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• Channel  5's Chronicle TV show this week aired a segment on the Cape's age demographics.  While interesting and many of our young professionals did a stellar job in their interviews, there were many gaps in the coverage; including the ongoing work to diversify the Cape's economy through SmarterCape Partnership, the adjustment in housing prices during the recession, the increase in public transit route service and other factors.  The Chamber's strategic plan identified many opportunities to address these challenges and lays some groundwork to develop collaborative solutions.
• Cape Cod Broadcasting is running a Sunday morning show featuring Board Chair Dorothy Savarese and myself on the topic of the Chamber's new strategic plan.  Click here to see the plan.  
• We met with Tom Cahir and consultants working to restore weekend rail service from Boston to the Cape for the high season.  This service would be an "excursion" train with a special car for bicycles, and the Chamber pledged support to promote the service, which would then connect with CCRTA buses and shuttles, ferries and intercity buses.
• SmarterCape Summit 2 plans are moving along - save the date of 5/14 & 5/15 at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth for two days of stimulating information and discussion on how to create a SmarterCape.  Sponsorships for this event are now available.  For more information, email wendy@capecodchamber.org.
• We hear that through executive actions, the Obama administration will deploy 100 more consuls to Brazil and China, both of which have emerged as major economic powers, to reduce visa-processing times that currently can take weeks. This is good news for increasing inbound tourism for the US, which lags in growth seen in other countries.
• Osterville Business Association is planning their annual Chocolate Festival in February!    
• And finally - GO PATS!!!!  

Wendy K. Northcross, IOM, CCE     

Winter Member to Member  

Entrepreneurs Weekend in March 

Early Bird Rates for DNE Summit 

Take advantage now of early bird rates for Discover New England's 17th Annual Tourism Summit & International Marketplace on March 26-28 at the Boston Park Plaza. The Summit is a cost-effective trade conference dedicated entirely to the tourism industry in the New England region. As host state, Massachusetts will welcome more than 90 tour operators from Europe, Japan, Canada and the U.S. to the Commonwealth. Meet with top international tour operators & receptives - participate in one-on-one meetings with these important international buyers, book new business and network with your colleagues. Register online today to save on registration and exhibitor fees. Early Bird Rates through January 31, 2012! 

CCHMA January Event 

The Cape Cod Hospitality Marketing Association invites you to escape the winter doldrums while supporting a good cause on Thursday, January 26th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dan'l Webster Inn in Sandwich. Sample delicious comfort food, mingle with industry friends, and help support the CCHMA's Scholarship Fund for Cape & Islands students in our industry. Exhibitors will be on hand with offerings of tasty jams, spa services, flowers, chocolates and more...just in time to inspire a Valentine's gift!  Cost for members is $30 (including donation to Scholarship Fund)  and $35 for non-members. Special January Package Deal with new or renewal membership: individual membership plus event registration is $100; company membership & event registration for 1 person is $150. Click here to register now for this event!  RSVP deadline is end of the day today.  

Commissioner to speak on new state grant 

Commissioner Sherri Killins of the Mass. Department of Early Education and Care will be the keynote speaker at a forum scheduled for Friday, January 27th from 1 to 3 p.m. at Cape Cod Community College, in Lecture Hall A in the Science Building (Building D). Commissioner Killins will address opportunities created by the recently announced award to Massachusetts of a federal Early Learning Challenge grant. This state is one of nine to be awarded this grant, which will provide significant funding over the next four years to expand high-quality early education services and close achievement gaps in education. RSVP to Lauren Melillo at lmelillo@sandwich.k12.m1.us or 508-888-9525. This event is sponsored by the Cape Early Learning Network. 

Chamber discount to Geek Girl Boot Camp  

CCHRA Monthly Breakfast Meeting 

The Cape Cod Human Resources Association will hold its monthly breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 26th at the Hyannis Holiday Inn. Presenter Matthew Lee of Tocci, Goss & Lee, PC will provide an overview of various non-immigrant visas such as the H-1B, H-2B, J-1, and others commonly used.  You'll learn more about the type of employee who can access each visa, the employer's requirements, and the processes for initiating applications as well as tools and resources for further information.  Register online at www.cchraonline.com. 

Discounted Wedding Day Expo exhibitor rates for members 

Ribbon-cutting at new Koko Fit Club 

Member News

The following items were provided for the enews by member businesses:   

Show your pride in your Cape Cod Chamber membership, while helping to keep CapeCodChamber.org #1 in search engine rankings and as a travel planning tool! Please post the Chamber logo somewhere on your website with a clickable link to our site. Not only will this help drive traffic to the Chamber's website, but you are doing your customers a service. Our site is a great resource for both residents and visitors, with updated information on events, activities and things to do and see.

Click here to find out how!  

If you are interested in learning more about membership in the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, please contact Maegan Storey, our Membership Account Executive, at 508-362-3225, ext. 512 or maegan@capecodchamber.org. Or click here for a membership application!