IPSWICH — The merger of the Ipswich and Cape Ann chambers of commerce will be consummated with the clinking of glasses and possibly finger food this Thursday, Sept. 2.
Formerly run by volunteers, the Ipswich Chamber board recently opted to join the larger Cape Ann Chamber, which has eight staff members. The directors of both organizations voted to approve the merger.
“The officers and directors of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce are all volunteers and have tried endlessly to give their members the programs, services and support they deserve, but it has become impossible with the lack of human resources,” said Lisa Shanko, Ipswich Chamber of Commerce vice president, adding that the Ipswich directors were “thrilled to be able to merge into the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.”
“Our goal throughout this process has been to understand the impact such a merger would have on our current members and the Cape Ann communities,” said Ken Riehl, CEO of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber.