October 2015 - Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Soundings
October 2015
The Monthly Magazine of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Image size: 7.9 x 11.4 inches
Minimum resolution 300 ppi
What’s Inside:
• Membership Spotlight
• Upcoming & Recent Events
• Cape Ann License Plate
• and more!
Call for Raffle Prizes!
The Chamber is looking for Raffle/Door Prize items to give away at
our Business After Hours events.
How about donating a Gift Certificate to your Business or to a client’s
Business? This would give you exposure to the crowd at the event
AND will drive customers to your or your client’s place of business it’s a winning situation!
PIVOTAL PARTNERS
Chamber News
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Cape Ann License Plate
5-7
Upcoming Events
8
Ribbon Cuttings
9-10 Recent Events
11
Membership Spotlight
12-13 Community News
14 Chamber Member Benefits
15
Healthcare Corner
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Business Tips & Tricks
The mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of
Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of
business while working to enhance both the
economic environment and the quality of
life for the citizens of Cape Ann.
33 Commercial Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
The Chamber Team:
Ken Riehl, CEO
[email protected]
Peter Webber, Senior VP
The photograph of Rockport Harbor on the front cover was provided by
Michelle Budrow.
If you would like to be considered for the cover of an upcoming edition of
Soundings, please submit your image to [email protected].
[email protected]
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Phone: 978-283-1601
Fax: 978-283-4740
Email: [email protected]
capeannchamber.com
capeannvacations.com
rockportusa.com
FRONT COVER
@capeannchamber
If you are interested, or to learn more about this, please call Kerry at
the Chamber Office. 978-283-1601
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capeannchamber.com
We have a great opportunity for exposure
for YOUR business, to some of Cape Ann’s
strongest and most influential Business
Leaders.
In This Issue
Kerry McKenna, Director of Events
[email protected]
Debbie Walter, Director of Operations
[email protected]
Keval McNamara, Director of Finance
[email protected]
Michelle Budrow, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
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Chamber News
Welcome New Members
American Cancer Society
508-270-4666 cancer.org
First Class Cleaning and Handyman Pros, Inc.
978-652-8383 http://www.FCHandyman.com
Make sure to follow us on Facebook for our latest news
and updates for the Chamber, the Cape Ann License
Plate and Cape Ann Vacations!
facebook.com/capeannchamber
facebook.com/CapeAnnLicensePlate
facebook.com/capeannvacations
Ipsich Ale Brewery
978-356-3329 ipswichalebrewery.com
!
hare
Jumpframe
855-490-5867 jumpframe.com
and s
Love beautiful photos?
Follow us on Instagram!
If you’re looking for a regular dose of beautiful photos of
Cape Ann, be sure to follow our Instagram accounts!
instagram.com/capeannvacations/
instagram.com/capeannlicenseplate/
!
hare
and s
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Peter Webber, Senior Vice President of the Chamber, was
awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Don Kipp and Ed
Kellner, of Eliot Community Human Services Gloucester Site.
The certificate recognizes life enriching contributions of
support and collaborative partnership. Congratulations
Peter!
@capeannchamber
La Provence
978-546-5868 laprov.com
capeannchamber.com
Cape Ann Power Yoga
617-821-6734 capeannpoweryoga.com
Stay Up to Date
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News
EXCITING NEWS!!
capeannchamber.com
We Have Reached Our Applications Goal to Put the Cape Ann License Plate on the Road!
In addition to the legislation change, we are pleased to announce that our new non-profit, the Cape Ann Community
Foundation (CACF), has just been approved for tax exempt status. The CACF was created specifically to manage the
proceeds from the Cape Ann License Plate, and may be used for other tax exempt purposes that benefit the Cape Ann
region. The Foundation will be comprised of Board members from each of the four Cape Ann communities.
If you have not already signed up, now is the time! The plates make a fantastic gift, just in time for the Holidays, and the
proceeds will go back to the Cape Ann Community towards Promotion of the region, Economic Development, and
Education.
For more information, please contact the Cape Ann Chamber at (978) 283-1601, email us at [email protected],
and / or go to our Cape Ann License Plate website: lovecapeann.com
Stay Connected
facebook.com/capeannchamber
If you have already signed up please contact the Chamber (978-283-1601) to complete your application, and bring or mail
your check, made out to the Mass DOT, to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA
01930. The new plates will be delivered to the closest specified Registry office; this will be the Danvers location at the
Liberty Tree Mall for those of us on and around Cape Ann.
@capeannchamber
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has BIG news – thanks to a recent change in state law, we now have enough
applications to put the Cape Ann License Plate on the road! The amended law takes effect in early January. In the interim,
we will be following-up with people who have signed up, to complete the application process and collect checks of $40 for
each application; this special plate fee is payable every other year with renewal of registrations, and there is a one-time fee
of $20 to transfer existing plates. The plates will be available a few months after the Chamber submits all the collected
applications and special license feesto the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Get up to date information and news about the Cape Ann License Plate by visiting lovecapeann.com and following
@capeannlicenseplate on Facebook and Instagram.
lovecapeann.com
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Upcoming Events
capeannchamber.com
Parking is $10
@capeannchamber
The Online Auction is Now Live! Bid Now!
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Upcoming Events
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
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Save the Date!
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Upcoming Events
Now Announcing
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@capeannchamber
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Ribbon Cutting: ABC Home Healthcare Professionals
Recent Events
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of ABC Home Healthcare
Professionals. The ceremony took place at the new location at 281R East Main Street in Gloucester, MA.
ESSEX, Massachusetts – On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. the Cape Ann Chamber of
Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of six beautiful new rooms in the Essex River Inn
at the Essex River House Motel, at 132 Main Street in Essex.
facebook.com/capeannchamber
New owner David Brown recently renovated the six rooms of the Inn. Susan Kane, manager of the Essex River Inn,
cut the ribbon and welcomed guests to the opening celebration. Kane was presented with a Senate citation from
the office of Senator Tarr. The celebration featured live music by Ned Nugent and refreshments from Shae’s were
served to the many guests who attended.
@capeannchamber
Ribbon Cutting: Essex River Inn
capeannchamber.com
Jeannette Sheehan, owner of the family run business, welcomed the public to the new location with a ribbon cutting
ceremony followed by an opening reception. ABC Home Healthcare was presented with a Senate citation from the
office of Senator Tarr. Refreshments were served to the many guests who attended the ceremony.
For information and scheduling of ribbon cutting ceremonies, contact the Chamber.
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Mayoral Candidates Forum
Recent Events
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
Thank you to Ohana for hosting a successful Business After Hours at the restaurant, on September 17!
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Business After Hours at Ohana
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Recent Events
Businesswomen’s Mixer
Thank you to The Studio Restaurant & Bar for hosting the September Businesswomen’s Mixer! It was a great
night of networking, mixing and mingling paired with delicious food and drinks.
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
Your Chamber Was There
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Tour of Applied Material’s Production Floor, led by our Board
Member and Production Floor Manager Tim Wood. Also
shown are Matt & Missy Anzivino, Ken Riehl, James Caviston,
Mike Luster, Kathy Low and Tony Sapienza.
Mini-Grant recipients from the North of Boston Convention
and Visitors Bureau
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Nate’s at Front Beach
Member Spotlight
Nate’s is a family-run business located in the heart of the historic and
picturesque town of Rockport, 18 Beach Street.
The Food
If you are in the mood for clams, scallops, shrimp, haddock, or a special fried
lobster plate, Nate’s offers a variety of portioned dinners ranging from their
personal-sized boats to the large seafood platter.
While specializing in fried seafood, Nate’s at Front Beach also provides a menu that will cater to all customers. Don’t hesitate
to try one of their mouth-watering burgers, one of several delicious wraps, or the always fresh, house or specialty salads.
There is something for everyone!
capeannchamber.com
Their dining room and friendly waitstaff provide a cozy and comfortable setting for their
customers while offering some of the most breathtaking views of Front Beach, which is
directly across the street. When the weather’s nice take advantage of our take-out window!
For more information including hours of operation, visit
natesatfrontbeach.com. Call (978) 5460055
Beauport Hearing Care
Judi said, “Growing up in Gloucester and being hearing impaired my whole life, our practice is a vision I’ve worked towards
for years, and I am happy that we are able to fulfill this dream.” Judi’s life inspired a vocation to help other people. “My
personal experience in wearing hearing aids allows me to identify with challenges people face. This also influences how I fit
and adjust hearing instruments – and I know how important social support is.”
Judi and her husband, who also wears hearing aids, are taking a different approach that has been written about in the May
2015 issue of the most respected publication in hearing healthcare, The Hearing Journal. David brings a public health perspective into what they do. He said, “Hearing is really a social activity – so we emphasize educational and people-to-people
support services in addition to hearing evaluations and hearing aids.”
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Lifelong local resident Judi Bergeron and her husband David Bergeron have opened a
new hearing health practice, Beauport Hearing Care at 8 Lexington Avenue in Magnolia – and their practice is doing things differently. In addition to the newest hearing
instruments and related services, their creative approach to coaching has happy patients talking.
@capeannchamber
https://www.facebook.com/Nates-at-Front-Beach-117967214899506/timeline/
For more information visit beauporthearing.com
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Community News
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
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Community News
Art & Story: An Intergenerational Exchange
Promoting Solidarity Between Generations Through Art
Though the Art & Story intergenerational program has completed,
the Cape Ann Museum’s CAM Connections program continues
to operate and welcomes older adults, including individuals with
memory challenges and their care partners, every third Tuesday of
the month. Please contact Kate LaChance to make a reservation at
[email protected] or (978) 283-0455 x12.
New President & Director at Cape Ann Skating Club
New president is Diane Schoonover from Ipswich. Her daughter has skated for a number of years and is actually going to be
in Nancy Kerrigans Halloween on Ice! Joined with new Pingree
Learn to Skate Director Alisa Contreras of Beverly, they are excited
about an exciting new year. Alisa has taught recreational and
competitive skaters for 20 years and is Certified by the Professional Skaters Association.
Cape Ann Skating Club offers Learn to Skate programs for both
Figure Skating and Hockey. Enrollment is ongoing from September through June.
More information can be found at cafsc.org.
FREE College Prep Classes by Wellspring House
8 Week Sessions are Open and Starting Soon
College Readiness English, College Readiness Math
Call Wellspring Hour for more information at
(978) 281-3358 x310 or visit wellspringhouse.org.
All Chamber members are encouraged to send in their
news about job openings, new hires, new locations,
expansions/ additions and other significant happenings
at their businesses to [email protected]
for inclusion in the Member News/ Business Briefs
section of future editions of Chamber Soundings.
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Diane and Alisa have prepared new Hockey, Mommy and Me and
Teams this year! They put on fabulous Holiday shows and offer
exceptional Learn to Skate Classes for ALL ages, both boys and
girls!!
Beauport Hearing Care is a full service hearing instrument
practice, providing hearing aids and related services –
including its signature hearing coaching program. Practice
founders and owners Judi and David Bergeron personally live successful lives with their own hearing loss. As a
result they see what they do in a holistic life context. They
explain that this sets their approach apart in ways their patients are happy to talk about. Free hearing aid trials and
worry free warranties also provide no-risk opportunities
for people to experience the difference. David Bergeron
said, “Hearing is really a social activity – so we emphasize
educational and people-to-people support services in addition to hearing evaluations and hearing aids.” Find them
on the web at beauporthearing.com. Anyone interested in
a no-obligation complimentary hearing evaluation may call
for more information or schedule an appointment at (978)
525-2300.
@capeannchamber
The CAM Connections Art & Story Intergenerational Exchange project was funded by Cell Signaling Technology in Danvers, MA.
Beauport Hearing Care Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting
and Open House
MAGNOLIA – Beauport Hearing Care celebrates its Grand
Opening, Ribbon Cutting and Open House at 8 Lexington
Avenue on Tuesday, October 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30
p.m. All are welcomed.
capeannchamber.com
The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to announce the completion of
a unique new intergenerational program, Art & Story: An Intergenerational Exchange, which connected Cape Ann seniors, including
individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, with a
younger generation of area high school and college students. The
project is part of the Cape Ann Museum’s CAM Connections outreach program, which for the past three years has been devoted to
the integration and social participation of seniors living on Cape Ann,
making art and culture accessible to individuals living in area nursing
homes and attending day programs.
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Chamber Member Benefits
Did You Know?
It’s that time of year again! With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take advantage
of some of the unique benefits of being a Chamber member. Participating in our Member-to-Member Discount
and Cape Ann Gift Certificate programs are great ways to promote your business during the holiday season.
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This program is FREE – participation is a benefit of Chamber membership.
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The Program creates economic growth on Cape Ann
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Free advertising and exposure for participating businesses
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Access to dollars that stay on Cape Ann
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A Participants List is available for download and is updated throughout the year. It is never too late to be included.
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Cape Ann Gift Certificates
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is pleased to continue to offer Gift Certificates which are redeemable at
and in support of over 200 of the region’s finest businesses.
@capeannchamber
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This program is a FREE listing available to Chamber Members who wish to increase their visibility and customer outreach on Cape Ann.
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Coupons for participating businesses are listed on the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website.
(member login required)
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Any offer though this program is exclusive to Chamber members and not available to the general public.
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A Participants List is available for download and is updated throughout the year. It is never too late to be included.
capeannchamber.com
Member-to-Member $avings Connection
Members of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce can sign up to offer exclusive discounts to other Chamber
Members.
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Did You Know?
Healthcare Corner
How to plan now for health care costs later.
No matter when you plan on retiring, health care costs impact your budget at every stage
of life. Some things to consider are:
Maximize employer benefits
Maximize health savings account (HSA) contributions for retirement saving
Evaluate health care needs
Make catch-up HSA contributions starting at age 55
Evaluate early retirement health care needs
Evaluate health care needs
Maximize HSA contributions
capeannchamber.com
Continue HSA catch-up contributions until age 65
Evaluate early retirement health care needs
Use HSA savings to pay for long-term care or COBRA premiums
Choose a Medicare plan
Sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coveraqe
Understand retiree coverage from employer
Use HSA savings to pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses
How will health care costs affect your retirement savings? Now is the time to find out. Contact Diane Rule-Enos to make plans
for a healthy financial future. 978-675-9940
@capeannchamber
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3 Tips to Boost Your SEO & Search Engine Ranking
Business Tips & Tricks
Are you looking to boost your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and rank better in
search? Who isn’t, right? I have news for you, SEO is easier than you think.
Search engines have robots, called “spiders” that visit your website and read your
content. The thing is, most owners don’t update their website consistently. Why
would they? It is a one-and-done type of project. Based on this logic, spiders
don’t return that often. This is where blogging helps your SEO. By blogging more
consistently you are posting fresh content to your site. Your blog posts then acts
as “spider food”. They attract the spiders to return more often to read your content, scan the keywords and gain a better
understanding of what you are about. By enticing the spiders to return more frequently, your SEO will improve.
capeannchamber.com
What is SEO?
Your search ranking depends on search engines, like Google and Bing, and how
they categorize your website so others can find you in search. There are MANY
factors that play into how your rank.
3 Tips to Boost Your SEO and Search Engine Ranking
2) Create a Google+ account and connect your blog.
Google is the number 1 search engine in the world. Google+ is its social media platform of choice. By playing the “Google
game”, setting up an account and posting content, the search engine will reward you. Every blog post I publish automatically publishes to my Google+ account. The only task I needed to do was download Publicize, a WordPress plugin and connect
my Google+ account.
With a little time and dedication you can upgrade your ranking in search engines. The key here is to have patience. Similar
to weight loss or exercise, the results cannot be seen right away. If you are consistent with your blogging and update your
website accordingly, the results will reveal themselves over time.
Jeannine O’Neil, is a Digital Marketing Strategist who educates business owners and organizations on how to make the best use of
their social media and email marketing. With 8+ years in the Marketing Communications industry, Jeannine has positioned herself as a
thought leader in the digital marketing industry. Jeannine, Owner of JO Social Branding, blogs once a week and has a bi-weekly newsletter titled, “Social Eyes”. In addition, she is a Constant Contact Solution Provider and Authorized Local Expert.
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3) Be consistent with your keywords.
The more consistent you are with your descriptive words, the better chance you will be found in search for those terms.
Use the correct keywords in your:
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Website content.
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Blog posts.
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Social media descriptions. Yes, social media activity or “social signals” also help your SEO.
@capeannchamber
1) Consistently blog or add new content to your website.
If you choose to blog more often, create an editorial calendar to keep you on track. For about 6 months I blogged twice a
week and noticed a surge in my SEO ranking.
The Chamber welcomes members to submit their busines “tips & tricks” for feature in Soundings. Share your successful
practices and strategies with other business professionals in the area. Please submit to [email protected].
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