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December 19, 2022

Chamber News & Updates

It was a packed house at Ken's retirement party on Thursday, December 15 at the Gloucester House. We thank all who joined us to say farewell to Ken, share stories and memories, and wish him the best in the next phase of his life. For those that were not able to attend, a video of the program and speeches will soon be available.

View Photo Album


The Chamber is a Collection Location for Pantry Item Donations


With historic inflation and food prices at a 40-year high, some of our locals need a little help getting the food they need. As such, we hope that you consider helping the Open Door with its Holiday Food Basket and Pantry Scavenger Hunt initiatives.

 

You can help in one of two ways: 1) by making a monetary donation or 2) dropping off food items at the Chamber Visitor Center. (See flyer for list of most needed items.)


The Chamber will be collecting pantry items throughout the holiday season at the Harbor Loop Visitor Center in Gloucester.


Download Flyer

Seeking Businesses to Participate in Seminars


Do you have some great information or ideas to share with other Greater Cape Ann businesses? Maybe you are a digital marketing whiz or can offer advice on financial planning? Whatever your skill, if you are interested in exploring an opportunity to create a free informational seminar, please contact Michelle at michelle@capeannchamber.com to discuss working together..

2023 Publications Advertising Opportunities 


Where does the time go? It is hard to believe, but it is already that time of year when we start planning for next season's Greater Cape Ann Guide and Directory, plus the Greater Cape Ann and Rockport Visitor Maps.


Learn More and Download Media Kit and Ad Contracts

Weekday Volunteers needed at Gloucester Chamber Visitor Center


Do you or someone you know have a few spare hours to fill by giving back to the Greater Cape Ann community? If so, the Chamber is seeking volunteers to help out on weekdays during the winter months. Meet visitors, from around the world, help answer phones, assist with office tasks, and have a fun time with a great team. To learn more, please email Becca!

Please Visit Our Premium Advertiser

Business Resources

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.

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:

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.

Please check the Business Resources Category in Chamber Blog for Business Resources available to the Cape Ann region! 

Member & Community News

Christmas Holiday Ham Dinner Delivery

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Serving the Communities of Gloucester, Essex, Rockport, Manchester, Ipswich, Hamilton & Wenham


Deadline to place orders and sign up to volunteer is December 21 at 2 PM. The Capt. Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 is proud to again announce that they will be sponsoring the 2022 Christmas Holiday Ham Dinner. Their goal is to serve and deliver as many free holiday meals as they can to fellow veterans, their families, the elderly, and other “special citizens”. At this time, they are looking for volunteer servers & delivery drivers and are taking orders for delivery. . Download Flyer for More Details

Local nonprofits receive grants through Cummings Community Giving


Several nonprofits based on working in Cape Ann communities have received a holiday surprise from Cummings Properties employees. Under the annual Cummings Community Giving program, employees of the Woburn-based commercial real estate firm each select a local charity to receive up to a $2,000 donation. Each eligible nonprofit may receive up to $6,000 per cycle. 


Those receiving donations include: Beverly Bootstraps (serves Essex, Manchester, & Ipswich) Cape Ann Animal Aid, Care Dimenions, Harborlight Community Partners, Lifebridge North Shore (which runs The Grace Center) Pathways for Children, Seaside Sustainability, Thacher Island Association, The Trustees of Reservations, YMCA of the North Shore (Cape Ann YMC, Ipswich Family YMCA).


Learn More | See Full List of Recipients

Fire Stations in All Five Member Communities Receive Grants through the 2023 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program


The Essex, ,Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Ipswich fire departments were among 308 statewide to receive grant awards totaling $5 million this week.


  • Essex:$12,492 for at least three new sets of gear
  • Gloucester: $18,550 for new “low tech” smooth-bore fire nozzles
  • Ipswich: $19,000 for water rescue suits, forestry personal protective equipment, rapid intervention team gear, and ballistic gear for active shooter incidents.
  • Manchester-by-the Sea: $12,023 for a new thermal imaging camera and a battery-operated portable positive ventilation fan.
  • Rockport: $11,601 for more thermal imaging cameras

Ipswich Local News celebrated their Third Business Anniversary last week at Gathr. Congratulations to John Muldoon and the Ipswich Local New staff on this milestone.

Lottery Applications Now Available for Harborlight Homes at 5 Granite Street Crossing, Rockport


The Granite Street Crossing property will be an intergenerational property of 23 units total - with 17 senior studios and 6 family townhomes, all deeply affordable. A housing lottery for the property will take place on April 3, with the application deadline of March 1, 2023. The property is slated for a late summer 2023 move-in. Please share these details with those who are in need of affordable housing.


Learn More & Download Lottery Application

MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT FOR CAPE ANN KIDS!


The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund supports children in our community by providing gift cards for families who are struggling financially. The cards allow families to purchase holiday gifts, either locally or online, that might not be available through traditional toy drives.  


Action Inc., Pathways for Children, and Wellspring House, Inc. are proud to team up once again to fundraise and provide gift cards for 1,250 children living in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, and Ipswich.  


By making a donation, you’ll help ease stress, provide comfort, and create magical memories for families in our community! Download Flyer

Gloucester Community Belonging Survey

 

The Gloucester Racial Justice Team is a diverse group of residents dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming city where people of all races, ethnicities, and cultures are free to thrive in an inclusive, equitable community. 

 

After reflecting on their 2021 survey, they created the Gloucester Community Belonging Survey to learn more about your experience as a member of this community. Your anonymous feedback will help them measure progress and envision new initiatives to fulfill their mission.


Take Survey Now

Upcoming Blood Drives


The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, and those who have never given before, to book a time to give blood or platelets now to help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of and during the holidays.


Gloucester Blood Drive


  • Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave.
  • Friday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish Hall, 142 Prospect St..


Donors can schedule an appointment to donate to the Red Cross drives by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins are also welcome.


Rockport Blood Drive


The Rockport Ambulance, Harbor and Police Departments are hosting a Christmas Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 21 in conjunction with Boston’s Children’s Hospital. The drive will be held at the Rockport Police Station, 168 Main St. To make an appointment, please go to bostonchildrens.org/halfpints and use sponsor code ROCKPORT, or call Boston’s Children’s Hospital’s Blood Donor Center at 617-355-6677. Brothers Brew will be donating a cup of coffee and doughnut to all who participate.

GHS Career Speaker Series 22/23

 

Gloucester High School is seeking speakers to talk about career pathways. Our goal is to help students connect classes of interest, skills and subjects to career pathways. If you or someone you know/work with is interested, please complete the CAREER SPEAKER SERIES FORM. Also, please see details on the CORI form process as this would need to be submitted before your speaking engagement is confirmed

Job Listings

Accounting Clerk needed at The Patio Company

Hefring Engineering is looking for a Manufacturing Technician 

GMGI seeks Development Officer

Pathways for Children has an opening for a Bus Driver

Shop Our Members

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 at sam@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance 

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 Ken Riehl at ken@capeannchamber.com

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