July CACC Update from Susan & Ken
With a historic June now behind us, we are in final planning mode for our major summertime events. First, a quick look back at last month – business re-opening was in full gear as many of our hospitality businesses were experiencing mid-summer level traffic. On June 18 we held a first ever outdoor Annual Celebration, delayed from January, on the docks at Maritime Gloucester. With almost 200 of our Chamber family in attendance this was the first major in-person event in the region in almost a year a half, and we had a fantastic time! The remainder of the month was spent commemorating several new business openings and milestones with seven (7!) ribbon cuttings in two weeks. These included celebrating the terrific partnership between Gloucester Stage and Windhover Center for the Performing Arts and a combo Ribbon Cutting and grand re-opening celebrating them both, and our first in-person networking event since February of 2020, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Mother Nature’s drama only made it more beautiful on Rockport’s harbor.
Looking forward, it is a summertime events extravaganza! We are helping to promote many community events beginning with the fireworks in Gloucester this Saturday (July 3) – yes, they are happening, and invite you to start the day with a fun breakfast in Manchester at Rotary’s Red White and Blue Breakfast at Tuck’s Point. There’s A collaborative multiple-chamber Chamber Business After Hours networking event at Misselwood in Beverly on July 7, and then our next networking event on July 22 under Woodman’s new event tent in Essex. August is the Chamber’s big month for community celebrations, beginning with the always fun Festival by the Sea in Manchester on August 7 featuring over 100 artisans, great music and food. And…Gloucester’s famed Block Parties are making a full comeback! On August 14, in partnership again with the city, we invite everyone to celebrate summer while shopping, dancing and strolling along Gloucester’s Main Street with live bands, street performers and delicious eats. The 14th is also the day of Blues Festival at Stage Fort Park, featuring renowned blues bands from around the country. The third weekend (August 21 & 22) is Waterfront Festival, featuring almost 200 artisans, delicious food, music and fun rides for the kids. And we end the summer with what will be our second Block Party on Friday, September 3, to coincide with the now iconic Schooner Festival.
More on the above can be seen / heard on our July Love Cape Ann video podcast here: July Love Cape Ann Podcast
And finally, the Cape Ann Community Foundation has selected the 2021 grant winners, again awarding $15,000 to eight non-profits this year – the recipients are as follows: CCB Foundation, City-owned Cemeteries Advisory Committee, Gloucester Stage Company, NAMI Cape Ann, Rockport Council on Aging, Seaside Sustainability, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Educational Foundation for Rockport, and Young Legends Street Hockey, Inc.– see inside for more information. These grants are funded with proceeds from the Cape Ann License Plate, easily available online at the official Registry of Motor Vehicles site. Just click the link below, follow the instructions to scroll to the Cape Ann plate, and your plates will be delivered to you in a few days – no trip to the Registry required!
Order your plate right now at this link: Cape Ann License Plate
Cape Ann’s vibrant business community plays an important role in what makes this area a special place to live, work and play. Together we are making great things happen, building on our strong heritage to imagine and create a bright future.