Spring has sprung on Greater Cape Ann, and signs of the season are everywhere! It is a magical time of the year with flowers waking and beginning to bloom, more daylight, stores opening their doors for the season, visitors returning to the region, and new energy around greater Cape Ann.
April is a busy month with exciting member and regional promotions! We are thrilled to host our Business After Hours Networking Event at The Cut on April 17th – come check out this incredible new and cool venue, meet fellow Chamber members, and have some fun on a Spring evening. Also, we continue our focus on the 2024 publications – the Cape Ann Visitor Guide and Map, as well as the Rockport Map, and 2024 Membership Directory – almost 300,000 printed pieces in total! We are on schedule to deliver these well in advance of Memorial Day and if you want to submit an advertisement the time is now—last call for advertisements before we go to print!
We are always looking for better ways to connect with all our communities and we welcome your feedback. We continue to host informal community listening sessions with our membership, as well as Division Meetings, which include elected and public officials along with our members. These meetings are a great opportunity to share information and ideas as well as an opportunity for the Chamber team to listen to your feedback and suggestions. We continue to host events like the Economic Outlook Breakfast on March 7th where the Massachusetts Secretary of Labor Lauren Jones provided important updates on state initiatives to address the current labor market challenges. We also partnered with 1623 Studios for an informative presentation on the use of AI. Mark your calendars for the Spring Caucus in May, where all local and state representatives as well as business, education, and public safety officials meet to collaborate on issues and opportunities affecting all greater Cape Ann communities.
Our Annual College and Career Exploration Fair at Gloucester High School in March was a success. We continue to expand our focus on career, job, and internship opportunities as well as college opportunities. This year we had over 80 colleges participate and approximately 40 professional organizations. Thank you to all the schools, businesses, non-profits, sponsors, and volunteers. Your time and dedication make this important event possible for our high school students to learn of and explore future opportunities.
One final reminder is that The opens on April 8. Proceeds from the sale of 11 remaining low-number plates will be used to support local charitable and community initiatives. The 11 remaining low-number Cape Ann license plates will be made available to the highest bidders through an online auction beginning Monday, April 8, with all proceeds going to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF), which supports local charitable initiatives and organizations. In addition, this year CACF will allow foundation donors to choose available 3-digit and 4-digit license plates. For more information on the auction and to register to bid, visit www.lovecapeann.com.
Happy Spring!!!
Respectfully,
Karen Ristuben, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Steve Buckley, CEO Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
