President’s & CEO’s Update – April 2026
April 7, 2026
With spring beginning to take hold across Greater Cape Ann, April brings renewed energy and activity for both the Chamber and our local business community. The shift in seasons often signals the start of a busy stretch on Cape Ann, and the Chamber team remains focused on supporting that momentum through events, programming, and continued engagement with our members.
Before looking ahead to April, March provided several meaningful opportunities for connection and conversation. Earlier in the month, we hosted our annual Irish Sweepstakes drawing on March 12 at The James Pub in Essex. This long-standing Chamber fundraiser once again provided a lively evening for attendees while supporting the programs and services that benefit our membership. With 400 raffle tickets sold and a top prize of $10,000, the event remains a fun and important tradition that continues to bring our community together. We are grateful to everyone who purchased tickets and especially to the many members and volunteers who helped sell them and make the evening such a success.
On March 19, we held our annual Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Magnolia Library and Community Center. The program brought together business leaders, community members, and regional experts for a thoughtful discussion on the economic trends shaping our region and what they may mean for local businesses in the year ahead. The strong turnout and engaged conversation reinforced the value of creating space for these important discussions.
Our commitment to civic engagement was also reflected in the Candidate Forum for the MA House 5th Essex District seat, held on March 20 at Manchester Essex High School. We would also like to congratulate Dru Tarr on winning the recent special election for the 5th Essex District seat. We look forward to working with Representative Tarr and continuing the Chamber’s efforts to ensure the voice of the local business community is represented in policy discussions that affect our region.
Looking ahead to April, opportunities for connection and professional development continue. Our Small Business University seminar series, which launched earlier this year, continues to provide practical tools and insights for business owners looking to strengthen and grow their operations. Additional sessions are planned for both April and May, including an April 9 seminar titled “Wearing All the Hats,” which will focus on helping small business owners manage the many responsibilities that come with running a business.
We are also looking forward to our April Business After Hours on April 15 at Olson Lewis + Architects in Manchester. These gatherings remain a cornerstone of Chamber networking, offering members the chance to connect, share ideas, and strengthen relationships in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Behind the scenes, the Chamber team is also finalizing one of our most visible annual projects. The next edition of the Greater Cape Ann Guide will go to print on April 24, and we anticipate copies arriving on Cape Ann in early May. This publication plays a key role in promoting our region and highlighting the many businesses, attractions, and experiences that make Greater Cape Ann such a special place to live, work, and visit.
As we move further into the spring season, the Chamber remains focused on supporting our members, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for the busy months ahead. We are grateful for the continued engagement of our business community and look forward to another active and productive season across Greater Cape Ann.
Warmly,
Keith Harris, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, CEO, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce