President’s & CEO’s Update – May 2026
May 5, 2026
After a long winter and a busy start to the year, May is when things begin to move quickly. Businesses are preparing for the season ahead, visitors are starting to return, and the Chamber’s work shifts from planning into execution across a number of key initiatives.
Before looking ahead, April was a productive and steady month for the Chamber and our members. Our Small Business University seminar series continued with strong engagement, including the April session, “Wearing All the Hats,” which provided practical insights for business owners managing multiple responsibilities. The continued interest in this series reinforces the value of offering accessible, relevant programming that supports day-to-day business operations.
We also hosted our April Business After Hours on April 15 at Olson Lewis + Architects in Manchester, providing another great opportunity for members to connect and strengthen relationships. We would like to thank Olson Lewis for hosting and for their continued support of Chamber programming.
A highlight of the month was the sold-out Businesswomen’s Spring Luncheon at the Beauport Hotel on April 30. This signature event continues to grow in both participation and impact, bringing together a broad cross-section of professionals for a meaningful and engaging program. The event reflects the strength of the Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee and its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for connection, leadership, and professional development. We would like to thank the Committee for their thoughtful planning and execution, as well as the panelists who shared their time, experience, and perspective with attendees.
Behind the scenes, April also marked an important milestone as we put the finishing touches on this year’s Chamber publications. We expect to begin receiving materials on Cape Ann within the next two weeks, and we look forward to distributing them widely to support local businesses and promote the region throughout the year.
Looking ahead to May, our calendar reflects the start of a busy and engaging season. On Thursday, May 7, we will host an AI Hack-a-thon as part of our Small Business University seminar series, with limited space remaining. This will be followed by a Financial Planning seminar on Wednesday, May 13, which will provide additional opportunities for business owners to gain practical insights into long-term planning and strategy.
On Tuesday, May 12, we will host a Tourism Mixer at the Rockport Art Association & Museum, bringing together businesses and organizations that play a key role in welcoming visitors to the region. This event provides an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and align efforts as we head into the peak tourism months. And on Saturday, May 16, we’ll be back in Rockport celebrating Motif No. 1 Day, one of the region’s signature events that highlights the rich artistic heritage of Cape Ann and draws both residents and visitors to the community.
We will also host our Business Education Golf Tournament on Monday, May 18. We are grateful to the Presenting Sponsor, Beauport Ambulance & Beauport Limousine, for their support of this event, which benefits the Chamber’s Business Education Collaborative. As part of the tournament, we will award seven scholarships totaling nearly $10,000 to local students, supporting continued education and workforce development across our communities.
As always, we are grateful for the continued engagement of our members, volunteers, and partners. The momentum we are seeing is a direct reflection of that collective effort, and we look forward to a strong and successful season ahead.
Warmly,
Keith Harris, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, CEO, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce