Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Policy Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The Policy Pod is the podcast series produced by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce that mixes interesting conversation with issues Cape Codders care about, with the goal of highlighting policies that support Cape Cod’s spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and resiliency. Because tone matters, we take to the airwaves to share our thoughts and your ideas.
This inaugural season of the Policy Pod is supported by The Davenport Companies, a family-owned and operated business serving Cape Codders since 1956 with homes, health and wellness, entertainment, lodging, construction and stewardship of the place we all love.
As any lobster roll fan can attest, seafood is fundamental to Cape Cod's success as a seasonal tourism destination and an integral part of the region's culture and identity. But how does the catch get from the ocean to your plate? And how are the Cape Cod Bridges involved?
On this episode of Bridge the Gap, we're joined by Shareen Davis, Marketing and Sales Manager for the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative. Shareen shares how a community of fisherfolk is working to build a healthier, more sustainable seafood economy while navigating the realities of dated infrastructure and logistics.
Additionally, in our special intro segment, we will hear the latest updates on the Sagamore Bridge project, courtesy of Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of Megaprojects Delivery for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The procurement process for construction of that bridge is now underway, with a Request for Proposals expected this fall.
Bridge the Gap is a podcast series presented by the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) in partnership with the Davenport Companies and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The podcast shares information and insights related to the planned replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, highlighting the critical role these two bridges play in both the regional and statewide economies.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about our guest's work here: Chatham Harvesters Cooperative
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents (plus 35,000 island residents!), thousands of businesses, and millions of annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
The Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard have a combined year-round population of around 35,000 people, with numbers growing seasonally each summer to an estimated 200,000. A transportation network of ferries and roadways move people, goods, and services to the islands, with a heavy reliance on the Cape Cod Bridges for everything from daily workforce needs to restaurant supplies to flowers for destination weddings. On this episode of Bridge the Gap, we welcome Peter Burke (Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce) and Betsy Rich (Hy-Line Cruises) for a deep dive on how the bridges make daily life on the islands possible.
We'll also hear from Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of Megaprojects Delivery for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), about significant developments in the Sagamore Bridge project, including the recent record of decision received from the Federal Highways Administration.
Bridge the Gap is a podcast series presented by the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) in partnership with the Davenport Companies and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The podcast shares information and insights related to the planned replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, highlighting the critical role these two bridges play in both the regional and statewide economies.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about our guests' work by visiting their websites: Hy-Line Cruises and Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents (plus 35,000 island residents!), thousands of businesses, and millions of annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
Cape Cod is essentially an island - connected by just two roadways and a rail line. Businesses and residents from across the Commonwealth rely heavily on the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges to transport goods and supplies between Cape Cod and the mainland. This is where companies like Eldredge & Bourne Moving & Storage and Cape Cod Express come in. On this episode, we're joined by Jim Connolly (Eldredge & Bourne Moving & Storage), Pat Cleary (Cape Cod Express), and Rick Orton (Cape Cod Express) to learn how their teams ensure Cape Cod's 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500 businesses, and 5 million annual visitors have access to the basic, day-to-day goods they need, from groceries, to restaurant supplies and retail products.
Episode 6 will also include our regular project update segment with Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of Megaprojects Delivery for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Luisa will share the latest on the procurement process for the Sagamore Bridge and outline what the public can expect to see in the coming months as this once-in-a-generation project moves forward.
Bridge the Gap is a podcast series presented by the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) in partnership with the Davenport Companies and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The podcast shares information and insights related to the planned replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, highlighting the critical role these two bridges play in both the regional and statewide economies.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about our guests' work by visiting their websites: Cape Cod Express and Eldredge & Bourne Moving & Storage
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500+ businesses, and 5 million annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
On this episode of Bridge the Gap, we're taking the plunge into the world of weddings and events on Cape Cod! We're joined by wedding industry professionals Jamie Bohlin (professional wedding planner and owner of Cape Cod Celebrations) and Christine Hochkeppel (photographer and owner of Salty Broad Studios) to discuss how the Cape Cod Bridges impact the region's rapidly growing wedding and events industry. Cape Cod plays host to an estimated 1500+ weddings each year, 90% of which are destination weddings. These events are responsible for nearly $70 million in annual spending, resulting in a significant economic impact for the region.
Episode 5 also features a new project update segment with Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of Megaprojects Delivery for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Luisa will help us kick off this episode with the latest updates on the bridges replacement effort, including exciting new developments in the procurement process for the Sagamore Bridge.
Bridge the Gap is a podcast series presented by the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) in partnership with the Davenport Companies and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The podcast shares information and insights related to the planned replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, highlighting the critical role these two bridges play in both the regional and statewide economies.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about our guests' work by visiting their websites: Cape Cod Celebrations and Salty Broad Studios
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500+ businesses, and 5 million annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
#SagamoreBridge #BourneBridge #CapeCodCanal #CapeCod #Infrastructure #MassDOT #FederalInfrastructure #Transportation #PublicWorks #InfrastructureFunding #CapeTraffic #CapeCommuters #RegionalPlanning #CapeEconomy #PublicSafety #LocalNews #MAnews #NewEnglandNews
Episode 4 of Bridge the Gap spotlights the work of two major nonprofit and social services organizations on Cape Cod, exploring how our region's geography and reliance on the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges impact services, staffing, and everything in between. Stacie Peugh, President and CEO of the YMCA Cape Cod, and Kim McElholm, President and CEO of CapeAbilities, join Bridge the Gap co-hosts Matt Pitta (Director of Communications at The Davenport Companies) and Paul Niedzwiecki (CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce) for a dynamic discussion on their organizations' work to meet the needs of the Cape Cod community, on both sides of the bridges.
This episode also features a new project update segment with Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of Megaprojects Delivery for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Beginning this month, Luisa will join us at the start of each episode to share the latest developments in the bridges replacement effort.
Bridge the Gap is a podcast series presented by the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) in partnership with the Davenport Companies and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The podcast shares information and insights related to the planned replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, highlighting the critical role these two bridges play in the regional economy of Cape Cod, and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Show Notes:
- To learn more about the great work of YMCA Cape Cod and Cape Abilities, visit YMCA Cape Cod and Cape Abilities.
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500+ businesses, and 5 million annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
#SagamoreBridge #BourneBridge #CapeCodCanal #CapeCod #Infrastructure #MassDOT #FederalInfrastructure #Transportation #PublicWorks #InfrastructureFunding #CapeTraffic #CapeCommuters #RegionalPlanning #CapeEconomy #PublicSafety #LocalNews #MAnews #NewEnglandNews
Episode 3: Beyond the Summer Season – How the Bridges Shape Cape Cod's Service Economy
Welcome to episode three of Bridge the Gap, your go-to source for factual, locally driven discussion on one of the largest infrastructure projects facing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this episode, co-hosts Matt Pitta (Director of Communications at The Davenport Companies) and Paul Niedzwiecki (CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce) explore how the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges shape the hospitality and food service economy on Cape Cod.
This episode features special guests Parth Patel, owner of Freebird Motor Lodge and Uncommoner Hotel, and Paulo Paraguay, owner of Palio Pizzeria, Side Door Bagels, and Kandy Korner. They discuss what it takes to operate seasonal and year-round businesses on a peninsula with limited access, and how bridge congestion, reliability, and long-term infrastructure planning affect everything from employee recruitment and retention to supply chains, delivery schedules, and customer demand.
Patel and Paraguay share firsthand insights into how the Cape Cod Bridges influence workforce mobility, operating costs, and investment decisions — and why dependable access is essential not just during the busy summer season, but every day of the year.
Show Notes:
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500+ businesses, and 5 million annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
- Learn more about the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and its advocacy on behalf of local businesses: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
#SagamoreBridge #BourneBridge #CapeCodCanal #CapeCod #Infrastructure #MassDOT #FederalInfrastructure #Transportation #PublicWorks #InfrastructureFunding #CapeTraffic #CapeCommuters #RegionalPlanning #CapeEconomy #PublicSafety #LocalNews #MAnews #NewEnglandNews
Episode 2: Critical Access: The Bridges, Public Safety, and Emergency Management
In episode two of Bridge the Gap, co-hosts Matt Pitta (Director of Communications at The Davenport Companies), and Paul Niedzwiecki (CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce), talk about how the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges impact public safety on Cape Cod. This episode features special guests Peter Burke, Chief of the Hyannis Fire Department and Heath Eldredge, Chief of the Brewster Police Department. Both Chiefs serve on the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee - a coalition of law enforcement, fire service, public health, military, and other affiliated agencies working to support regional planning and cooperation for major emergencies and natural disasters.
The Chiefs discuss the vital role of the Cape Cod Bridges in public safety operations, from employee retention to emergency preparedness, and share why modern, functional bridge infrastructure is critical for every agency providing life-saving services in our region.
Bridge the Gap is your go-to source for factual, locally driven discussion on one of the largest infrastructure projects facing Cape Cod and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Show Notes:
- Read up on the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) and find opportunities to support their work as a community volunteer: Emergency Planning Committee - Barnstable County
- Find the latest updates on the Cape Cod Bridges Replacement project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500+ businesses, and 5 million annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition
#SagamoreBridge #BourneBridge #CapeCodCanal #CapeCod #Infrastructure #MassDOT #FederalInfrastructure #Transportation #PublicWorks #InfrastructureFunding #CapeTraffic #CapeCommuters #RegionalPlanning #CapeEconomy #PublicSafety #LocalNews #MAnews #NewEnglandNews
In the inaugural episode of Bridge the Gap, co-hosts Matt Pitta, Director of Communications at The Davenport Companies, and Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, sit down with Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Megaprojects Delivery Office. Luisa oversees some of the Commonwealth's largest infrastructure projects—including the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges replacement program, each with price tags of $500 million or more.
Together, they discuss why replacing these critical bridges is essential for the Cape and Islands' economy, the risks of delaying construction, and how community and business leaders are advocating for full funding while protecting local needs.
Bridge the Gap is your go-to source for factual, locally driven updates on one of the largest infrastructure projects facing Cape Cod and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Show Notes:
- Learn more about the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges project: MassDOT Cape Cod Bridges Program
- Understand the vital role of the bridges in connecting and serving 230,000 year-round residents, 8,500+ businesses, and 5 million annual visitors: Cape Cod Bridges Replacement: An Urgent Need
- Explore the mission of the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) and its role in shaping Cape Cod's infrastructure future: Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges - Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition"
#SagamoreBridge #BourneBridge #CapeCodCanal #CapeCod #Infrastructure #MassDOT #FederalInfrastructure #Transportation #PublicWorks #InfrastructureFunding #CapeTraffic #CapeCommuters #RegionalPlanning #CapeEconomy #PublicSafety #LocalNews #MAnews #NewEnglandNews
We're well underway with 2025 on Cape Cod and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is busy working to promote the region as a world class destination -- and advocating strongly for replacement of both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. Both are 90 years old and in desparate need of replacing. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki and podcast co-host Matt Pitta from The Davenport Companies discuss the latest on the plans to replace the Sagamore Bridge first and the need to secure money for the replacement of the Bourne Bridge. They also discuss an interesting proposal to bring a new sports and convention center to Cape Cod.
The federal government recently announced that $993 million was being awarded toward the $2.1 billion cost to replace the aging Sagamore Bridge that spans the Cape Cod Canal and is only one of two vehicle bridges that are the lifelines to Cape Cod & the Islands. Both bridges are nearly 90 years old and are in need of replacement. Combined with previously announced federal grants and state-committed money, construction can soon begin on the Sagamore. Paul Niedzwiecki, the CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and Matt Pitta, Director of Communication with The Davenport Companies, co-host this edition of the policy pod to discuss when construction could begin and the strategy to secure funding for the Bourne Bridge replacement. The effort to secure funding was supported by the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition, led by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, which lobbied extensively to secure the money.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has been promoting Cape Cod as a world-class tourism destination and great place to live and work for 102 years. Since its inception, the Chamber has been telling the story of Cape Cod from Bourne to Provincetown. In late February 2024, the organization unveiled a complete rebranding - "Cape Cod - Truly Yours." The goal was to update their destination marketing to capture the deeply personal nature of a Cape Cod visit - how everyone's unique experience here, and the warmth of those memories, is what keeps them coming back. On this episode of the Policy Pod, co-host Matt Pitta from The Davenport Companies chats with Liz DiGirolamo, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Director of Tourism Outreach and Promotion and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Tourism Marketing Kristin Mitchell-Hughes about the rebranding.
From Bourne to Provincetown and all the towns in between, 2023 was another busy year for the Cape Cod economy. In what many view as the first full post-COVID year, Cape Cod's tourism sector remained strong, efforts to grow the Blue Economy continued and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce continued working on the Cape's housing and labor issues. They also took the lead in working to get the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges replaced as soon as possible. On this segment of the Policy Pod, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki and the Davenport Companies Director of Communication Matt Pitta look back at the issues we all confronted in 2023 and discuss what is coming in 2024.
Replacing the aging bridges that span the Cape Cod Canal is a major priority facing the region. At the same time, Cape Cod needs to continue finding innovative and effective ways to promote the area as a tourist destination amid growing competition. Both, in separate ways, need assistance and leverage from the government at the state and federal level. To assist in that, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has recently named Lauren Barker to the new position of Director of Government Relations. Barker, who joins the Policy Pod in this episode with co-host Matt Pitta, talks about her background in those related areas and how the Cape Cod Chamber is moving ahead on both fronts. Both canal bridges are the lifelines to Cape Cod and need immediate replacement.
Have you heard about Cape Cod’s effort to promote the “Blue Economy?” Here’s a chance to learn what it’s all about on this episode of the Policy Pod. Co-host Matt Pitta and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Director Katy Acheson talk about efforts to leverage the sustainable use of Cape Cod’s surrounding waters. The Cape’s economic viability is directly tied to the health of our environment, which is why millions of people visit the region each year. On May 2nd and 3rd, the Cape Cod Chamber will be part of a coalition hosting a two-day “Big Blue Conference” in Buzzards Bay. Take a listen to learn more about the Cape’s “Blue Economy” future and how you can take part.
The issue of how Cape Cod will address growing wastewater and nitrogen loading concerns continues to grow, with many towns in different stages of planning and implementation. Adding a new wrinkle to the debate is a draft regulation being floated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that could put homeowners across Cape Cod on the hook for costly upgrades to their existing Title 5 systems through so-called Innovative/Alternative Septic Systems. On this edition of the Policy Pod, we take a deep dive into the issue with a discussion on how it may be possible to avoid the implementation of new regulations as towns work on their wastewater management plans. Andrew Gottlieb from the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod is the guest with co-hosts Matt Pitta and Paul Niedzwiecki.
The Bourne and Sagamore bridges that carry vehicle and truck traffic over the Cape Cod Canal are two of the most important lifelines for Cape Cod. Both spans are nearly 90 years old and in desperate need of replacement. On this edition of the Policy Pod, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki talks with podcast co-host Matt Pitta from The Davenport Companies about a new task force that has been created to push the vital project forward. Already declared functionally obsolete, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the bridges, previously said major maintenance work would be needed within five years. That project could possibly require each bridge to be completely closed for several months while work was underway. That's prompting local officials to urgently lobby for a stepped up timetable for replacement to avoid a potential economic calamity for Cape Cod. The new bridges are needed not to increase capacity on Cape Cod, but to allow life as Cape Codders know it to continue.
Cape Cod continues to be not only a world-class tourist destination, but an increasingly popular place for people to live year-round. And that is putting even more pressure on available workforce housing options. Home prices have skyrocketed over the past two years, pushing many people out of the market for homeownership and putting even more pressure on available rentals. On this episode of the Policy Pod, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki talks with co-host Matt Pitta about the future of housing on Cape Cod, what the Chamber is doing to address the issue, and how local residents can be part of the solution.
As the summer tourism season approaches on Cape Cod -- all signs are indicating that the popular vacation destination will experience another record-breaking year. Bookings are up and interest among potential vacationers is high. On this episode of the Policy Pod, we talk about expected business trends for the tourism industry in the summer of 2022. We also talk about the challenge of finding labor and worker housing.
Cape Cod was already facing a childcare crisis before the pandemic -- with high costs and few options. A bad situation only become worse during COVID-19. On this episode of the Policy Pod, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Chief of Staff Noelle Pina discusses the current state of child care on the Cape, how it's negatively impacting businesses and parents -- and what can be done to ease the crisis.
The Cape Cod housing market has been strong for many years, with sustained price increases. But since the onset of COVID-19, the growth has been explosive -- the average price of a single-family home has surged from $450,000 to $620,000 -- in less than two years. That's squeezing many people out of the market and forcing long-term Cape Codders to make difficult decisions about staying on Cape or looking for more affordable locations to purchase. And that it is having a big impact on the employment market, putting businesses in the vice when it comes to finding workers. On this edition of The Policy Pod, The Davenport Companies Director of Communication Matt Pitta and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki discuss the current state of housing and what the Chamber is doing to address the issue.
After 24 years leading the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, CEO Wendy Northcross officially retired earlier this year, capping off an immensely successful career leading Cape Cod's foremost promoter of the region's economy. Her successor, Paul Niedzwiecki, comes to the Chamber from successful careers in government, policy planning and the private sector. On this edition of the Policy Pod, Matt Pitta sits down with both Wendy and Paul at a testimonial dinner held in Wendy's honor in Dennis. Listen in to hear about where the Cape Cod economy has been -- where's it headed -- and the challenges ahead.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce continues work on promoting the 'Blue Economy' - an initiative to build a sense of pride and identity in the region's 'water economy,' and to encourage responsible blue entrepreneurship and employment. The vast majority of Cape Cod's economic engine is driven by water -- better defined as the health and quality of our beaches, bays and ponds. Without it - the Cape's tourism economy could not survive. As a way to promote the concept, more than 30 Waypoints have recently been installed across Cape Cod. The interpretive structures are designed to educate people about the special relationship we have with our waters. On this episode of the Policy Pod, Expedition Blue Director of Community Engagement Bert Jackson joins Matt Pitta to talk about the initiative.
The Summer of 2021 has officially arrived on Cape Cod -- and local businesses are looking for a strong season as they continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Quahog Day, a light-hearted welcome to summer, where "Johnny Quahog" delivers the prognostication of how many days of sunny weather the Cape will have from "Doug the Quahog." And the friendly mollusk predicted more than 100 days of summer! The event was created several years ago as a way to build interest for Cape Cod at the beginning of the summer season. On this edition of the Policy Pod, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross and Matt Pitta, Director of Communication with The Davenport Companies, speak with 2021 Quahog host Chris Lambton, a local business owner and HGTV host, about the upcoming season.
Cape Cod and all of Massachusetts moved into the next phase of reopening on April 30 more than year after the COVID-19 outbreak began. As of the end of April, the outdoor mask mandate has been eliminated. In the coming weeks, capacity limits for gatherings will increase for both indoor and outdoor venues. Street festivals, parades and beer gardens will be able to reopen. Gov. Charlie Baker also announced that as of August 1st, all industry restrictions will be lifted. On this episode of the Policy Pod, we discuss what the changes mean for Cape Cod residents and businesses.
In an historic step, the first-ever grants from the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund were issued on April 16, 2021 to local towns. Projects will include innovative strategies and alternative septic system technologies and wastewater treatment plants, as well as drainage improvements and water treatment programs. The ultimate goal is to improve water quality in freshwater ponds and marine resources. On this episode, we explain why it's important and what it means for the future of clean water on Cape Cod.
The Town of Barnstable has embarked on an ambitious and critical plan to ensure clean water for the community's future. On this episode of the Policy Pod, we take an in-depth look at one of the most pressing issues facing all Cape Cod communities -- our future wastewater needs and treatment options. Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells and Barnstable Director of Finance Mark Milne join the podcast to detail what residents and business should expect over the next several months and years from the planning, construction and financing angles contained in their Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.
When COVID-19 hit nearly one year ago, the public transportation sector took a major blow, with people avoiding trains, buses and other modes that involved putting large groups of people together. The result was devastating to the financial well-being of public and private transit agencies on which so many rely. On this edition of the Policy Pod, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Administrator Tom Cahir joins us to talk about federal money that is arriving to help the struggling transit sector.
In 1997, Wendy Northcross took what at the time was going to be a temporary assignment as the CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. Nearly a quarter of a century later, she has announced her retirement after transforming the once-languishing organization into Cape Cod's most influential force for tourism and business promotion. Through good and bad economic cycles, recessions and now a pandemic, Northcross has been the steady steward on the rudder keeping Cape Cod moving forward. On this segment of the Policy Pod, we talk with her about the past 24 years leading the Cape Cod business community.
The testing capacity for COVID-19 on Cape Cod will see a significant increase in the coming days thanks to funding from several sources. New testing locations will be available in Falmouth, Hyannis, and the Lower/Outer Cape. Listen in to our latest Policy Pod to learn where you can get tested around Cape Cod. We also discuss the pending arrival of vaccines on Cape Cod and the initial state distribution plans.
As Cape Cod businesses head into December, they continue to deal with COVID-19 and the implications the virus will have in the weeks and months ahead. With cases on the rise around the state and nation, local business leaders say there should not be a concern about a broad shutdown. Since the outbreak and shutdown in the spring, so much more is known about how to treat the virus and operate businesses in a safe and health manner. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross says the key is to "do the right thing, don't be afraid and don't shut down." Listen to our latest edition of the Policy Pod for everything you need to know over the next several weeks.
Newly-elected Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Linda Markham joins the Policy Pod to talk about the ongoing reopening of Cape Cod amid COVID-19. Markham, who also sits on Governor Charlie Baker's Reopening Task Force, gives us some new insight into how the process is working and what we can expect in the weeks and months ahead as the response the virus and the hope for a vaccine continues. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross talks about the just completed summer season and how local businesses were impacted by the pandemic.
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 4th 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.