October CACC Update from Susan & Ken
September on Cape Ann was just glorious this year! Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes a whole new set of Chamber initiatives, including fun Fall events and re-focusing on our economic and education priorities.
First, A quick look back at last month – we had a fantastic Business After Hours networking event at Hammond Castle, followed quickly by a beach party with our Next Gen’ers. We completed a hugely successful celebration of Small Businesses in Greater Cape Ann, the economic backbone of our Cape Ann region. Now in its 41st year, Greater Cape Ann’s Small Business Persons of the Year were each saluted individually at evening receptions in their respective communities, including Ipswich for the first time, and then honored as a group at the Small Business Week Awards Luncheon at Castle Manor Inn on October 1.
October is another big month with our BIG $25,000 Game on October 13 – someone is going to win $10,000; with 12 chances to win at least $500, and only 500 tickets sold, these are the best odds in town. We are going to do this in person this year at the Elks in Gloucester, and attendance is limited to 150 so registration is required – you do not need to be there to win. The next day, on October 14, is our very popular Businesswomen’s Luncheon, and this year’s keynote speaker is Karen Hanson – Licensed Partner, Engel & Volkers by the Sea. Karen’s story is a remarkable one. Please register here if you would like to join us: https://business.capeannchamber.com/events/details/businesswomen-s-fall-luncheon-13946
Also in October is Cape Ann Plein Air (CAPA) 2021, the largest outdoor painting competition in New England and top five in the country, on October 3 – 11. Thirty-five artists from around the region and country have been juried-in to paint our incredibly beautiful Cape. Although not a Chamber event, Susan is the Executive Director and Ken is on the Board as Treasurer. The two main dates are the Gala, October 9, at the Cape Ann YMCA and will feature 175 premier works of incredible depictions from around our amazing region for judging and for sale; and the Quick Draw event on October 11 at Maritime Gloucester and welcomes 125 plein air artists of all levels of ability to paint for 2 quick hours, and then offer their paintings for judging and sale. This an important economic event as it is during our shoulder visitor season and intended specifically to bolster our creative economy and to spotlight our extraordinary arts heritage and the substantial arts and culture on Cape Ann today. Please see more information here: Cape Ann Plein Air Festival – New England’s Largest Outdoor Painting Competition; tickets to the Gala are going fast, get yours right now!
As a reminder, we’re disappointed we had to cancel the Clamfest this year this for a combination of reasons, not the least of which is the coincidental timing for the removal of the adjoining Public Safety Building. We will be back next year with the best Clamfest ever! And yes, the Holiday season is not far away, as we have already kicked-off planning for Santa’s arrival on Cape Ann, with associated fun community festivities and important business / economic events – stay tuned for details.
Regarding our other priorities of Regional Promotion, Economic Development, and Training & Education – we are already well into our 2022 publications cycle (see the new advertising contracts herein) and planning our Fall Tourism Collaborative, co-hosted with Discover Gloucester, on October 14th details to follow. We are also planning for electoral candidate forums and our Fall Cape Ann Caucus. This is a unique forum where we bring together local and state elected officials and public safety, education and business leaders to discuss issues and opportunities affecting our region and we have kicked-off our Business Education Collaborative, meeting monthly with the Greater Cape Ann Schools, including Ipswich, to progress education initiatives.
Don’t forget that all Cape Ann Plates are easily available online on the Registry of Motor Vehicles site. Just click the following link and follow the instructions or order your Cape Ann plate, and your plates will be delivered to you in a few days – no trip to the Registry required! Cape Ann License Plate. It is only $40 every other year, and our Community Foundation has granted more than $70,000 to local non-profits and schools.
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 are making great things happen, building on our strong heritage to imagine and create a bright
