrounds, education, day-to-day job, etc. Click Here to Sign Up

Restoration effort aims to clean water and protect shoreline from erosion


(From the Local News) The Massachusetts Oyster Project, which began its Ipswich restoration efforts in 2025, identified a site just off Plum Island with historical evidence of oyster growth and the potential to regrow reefs. Working in partnership with the town, the initiative has planted nearly 300,000 oysters from its upweller program. According to Massachusetts Oyster Project Executive Director Liv Woods, recent monitoring shows the oysters are already surviving and naturally reproducing—a crucial milestone toward establishing a self-sustaining reef. Read Full Article

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Meet Liberty, a 10-month-old Labrador Retriever mix who needs a gentle, understanding home. As a shy girl, Liberty is most confident with other dogs by her side. She’s been going for lots of walks, did great riding in the car, and has gone to the beach. At home, Liberty’s great in her crate and settles quietly when her foster leaves the house and overnight; she’s also been doing her business outside. Because of her sensitive nature, she would do best in a quieter home without young children and with a friendly, confident dog. As a member of the Extended Stay Club, Liberty's adoption fee has been reduced. Adopters will receive a post-adoption training reimbursement plus six months of heartworm and flea and tick prevention. Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about the adoption process, Liberty, and all the other animals waiting for homes at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester.

 

Job Listings

Part-Time Holiday Production & Shipping Support needed at Rockport Candle Co.

Tide Pool Pet Services seeks an Overnight Canine Caregiver

Management, Servers, Bartender positions available ayt Mile Marker One


Cape Ann Marina seeks Marina Boat Yard Hand

Revive Wellness has openings for a Manager and a Wellness Coordinator

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

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

 

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

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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