June 3, 2025
June has arrived, and with it comes a vibrant energy that can be felt across Greater Cape Ann. Our communities are in full bloom—welcoming visitors, launching summer events, and celebrating the local businesses and organizations that are the foundation of our economy.
May was an exciting and productive month for the Chamber. We kicked things off with the annual Tourism Mixer on May 13 at the Manchester Historical Museum. This gathering brought together tourism-based businesses and organizations to network, share updates, and collectively prepare for a strong summer season. Our sincere thanks to the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum for their gracious hospitality and for showcasing the town’s rich history.
We were also proud to coordinate a sold-out 36th Annual Business Education Scholarship Golf Tournament at Bass Rocks Golf Club. Thanks to our generous sponsors, golfers, and volunteers, this long-standing tradition raised vital funds to support seven Chamber scholarships for graduating seniors across our five communities.
On May 18, Rockport’s Motif No. 1 Day delivered a full day of celebration, creativity, and community spirit. Live music, artist demos, and family-friendly activities brought hundreds of people downtown to enjoy this beloved event. Thank you to all who made the day such a memorable success.
We also hosted a well-attended Business After Hours at C.K. Pearl in Essex on May 21. While the weather didn’t make it feel like a late May evening, we enjoyed networking on their heated deck with delicious snacks and drinks aplenty. We’re grateful to our hosts for their hospitality and to all who joined us.
The Chamber was also honored to once again support Cape Ann Pride, with kickoff celebrations and events continuing into early June. As a founding partner of the Cape Ann Pride Coalition, we are proud to stand with and support our LGBTQ+ businesses, neighbors, and allies across the region. If you missed any of the events last weekend, don’t worry as there are plenty more happening in the next few days.
Coming up next, we’re excited to present Small Business Weeks, taking place from June 2 through June 13. This special two-week celebration honors outstanding small businesses and community impact awardees from each of our five member communities. These honorees exemplify the passion, resilience, and dedication that keep Cape Ann vibrant. We invite you to attend the upcoming Small Business Week Receptions—a series of community celebrations where you’ll meet this year’s award recipients, connect with fellow business leaders, and show your support for the small businesses at the heart of our region. Visit our website for the full schedule and join us in celebrating the incredible work being done across Cape Ann.
We’re also thrilled to share that Gloucester will host the 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 21–22 at Stage Fort Park. This large-scale, immersive event will feature over 1,000 reenactors portraying colonial militia and British regulars in a series of tactical demonstrations, including an amphibious landing on Half Moon Beach and multiple assaults on a recreated redoubt. Visitors can explore living history encampments, interact with interpreters, and learn about the diverse individuals who shaped this pivotal moment in American history. We’ll see you there!
Behind the scenes, our team has also been distributing thousands of copies of the updated Greater Cape Ann Guide, Greater Cape Ann Map, and Rockport Map to visitor centers, businesses, and destinations throughout New England. These materials are key to welcoming and guiding the many visitors we expect this summer.
There’s so much happening across Greater Cape Ann, and we hope to see you out and about—whether it’s at a Small Business Week reception, a downtown stroll, or your favorite local shop or restaurant. Thank you for being a part of what makes this region so special.
Respectfully,
Jim Brown, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, Interim Director, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce