Author: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES GREATER CAPE ANN SMALL BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

For Immediate Release

Every year since 1981 the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has celebrated Small Businesses to honor the achievements of our region’s small business entrepreneurs and their employees and to thank them for their contributions to the economic vitality and community life of the greater Cape Ann region. The Chamber is pleased to announce the 2025 Greater Cape Ann Small Business Persons of the Year.

This year’s honorees include Allan Houle, owner of Manchester Ace Hardware (Manchester-by-the-Sea); Kimberly Cameron Tibert, owner of Sand Castles & Wharf Rat Trading Co. (Rockport); Joe Ciolino, owner of The Weathervane (Gloucester); Natasha Taylor, Office Manager of the Essex Historical Society & Ship Building Museum (Essex); and Kerrie Bates, Director of ReCreation and Culture (Ipswich). Each small business person of the year will be honored throughout the weeks of June 2-13 via the Chamber’s social media, websites, and email communications. The honorees will also receive a special citation from their respective local government at their individual ceremony.

Friends, family members, and colleagues of all small business honorees are invited and encouraged to attend the individual receptions (all from 5-7 PM) to be held on the following dates and locations: Tuesday, June 3, for Allan Houle at Cala’s in Manchester-by -the-Sea; Wednesday, June 4, for Natasha Taylor at The James Pub, Essex; Thursday, June 5, for Kerrie Bates at True North Ale co., Ipswich; Monday, June 9, for Kimberly Cameron Tibert at The Emerson Inn, Rockport; Tuesday, June 10, for Joe Ciolino at Oak to Ember, Gloucester.

Please visit www.capeannchamber.com for more information on each of the 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year.

May 27, 2025
Media Contact: Michelle Pepin
michelle@capeannchamber.com

Small-Business-Week-2025-Winners FlyerDownload

Economic Outlook Breakfast: Critical Role of Downtown Economic Vitality

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Download Flyer

Please join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber on Thursday, March 6 from 7:30 – 9 AM at the Magnolia Library & Community Center for our 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast.

This year’s Economic Outlook Breakfast features expert panelists exploring the critical role of Downtown Economic Vitality and how it drives our local economy. The conversation will explore how a thriving business district can fuel economic growth and the importance of strategic planning to balance economic development with the growing need for affordable housing. We will explore strategies for how local businesses and municipalities can collaborate to drive positive change. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with local leaders committed to a prosperous future for Greater Cape Ann.

Panelists Include:
Emmy Hahn – Program Coordinator of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
Clark Ziegler –  Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership

Facilitator:
Representative Kristin Kassner – MA House of Representatives, 2nd Essex District

For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/EconomicOutlookBreakfast.

The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.

Schedule:

  • 7:30 AM: Breakfast
  • 8:00 AM: Panel Discussion
  • 8:40 AM: Q & A

Speaker Bios

Emmy Hahn: As the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Coordinator for the Executive Office Economic Development, Emmy Hahn is the state resource for technical assistance relating to all aspects of downtown/town center/commercial area revitalization. In addition to administrating the MDI Emmy is also the point of contact for communities interested in implementing a Business Improvement District and Parking Benefit District. In 2021, Emmy was also the Program Coordinator for the IDA Pinnacle award winning Local Rapid Recovery Program. The program was responsible for implementing $10 million worth of technical assistance of CARES funds in response to COVID-19. Recently Emmy was asked to oversee the MA Vacant Storefront Program and assisted with the redesign of the program.

Prior to working at DHCD, Emmy was the Project Manager for the Main Street Program in Lynn, MA and was the Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc. in New Bedford, MA.

Clark Ziegler: Clark Ziegler is Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, a public agency that finances affordable rental housing and home ownership, provides community technical assistance, and helps shape state housing policy. Under his leadership since 1990 MHP has delivered more than $7 billion in below-market financing for more than 58,000 housing units.
Mr. Ziegler chairs the nonprofit Housing Partnership Fund, which is a national, federally-certified community development financial institution and an affiliate of the Housing Partnership Network. He also serves on the board of the Massachusetts Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). He previously served on the MBTA’s management team and spent six years in Washington where he was legislative assistant and chief of staff to Massachusetts Congressman Robert Drinan. Mr. Ziegler is a longtime Ipswich resident and served as chair and as a 15-year member of the town’s Finance Committee.

Representative Kristin Kassner: Kristin Kassner is the State Rep for the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Rowley, Newbury, Georgetown, and Topsfield precinct 1. She lives in Hamilton with her husband and son. As a planning professional with 20 years of local government experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people and their environments in her district and the Commonwealth.

Rep. Kassner has a BA in Urban Planning and Geography from Miami University of Ohio; a Master’s degree in Urban & Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and completed the Supervisory Leadership Development Program from the University of Massachusetts. She was the Planning Director for the Town of Burlington, served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association and as Vice-Chair of the Hamilton Master Plan Committee. She is a member of the Associated Institute of Certified Planners, The Trustees, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Essex County Greenbelt, and Essex County Trails Association (ECTA).

$25K Game – Tickets Still Available

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Do you want a chance to win $10,000? Wouldn’t that come in handy for shopping this holiday season? Or perhaps you would love to get away from the cold weather and go on that “dream vacation” this winter.

A $10K Grand Prize is at stake – but you can’t win without buying a ticket! Get your ticket (or tickets) today for a chance to win big! $25,000 in cash prizes is set to be given away. Only 500 tickets will be sold and there are 12 chances to win!

You have until Wednesday at 3 PM to buy your tickets online at https://bit.ly/25KGame or by calling the Greater Cape Ann Chamber at 978-283-1601.

Make the night even more fun by getting into the Halloween Spirit and arriving in costume! Guests who come in costume will be eligible for additional prizes.

Don’t have your ticket yet? Visit https://bit.ly/25KGame or call the Chamber at 978-283-1601 to get your chance at a “Big Win!”

The drawing is this Wednesday, October 30 at the Gloucester Elks from 5 – 7 PM. You do not need to be present to win! Limited tickets may also be available for sale at The Elks of Gloucester on the night of the event.

GOOD LUCK!

Influence by Design: Turning Passion into a Powerful Brand

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, November 6 | 3 – 6 PM | Beauport Hotel Gloucester

The Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber invites you to our ANNUAL BUSINESSWOMEN’S FALL EVENT featuring Kristina Crestin, Kristina Crestin Design & HGTV!

You are cordially invited to join us and Kristina Crestin at the Beauport Hotel for a fun and relaxing chat about her interior design journey. What has the road been like? Where will it take her next? Has she had flat tires along the way? A light dinner, networking, and drinks will be served as we dive into the true grit of this inspirational entrepreneur from New England.

Kristina Crestin’s passion for interior design is evidenced by her award-winning style. Kristina creates atmospheres infused with light and creativity with her signature styles; modern farmhouse, modern beach house, as well as her take on traditional.

Along with running her residential Interior Design Firm, Kristina has become a staple on a variety of HGTV series, including Farmhouse Fixer, Rock the Block, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, and 100 Day Hotel Challenge. Kristina was named HGTV Designer of the year in 2019.

Check out some of Kristina’s HGTV shows on hgtv.com and remember to bring your questions along. Space is limited – reserve your spot today at https://bit.ly/BWC-FallEvent.

BWC-Fall-Event-2024-Influence-by-Design-FinalDownload

Get Your Main Street Meet-Up Passport and Join the Fun!

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Friday, September 20 | 11 AM – 7 PM
Shopping: 11 AM – 6 PM
Networking: 5:30 – 7 PM

Join us for the second annual Main Street Meet-Up: A Gloucester Business Tour sponsored by the Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. All are invited to join in!

Put on your power-walking shoes and prepare to explore some of Gloucester’s finest retail businesses, right here on Main (and adjacent) Streets! You can pick up your Passport and Raffle Tickets at Shore Nutrition or the Chamber of Commerce office. Plan to visit the participating businesses on your Passport to get stamped and enter raffle drawings at each location. When you are finished, please join us as early as 5 PM at The Cut for networking until 7 PM. *Don’t forget to turn in your Passports for additional Grand Prize Drawings to be held at 6:15 PM. (You do not have to be present to win!)

Register and purchase your Passport & Raffle Tickets today for just $15/$25 (You may also purchase at Shore Nutrition or at the Chamber office.)

Shops will be open from 11 AM to 6 PM for all Passport holders, with on-street networking, owners waiting to meet YOU, and a chance to win a raffle prize in every store!  All proceeds benefit the Businesswomen’s Opportunity Fund in honor of Carolyn M. O’Connor

2024-Main-St-meet-Up-RevBDownload

Free Presentation! Bright Ideas for Your Bottom Line: Energy Efficiency Made Easy

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

You are invited to Cake Ann in Gloucester for coffee, pastries, and “a side of sustainability” to learn how businesses like yours can save on energy costs and consumption. “Bright Ideas for Your Bottom Line: Energy Efficiency Made Easy” is the second of a three-part speaker series about sustainable business practices. This session features Energy Source and Mass Save for Small Business and is supported by TownGreen and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

Energy Source is a comprehensive energy efficiency and electrification provider partnering with local utilities to implement the Mass Save Program. Join presenter Crystal Hamlin, Program Manager at Energy Source, to learn about their turn-key process to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy costs, allowing you to focus on your business. An overview of the Mass Save Small Business Program, such as no-cost assessments and utility incentives, will also be provided. The presentation will include brief case studies of participants over the last year, with a first-hand account by Denise Raimo of Annisquam Auto. You will also learn about limited-time enhanced incentives being offered.
A Q & A session will follow the presentation.

Register for free at: https://bit.ly/SustainabilitySeries-Sept2024

Sustainability-Series-Sept-17-FinalDownload

This program is sponsored by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s Business Sustainability Committee and TownGreen.

Festival by the Sea

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES MANCHESTER’S FESTIVAL-BY-THE-SEA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to be presenting Manchester’s Festival-by-the-Sea, a Cape Ann Classic, in partnership with the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 3rd from 10 AM to 4 PM in three Manchester-by-the-Sea town parks: Town Hall, Reed and Masconomo. Over 100 artisans, food vendors, and non-profits will be on hand, offering original artwork, handmade goods, tasty treats, and more. This family friendly event includes live outdoor entertainment, shopping and sidewalk sales by local retailers, restaurants, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team!
We are also very pleased to announce that there will be live music in three locations: the Masco Bandstand, Town Hall Park, and the lot at 7 Summer Street. The music in Masco Park is sponsored by Kelly Auto and a schedule and listing of performers (11 AM to 4 PM) will be posted on the day of the event. The music Stage at Town Hall is sponsored by The Cut (11 AM to 3 PM) with performers to be announced and the 7 Summer St. lot will feature John Jerome with other outdoor retail vendors from 12 – 2 PM.

A free shuttle service, sponsored by Beauport Ambulance, will run between the High School upper parking lot and downtown Manchester from 10 AM to 4 PM. Shuttle stops will be made at Masco Park, Town Hall Park, Reed Park, the Manchester Public Library and 7 Summer Street. The last pick-up of the day will be at 4 PM at Masco Park.

The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the Manchester Board of Selectmen, the Manchester Fire & Police Departments and Manchester Parks & Recreation for their support and assistance in bringing this festival to life!

We also thank the many business sponsors and downtown merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Festival-by-the-Sea possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:

Presenting Co-Sponsors: M&T Bank and Harbor’s Point Condo Association
Gold Sponsor: Applied Materials
Music Stage Sponsors: Kelly Auto (Masco Bandstand) & The Cut (Town Hall Park)
Shuttle Sponsor: Beauport Ambulance Service
Supporting Sponsors: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Manchester-Essex Rotary Club & Sullco, Inc.

Additional information may be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FestivalbytheSea.

DOWNLOAD MAP BROCHURE | SEE FULL LIST OF ARTISANS, NON-PROFITS, FOOD VENDORS

Contact Details: Michelle Pepin, Director of Events, 978-283-1601, michelle@capeannchamber.com

The First Gloucester Main Street Block Party of 2024 is this Saturday!

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Gloucester’s Summer Block Parties have become a Cape Ann Classic, and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber is excited to be presenting three Block Parties this summer in partnership with the City of Gloucester. The first one will be Saturday, July 13th from 6 PM to 10 PM on Main Street. Party-goers will enjoy fun dining options, live outdoor entertainment and street performers for a family-friendly night on the town. The Block Parties offer local shopping, restaurants, food trucks and non-stop fun!

The following is the schedule of Music & Performers for the July 13th Block Party:

MUSIC:

  • East End Stage (Stage Sponsor: BankGloucester)
    • 6:00-7:30 PM    TheGloucester Student Band
    • 7:30-9:00 PM    The Dogtown Cats
  • Center Stage (Stage Sponsor: Cape Ann Savings Bank)
    • 6:00-8:00 PM      Jim & Tonic (Jazz Band)
    • 8:00-10:00 PM    Bill Gleason
  • West End Stage (Stage Sponsor: Institution for Savings)
    • 6:00-8:00 PM      Carlos Barberi with mediterranean Sounds    
    • 8:00-10:00 PM    Tony Frontiero

STREET PERFORMERS: Intersection of Hancock & Main

  • 6:15-7:00 PM: Tobin Renwick from The Red Trouser Show
  • 7:10-7:45 PM: Cape Ann School of Dance
  • 8:00-8:45 PM: Tobin Renwick from The Red Trouser Show

*Also on the street will be: Face Painting by Miss Wendy, ‘The Balloonitik’ with her fun balloon art for the kids, and a bucket drummer.

FOOD VENDORS

  • 5 Star Phresh Phood
  • Crepe du Jour
  • Kanaka Poke
  • Meat and Sweet Foods
  • Newburyport Crab Cake Co
  • The Lobster Roller Rockport Kitchen
  • Three Gingers Jerky
  • Topsfield Bakeshop Inc.

BUSINESSES

  • A&A Services (sponsor)
  • Attorney Amy L. Connors
  • Cape Ann Olive Oil
  • Castaways Vintage Cafe
  • Edward B Beattie Auctioneers
  • Fireflies Boutique
  • Mari Bergeron Pottery
  • Mark Adrian Shoes
  • Masshole Biscuit Co.
  • Pat D’s Photos
  • Phoenix Nest
  • Pop Gallery
  • Sample This
  • Sea Coastal Arts
  • Shore Nutrition
  • Sweats of New England
  • That’s The Tea Boutique
  • The Bookstore of Gloucester
  • The Cut
  • The Willow Witch
  • Village Silversmith

NON-PROFITS

  • Action Inc.
  • Adam Needs Beads
  • Calvary Chapel Baptist Church
  • Cape Ann Pride
  • Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
  • City of Gloucester-MA Save Energy
  • Community Church of East Gloucester
  • Essex County Habitat for Humanity
  • FOSTER MA
  • Gloucester Education Foundation
  • Gloucester High School DECA
  • Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
  • Gloucester Stage Company
  • Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
  • Housing4All Gloucester
  • Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative
  • Lupis Foundation of America
  • North Shore Arts Association
  • North Shore Bible Church
  • North Shore Health Project
  • Rocky Neck Art Colony
  • Schooner Adventure
  • Seaside Sustainability, Inc.
  • Spaulding Outpatient Center Cape Ann
  • St John’s Episcopal Church
  • Town Green Inc.

The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the City of Gloucester, Supporting Partner, many business sponsors, and main street merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Block Parties possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:

  • Stage Sponsors:  BankGloucester; Cape Ann Savings Bank; Institution for Savings
  • Gold Sponsors:  Addison Gilbert Hospital; Applied Materials; Beauport Hospitality; The Building Center; and Endicott College
  • Silver Sponsors:  A&A Services, Cape Ann YMCA, Chase Bank, and Ebenezer Tax and Services

The Second Block Party will be on Saturday, August 10th. The Third Block Party will be on Friday, August 30th. 

Additional information may be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gloucesterblockparty.

2024 Small Business Persons of the Year Celebratory Dinner

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at the Chamber’s 44th Annual Small Business Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 13 from 5 to 8 PM at the Castle Manor Inn, Gloucester, to honor the 2024 Greater Cape Ann Small Business Persons of the Year. This year’s honorees include Erika Brown, Publisher/Editor of The Manchester Cricket (Manchester-by-the-Sea); Jack & Cathy Porter, Sandy Bay Service Center, Inc (Rockport); The Ellis Family (Heath & Tom Ellis), The Schooner Thomas E. Lannon (Gloucester); Ramie Reader, Reader Electrical (Essex); and John P. Muldoon, Publisher/Editor of The Local News (Ipswich).

Every year since 1981 the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has celebrated Small Businesses to honor the achievements of our region’s small business entrepreneurs and their employees and to thank them for their contributions to the economic vitality and community life of the greater Cape Ann region.

Friends, family members, and colleagues of all small business honorees are invited and encouraged to attend the awards dinner. Tickets for the dinner are available for $75. Please visit the chamber website (www.capeannchamber.com) to register for the dinner and for more information on the 2024 Small Business Persons of the Year.

Sponsored by: