President’s & CEO’s Update – August 2026

August represents the height of the summer season, and the energy throughout our communities reflects it. Downtowns are bustling, restaurants and shops are busy, and visitors continue to discover everything that makes Greater Cape Ann a special place to live, work, and visit. For the Chamber, this is one of the busiest times of the year as we continue promoting the region, supporting our members, advocating on behalf of the business community, and delivering events that strengthen our local economy.

That activity has certainly been reflected in our Visitor Center, where the Chamber’s Gloucester office has welcomed more than 2,000 visitors so far this summer. Whether helping visitors find a restaurant, discover local attractions, book accommodations, or navigate the region, our staff and volunteers have been busy showcasing everything our five communities have to offer. Combined with the distribution of more than 210,000 guides and maps, digital marketing efforts, and event promotion, the Chamber continues to play an important role in supporting the region’s visitor economy during its busiest season.

Before looking ahead, July was another outstanding month for the Chamber. The first Gloucester Main Street Block Party of the season was a tremendous success, bringing thousands of residents and visitors downtown to enjoy live entertainment, local businesses, restaurants, and community activities. We look forward to building on that momentum with the second Block Party on Friday, August 7, the first of two Friday evening celebrations to round out the season.

July also featured another successful Blackburn Brew Fest. With 18 breweries participating, the event showcased an outstanding lineup of craft beverages and attracted a great crowd despite less-than-perfect weather. While Mother Nature kept us guessing throughout the evening, we were fortunate to hold the event between the rain showers, making for another memorable summer tradition on Gloucester Harbor.
Our July Business After Hours, hosted by the Amanda Armstrong Group at 370 Summer Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, offered members a truly unique networking experience. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect while touring one of the region’s most extraordinary private residences. We extend our sincere thanks to the Amanda Armstrong Group for their hospitality and for opening such a spectacular property to our membership.

We were also pleased to wrap up another successful Festival by the Sea on August 1 in downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea. Blessed with beautiful summer weather, the event welcomed nearly 100 artisans and crafters, live music, sidewalk sales, and thousands of visitors throughout the day. A special highlight was the ribbon cutting celebrating Atlantis, the Tidekeepers Foundation’s interactive tidal sculpture, demonstrating the power of partnerships that continue to enhance our communities and waterfront.

Looking ahead, August offers another outstanding lineup of events. On August 15 and 16, the 44th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival returns to Stage Fort Park, bringing together artists, makers, specialty food vendors, and exhibitors from throughout the region. Visitors are encouraged to make a full weekend of it, beginning with the beloved Rotary Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning before enjoying all the festival has to offer.

Throughout August, Downtown Tuesdays will continue each Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. along the Ipswich Riverwalk. This popular summer series features live music in a beautiful waterfront setting and encourages residents and visitors alike to spend an evening in downtown Ipswich, dine locally, and explore the many businesses that make the community so vibrant.

Rather than a traditional Business After Hours this month, we’re trying something a little different. On Thursday, August 20, we invite members to join us for Party After Hours aboard Cape Ann Whale Watch. Designed as a fun and relaxing way to celebrate another successful summer season, the evening will feature a sunset cruise, DJ, food, a raffle, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow members while enjoying one of Cape Ann’s greatest assets—its spectacular coastline. We encourage members to bring friends, family, coworkers, and prospective members for what promises to be a memorable evening on the water.

Advocacy remains a year-round priority for the Chamber, even during the height of the tourism season. We recently wrapped up another round of quarterly Division Meetings in Rockport and Essex, providing local businesses with the opportunity to connect directly with municipal leadership and discuss issues affecting their communities. These conversations continue to be an important part of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, and we look forward to resuming the next round of meetings in November. As always, we encourage members to keep us informed about challenges and opportunities in their communities. Your feedback helps guide our advocacy efforts and ensures we continue to represent the interests of businesses throughout Greater Cape Ann.

As we enjoy the remainder of the summer season, we are grateful for the continued support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. The success of our events, programs, and advocacy efforts is made possible through your engagement, and we look forward to making the most of the busy weeks still ahead.

Warmly,
Keith Harris, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, CEO, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce