The Cape Ann Chamber has been working with the city, Action Inc., Wellspring and others to develop a Cape Ann jobs listing of Youth-Friendly Jobs – Open to All: see the link here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXKfEj0JfUBKrg0zB91eEcpJhl8U5Mq4d_mhwvuR2rU/edit#gid=0

June 30 CACF Grant Application Deadline Just Days Away

June 30 CACF Grant Deadline Fast Approaching

Online Applications Available

The revised deadline for grant applications to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) is next Tuesday, June 30, 2020 now just a few days away.  The CACF Board of Directors, in addition to extending this year’s application deadline, has streamlined the application form and submittal process.  Printed copies of applications are no longer necessary. A submittal by email is sufficient.  A pdf of the revised application is available on the CACF website www.lovecapeann.com.  Board members have also created the application as a Google form, which is available here.  Many organizations have submitted applications already, but for those that have not time is running short.

Eligible applicants include religious, educational, scientific and cultural institutions; poverty relief agencies; and in general any organization that qualifies as a 501(c) (3) charity and is based in or providing services to the Cape Ann community. Local governments and their subdivisions, including schools, in the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport are also eligible to apply for CACF grants.

CACF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established in 2015 by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to manage funds and award grants from the proceeds from the Cape Ann License Plate.  CACF will make grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for projects that support the Foundation’s mission to improve the economy and overall quality of life for the residents of Cape Ann in the following areas:

• Regional promotion: projects that support and enhance the quality of life for the Cape Ann region and the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport; and promote Cape Ann as a desirable place to live, work, recreate and vacation.

• Economic Development: projects that expand employment opportunities and enhance the economic vitality of Cape Ann, including but not limited to projects that facilitate the start-up of new enterprises or the expansion of existing enterprises on Cape Ann.

• Training and Education: projects that support the training and education of the current and future Cape Ann workforce, including entrepreneurial training, to help Cape Ann residents succeed and thrive in the 21^st century economy.

In their first three annual grant rounds the Cape Ann Community Foundation has made awards totaling $39,000 to 14 Cape Ann area non-profit organizations and schools: Action, Inc., Backyard Growers, Cape Ann Art Haven, Cape Ann Farmers Market, the Educational Foundation for Rockport, Generous Gardeners, Manchester Essex Regional High School’s Green Team, Pathways for Children, Project Adventure (in partnership with Schooner Adventure), Rockport Exchange, Sawyer Free Library, The Open Door, The Sunrise Fund and Windhover Performing Arts Center.

“My fellow Board members and I encourage all Cape Ann area non-profits and municipalities with eligible projects to submit proposals for this funding cycle,” said CACF Board President Ruth Pino. “And remember, any Massachusetts resident can buy the Cape Ann License Plate. We need more Cape Ann plates on the road to ensure funding for worthy initiatives in the future,” Pino added.

Please join us for a FREE information session about this upcoming trip.

We are thrilled to officially announce our plans to move our offices and visitor center to a new location! The Chamber team is excited to share this new and engaging space with our members and the Cape Ann Community. More details on the space below…

Move Reflects Chamber’s Growth and Increasing Prominence

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce today announced that they have reached an agreement to move into new and larger office space in one of the most traveled areas of Gloucester and Cape Ann, a milestone for the organization that reflects its growth and prosperity and its prominence in the community.

The Chamber’s new headquarters will be located at the intersection of Harbor Loop and Rogers Street, steps from the Gloucester’s historic waterfront and the businesses along Main Street. The new location will also be more accessible to the other Cape Ann communities and is adjacent to a large municipal parking lot.

Renovation and construction of the space – the former site of Captain Bill and Sons Whale Watch – has already begun, and the Chamber is expected to move into the new offices in April 2020.

The new Chamber location will include an expanded visitor center, an exciting and engaging space that will showcase all of Cape Ann.

The new headquarters will be 50 percent larger than the Chamber’s existing location, offering a space that will better accommodate the organization’s seven person staff and its growing membership. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is the fastest growing chamber in the Commonwealth, and the fifth largest in the state, with more than 1,000 members.

“These new offices are a reflection of the vibrant future of the Chamber and the entire Cape Ann region,” said Ken Riehl, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce CEO.  “We are proud of the increasingly important role the Chamber plays in improving the strength of the Cape Ann community, and this move will allow us to take this work to a new level.  I also want to take this opportunity to thank our current landlord Mac Bell. We have had a terrific 33 year stay at 33 Commercial Street.”

“Our goal with this move is to better serve Cape Ann with offices that are not only more accessible but also highlight all four of our communities,” said Chamber President Tony Sapienza. “These offices will be a resource for visitors and residents alike, and a hub for Cape Ann’s business, government and community leaders.”

Join us for the 37th Annual Essex ClamFest from 11AM to 4PM in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. The festival is free to attend and it is $10 to take part in the Clam Chowder Tasting Competition.

CLAM CHOWDER TASTING
from Noon – 2 PM (while supplies last)
$10 to Taste & vote for your favorite

2019 CLAM CHOWDER COMPETITORS

C.K. pearl
Ipswich Clambake
J.T. Farnhams
Lobsta Land Restaurant
Shea’s Riverside Restaurant & Bar
Village Restaurant
Woodman’s of Essex
Windward Grille

Although the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition, there is a great variety of activities, including local vendor and maker booths, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site! Rain Date: October 27

** NO PETS ALLOWED

PRESENTING PARTNER: BankGloucester
GOLD SPONSOR: First Ipswich Bank
SUPPORTING SPONSOR: Solar Five

Also, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day (from 10-1, outside the police/fire station), and that we will also be giving out flu shots in the Town Hall auditorium from 10:30-1

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has launched an online edition of our Annual Auction. With many wonderful items generously donated by our members and business partners, this year’s online auction promises to be better than ever!  CLICK HERE to view over 100 items and place your bids!  The auction closes on Sunday, October 27 at 10 PM.

VIEW ALL ITEMS HERE

This year’s Fall Businesswomen’s Luncheon will be held at the beautiful, Beauport Hotel, on Thursday, October 10, 2019, 11:30am – 1:00pm. This year our Keynote speaker is Hollywood Actress, Lindsay Crouse. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets to join us for this great annual event.

To learn more about Lindsay and register for the event, CLICK HERE.

Join the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 3, for the Chamber’s annual $25,000 Game. The event will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at The Gloucester House Restaurant, 63 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA, and one person will walk away the lucky winner of $10,000. As one of the most exciting and fun-filled events on Cape Ann this Fall, it will also feature a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and much more. A total of $25,000 in prizes!

Tickets are available on a first come first served basis at the Chamber office located at 33 Commercial Street in Gloucester and are $100 each. A limit of 500 tickets will be sold. Each ticket admits the ticket holder and one guest to the Gloucester House festivities on October 3 and includes a light dinner. Prizes are as follows:

Grand Prize:  $10,000
2^nd Prize:  $5,000
3^rd Prizes:  $2,500
4^th Prizes:  $1,000 each (6 lucky winners)
5^th Prize: $500 (3 lucky winners)

Total: $25,000

TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!  To reserve your ticket for the Best Odds in town, please visit the Cape Ann Chamber today or (978) 283-1601.  More information can also be found on capeannchamber.com.

The second Online Auction for Low Number Cape Ann License Plates is open now through Sept 9!

Low number plates between C/A 2 and C/A 100 will be available to the highest bidders through an online auction Beginning today, Monday, August 26, 2019. All proceeds will go to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF).  The auction will conclude on Monday, September 9, 2019. Very soon every Massachusetts resident who wants to display their love and support for Cape Ann will have a second chance to secure a coveted low-number Cape Ann license plate.

CLICK HERE to view the Low Number Cape Ann License Plate Auction.

“This is a great way for people to express their love for Cape Ann while supporting many worthy causes,” said Ruth Pino, President of the Cape Ann Community Foundation.  “The proceeds from the auction will build the Foundation’s reserves and enable us to do even more for Cape Ann non-profits, schools and communities,” she added. CLICK HERE to see who the plate has helped so far!

This will be the second annual low number Cape Ann license plate auction held by the CACF.  During the first auction last summer, the Foundation raised $80,000 from the sale of 33 low number plates, including C/A 1.

The CACF is a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation. It was established by the Chamber to receive funding from Cape Ann license plate sales and renewals and make grants to Cape Ann communities and non-profit organizations.

For more information about the upcoming low number license plate auction and for assistance in obtaining a Cape Ann license plate, call the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at 978-283-1601 or visit the Chamber office at 33 Commercial Street in Gloucester. To view the available low number plates and place your bids, visit lovecapeann.com.

This Saturday night, August 10, the Gloucester Block Party has another full schedule of entertainment!  Join us on Main Street in Gloucester from 6-10 PM for the second Gloucester Block Party of the summer.

This Saturday we have a new addition… A BEER GARDEN sponsored by BankGloucester featuring live music by Toni-Ann Enes and the John Jerome Band!!  On your stroll down Main Street you’ll also find two more stages with live music, exciting street performances, local food, Main Street merchants, vendor booths and more.

Visit Gloucester Block Party on Facebook for more info.  We’ll see you on Main Street on Saturday night!