Newburyport Chamber of Commerce "Chamber Chat"

Happy February everyone! It is yet another glorious day here in the greater Newburyport area. We enjoyed a great breakfast program this morning at Mission Pak Grill featuring Mayor Donna Holaday who delivered part one of her State of the City address to more than 120 members of the business community. There was great energy and hope for the future of our great city. If you would like to hear the Mayor's State of the City address then mark Monday, February 22 at 7:30 PM at City Hall when she will deliver her address to the city council. Of course, the public is invited.

Also, we have some good news to report from the chamber. Our annual meeting is a special time each year to come together and look back at the past year while planning and looking forward to the next year. We are happy to announce that we will welcome our annual meeting keynote speaker. Gubernatorial candidate and former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Charlie Baker. Mark your calendars for the annual meeting luncheon on May 12, 2010. More information to follow.

Looking for something to do next weekend? Then look forward to February 12 and 13 when the Vagina Monologues opens at the Firehouse Theatre. I have been asked to perform in the show along with an amazing slate of Newburyport area women. I am looking forward to being on stage and helping the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center raise funds to support their important work. Check out www.firehouse.org for ticket information.

Another highlight is the annual, very popular Merrimack River Eagle Festival. The festival is presented by Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. It is an event not to miss. The Chamber is proud to be a cooperating sponsor and the location of the tour departures. Check out http://www.newburyportchamber.org/calendar_of_events.shtml

And if you are feeling lucky! Why not try your hand at a Chamber's Big Win ticket. Only 500 tickets will be sold and each one of those has the chance to win $10,000 or lower prizes as well. Tickets costs $100 each. The cost of the ticket can be split among you and your friends, co-workers and family. The drawing will be held on Thursday, March 18 at a chamber mixer featuring food, cash bar, games and live entertainment by 97 North. It's the Newburyport Party not to miss!! For tickets call or stop by the chamber. http://www.newburyportchamber.org/big_win.shtml

And as always, don't' forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

So get out there and enjoy all that the greater Newburyport area has to offer. For more information just go to  www.newburyportchamber.org. Happy February!