Greetings and Happy New Year!

First, I would like to take the opportunity to briefly reflect on 2023 as I have learned much from you in my first year as CEO at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Meeting with you, listening to you, participating in initiatives alongside you, and attending the many wonderful community events made this first year an amazing journey and repeatedly reinforced my belief that we live and work in an extraordinary place with an exceptional community.

As I assimilate my experiences of 2023, the Chamber Team, the Board of Directors, and I will advance initiatives based on your feedback. We will continue to partner with our business, educational, and community organizations with a specific focus on career and college exploration, life skills building, and social-emotional learning. We will expand our goals of creating inclusivity, equity, and accessibility throughout our region with events that celebrate diversity.  The sustainability of our community businesses has been identified as a critical need, and we will continue to focus on workforce development. Our core value of supporting local business from all angles will continue with a focused connection on the integration of commerce and community. Much exciting work is ahead, and I am eager to continue our mission together.

Finally, I would like to recognize the outgoing Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Board President for her unwavering support of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Loran is always the first to support an initiative or volunteer, and she made countless valuable connections with local businesses and our communities during her tenure. Thank you, Loran, for your leadership and all you have done for the Chamber!

I am also very pleased to welcome Karen Ristuben as our 2024 Board President. Karen has been hard at work preparing for 2024 including the formation of the Arts and Culture Coalition by bringing together arts and culture leaders, creative businesses, gig workers, and non-arts business leaders who want to connect with the Cape Ann creative community. On behalf of the Chamber, I am eager to collaborate with Karen, the Greater Cape Ann Board of Directors, and our Chamber membership to advance our initiatives.

Warmly,

Steve Buckley, CEO Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce