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August 29, 2022

SOUNDINGS BUSINESS WEEKLY

Gloucester Gig Rowers

Chamber News & Updates

Do you love greater Cape Ann? Then Support Our 35th Annual Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction

Each year, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce hosts its largest fundraiser – this year the 35th Annual Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction. This critical event supports all that we do in our mission of promoting of members, providing leadership and advocacy to grow the regional economy, celebrating our culture, and enhancing the quality of life for the greater Cape Ann region. This year's auction is scheduled for September 29 at Cruiseport Gloucester, and we would love to have you join us and / or sponsor the event.


Sponsoring Offers Fantastic Promotional Value and Supports our Mission


As the most historic and still largest Auction in the region, this fundraiser will reach and engage a wide array of businesses and households. As such it provides a unique opportunity for your organization to have fantastic exposure with community leaders, public officials, local businesses, area residents, and visitors who travel to Cape Ann.


When you choose to sponsor, you are actively helping the Greater Cape Ann communities by defraying the costs associated with delivering this stellar auction event, so that proceeds can go towards grant programs, scholarships, and business promotion.


Sponsor Here Today


And for it is not too late to donate a fun item to the auction; please see our donation form here.

Gloucester awards retail signage improvement grants


The $25K Game tickets are in the house and ready for sale! There are 12 chances to win with a total of $25,000 being given away. Cost is $100 per ticket, with a limit of 500 tickets being sold. 


  Grand Prize: $10,000

  Second Prize: $5,000

  Third Prize: $2,500

  Fourth Prize (6): $1,000

  Fifth Prize (3): $500


In addition, 50/50 Raffle tickets are also available for purchase. A Body Length is $20 and an Arm Length is $10.


All tickets may be purchased at the Chamber office. Download Flyer

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. 


We are working on the 2023 Advertising Contract forms and will be sending them out soon so you can take advantage of the 10% Early Bird Discount for ads booked by October 31, 2022.



Special New Member Advertising Section

Member & Community News

Do you have news about your company or organization that you want to get out to Chamber members?

If yes, please send to Cindy at cindy@capeannchamber.com.

Gloucester Awards Retail Signage Improvement Grants


Mayor Greg Verga has announced the recipients of the city’s Retail Signage Improvement grants meant to boost retailers as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the city. Most of those businesses that won an award were granted about $3,000 and $4,000 to make signage improvements. The program was started as a way to help small businesses and revitalize concentrated retail areas around the city.


See Full Press Release for List of Grant Recipients

Free Remote-Learning Foundations Classes in English and Mathematics


Wellspring is offering free, remote-learning "Foundations" classes in English and Mathematics to residents across Gloucester and Cape Ann beginning September 13. There are still spots available. The deadline to register is September 6. 


The Foundations courses help young adults and adult learners strengthen their skills and build confidence in English and Mathematics, and help learners prepare for the Accuplacer exam at North Shore Community College, (NSCC) the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and other educational opportunities. 


Learn More and Register

Sudbay Automotive Makes $100,000 Gift to Sawyer Free 2025 Campaign


Sudbay Automotive has made a charitable donation of $100,000 to Sawyer Free 2025 (visit sawyerfree2025.org), a philanthropic capital campaign to fund a comprehensive renovation, modernization and expansion of Gloucester’s public library building. The donation is earmarked to cover the cost of a Teen Creation Space inside the library’s new addition. Read Press Release

Three Sisters Garden Project Interview


WBZ News Radio recently interviewed Liz Green, Executive Director of Three Sisters Garden Project, regarding the impact of the 2022 drought and how the local community came together to help when their well ran dry. 


In addition, Three Sisters, Marini Farms, and Russell Ochards were all interviewed by the Ipswich Local News regarding how they are dealing with the extraordinary dry summer.

Cape Ann YMCA Names New Sports Director


The Cape Ann YMCA is pleased to announce Gentry Lewis as its new Sports Director. With more than 15 years of experience in sports management and youth mentoring, Gentry is passionate about the connection between team sports and strengthening community.  


Read Press Release

Submissions Sought for Ipswich Cultural Council 2022 Art Show


This yearly event showcases local talent and raises money for the ICC which in turn grants projects in the arts, humanities and sciences to benefit the town of Ipswich. This is an unjuried art show and sale running from September 29 to October 2.


All artists ages 17 and older that are currently living in Ipswich or work for the Town of Ipswich are invited to exhibit their work. Artists are encouraged to enter artwork in different media, such as photography, textiles, video, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as paintings and drawings.


Deadline for registration is September 23. Download Registration Form & Details

Business Resources

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

Grants Available from Massachusetts Cultural Council


Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals offers unrestricted grants to creatives and gig workers to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set a path for growth. Application deadline is November 1, 2022. Learn more during a live information session on October 6, or view a virtual info session to learn more.


Every Local Cultural Council (LCC) sets its own local priorities and criteria for its LCC Program grants. Learn about each greater Cape Ann LCC by selecting from the following list::

Essex | Gloucester | Ipswich | Manchester-by-the-Sea | Rockport

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.

Health Connector for Business Webinar: Affordable, Flexible Health Coverage - next sessions are September 7 and November 30 from 12 - 1 PM.

Women's Business Summit (SCORE): A full day conference exclusively for women entrepreneurs You’re invited to join SCORE Women on Wednesday September 14, at the historic Willowdale Estate for a day filled with stimulating interaction with like-minded women entrepreneurs.

Cape Ann Works: Keep up to date with Cape Ann Works events and announcements 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:

Job Opportinies

GMGI has an opening for a Research Associate - Molecular & Cell Biology and a Research Scientist. They also have Volunteer position to help maintain their aquarium room available.

Two positions are available at Pathways for Children: Headstart Lead Preschool Teacher and Family Services Worker.

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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