Cape Ann Conversations

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the next phase of our Cape Ann Conversations podcast, which will feature discussion panels on topics of concern for our communities. Today's introductory panel discussion is a conversation with local veterans Larry Jordan, Ed Marsh, Rich Barbato, and Nic Pszenny, who discuss their backgrounds, insights as veterans, and issues faced by...

A decorative artist, Pauline Bresnahan opened the shop of her dreams, Pauline’s Gifts, when her children were starting kindergarten and she didn’t want a “real job.” She always had her eye on the storefront, and with the wholehearted support of her husband, was able to acquire the shop, and Pauline’s Gifts was born. This year, Pauline’s Gifts is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Located on the Ess...

If “business and real estate lawyer” conjures the image of a boring, stuffy person, then you need to meet Amy Connors! She is a top-notch attorney who is anything but cookie-cutter. She brings energy, passion, and her whole self (including a love of rock ‘n roll and hot pink) to her work. She is down-to-earth, approachable, and excellent at translating legal processes regarding business and real e...

What do you get if you combine a little bit of pandemic boredom, a desire to create a healthy dog treat, and the only cookie cutter in the house being one shaped like the state of Massachusetts? You get the birth of Masshole Biscuit Co. Founded in October 2023 by CaSandra Parkhurst and Noel Coleman, two passionate dog lovers who turned their corporate lay-offs into an opportunity to pursue their d...

There is a lot more to Seaside Sustainability than the sea, according to Founder Eric Magers, who admits the company name may be a bit misleading. While their local Cape Ann efforts are highly focused on the sea and marine health, their reach across the world encompasses so much more. Focusing on Sustainability, Education, and Action (SEA), they are committed to inspiring people to make a positive...

Rick Roth, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, has liked the “creepy crawlies” since he caught his first snake (Northern brown) on the way home from kindergarten. In 1990, Rick and a few friends founded the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team (CAVPT). They began by leading nighttime field trips to see the spring breeding activity of spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and spring peepers. Most...

There was a bit of serendipity surrounding the beginnings of Tanya and Greg Marshall’s entrepreneurial venture Twins Chic Furniture & Upholstery. After being laid off from an accountant position, Tanya took some time off to work on furnishing their house. On a budget, she began refurbishing old furniture in a shabby chic style. When she decided to sell one piece to make room for a different on...

Once upon a time, there was a theater major (just a worker) and a software engineer (just a guy) who met, got married, and bought an orchard. That is the simple version. Founded in 1920 as Goodale Orchards, Russell Orchards has both a rich history and a deep family legacy. Owner Miranda Russell tells a personal story of how she and her husband came to own the farm, what they have added over the ye...

Meet Lily Narbonne, Co-Founding Artistic Director of Lanes Coven Theater Co. Lanes Coven is actor-driven. They produce reimagined Shakespeare and classical plays outdoors, accessible to the Cape Ann community and visitors. They are committed to low-cost experiences everyone can enjoy. Why outdoors? They believe that — after an audience — nature is a Shakespeare Actor's best tool and a theater comp...

Whether you need to organize for a move or declutter a space, Muffy White Organizing and Styling (MWOS) can help manage your stuff. There are always ways to simplify, repack, and rearrange - sometimes a new perspective is what you need (and maybe a boost of fresh energy!). Whether you need a major overhaul of your storage spaces or help to make better use of your living spaces, MWOS is ready to ro...

Bridge Educational Engineering designs and delivers custom social and emotional learning programs and trainings. Owner and founder Courtney Joly-Lowdemilk has nearly 20 years of experience designing curricula, teaching, coaching, and engineering learning experiences across disciplines, cultures, and platforms. Bridge fosters personhood, meaningful learning outcomes, productivity, retention, and we...

In this week’s Cape Ann Conversations episode, learn about the history and capabilities of Black Earth Compost from Justin Sandler, Partner, Onboarding. Starting with just one man and one truck in 2011, Black Earth Compost has grown to become the leading full-service compost company in New England. With 4 compost sites, 35 trucks, and 80 employees, they work with residential, school, municipality,...

Did you know that making it easy for your buyers is often more important than making a product or service better? Buyers typically are 70% of the way through their buyer’s journey, doing Internet research before they even want to talk to a sales rep. 40% of B2B sales deals end in no decision due to risk aversion and decision-makers being overwhelmed or having no time to make decisions. B2B buying...

From art history major to corporate banking consultant to gallery owner to teacher, Joli Ayn Wood’s multifaceted background has led to The Studio in The Farms. Joli Ayn Wood is an artist who “paints what inspires her.” She has a love of plein air painting and enjoys connecting artistic opportunities within the community. She has been called on many times to participate in live painting demonstrati...

Ron Elkin always had an affinity for technology. The technology bug bit him in the 1960s when he was introduced to this new world through his job. He continued learning all aspects of computer hardware and software throughout his work history and began "helping" people for fun. Then in 2001, he decided to take this lifelong passion and make it his full-time career. Thus, The Computer Doc...

The Orchestra On The Hill, a 501c3 organization, is devoted to producing interdisciplinary performances and enriching the community by providing opportunities for musicians and other artists to collaborate through professional and innovative orchestral performances. The Orchestra On The Hill encourages youth participation and development while celebrating the natural beauty and rich history of our...

In the debut episode of Cape Ann Conversations, we bring together the founding members for a candid discussion on the inspiration behind launching this podcast. Get to know the passionate individuals who came together with a shared vision to celebrate the unique stories, culture, and community of Cape Ann. They delve into their personal journeys, the serendipitous moments that led to their collabo...