A quick update on our three mission platforms!

1) Promotion of our members and the region: In addition to our networking and community events, our focus has been on the 2015 publications – the Cape Ann Visitor Guide and Map, Rockport and Essex Maps, and 2015 Membership Directory – almost 300,000 printed pieces in total! We are on schedule to deliver these even earlier this year, well in advance of Memorial Day.

2) Economic Development: We have been busy meeting with the elected officials and businesses (members and non-members alike) from all four communities. We do this by walking the streets and through our community “Division Meetings”. In Gloucester, we meet more regularly with the Mayor and CAO, and monthly with Community & Economic Development. We are always looking for better ways to connect with all our communities, and welcome your feedback. Northeastern Professor and renowned economist Barry Bluestone has been back to both Rockport and Gloucester (the latter visit co-sponsored by the Chamber) to help garner consensus on areas for economic improvement. We also held our first Cape Ann Caucus since 2012, where all local state representatives and local elected, education, and public safety officials met to better collaborate on issues and opportunities affecting all of Cape Ann.

3) Education: We are so excited to announce our first regional Cape Ann Career and College Fair – 20 May at the Gloucester High School Field House. We have over 70 colleges signed up already, and about 50 business leaders representing a dozen major career fields – stay tuned – much more to follow! Cape Ann License Plate: we are just over 1/3 of the way to getting the plates on the road, and are spreading the word with a new Facebook site (facebook.com/CapeAnnLicensePlate); please like us and share. Remember, the proceeds from the plates will go back to the four communities to support Community Development and Education initiatives.