At the Council’s most recent meeting on April 13, Ken gave an update on reopening progress, reporting that many area businesses are having a hard time finding employees, especially those in hospitality. After some discussion it was recommended that Chamber staff follow up with legislators on a range of unemployment-related policy issues, including fraudulent claims and the sharp increase in assessments on Massachusetts businesses due to deficits in the solvency account and the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. He also gave a further update on the town of Essex’s special events permitting policy.

In other business, CATA administrator Felicia Webb provided further information about the on CATA’s “Last Mile” pilot program, set to begin in April and include on-demand van rides for the general public. The schedule and routes are built around the commuter rail schedule at the two Gloucester MBTA stations, and will operate throughout downtown Gloucester and Blackburn Industrial Park. For detailed information about CATA “On Demand” please click here. The Council also talked about upcoming town meetings and local elections, and made preliminary plans to host or co-host candidate forums.

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, April 13.

Bill Scott
Chair, Government Affairs Council
Scott Energy Company