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September 29, 2026

Chamber News & Updates

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

Your Membership at Work: Share Your News


Have something new happening at your business or organization? Let us help you spread the word. Submitting news is a simple way to keep your business name visible and remind the community about who you are and what you do. Even a relatively small announcement creates another opportunity to reach potential customers, fellow businesses, community leaders, and others throughout Greater Cape Ann. Read More

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

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.

TONIGHT

Essex Downtown Visioning Forum

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

The Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the potential development of 65 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester is live 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. 

BankGloucester Banking for the Community

Last Chance to Vote


Voting Ends September 30, 2026! Since 2008, Banking for the Community has awarded more than $380,000 to local organizations, all decided to you, our community members. Vote for up to three of your favorite organizations - winners will be announced at the BankGloucester Awards Reception on October 8. Click to Vote Now

Renew by the Sea to Present “From Survival to Revival” at Women’s Wellness Expo at Endicott College


For many women, feeling exhausted but unable to relax has become an all-too-familiar experience. Between careers, caregiving, family responsibilities, and the constant demands of modern life, the body can begin to act as though it is always “on.”


Dr. Pamela Jarboe of Renew by the Sea Regenerative Care in Manchester-by-the-Sea will address that experience during a special presentation, “From Survival to Revival: Rewiring the Female Nervous System.” Dr. Pamela Jarboe will explore why so many women feel exhausted and burnt out. Dr Pam will share practical ways to help the nervous system shift toward rest, recovery, and resilience. Read Full Press Release

Several GCACC Members Nominated for 2026 Destination Excellence Tourism Awards


It’s time to cast your vote for the 2026 Destination Excellence Tourism Awards and help North of Boston CVB recognize the people and organizations making a difference in tourism across the North of Boston region. North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau members are invited to vote now through October 9 — one vote per person, please. Click to View Nominees & Vote Today

Rocky Neck Art Colony Announces 2026 Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Bash


A spirited night of costumes, live music, dancing, and 12 one-of-a-kind experiences up for bid.


Get ready for an unforgettable night of Halloween fun, creativity, and Rocky Neck style! The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) will host its third annual Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 24, from 6–10 p.m. at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant. Read Full Press Release

Ipswich gears up for two weekends of Illumination


(From The Local News) Ipswich ReCreation and Culture Director Kerrie Bates doesn’t want to give away all the details of Ipswich Illumination this year. Bates said that so many people want to know exactly what’s going on and when — not just with Illumination, but with all sorts of things — and while she understands logistics are important, she said people tend to lose the magic of surprise in the process.


“I think that mystery is such an important part of the joy of life and the awe, the wide-eyed feeling of surprise and wonder,” she said. That sense of awe and wonder is what Bates is hoping to inspire at Illumination, which spans two full weekends this year. The town-wide celebration will feature interactive art installations, live music, poetry, bonfires, and more at the top of Town Hill and along the Ipswich River. Read Full Article


A full list of events is available at historicipswich.net/ipswich-illumination/  

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week


Sky is 1 1/2-year-old husky mix with a zest for life. If you’re looking for a fun-loving adventure buddy, Sky is ready to be your sidekick. After a day of fun, she’s more than happy to relax. Sky would do best in a home without young children and as the only dog. Sky is part of Cape Ann Animal Aid’s Foster to Adopt program, meaning you get to take her home to see if she is the right dog for you. And there’s even more: adopters will receive a post-adoption training reimbursement plus six months of heartworm and flea and tick prevention to help get their new best friend off to a great start. Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about the adoption process, Sky, 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

Cape Ann Marina seeks Marina Boat Yard Hand

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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