Dear Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce member,

We are pleased to share with you the exciting news that the boards of directors of the Cape Ann and Ipswich Chambers of Commerce have completed the merger of our respective organizations to create the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

As we reported to you in May, the leadership of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce approached our organization in early 2021 to talk about a possible merger between our two entities. The ensuing conversations and analyses were very positive, and the directors of both organizations voted to proceed with the merger, entering the due diligence phase.

A fundamental principle in evaluation of this merger has been to maintain and enhance services to our current membership. To ensure this, we have created a new full-time position – Community Relations Director – to work with all Cape Ann communities and lead the Ipswich integration. Olivia Perez-O’Dess, who has served as the Chamber’s Director of Member Services since September of 2019, has been promoted to fill this new position.

Like Cape Ann, Ipswich has a robust business community and a history as a destination for visitors. In addition, its location on the Route 1/ I 95 corridor makes it a gateway to Cape Ann and a natural extension of our core service area. We believe that this merger will advance opportunities to serve our members better in at least three important ways:

1) the expansion of your business connections and potential customers, leveraging a large neighboring community;

2) increasing the strength and influence of our Chamber and enabling us to represent the priorities of a larger constituency more effectively; and

3) allowing us to add a new staff position that will support members in all communities.

This is an exciting and important step forward. Now as the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, we will be able to extend and improve the work we do promoting the region, strengthening businesses, and supporting our communities. Your support for this merger is important, and we invite you to share your feedback with us. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

Very truly yours,

Ken Riehl, CEO                                                                                   Susan Gould Coviello, Board President

Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce                             Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce