Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Policy Podcast

The summer of 2020 has been unlike any other for the tourism industry. And on Cape Cod, a marketing campaign called Cape Cod's "Second Summer" has been launched to remind people that the popular destination remains open and safe for those looking to get away this fall. COVID-19 numbers have remained relatively low on Cape Cod and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is looking to encourage people to consider a "second summer" vacation.

The development and care of our children is a critical issue facing Cape Cod and the islands. Parents are finding challenges as new regulations have limited capacity or prompted centers to shutter completely. Join a panel including experts working in the region’s early education and childcare sector, Cape & Islands State Senator Julian Cyr and 4^th Barnstable State Representative Sarah Peake to better understand options and resources. Forum co-sponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Cape Cod Young Professionals (CCYP).

Cape Cod has been a top tourism destination for decades, attracting visitors with its sandy beaches and beautiful, pristine environment. But in the current and post-COVID-19 era, what type of experience will be sought by travelers? Travel and tourism data expert Ted Sullivan joins this episode of the Policy Pod with some very revealing facts and figures that everyone involved in the industry needs to hear. Sullivan says the days of destination marketing for Cape Cod may have passed -- replaced with what he calls "place marketing." The concept is that Cape Cod should no longer just promote itself as a place to vacation, but should focus on a PLACE to live, work and play.

Cape Cod continues to move through a multi-stage reopening process under the state's COVID-19 guidelines. Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr, a member of the local reopening committee, joins the Policy Pod to discuss the process and what we expect in the coming weeks and months.

Plans are now being finalized to replace the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges that carry passenger traffic on and off Cape Cod. Built more than 80 years ago, both spans are functionally obsolete and in need of constant repair. Each time either bridge undergoes critical maintenance work, traffic is greatly impacted. As both bridges are the only way on and off Cape Cod by car, it is also a safety and security issue for the more than 210,000 people who live on the Cape. This edition of the Policy Pod details the plans to replace both bridges and how the State of Massachusetts will take ownership of both new spans.

Summer 2020 is officially here and Cape Cod is open for business! The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce formally kicked off the season with the 12th Annual Quahog Day at the Blue Water Resort in South Yarmouth, MA. Special guests included NBC 10/NECN Meteorologist Tim Kelley and "Johnny Quahog," the only man known who can speak to "Doug the Quahog." Summer 2020 will look a little different this year because of COVID-19 precautions, but local officials want visitors to know that Cape Cod is ready to safely welcome visitors to our sandy shores!

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has announced that the state would enter Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Reopening Plan on June 8, 2020. This will allow lodging to begin accepting leisure travelers again and restaurants can begin providing outside dining. Retails shops will also be allowed to have customers return inside, with restrictions. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross and Matt Pitta from The Davenport Companies discusses all the information the business community, residents and visitors need to know.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced a four phase plan on Monday May 18, 2020 that details how the Massachusetts economy will open over the next several weeks. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross and Matt Pitta from The Davenport Companies are joined by Kevin Howard from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to discuss what the reopening plan means for Cape Cod businesses.

Cape Cod is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the United States. As businesses impacted by COVID-19 look at ways to recover, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross and The Davenport Companies Director of Communication Matt Pitta discuss how Cape Cod is planning to re-open its economy once it's safe to do so.