The Government Affairs Council since April has held its monthly meetings via Zoom
At the Council’s most recent meeting on August 11, Peter gave an update on the Chamber operations, including staff participation on Gloucester’s and Rockport’s reopening advisory groups. Michele French updated the Council on continuing conversations among Essex town officials and the Essex Merchants Group and the Essex Division regarding a new revised application process for businesses to obtain permits for outdoor entertainment. Michele is monitoring the matter and will alert us when the topic is on a Selectmen’s meeting agenda
There was continued discussion of Cape Ann Small Business Week, usually celebrated the first week in June with the honoring of Small Business Persons of the Year from each community. Further conversations with the Chamber Board and Small Business Week leads from each community will help guide how we honor and celebrate Cape Ann’s small business community this year.
Bob Visnick gave a summary of Rockport’s rescheduled Town Meeting which took place on Saturday, August 8 with a pared-down warrant. The meeting was held outdoors on the school soccer field, with voters also given the option of participating via radio from their cars. Everything ran smoothly and the town’s annual budget was approved. The meeting participants voted to postpone consideration of several citizen petition articles on the warrant to a future meeting.
Bob Gillis provided an update on various housing development initiatives with which he is involved as board president of Harborlight Community Partners, including projects in Rockport and Beverly.
The Government Affairs Council leads the Chamber’s focus on economic development and public policy, one of our key platforms. This Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 AM, and participation is open to any Chamber member with an interest in being engaged with our state and local government and helping foster a vibrant Cape Ann economy. Currently, those who are part of our monthly meetings include representatives from Cape Ann’s industrial, tourism, government, real estate, legal, non-profit and services sectors.
To learn more or join in these meetings, please contact Ken or me. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 due to the Labor Day holiday.
Bill Scott
Chair, Government Affairs Council
Scott Energy Company
