Soundings
March 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 clients place of business- it’s
a winning situation!
3
Chamber News
4
Industry News
5
Upcoming Events
6-9
Recent Events
10
Your Chamber was There
11
Membership Spotlight
12-13 Community News
14 HSA Benefits for Members
15
Business Tips & Tricks
PIVOTAL PARTNERS
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.
Phone: 978-283-1601
Fax: 978-283-4740
Email: [email protected]
capeannchamber.com
capeannvacations.com
rockportusa.com
The Chamber Team:
Ken Riehl, CEO
[email protected]
FRONT COVER
The beautiful photograph on the front cover was provided by
www.GicleeOne.com. Thank you for sharing your photography with the
Chamber.
If you would like to be considered for the cover of an upcoming edition of
Soundings, please submit your image to
[email protected].
Peter Webber, Senior VP
[email protected]
facebook.com/capeannchamber
33 Commercial Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
@capeannchamber
If you are interested, or to learn more about this, please call Kerry at
the Chamber Office. 978-283-1601
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]
Michelle Budrow, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
2
Chamber News
Welcome New Members
B. Johnson Gallery - Rockport
978-704-9662 bjohnsonltd.com
Boston Globe Media
617-291-4610 bostonglobe.com
Brianna Cox Photography
978-317-5187 briannaphotography.com
The Bridge at Cape Ann
978-943-2182 bridgecapeann.com
C.K. Pearl
978-890-7378 ckpearl.com
Conomo Point Summer Cottage
302-757-2783 conomocottage.com
When you sign up for the Cape Ann License Plate at
any Serenitee Group location, or at the Cape Ann
Chamber, you will receive a $100 Serenitee Restaurants
Gift Card valid for one appetizer at each restaurant
location.
We need your help in spreading the word about the
Cape Ann License Plate! Support your community by
telling your friends and family about the plate and the
chance to get a $100 Serenitee Restaurants Gift Card.
Proceeds from the license plate will be used to benefit
Promotion, Economic Development and Education Initiatives for Cape Ann and the Cape Ann communities of
Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport.
@capeannchamber
Busted Abraham - Gloucester
(781) 268-2649 bustedabraham.com
Promotion of the Cape Ann License Plate continues in
2015. The Chamber is very excited to be teaming up
with the Serenitee Restaurant Group for a fabulous initiative to reach the goal of 1500 signatures this year.
capeannchamber.com
Bonaccorso & Associates
617-912-0957 bonaccorsolaw.com
CAPE ANN LICENSE PLATE &
SERENITEE CARDS
DeLouise Studios
978-282-1540 DeLouiseStudios.com
Gloucester Boat Rental
978-412-6644 gloucesterboatrental.com
Gloucester Innovation, LLC
978-439-5359 gloucesterinnovation.com
Madam Had’em
978-526-7798 madamhadem.com
Murphy Business - Cape Ann - Gloucester
978-515-9005 capeannbusinessbroker-johnburke-murphy.com
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Don’t Know Your Limit
978-526-2446 dntulimit.com
Northeast Art Workshop Retreats
978-729-4970 northeastartworkshops.com
Phyllis A. Marine Association
978-381-3901 phyllis-a.org
Project Adventure, Inc.
978-524-4506 www.PA.org
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News
Tourism in the News
capeannchamber.com
In 2014, Massachusetts added
10,900 jobs in December. The
biggest December job gains were in
the leisure and hospitality sector,
where 4,700 jobs were added.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce
Development (EOLWD) today reported that
preliminary estimates from the Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) show Massachusetts added 10,900
jobs in December for a total preliminary estimate of
3,447,600. The December total
unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, down 0.3 of a percentage point over the month.
@capeannchamber
Since December 2013, Massachusetts has added a net
of 60,900 jobs; with 58,400 jobs added in the private
sector. The total unemployment rate for the year is down
1.6 percent from the
December 2013 rate of 7.1 percent.
BLS also revised its November job estimate to an 11,700
job gain from the 13,500 gain previously reported for the
month.
Lodging Data
The 2014 calendar year showed great
results for the Massachusetts lodging
industry.
There was Room Revenue growth of 10%, which far
exceeded the U.S. rate of 9.2%. By comparison, the
Massachusetts Room Revenue growth was four times
the New Jersey rate of 2.4%, and significantly above both
New York, at 7%, and Pennsylvania, at 6.1%. The rest of
New England had an estimated growth of just under 6%,
so the Massachusetts rate was almost double.
facebook.com/capeannchamber
Source: MassVacation.com
Industry Information
Source: MassVacation.com
4
Upcoming Events
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
facebook.com/capeannchamber
5
Businesswomen’s Winter Wine-Down
at Savour Wine & Cheese
Events
capeannchamber.com
The Businesswomen’s Wine-Down at Savour Wine & Cheese was a hit with the business women of Cape Ann. It was
a wonderful event to network and mingle. Owner Kathleen Erickson provided an overview of the business, highlighted some of the excellent products sold in the store along with some history behind them and also offered tastings of
delicious food and wine pairings. It was a fun night for the business women of Cape Ann to enjoy!
@capeannchamber
facebook.com/capeannchamber
6
Recent Events
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - Minglewood Tavern
Minglewood Tavern hosted the February Business After Hours program for Cape Ann Chamber members. It was a
fun night filled with great people, delicious food and drinks and a Cape Ann Trivia contest. Thank you to everyone
who came out to mingle with us and a special thanks to Minglewood for hosting the event!
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
facebook.com/capeannchamber
7
Economic Outlook Breakfast
Recent Events
capeannchamber.com
The 2015 Economic Outlook Breakfast was held at The Elks at Bass Rocks on Friday, February 27. It was a great
turnout of Chamber and community members in attendance for the program. Speakers included Ed Moscovitch,
President of Cape Ann Economics, Mary Sarris, Executive Director of North Shore Workforce Investment Board and
Matthew Smith, Senior Development Planner for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. This event was
sponsored by First Ipswich Bank.
@capeannchamber
facebook.com/capeannchamber
8
Winter Birding Weekend
Events
The birders took Cape Ann by storm for the Winter Birding Weekend which was filled with lectures, live bird
demonstrations, guided land and sea tours and more! Friday through Sunday birds were spotted on the shore and
out in the waters. It was a wonderful three day event. This event was sponsored by Swaravski Optik, The
Retirement Financial Center, Thomas T. Riquier, CFP and Mass Audubon.
capeannchamber.com
@capeannchamber
facebook.com/capeannchamber
9
Your Chamber Was There
Recent Events
Gloucester City Council Hearing
Cruiseport Bridal Show
capeannchamber.com
2015 Commonwealth Awards
@capeannchamber
Wicked Tuna
Bass Rocks Golf Club Bridal Show
Gordon College Career & Intern Fair
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North of Boston Tourism Summit
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Cape Ann Fresh Catch
Member Spotlight
CAFC offers multiple seasons throughout the year. Members can purchase a share for a season and pick up weekly
deliveries of seafood at one of CAFC’s many designated sites including right here in Gloucester. Members can
expect to receive a variety of Gulf of Maine seafood throughout a season, including hake, redfish, haddock, hake,
pollock, and flounder. An emphasis on underutilized species helps to create a more sustainable way of fishing. We
offer a variety of options for our shareholders!
For more information visit www.capeannfreshcatch.org or call (978) 283-2504.
Windward Grille
We also serve the full dinner menu all day on
Sunday. In addition to our regular menu of
steaks, seafood and prime rib we also have
special Shrimp Nights, Monday – Wednesday,
featuring a large selection of specially priced
shrimp entrees starting at $12.95. Also, on
every Monday and Tuesday we feature our popular Turkey dinner and a 4 piece fried chicken dinner, both local
favorites.
facebook.com/capeannchamber
The Windward Grille, located on route 133,
2 miles from exit 14 off 128, in Essex, MA is a
warm and inviting place for lunch or dinner.
We are open 7 days a week, serving both lunch
and dinner. On Sundays we serve an extensive
brunch featuring 15 different omelettes as well
as other items from 11:00 am till 2:30 pm.
@capeannchamber
During each season lobsters, scallops, and steamers are an added bonus for our members! Look in the very near
future for prepared foods and smoked fish. We are also at the Gloucester Farmers’ Market each summer.
capeannchamber.com
Cape Ann Fresh Catch (CAFC) Community Supported Fishery
(CSF) founded by the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives
Association in 2009, works together with local fishermen and
shore-side operations to deliver the freshest and most
sustainable seafood available to its members. Today we are
the largest CSF in the United States. Because Cape Ann Fresh Catch buys directly from local boats, maximum profits
go back to the fishermen and the local economy, and members get healthy boat-to-table seafood caught sustainably and responsibly.
If you are looking for a special gift for someone we offer gift certificates in any denomination and we also accept
Cape Ann Gift Certificates. Come join us for a memorable experience, dress is casual, and we look forward to
serving you. Find us at www.Windwardgrille.com or call us at 978-768-0050.
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SeniorCare Breakfast Fundraiser
Community News
Meals on Wheels Valentine Breakfast, March 27, 2015
This winter has been particularly difficult for homebound older adults and for programs such as Meals on Wheels
that serve this group. Need is up and drivers have struggled with difficult road and weather conditions to make
deliveries. The SeniorCare Meals on Wheels program has repeatedly sent extra shelf stable and frozen meals in
addition to hot meals. Community support is needed more than ever. We hope for a record turnout on March 27.
@capeannchamber
Due to the unprecedented snowy weather, the 2015 Valentine Breakfast had to be rescheduled. This year we will
be celebrating spring while honoring our Valentine traditions on March 27, beginning at 7:00 a.m. at The Gloucester
House. Over the years the breakfast has become a special community event. Tickets are $10.00 and include a
delicious breakfast buffet and special gifts. Tickets can be purchased at SeniorCare, 49 Blackburn Center; the
Chamber; or at the door. Sponsorships are also available, beginning at $150.00 and include tickets, publicity for your
business, and our heartfelt gratitude. Please contact Paula Curley at SeniorCare, 978-281-1750 for more
information. All proceeds from the breakfast go directly to support SeniorCare’s Meals on Wheels program.
capeannchamber.com
The Meals on Wheels Valentine Breakfast comes straight from the heart. Michael Linquata, the founder of The
Gloucester House restaurant initiated the event. As a World War II veteran and POW he knew first-hand what it was
like to go without a meal. When, years ago, he was asked to help raise needed funds to provide home delivered
meals to elders on Cape Ann he opened the doors of The Gloucester House restaurant, and the Valentine Breakfast
was born. Forty-one years later, Michael’s son Lenny and family still continue this generous tradition, raising
necessary funds for SeniorCare Meals on Wheels and helping ensure that no older adult need go without a
nutritious meal because they lack the means to provide one for themselves.
Linnea Hagberg, R.D.
Nutrition Program Director
SeniorCare, Inc.
facebook.com/capeannchamber
12
Essex, MA - New England’s
Restaurant Capital
Press Release from Essex Merchants Group
Part-time personal assistant/office help needed.
Looking for candidates that are neat, organized and
comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with accounting and QuickBooks is ideal.
Duties will include answering a high volume of phone
calls as well as general office administration.
For more information and to apply, contact Johnny
Johnson at 256-486-6094.
Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge
Housekeeper
Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge, a family-owned and operated establishment in Rockport, MA, is currently seeking
a part time Housekeeper. Be part of a team that provides
clean rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a memorable
experience to all their visiting guests!
Responsibilities include: Cleaning rooms, responding to
guest requests, replacing supplies, reporting maintenance problems and more.
To Apply:
Interested individuals with applicable knowledge and
experience are encouraged to email their resumes to
[email protected] or call the main
office at (978) 546-6677.
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
Fresh New England seafood and local farm produce are a
specialty at many of our restaurants. There are hundreds of
offerings from their combined menus. Check out
www.VisitEssexMA.com to view Essex restaurants and a link
to their menus. Most businesses are open year round and are
casual, family friendly, varied and affordable.
ESSEX RESTAURANTS 2-12-15
APPLE STREET FARM
BLUE MARLIN RESTAURANT
CAPE ANN PIZZA
CHEBACCO MARKET
C.K. PEARL RESTAURANT
DOWN RIVER DOGS
DUNKIN DONUTS
ESSEX PIZZA
ESSEX ROOM AT WOODMAN’S
ESSEX SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
FAIRWAY PUB AT CAPE ANN GOLF COURSE
FARNHAM’S RESTAURANT
FORTUNE PALACE RESTAURANT
MARLIN MARKET
PERIWINKLES RESTAURANT
RICHDALE
SHEA’S RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT
THE FARM BAR AND GRILLE
THE TIDES AT ESSEX MARINA
TIMOTHY HOPKINS CATERERS
VILLAGE MARKET
VILLAGE RESTAURANT
WINDWARD GRILLE
WOODMAN’S RESTAURANT
Gloucester Charter Connection
Personal Assistant
@capeannchamber
Set in a small historic New England seaside community of
antique and gift shops, museums, river recreation and bount
iful open space and natural beauty these establishments
serve a clientele of locals, from “just up the street”, to visitors
from all over the world. It is not unusual to find diners from
Boston to New York, the Deep South or the West Coast.
Foreign visitors from Canada, Europe and Asia are all a
common sight.
Job Openings
capeannchamber.com
Essex, known for decades as America’s Antique Capital, is
fast becoming New England’s Restaurant Capital as well, with
over 20 restaurants and food service establishments in a one
mile radius. Cuisine ranges from a classic hot dog served at
a roadside stand to an elaborate four course meal served in
an upscale atmosphere overlooking the beautiful Essex River.
Restaurants like the Village and Woodman’s have been here
for many decades but The Tides at Essex Marina will be just
opening for this summer season.
Community News
13
Did You Know?
HSA Benefits Are Available to Members
Access to these and other health plans are
available to Cape Ann Chamber members.
Contact the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce directly for
more information or to apply!
capeannchamber.com
978.283.1601
Join us at the HSA Insurance Presentation on March 5,
2015. For more information visit capeannchamber.com.
@capeannchamber
Get a quote from Diane Rule0Enos:
BG Financial Services Group
T: (978)675-9940 | F: (978)921-4107
[email protected]
capeannchamber.com
Health Services Administrators is your one-stop-shop for health, dental and
other employee benefits. Whether you are
self-employed, run a small business or are an individual, the benefit experts
at HSA can find the best plan for you at the best price.
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14
Business Tips & Tricks
Expert SEO Tips and Advice for Small Businesses
Source: James A. Martin || SmallBusinesscomputing.com
4. Optimize for local search
“Add location-based keywords, such as Columbus Ohio
Wedding Venue, to your website and use free tools such
as Moz Local to make sure local directories list your
business information accurately and consistently.
Additionally, work with local news agencies and related
businesses to get more press” to help build links to your
site.—Banz
8. Deliver a great user experience
In 2015, site speed, site security, clear on-site CTAs, and
site structure are all going to be bigger SEO
ranking factors. “Sites that offer the best user experience should rank above those that simply get backlinks
the right way. I can see why Google’s algorithm would
rank sites that are easy to navigate above sites that have
links from high-authority sites, such as Forbes.com.”—
Jaimyn Chang, SEO analyst, Overit.
9. Never stop your SEO efforts
“One thing I’ve seen consistently in my 15 years of
experience is the belief that SEO is a one-time thing. In
reality, it is a process that never stops. The moment you
stop improving your site and search rankings is the
moment you fall behind. Once you fall behind, it’s
incredibly difficult to catch up, and catching up is not
something a few code changes can fix. Small businesses
that are serious about search and SEO must realize
that it is a long-term investment.”—Rich Missey, North
American SEO manager for Newarkelement14.
James A. Martin is an SEO and content marketing
consultant and frequent Small Business Computing
contributor. Follow him on Twitter @james_a_martin.
Read full article online...
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3. Don’t expect quick results
“SEO is never an overnight strategy, and people looking
for fast, cheap wins are the type to have the least
consistency in their strategy. Every time you change
course with your SEO, you’re creating a pattern that
Google can see, and standing out is the last thing you
want to do with Google constantly watching.”—Egan
7. Keep your site fresh
Google tends to reward sites that contain regularly
updated fresh content. A user-friendly content
management system such as WordPress is key.”—Blews
@capeannchamber
2. Make sure your website does its SEO job
“A great way to verify that you’re doing your basic SEO
correctly is to create a Moz account (free 30-day trial;
afterwards, $99 and up monthly). Run your website
through its on-site grader with the goal of achieving an
‘A rating’ on your homepage at the very least.” Do this
before focusing on your off-site strategies (such as link
building), because “if your on-site SEO is wrong, nothing
else will help.”—Matthew Egan, CEO, Image Freedom.
6. Make videos related to your industry or region
“Not only does this allow you to show and not just tell, it
can increase the dwell time on your site. (Make sure the
video is at least three minutes). Use a good title,
description and links in your video description.”—Blews
capeannchamber.com
1. Market your business equally offline and online
“Offline marketing will inevitably lead to users searching
for the brand online, which instills some kind of trust in
them from Google. In addition to this, I recommend that
small businesses get as many reviews as possible on their
Google Business Profile. Google uses this data, and this
may be a factor in the search engine trusting the brand…
Plus, it will never hurt your brand to have honest reviews
showing when a user searches for your company—as
long as they’re good!”—Andrew Akesson, technical SEO
strategist, Venn Digital.
5. Make business information consistent across all sites
This includes your business name, address, phone
number, email contact, owner contact information,
business description, home page URL, and brand logo.
Doing so will “let you rank regionally…and to rank in any
maps displayed on search result pages.”—Blews
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