The Chamber’s Government Affairs Council held its regular monthly meeting on December 14, with members attending in person and via Zoom. The Council discussed a range of possible speakers about housing for the 2022 Economic Outlook Breakfast, and the idea of conducting a short member survey on employee shortages. The council’s December meeting also included a summary report presented by Olivia on recent community meetings that she had attended.

In State House news, the Council noted that on December 13 Governor Baker signed the nearly $4 billion COVID relief bill appropriating a combination of federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and state surplus funds. The press release describing the main elements of this new law is available here. 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 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, January 11.

Bill Scott
Chair, Government Affairs Council
Scott Energy Company