CEO & President’s Update – December 2025
December 2, 2025
As we turn the calendar to December, Greater Cape Ann is alive with holiday cheer and community spirit. Storefronts are glowing, streets are bustling, and our towns are filled with the sights and sounds of the season. This is an especially important time for our small businesses, and we encourage everyone to shop local and support the retailers, restaurants, and makers who help keep our region vibrant. Before we dive into the busy weeks ahead, we want to take a moment to reflect on a memorable November and share what’s coming next.
The month began with our All Hands on Deck Annual Fundraising Auction at Cruiseport Gloucester. It was an incredible evening filled with connection and generosity, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, or bid on items. The success of this event directly supports the Chamber’s programs, community events, and advocacy efforts across the region. Your continued support makes our work possible, and we truly could not do it without you.
Shortly after the auction, members gathered for a Business After Hours at the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI). Guests toured the facility, learned about GMGI’s groundbreaking research, and enjoyed a wonderful evening of networking on Gloucester’s waterfront. It offered a great look at the innovative work happening right here in our community.
With the holiday season now in full swing, we’re excited to host a series of Chamber Holiday Parties across our communities. These gatherings are a great way to celebrate the season and strengthen connections with fellow members. We hope you’ll join us at any of our upcoming celebrations:
- Rockport: December 3 at Rockport Brewing Company
- Manchester: December 4 at 35 Beach
- Essex: December 9 at The James
- Ipswich: December 11 at Ipswich Ale Brewery
- Chamber Office Party & Open House: Thursday, December 18 at the Chamber office
- All events run from 5–7 PM and are open to members from every community.
Manchester-by-the-Sea has several festive events on the horizon. Manchester’s Holiday Shopping Night will take place on December 5, encouraging everyone to stroll downtown, visit local shops, and pick up this year’s special edition holiday bag. The following evening, December 6, the town will gather for its annual tree lighting and Santa’s arrival.
Rockport is also gearing up for a wonderful weekend. On December 5, the Chamber will host Senator Tarr’s Toy Drive stop in Dock Square from 2:45 to 3:45 PM, followed immediately by Rockport’s Holiday Shopping Night. This lively evening features special raffles and commemorative shopping bags for the first 300 attendees. On December 6, families will gather once again in Dock Square for Santa’s arrival and the town tree lighting—one of Rockport’s most beloved traditions.
While these are some of the events we’re directly involved in, each of our Greater Cape Ann communities has its own cherished holiday traditions. To help you plan your seasonal outings, we’ve created a special highlights sheet that summarizes public events happening throughout the region.
As we close out the year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your partnership, engagement, and support. Whether you’ve attended an event, volunteered, or chosen to shop locally, you’ve helped strengthen Greater Cape Ann and lift up the businesses that keep our communities thriving. Together, we are—and always will be—Powered by Local.
Warmly,
Jim Brown, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, CEO, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce