In our most recent meeting – on January 17 – the Government Affairs Council discussed plans for another active year of Chamber engagement in government affairs and economic development in 2019, beginning with our annual Economic Outlook Breakfast on February 8 featuring Addison Gilbert/ Beverly Hospital CEO Phil Cormier as keynote speaker. The Council looked at scheduling Q1
Division meetings in Essex, Manchester and Rockport in the February / March timeframe, and also began planning for the spring Cape Ann Caucus among Council members, Cape Ann’s legislative delegation, local officials and school leaders.
At the January meeting, the Council also heard a presentation on an exciting new Chamber economic development initiative for 2019 supporting our North Shore Blue Economy. “Blue Economy” is defined by the World Bank as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ecosystem health”. This initiative grows out of and builds on last September’s “Blue Economy” forum organized by Chamber and the Cape Ann Innovators Collaborative.
At our January meeting, members also exchanged information on current issues and developments in Essex, Gloucester and Rockport.
The Government Affairs Council is an important part of the Chamber’s focus on economic development, one of our key platforms. This Council meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 AM, and participation is open to any Chamber member with an interest in being engaged with our state and local government and helping foster a vibrant Cape Ann economy. Currently, those who are part of our monthly meetings include representatives from Cape Ann’s industrial, tourism, government, real estate, legal, non-profit and services sectors. In future updates, we will report on these and other activities of the Government Affairs Council. To learn more or join in these meetings, please contact Ken or me. Our next meeting is on February 14 at the Chamber.
Bill Scott, Chair, Government Affairs Council | Scott Energy Company
