Meets the Second Tuesday of every month: 7:30 – 9:00 AM at the Chamber.

Chair: Jason Andree

Staff Liaison: Steve Buckley, CEO

Mission: The Government Affairs Council’s mission is to ensure that local, state and federal government policies are conducive to a strong and healthy business climate for Cape Ann, and that community decisions consistently support quality economic growth. The Council is a dynamic volunteer committee consisting of members drawn from diverse business backgrounds. As such, the Council serves as a collective voice for the Cape Ann Business community with regard to governmental policies and affairs affecting our member businesses.

The Council advocates for and represents the views of the Cape Ann business community to local, state and federal agencies and elected officials, as well as any other necessary parties. This is accomplished by engaging with such officials in meaningful policy discussions on members’ behalf, and by fostering good overall communications and positive relations. The Council holds a bi-annual Cape Ann Caucus, involving all State and Local elected leaders, and Public Saftey, Education and Business Leaders – to discuss how we may as a Cape Ann region better address challenges and opportunities.

The Council also sponsors public forums for candidate debates and for discussion of public policy-related issues affecting the Cape Ann business community. In keeping with Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce policy and practice, the Council will not take or recommend positions on individual projects, but instead will review and make recommendations on legislative and public policy matters, such as zoning, regulations, public transportation and infrastructure projects and concerns affecting our membership base as a whole.