October was an incredibly busy month for the Chamber and greater Cape Ann! We kicked it off with a terrific networking event at Appleton Farms in Ipswich. Next was the panel discussion titled “Empowered women, empowering women” at the inspiring Businesswomen’s Luncheon featuring three highly accomplished businesswomen leaders as panelists: Sheree Zizik – Beauport Hospitality Group, Beth Francis – CEO, Essex County Community Foundation and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo – CEO Celebrity Cruises. The following week brought a double-header with our BIG $25K Game at the Elks where we gave away $25,000 in cash prizes and had a great time. Two days later we had spectacular Fall weather for our 38th Annual Essex ClamFest – BIG congrats to winners in the Chowder competition, Woodman’s took first place in the Judges category and Ripple on the Water took first place in the popular vote. Let’s not forget the largest outdoor painting competition in New England – Cape Ann Plein Air – now in its sixth year. CAPA 2022 was a great success including the Gala Art Sale at Rockport Golf despite weather challenges until mid-week. We wrapped up the month with our annual Summer Season Tourism review as hosted by our Tourism Council and in partnership with Discover Gloucester – the data generally showed recovery from the pandemic, with some metrics at record levels.
Onwards into November, we are in full gear preparing for the Holidays and promoting Shopping Small at our local small businesses in all five of our Cape Ann communities, beginning with Shop Small Saturday on November 26. The GCACC is again a Small Business Neighborhood Champion and distribution point for Small Business promotional items. Our holiday parties are also being planned, please see the dates below and join us as we raise a glass to a challenging but terrific year:
- Dec. 1: Manchester Holiday Party, and Lucky 9 Raffle
- Dec. 7: Essex Holiday Party, and presentation of Chowder Competition awards
- Dec. 8: Rockport Holiday Party, and Half Price Sale
- Dec. 13: Ipswich Holiday Party
- Dec. 15: Gloucester Holiday Party
Save-the-Date, our launch event of the new year – 101st Annual Celebration – is officially on the books as January 27 at the Beauport Hotel – you do not want to miss this event!
Don’t forget that the Cape Ann license plate is easily available online on the 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!
Click here to get yours right now: lovecapeann.com
Greater 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 have it all and are making great things happen.
