The Chamber’s Government Affairs Council held its regular monthly meeting on January 11, with members attending in person and via Zoom. At their meeting the Council recommended housing as the focus topic for the annual Economic Outlook Breakfast set for March 1. The group also agreed with the recommendation of member Jim Brown to have Chamber staff reach out to Cynthia Nina-Soto to be keynote speaker. In other business the Council set Friday, March 25 as the date for the Spring Greater Cape Ann Caucus, subject to the availability of legislators. The January meeting also included a summary report presented by Olivia on recent community meetings that she had attended.

Gregg Cademartori, Gloucester’s Planning Director, and Planning Board member Shawn Henry made a special presentation to the Council on a range of recommended zoning changes. The Gloucester City Council has scheduled a public hearing on these recommendations for their meeting on Tuesday, February 22. Council members also shared updates from their respective communities.

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 greater 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, Olivia, Peter or me. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8.

Bill Scott
Chair, Government Affairs Council
Scott Energy Company