Haunted Happenings Grand Parade this Thursday!

This Thursday October 2nd, the Salem Chamber of Commerce will host the 19th Annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. This year’s parade theme will be “Fantasy.” This time honored kick off of the Halloween season is full of color, pageantry, music and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college and our local business owners. Their participation is what makes this a highly successful, cherished event for our community. The choice of costumes for this year’s parade is endless, based on the many fantasy themed movies and books, we’re expecting to see a lot of characters from Frozen, Harry Potter, Narnia, Spiderman as well as Ghostbusters (30 year anniversary and re-release), Avatar and the Hunger Games.

The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is made possible by support from many businesses in and around Salem. Sponsors of this year’s parade include Community Credit Union, Magika, Lotus Gifts, Salem Five, Eastern Bank, Footprint Power, Peabody Essex Museum, People’s United Bank, North Shore Medical Center, Salem State University, Salem Witch Museum, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, St. Jean’s Credit Union, and Century Bank.

The parade will start at 6:30pm, rain or shine, from Shetland Properties on Congress Street turns left onto Derby Street, right onto Central Street, left onto Front Street, right onto Washington Street, right onto the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and finishes at the Salem Common where there will be a party with DJ Doug to entertain the crowd.

For questions about the parade please call the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004.

19th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade – October 2, 2014

The Salem Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to participate in the 19th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade on Thursday, October 2, 2014. This year’s event will feature the theme “Fantasy”. This time honored kick off of the Halloween season is full of color, pageantry, musi c and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college and our local business owners. Their participation is what makes this a highly successful, cherished event for our community. The choice of costumes for this year’s parade is endless, based on the many fantasy themed movies and books, we’re expecting to see a lot of characters from Frozen, Harry Potter, Narnia, Spiderman as well as Ghostbusters (30 year anniversary and re-release), Avatar and the Hunger Games.

To participate in the parade please click here to fill out the entry form.

Judging for Bridge Street Neck 5th Annual Neighborhood Pride Contest Next Week!

Bridge Street Neck 5th Annual Neighborhood Pride Contest
Sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce
This Year’s Theme is Summer Landscaping & Flowers

Show your pride, help beautify the neighborhood, win some recognition….and have a chance to win some prizes!

Winners Will be Chosen for both Residential & Commercial Properties
Properties will be judged on their view from the street, including all side streets. To nominate your own or someone else’s property, fill out the ENTRY FORM and mail or bring to:
Coffee Time Bake Shop
96 Bridge Street, Salem, MA 01970
Deadline for entries is July 20, 2014. Judging will take place the week of July 31st, 2014.

Rules:
Judges will be recruited from last year’s winners and are not eligible to win this year.
Only what is visible from a public street or sidewalk is considered.
The contest area is defined by Figure 1 “Planning Area” of the Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.

A new initiative this year is aimed at having all “Tree Squares” adopted and maintained. What do we mean by that? We think our roadside tree plantings need a little love and care, and we hope you’ll be able to provide it! It basically means keeping the weeds out of the tree square you adopt, but if you want to do more and add mulch or plant flowers, that would be great!

Thank you to our sponsors: Aqua Hair Salon, Once & Again Antiques, Cosgrove Liquors, Spinale Automotive, Armstrong Field Real Estate, Magic Muffler, Yogasakti, Coffee Time Bake Shop, Northey Street House Bed and Breakfast, Bill & Bob’s, Damata’s Pizza, R.P. McLaughlin Plumbing, It’s Raining Pets, Nestor Finance, The Black Lobster, Brake & Clutch, Luna’s Pet Depot, Meridian Construction, Stacia’s Place, Bamboozle Skate Shop, Hayden Safe & lock, Amazing Pizza, Clipper Ship Inn, Salon 44, and the 99 Restaurant.

And finally, the whole neighborhood is invited to attend the annual Bridge Street Neck community celebration, which will take place on Monday, August 4th, 6 – 7.30pm, at the Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove. The event is part of Salem Heritage days, and we hope you’ll enjoy the live band and free appetizers provided by all Bridge Street Neck restaurants and bakeries!

Ribbon Cuttings Galore!

This past week the Salem Chamber of Commerce hosted three ribbon cuttings around town!

The Ugly Mug Diner

Smack dab in the middle of downtown Salem sits a sassy and irreverent diner – you’ll be right at home the moment you walk in the door. From the owners of The Lobster Shanty comes a foodie haven with creative dishes, classics, and fresh ingredients. www.uglymugdiner.com 

Big Sal’s Superior Barbershop

Big Sal’s Superior Barbershop recently relocated within Salem moving from Loring Ave to the Museum Place Mall right in Downtown Salem. Superior Barbershop features two master barbers who specialize in men’s and children’s grooming. The signature at Superior Barbershop is the hot steam shave that leaves customers refreshed and more importantly looking great with a clean shave. www.facebook.com/BigSalsSuperior

Sinclair Development Solutions

Sinclair Development Solutions (SDS) offers premier real estate permitting consulting services for individuals or companies in the real estate industry. Their vast knowledge of permitting procedures and long standing industry relationships give their clients the assurance the need in an uncertain market. www.sinclairdev.com

Regional Economic Impacts of a Resort Casino at Suffolk Downs

The Salem Chamber has been an early and vocal supporter of the casino proposal at Suffolk Downs for a host of reasons, including the $45 million in transportation and infrastructure improvements that benefit commuters, airport traffic and residents alike.

Tomorrow morning I am speaking at a forum in Revere City Hall on the Regional Economic Impacts of a Resort Casino at Suffolk Downs. I’ve been asked to focus on the linkage with the North Shore Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Other panelists include Tony Sheridan, President & – CEO Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and Gary Luderitz, Vice President, Operations and Development for the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.

Mohegan Sun already signed a neighboring community agreement with Salem and 6 other North Shore communities and is committed to buy locally and be a regional player. Local businesses, hotels, attractions and restaurants will have access to Mohegan’s industry leading player’s club points program.

I see the cross marketing of the casino with hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and cultural institutions as beneficial for all involved. Travelers and casino visitors will want to get the true New England experience, and the North Shore is ready to give them that. We’ll tell everyone to just follow the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway to get that unique experience everyone is looking for!

Rinus Oosthoek
Executive Director
rinus@salem-chamber.org

10th Annual Health and Wellness Expo now Accepting Applications

The Peabody, Beverly and Salem Chambers of Commerce are staging the 10th annual Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday March 8th from 10:00-3:00pm at the Northshore Mall. Take advantage of incredible Saturday foot traffic at one of New England’s largest, upscale shopping centers at an astonishing price. The start of a new year is the perfect time to target new customers who are making a commitment to improving their lifestyle and are looking for products and services to help them achieve their goals.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their business to thousands of potential customers. Exhibitor booths include a six foot skirted table with two chairs, three foot high pipe and drape setup, free wi-fi, publicity through three Chambers of Commerce and electricity may be available for an additional charge.

Booths are $275 for members of the Chamber of Commerce and $350 for non-members with completed application before January 31st and sponsorship is available as well. Interested in participating? Please click here for an application. For more information please contact Scott Gibney Jr. at the Salem Chamber of Commerce: scott@salem-chamber.org.

Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Biz Baz 2013

Date: Saturday, October 5, & Sunday, October 6, 2013
Time: Saturday 10am – 8pm; Sunday 10am – 6pm
Location: Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Hawthorne Blvd. and surrounding areas

Dear Artist / Crafter / Vendor:
Be one of over 100 vendors to participate in the Haunted Happenings festivities by reserving your spot at the Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Biz Baz that will be held on October 5 (10am-8pm) & October 6, 2013(10am-6pm). Over the past decade this event has drawn tens of thousands of visitors to the exhibitor’s location. Register early, space is limited!

Contract:
Your Space: 10’ by 10’ (1 additional space may be rented)
Deadline: September 14, 2013
Payment due with application – will be refunded if applicant is not selected

Conditions:
The event will be held rain or shine. Once selected, fees are nonrefundable. Set up time is 8am and break down time is 8pm/6pm. No generators will be allowed. (NO EXCEPTIONS).

Fee Schedule – All fees MUST be remitted with application 
Vendors: $150 Members – $400 Non-Members
Handmade Arts & Crafts: $150* Members – $250* Non-Members
Non-profit Organizations: $100** Members – $150** Non-Members
Food Vendors: $250*** Members – $500*** Non-Members

Click here for the application and here for the CORI form. Both forms are required for the Haunted Biz Baz.

* Handmade arts & craft rate only applies to those vendors that make the arts & crafts themselves. Only items that qualify under this category may be sold in your space.
** Non-profits must attach copy of Determination Letter from the IRS or other proof of non-profit status.
*** Limited to 6 Food Vendor spaces. Chamber members will receive priority placement. Food Vendors must obtain all necessary permits from the City of Salem no later than September 21.

Want to showcase your business?

Want to showcase your business?
The Salem Chamber of Commerce is currently putting together its 2013 Meetings Calendar, which includes all of our networking events.

We are looking for business owners who are looking to showcase their business by hosting either a Coffee Connection or a After Hours networking event (please find underneath the guidelines for both). Networking events are great ways to showcase your business to other chamber members. If you do not have the space for an event at your place, but would like to be a co-host/sponsor of one of the networking events, please let us know (Cost: $250)

If you are interested in hosting an event please contact Scott Gibney Jr. at scott@salem-chamber.org or 978-744-0004.

Guidelines
How it works
A Coffee Connection or an After Hours is a joint venture between the Chamber of Commerce and a business host. The goal of these events is to facilitate business-networking opportunities by bringing Chamber members together. Hosting a Coffee Connection or After Hours allows the business to present a positive image to the public, as well as to showcase your facility. As a host, you will have the opportunity to speak during the program to promote your business. Successful Coffee Connections and After Hours have been held in restaurants, on boats, in retail stores, and even in a former warehouse!

Responsibilities of the Chamber
The Chamber organizes and coordinates all of the administrative details and marketing. This includes invitations, publicity, reservations, check-in, and any other details related to the promotion of the event. Chamber staff is on hand at the event to handle any last minute details.

Responsibilities of the Host for an After Hours
After Hours are typically held on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5 pm – 7 pm. These informal networking events encourage members to stop by and exchange business cards and make business contacts.

• The host provides a facility to comfortably accommodate an average attendance of 50-75 people.
• The host provides hors d’oeuvres that can be easily eaten at a stand-up cocktail party.
• Beverages should include beer, wine, and soft drinks in an open or cash bar format (cash bar for restaurants only). Soft drinks should be complimentary.
• The host will provide a table for registration.
• We encourage the host to have a door-prize raffle (ex. Gift certificate). The raffle is enjoyed by the attendees and the host benefits by receiving everyone’s business cards.

Responsibilities of the Host for a Coffee Connection
Coffee Connections are typically held on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 7:30 am – 9 am. The format for Coffee Connections starts with a half-hour of networking followed by an introduction (elevator speech) by all present.

• The host provides a facility to comfortably accommodate an average attendance of 25-40 people.
• The host provides coffee and pastries or breakfast ready to be served at 7:30 am.
• Beverages should include coffee, tea, and juice.
• Host will provide a table for registration.
• We encourage the host to have a door-prize raffle (ex. Gift certificate). The raffle is enjoyed by the attendees and the host benefits by receiving everyone’s business cards.

We want to showcase your business and will do everything we can to assist you including: Providing a list of caterers, rental equipment, or space suggestions. As we only have a limited number of events, please call the staff at 978-744-0004 if you are interested in hosting a networking event.

Salem Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Breakfast at the Historic Hawthorne Hotel

The Salem Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Breakfast at the Historic Hawthorne Hotel
December 13, 2012 from 7:30am-9:00am

The Board of Directors of the Salem Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to join us at our Annual Holiday Breakfast. This year the Holiday Breakfast will take place at the historic Hawthorne Hotel and is open to members and non-members of the Salem Chamber. Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Representative John Keenan, Senator-Elect Joan Lovely, and City Councilors have been invited to join us. Enjoy a fabulous holiday breakfast buffet and networking with over 150 local business leaders.

Special Guests
Santa Claus & Jennifer Bell, Salem Main Streets Manager

Looking to buy tickets? $25 for members $35 for non-members. RSVP by calling (978) 744-0004 or email cheryl@salem-chamber.org.

Looking to Sponsor the Breakfast? Click here for levels and more information.

Salem Fall Restaurant Week – Welcome Back Residents

The Salem Chamber of Commerce is set to welcome residents back to the Salem restaurant scene with Salem Fall Restaurant Week. Fall Restaurant week gives customers a chance to reconnect with their favorite restaurant or try some place new. A record 26 of Salem’s best restaurants will be participating, many of whom have been a constant in Restaurant Week.

Now in its 6th year, the ten day event will run Sunday, November 4th through Thursday, November 8th and Sunday, November 11th through Thursday, November 15th. Participating restaurants will offer either a prix-fixe two-course dinner menu for $15 or a prix-fixe three-course dinner menu for $25. Some restaurants will offer both course options. Prices are per person and exclude beverages, tax, and gratuity.

When asked what makes Restaurant Week special Lizzy Collett, the General Manager for Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse, said, “Restaurant Week gives our customers the chance to try dishes that we do not serve on our everyday menu. These unique dishes even create a buzz among our employees. Restaurant Week provides us a great avenue to welcome back our regulars after the craziness of Halloween in Salem.”

New this year Village Tavern Grill & Oyster Bar and Brodie’s Seaport are excited to showcase their restaurants and menus to customers. Other participants include 43 Church, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Adriatic Restaurant & Bar, Bangkok Paradise, Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove, Bella Verona, Café Polonia, Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Club, Cilantro, Finz Seafood Restaurant & Grill, Fresh Taste of Asia, Grapevine Restaurant, The Great Escape, Howling Wolf Taqueria, The Lobster Shanty, Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel, Red Lulu Cocina & Tequila Bar, Regatta Pub at the Waterfront Hotel, Rockafellas, Salem Beer Works, Scratch Kitchen, Seaport Café, Tavern In The Square, Thai Place, and Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. For more information and to view individual restaurant menus visit www.salem-chamber.org.