President’s & CEO’s Update – September 2026
As we turn the calendar to September, there is plenty to celebrate from a busy summer, but no slowing down at the Chamber. The past several months have brought tremendous activity to our communities, and we are grateful to our members, sponsors, volunteers, municipal partners, and everyone who helped make another Greater Cape Ann summer a success. September brings a different kind of energy as we transition into a full schedule of fall events, member programming, community engagement, and workforce development.
Before looking ahead, August gave us plenty to celebrate. The Gloucester Waterfront Festival enjoyed fantastic weather and tremendous crowds over two days at Stage Fort Park. The festival remains one of our largest summer events and an important opportunity to bring thousands of visitors to Gloucester while showcasing artists, makers, food vendors, and businesses from throughout the region.
Our Gloucester Main Street Block Parties continued to bring residents and visitors downtown for evenings of music, dining, shopping, and entertainment, while Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays provided a weekly reason to spend a summer evening along the Ipswich Riverfront. Both programs demonstrate the value of creating experiences that bring people into our downtowns and encourage them to spend time with local businesses.
We also tried something new in August with Party After Hours aboard Cape Ann Whale Watch. In place of our traditional Business After Hours, members, friends, family, and coworkers joined us for a relaxing evening on the water with food, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect. It was a fun way to celebrate the busy summer season together and another example of the unique networking opportunities Chamber membership can provide.
September begins with one final celebration of summer. The last Gloucester Main Street Block Party of the season takes place Friday evening, September 4, giving everyone another opportunity to enjoy Main Street and support downtown businesses.
Labor Day weekend also brings one of Gloucester’s most beloved traditions, the Gloucester Schooner Festival. The Chamber founded the Schooner Festival more than 40 years ago, and while we are no longer responsible for producing the event, we remain proud of our connection to its history. From Maritime Heritage Day and the Parade of Sail to the fireworks and Parade of Lights, the weekend is a wonderful celebration of Gloucester’s maritime heritage and another important draw for visitors and residents alike.
Our September Business After Hours will be held on September 9 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. We look forward to gathering in a venue that so uniquely reflects Essex’s history and character while providing members with another opportunity to make connections and build relationships.
On Monday, September 21, the Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee will host its Annual Golf Outing at Rockport Golf Club. Designed for golfers of all skill levels, the outing has become a great annual tradition for the Businesswomen’s group, combining a relaxed afternoon on the course with networking, camaraderie, and plenty of fun.
One of our biggest events of the year follows on Thursday, September 24, with the Chamber’s Annual Auction at Cruiseport Gloucester. As the Chamber’s largest annual fundraiser, the Auction provides critical support for the programs, events, advocacy, and initiatives we deliver throughout the year. We strongly encourage our members to join us for this special evening. This year’s auction will feature unique experiences both near and far, exciting packages and items, original works from local artists, and much more. Whether you’re looking for a memorable getaway, a one-of-a-kind experience, or simply a fun night out while supporting the Chamber, there will be something for everyone. Tickets are available now, and you can also preview auction items before bidding goes live.
On September 29, we will join the Town of Essex for a Downtown Essex Visioning Forum. The forum will include a review of survey results, updates on ongoing projects, and group discussions focused on identifying shared priorities for the future of downtown Essex.
The following evening, September 30, the Greater Cape Ann College & Career Fair returns to Ipswich High School. With more than 60 colleges and universities and over 20 businesses participating, the event gives local high school students a valuable opportunity to explore college, career, internship, and other post-graduation pathways.
September promises to be another busy month, and we are excited about the variety of opportunities ahead. From celebrating our downtowns and maritime heritage to strengthening professional connections, supporting our future workforce, and helping shape the future of our communities, this month’s calendar reflects the broad scope of the Chamber’s work. As always, thank you for your continued participation, partnership, and support. We look forward to seeing many of you throughout September and to carrying the momentum of a successful summer into an equally productive fall.
Warmly,
Keith Harris, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, CEO, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce