With Labor Day Weekend and the busyness of the summer season behind us, we have a moment to pause and reflect. Despite the inconsistent weather and the second rainiest summer on record, many of our businesses reported robust sales and a steady stream of visitors from local cities and towns, as well as from around the country and the globe.
The Chamber promoted and supported many incredible events including three Gloucester Block Parties, Schooner Festival Weekend, Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays, Festival By The Sea, Waterfront Block Parties, and Rockport Illuminations, to name just a few. Our action-packed calendar was an incredible resource, with no shortage of activities across our five communities. Well done everyone!
Turning toward Fall, we embrace an equally beautiful season on Greater Cape Ann. On September 16th at Stage Fort Park our Next Gen Young Professionals Group will lead the Blackburn Brewfest, featuring over 30 breweries. Tickets are expanded to 1,500 this year—so get your tickets soon as they are selling fast! Our Business after Hours will be held at Riverside Cycle in Manchester By The Sea on September 20th, and our Business Women’s Main Street Meet up will be in Gloucester on September 21st. Finally, we are also thrilled to announce the return of the Annual Essex Clamfest for the 39th year on October 21st –this signature event is a Cape Ann tradition not to be missed!
We end September each year with our major fundraising event, the Love Greater Cape Ann Annual Auction. Please join us at Cruiseport on September 28th for this fun, exciting, and important event. This year we have an awesome assortment of silent and live auction items, including local and international trips, local adventures and experience packages, and many items exclusive to Greater Cape Ann. Proceeds from this event support our non-profit efforts in the promotion and advocacy of our members, business community, and region at the local and state levels, as well as substantially supporting many large community events and our work with the local schools.
Finally, as we return to school, from vacations, or simply to our routines, the Fall is a great time to consider joining one of our many Councils and Committees. Please visit the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website to find the committee that is the best fit for you and the interests of your organization. This is a great way to get involved and positively impact our communities.
Respectfully,
Loran Caputo, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Steve Buckley, CEO Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
