With a remarkable 2018 fast fading, it is full speed ahead into 2019. We are basking in the afterglow of an incredible Annual Celebration at the Beauport Hotel, where we thanked our exiting 2018 board members, and welcomed President Bruce Feldman and incoming board. The highlight of the evening was the music and dancing offered by the band Safety. From the first note to the encore apres 11 PM the dance floor was full and happening!
Also in January the board and Chamber team participated in a valuable Retreat hosted by the Emerson Inn at which we discussed organizational challenges and opportunities. We are pleased to report that most of the discussion was how to better serve you, our members. 2019 priorities are going to focus on improving our member benefits and our communications with you. We also agreed to continue our focus on board development with regard to long term organizational growth and sustainability.
We just completed our Annual Quickbooks seminar, sold out this year, featuring training on the online version, and our first Cape Ann Innovators Collaborative of the new year was standing room only on the topic of the Creative Economy. Led by new Board member Karen Ristuben, she provided an inspiring overview of what is happening around the world, country, commonwealth and in Essex County on the importance and reliance of economic development on the arts.
Coming up on February 8 is our annual Economic Outlook breakfast, on healthcare this year, featuring Phil Cormier CEO of Addison Gilbert and Beverly hospitals. Phil will be providing an overview of healthcare nationally and closer to home with the recent merger of Lahey Health and Beth Israel Hospitals. We are also looking forward to our first Businesswomen’s mixer of the year, back at the Crow’s Nest – year three!
See upcoming events here, recently filmed by 1623 Studios: New, One Minute Business Update & February Love Cape Ann Report
And Ken and Kerry are plunging again this year for Rotary .
The Chamber works year-round for you, to promote, advocate, and provide training opportunities to fulfill our mission to serve as the principal voice of business while working to enhance both the economic environment and the quality of life for citizens of Cape Ann. To that end, we are always looking for ways to strengthen your business and enhance our community. The Chamber offers incredible opportunity for you to make connections through monthly networking and our many signature community events, and several working committees; as well as many free promotional opportunities through FaceBook, our websites, weekly e-newsletter and monthly e-magazine along with many advertising and sponsorships opportunities. USE US – we are here for you! From Business Mixers, to Educational Seminars, Government Advocacy, Regional Promotion, and our Business-Education Collaborative, the Chamber is working hard for you and the community.
Our affiliated Cape Ann Community Foundation is gearing-up for its 2019 grant applications, made possible with proceeds from the Cape Ann License Plate. The plates are easily available on-line at the official Registry of Motor Vehicles site, and follow the instructions to scroll to the Cape Ann Plate – they will be delivered to you in a few days – no trip to the registry required! Additional information on the plate is also available on the LoveCapeAnn.com website.
Cape Ann’s vibrant business community plays an important role in what makes this area a special place to live, work and play. Together we are making great things happen, building on our strong heritage to create a bright future.
