The full force focus of the state’s 5th largest Chamber of Commerce in 2025 will be the local economies of Cape Ann. The campaign, “Powered by LOCAL,” was announced at the 103rd Annual Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Gala by the newly installed president, Manchester’s Jim Brown.
Jim was officially named to the top board position to great fanfare on Friday at the Chamber event at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester.
“The idea of serving in the top position at the Chamber is surreal,” said Brown. “I can’t tell you how proud it makes me. And humbled too.”
“Powered by LOCAL,” he said, is designed to strengthen the local economy and highlight the businesses that make Greater Cape Ann a special place to live, work, and visit.
For many, the message is the right one, coming at the right time for Cape Ann. Downtown business districts across the region have been challenged by a variety of issues, from escalating real estate prices to the dearth of online shopping to environmental disruptions. Preserving the “charming” community feel of downtowns depends on locals supporting local businesses, said Brown.
Jim Brown, a realtor at Coldwell Banker’s Manchester office, grew up in Manchester as one of 25 first cousins in a large, engaged local family that, together, ran the local grocery store.
He is highly active in downtown and civic life, having twice served as master of the Manchester Masonic Lodge. He also serves as property manager of his extended family’s downtown real estate, which includes much of the storefront area and, in this role, he serves on the Manchester Downtown Improvement Committee. As a result, Jim really understands the immense value of a vibrant, healthy downtown community.
This energy comes as the Chamber is in the midst of change. Two years ago, Ken Riehl had stepped down as the organization’s CEO after 10 years during which he led a remarkable expansion of the association
that included record-breaking surges in membership and a merger with the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce. Steve Buckley, Riehl’s replacement, is himself stepping down in February after leading a two-year transition period. Buckley’s replacement will be announced in February.
Friday’s celebration was attended by leaders representing Cape Ann’s full spectrum of organizations—from large regional companies and small organizations in business, tourism, the arts and entertainment—as well as civic leaders, including Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga.
“I am very impressed with the wide cross section of leaders, local businesspeople, and members of the community,” said Brown. “Although the Chamber represents many different organizations and disciplines, we all share one thing in common, as evident by your presence tonight, you all care deeply about our community.”
Jim is the sixth Manchester president in the Chamber’s 103-year history, after Patricia Slade, Bill Scott, Ed Scott, Edward McCollum, Jr., and Fitz Lufkin.
Also, Nick Psalidas, co-owner of the Cape Ann Markets in Gloucester, served as the Chamber president in 1981. Psalidas was the brother of Jim’s grandfather, Peter Brown. So in many ways, “keeping it local” is something that truly runs in Jim’s life and family. And that’s a very good thing.
2025 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors