Monthly Edition - June 6, 2023 | |
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The Pride flag raising at Gloucester City Hall took place on Wednesday, May 31, continuing an annual tradition of acceptance and respect in Gloucester.
The event kicks off Pride Month in June, which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer pride and culture. A proclamation was read by City Council President Val Gilman, on behalf of Mayor Verga and the City of Gloucester to mark the occasion. Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, Superintendent Ben Lummis, Gloucester High Students, and a supportive crowd of City Officials, community members, businesspeople, and the lqbtqia+ community were in attendance.
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Olivia Perez-O'Dess recently announced that she has accepted a new position as the next step in her career path. Olivia has been an integral part of the Chamber since coming on board in 2019 as Member Services Director. She was promoted to a newly created position, Director of Community Relations, in 2021, and was a vital contributor during the Ipswich merger. Her diligence and dedication to serving each community on the member, civic, and town levels, will be greatly missed.
We hope that you will join the Chamber team and Board of Directors in wishing Olivia the best of luck in her new position and much success in career!
Olivia's last day at the office will be Friday, June 9. Please direct any future communications to Steve Buckley or Sam Bevins.
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Happy Spring in Greater Cape Ann! What a glorious season of life in bloom! Spring is a time to welcome new and returning visitors, enjoy the natural beauty of the region, celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating classes, and explore our countless beautiful natural spaces. We continue the focus on promoting Greater Cape Ann as a place to visit in every season and May was no exception. Read Full Report
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Tourism Council June Update: Spring Mixer Spotlights Tourism Excitement, Optimism Spreading Across Cape Ann
In the May 19 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council, our group reviewed the last month’s Spring Tourism Mixer, and all agreed that if this year’s annual kick-off event was any indication, we are in for an extraordinary spring and summer. Each year, the Spring Tourism Mixer is an opportunity for Cape Ann’s tourism community to come together to share updates, expectations, and reminders -- all focused on the many ways we engage visitors to our region. And that’s just what unfolded on an outstanding spring evening at the stunning Crane Estate in Ipswich. Read Full Report
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Health & Wellness Group
June is Men's Mental Health Month
Did you know? Mental illness is more common in women than men but men are less likely to get treatment or a diagnosis for mental illness because of the stigma behind it. About 1 in 10 men suffer from anxiety and/or depression but less than half them get treatment for it (“ADAA”). Due to men not seeking treatment because of the stigmas behind mental illness, men are about 4 times more likely to die from suicide than women. 70% of all suicides are men (“American Foundation”). Read Full Article by Michael Mulkern, Director of Sales, Cape Ann Blends LLC
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2023 Small Business Persons of the Year Awards Dinner
Thursday, June 15 | 5 - 8 PM
Castle Manor Inn | $75 pp
Congratulations to this year's winners!
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Essex: Mike & Donna Roy, Essex Septic Service, Inc, Owners
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Ipswich: Peter Pinciaro, Director, The Crane Estate, The Trustees of Reservations
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Gloucester: Lenny & Dottie Linquata, Gloucester House Restaurant, Owners
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Manchester-by-the Sea: Bruce & Dede Warren, Laughing Gull Cafe, Owners
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Rockport: Lauri Kaihlanen, Lauri Kaihlanen Gallery, Owner/Artist
Please join the Chamber in honoring the 2023 Small Business Persons of the Year at the Awards Dinner on June 15 at the Castle Manor Inn. Registration and cash bar open at 5 PM; Buffet opens at 5:30 PM. There is limited seating available at the awards dinner so please reserve your seat now! Reserve Your Seat
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Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Once again, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber is working in partnership with the Town of Ipswich to bring you 8 nights of music, dancing, and fun at the Take Out Terrace on the Ipswich Riverwalk. This year, the Tuesday evening event will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM - a more family friendly time slot. This first event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11 and runs weekly through Tuesday, August 29, for a total of 8 events.
This is the perfect opportunity to get your business name in front of hundreds of attendees over the summer and show your support for the Ipswich community.Your generous sponsorship donation will help with subsidizing the musical acts and overall promotion to bring people to Downtown Ipswich. Three levels of sponsorship are available which are outlined on the Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays Sponsorship form.
Please contact Michelle Pepin at michelle@capeannchamber.com or 978-283-1601.
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May was very busy month at Chamber! Events and activities are back to full speed ahead. Get ready - it is going to be a full summer of events! | |
A big thank you to Karen Ristuben, Board Member and 1st Vice-President of the Chamber, for initiating and organizing a great meeting in early May for the new Arts and Culture Alliance. Karen aims to gain more connection between the arts & business sectors in the five Cape Ann communities. The newly formed Arts & Culture Committee will have their first meeting this week. | |  |
The Businesswomen's Committee hosted a successful golf event at Ipswich Country Club to promote women's involvement in golfing for business. Over 60 women attended the event and plans are already underway for next year! View Event Photos | | |
May 10: DEI Seminar: "Why Language Matters" | |
The Gloucester400+ Anniversary’s Diversity & Equity Committee hosted a community conversation to explore the Gloucester 400+ Anniversary and its mission of promoting cultural, social, ethnic and economic diversity. Presented by Miranda Aisling.
View Recording
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Each year, the Spring Tourism Mixer is an opportunity for Cape Ann’s tourism community to come together to share updates, expectations, and reminders -- all focused on the many ways we engage visitors to our region. And that’s just what unfolded on an outstanding spring evening at the stunning Crane Estate in Ipswich. Read More | | |
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The Greater Cape Ann Chamber's Health & Wellness Committee presented the 2nd Annual WellFest: A Greater Cape Ann Community Wellness Fair at Harvey Park in Rockport.
View Photos
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Rockport was the place to be to celebrate the start of Spring. From a plant sale to a trail race to the 31st Annual EMS Day to Cape Ann Plein Air Motif No. 1 Paint-out , a Blood Drive(and more), it was was a day full of activities for all ages.
Photo courtesy Senator Bruce Tarr
See More Photos at Tarr Talk
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Just over 100 players competed on the beautiful Bass Rocks Golf Club course on a sunny but blustery day.
Read More
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John T. Brennan, J.D., CFP(r) of Cape Ann Savings Trust & Financial Services in partnership with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce presented a financial planning seminar for small businesses.
View Recording
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May 23: Inns of Rockport Open House | |
Several members of the Chamber team enjoyed the Inns of Rockport Open House, which featured the following inns: Addison Choate Boutique Hotel, Beech Tree Bed & Breakfast, The Cove at Rockport, The Emerson Inn, Lantana House, The Sally Webster Collection, The Seafarer Inn, The Yankee Clipper Inn.
View Photos
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On Wednesday, May 24, the Chamber had the pleasure of helping Cindy Hendrickson, owner of Cape Ann Foodie Tours, celebrate her 10th anniversary.
View Video
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Nearly 40 Businesswomen and men gathered at Great Marsh Brew Co. for the annual Businesswomen's Summer Mixer. It was great to see many new faces at this event. To get this networking event rolling, a round of People Bingo was played, a game that encourages players to talk to each other and learn fun facts about colleagues. Prizes were awarded to the first several players who filled a line on their card.
View Photos
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June 4: 1st Annual Next Gen Corn Hole Tournament | 13 teams participated in the 1st Annual Corn Hole Tournament hosted by the American Legion Post 98 in partnership with the Chamber’s Next Gen, young professionals committee. Congratulations to the winning team, Corey Canning and Glenn Gallagher! Special thank you to the many local businesses that generously donated to the raffle and to Red Skiff and 7th Wave Restaurants for donating the food. We are already looking forward to next year’s event. | | |
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As part of their strategic planning process, the Sawyer Free Library is gathering feedback from key community leaders. Share with us your thoughts, ideas and insights about how the 2025 Sawyer Free Library can best serve our community. We appreciate your input and hope you will be able to attend. Please join them on Thursday, June 15, from 2:00-3:30pm at Cape Ann Savings Community Room, 109 Main Street, Gloucester. Please RSVP by June 8
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EV Chargers for Businesses, Commercial & Rental Property
Do you own or manage a business, church, non-profit, or 5+ unit rental property on Cape Ann? Join us, the City of Gloucester and Cape Ann Climate Coalition for a free workshop to learn how you can utilize generous financial incentives to cover up to 100% of the cost of installing EV chargers! Plus, discover how you can earn revenue from the chargers and grow your business while supporting your community. Please join us at the Rose Baker Senior Center on June 20 at 6 PM to learn more.
Register Today
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Walk Challenge for Rockport & Manchester Residents
Registration is now open for Rockport and Manchester residents to enter the “Walk Massachusetts Challenge.” Stay healthy and win prizes for yourself and your Council on Aging. There are six challenges for different fitness levels, running through Oct. 31. As you complete each, you are entered into a drawing for a gift card. For each person who completes their challenge, their respective Council on Aging gets an entry to win up to $1,000 for fitness programing. Learn More & Register
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Ipswich Pride Rain Date Announced
After rain forced postponement of last week’s event, Ipswich Pride is set to meet June 9 at 4:30 p.m. for its second annual beach picnic.“Games for children, scintillating conversation for all ages, and a swim, for the brave souls who are like that,” organizers said. The swim part can only mean Crane Beach. Potluck foods and beverages are on offer. “Don’t have an offering? Come empty handed, eat and be filled,” organizers said. “All welcome, allies welcome,” they added. For mobility issues or assistance getting to the beach, or other questions, call 978-412-5204. Meet at the Ipswich boardwalk to the beach.
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Mentors Sought for Fall 2023
Wellspring and Gloucester High School (GHS) are searching for community members and young professionals who are interested in sharing their life, education and career experience as mentors to rising GHS juniors and seniors. As a mentor in the Gloucester Mentor Project, mentors work one-to-one with GHS students to help them plan for post-secondary career and education plans, sharing your valuable tips, best practices and advice along the way.
Beginning in Fall 2023, students will be paired with mentors, and they'll meet once per week on Zoom/in-person to discuss opportunities and help them set action steps to reach their goals. Anyone who is interested can email Mary Hardwick, Community Liaison, at MHardwick@wellspringhouse.org for more information, or fill out Wellspring's Volunteer Inquiry Form.
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Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week
Meet Burt, who is sweet as pie. He is a candidate in Cape Ann Animal Aid’s foster-to-adopt program. Burt is a little anxious, showing it by fawning or fidgeting. He likes to be as close as possible to his person, tends to whimper quite a bit, and gives subtle calming signals like paw raising and yawning. His trainer here thinks it would be best if Burt could get into a force free-puppy training course. If you’re looking for a kind, loving, lap puppy, send an application in and meet Burt! Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about Burt and all the other animals waiting for homes at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester.
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| Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) awards up to $25,000 to various organizations to fund workplace safety training. Eligible employers within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts covered by the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Law (MGL CH. 152) may qualify for funding. | | Cape Ann Works: Keep up to date with Cape Ann Works events and announcements on the Chamber website and post jobs or search candidates at capeannworks.com. | | The Workforce Training Fund Express Program is designed to help businesses respond quickly to change and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, Express is our fastest path to funding, enhanced with an even more flexible directory of training options and 6 quick steps to success: | | Please check the Business Resources Category in Chamber Blog for Business Resources available to the Cape Ann region! | | | |
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Continuing Hot Deals
Local Sales, Discounts & Promotions
Posting a Shop Our Member deal is a great way to gain exposure for your business by highlighting your special promotions. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and list yours today by logging into your account!
*Contact Sam if you need assistance
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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 Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com
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