At our July meeting, the Council learned that the Beverly City Council has approved National Grid’s project to replace a key transmission line serving Cape Ann. Updates also included information from Secretaries Kennealy and Acosta, and community information (including development projects, grants, affordable housing) from Council members and Community Relations Director Olivia Perez-O’Dess

Highlights of the Council’s July meeting included an update on the town of Essex’s current zoning and outdoor entertainment discussions and their negative implications for Essex businesses; a report on the city of Gloucester’s listening sessions for the allocation of $23 million in federal ARPA funding; and setting the date of October 21 for the Fall Greater Cape Ann Caucus. The Council also recommended that the Chamber do a short survey of Manchester businesses to share with the Manchester Select Board for their upcoming planning retreat. Ipswich’s search for a new Town Manager continues, and an Essex Division meeting will be held in August.

The Government Affairs Council leads the Chamber’s focus on economic development and public policy, one of our key platforms. This Council meets on the second Tuesday 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 greater Cape Ann’s industrial, tourism, government, real estate, legal, non-profit and services sectors. To learn more or join in these meetings, please contact Ken, Olivia, Peter or me. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9.

Bill Scott
Chair, Government Affairs Council
Scott Energy Company