Salem Maritime National Historic Site is affected by the government shutdown and is closed until further notice. A number of community members have been asking how to help or what they should know in the meantime, so local partners are working together to fill in the blanks.

Here are some things you can do to help:
  *   Take a walk around the park and pick up litter.
  *   If you see anything in need of emergency attention at the Salem Maritime Site (i.e. broken windows, extensive litter, damage) contact Ryan or Kathryn at Essex Heritage, 978-740-0444, or the staff at Waite and Peirce, 978-744-4319

Some concerned community members have expressed interest in starting up a drive for grocery gift cards and other needs. Federal employees are not allowed to accept cash or gifts, so while the thought is greatly appreciated, please do not organize this type of event.

Visitors in need of information should visit www.salem.org for an up-to-date list of what’s happening in town. For seasonal hours and information, please visit http://www.salem.org/seasonal-hours.

In case information is needed in person, visitors can be directed to:
  *   Waite and Peirce, 193 Derby Street; Open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
  *   Salem Main Streets/Salem Chamber of Commerce at 265 Essex Street; Generally open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., weekdays
  *   Please note there are no public bathrooms at either location.

Information and needs will be updated as needed. Please send good thoughts for a prompt end to the government shutdown so that our colleagues can get back to doing their jobs of caring for the country’s first designated National Historic Site.

Valentine’s Day is a special time to remind people to shop and dine locally. Now in its 17th year in partnership between Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber, Salem’s So Sweet offers local businesses many different opportunities to participate

Option 1: Brochure Listing and “Golden Ticket” 10% Promotion – $50

In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem’s finest restaurants may feature special chocolate offerings on their menus,including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces.  Participating Salem retailers may take part with in-store events and promotions, displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day.  A description of your promotion is listed in the brochure.

The Golden Ticket 10% Promotion allows shoppers who make a purchase at one participating business to receive 10% off a full price purchase at any other participating business.  Restrictions may apply as needed, and for restaurants, discounts can be for food only. This promotion will apply on Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 ONLY.

Option 2: Chocolate & Wine Tasting Kick-Off event – Free

Location: Colonial Hall at Rockafellas, Friday, February 8, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

This popular tasting event, which sells out every year, features wine, chocolate, and other sweet samplings from restaurants, gourmet food stores, and chocolate shops. We are looking for Salem restaurants /caterers to participate!

Restaurant / Caterer / Package Store Responsibilities:

• Food must be prepared off-site.
• Each restaurant will want an opportunity to give people a taste,so please consider this when determining your portion/taste offering. (250 – 300+people).
• Please provide your own napkins, paper plates and utensils, and sanitizer solution.
• Promotional materials for your establishment, menus, catering, etc. are allowed.
• Set-up time is between 5:00-6:00pm.
• 2 cases of wine or equivalent recommended if bringing a beverage.
• Each restaurant is responsible for their own trash removal.

Organizers Will Provide:    

• A 6-foot long table and table coverings.
• Wine glasses
  

Option 3: Ice Sculptures – $460 to $875

Order an ice sculpture! Ice sculptures will be built around the downtown area of Salem to help increase foot traffic the weekend before Valentine’s Day.  Make sure to get one near your business! We will coordinate the ice sculpture orders and themes with Ice Effects (contracted company) for you. Sculptures range from $460 to $875. We are lighting the sculptures at night on Saturday, Feb. 9, thanks to Retonica.

Option 4: Sponsor!

We have multiple options to sponsor the festival and make your support visible to the thousands of locals and visitors who attend annually. Contact Rinus Oosthoek at rinus@salem-chamber.org or 978-744-0004 x116 for more information.

DEADLINE FOR ALL PARTICIPATION – JANUARY 8, 2019

If you would like to participate, you can contact kylie@salemmainstreets.org for a form, or complete the form online here

Local businesses and restaurants are the heart and soul of any city. These businesses attract people with an authentic ambience that big corporations could never replace. They are what make each city unique. Salem in particular is a prime example of how important these local businesses are to the community. Between the rich history of the city, and its unique business and innovative restaurant scene, Salem has established itself as a premier location in the North Shore area. One event that really helps support these local shops and keeping the community presence strong in Salem is Small Business Saturday.

In 2010, small businesses were really hurting from the recession. To help combat the lack of revenue these local businesses were receiving, American Express decided to launch Small Business Saturday. This event took place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday was created to encourage people to “Shop Small” and support their local businesses. The event was a hit, and started gaining momentum nationwide.

One year later, the Shop Small movement continued to gain momentum, and local officials across the country took notice and also started promoting Small Business Saturday. It was also in 2011, that the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of this day and officials in all 50 states began to participate.The local officials were not alone in supporting this movement, because 2011 was also the year business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities, and public officials started to unite by forming a Small Business Saturday Coalition, which encouraged everyone to Shop Small. By the year’s end, nearly 100 corporations lent their official support to this growing movement. 

By 2013, more than 1,400 individuals and organizations have signed up as Neighborhood Champions, who have lead the way by rallying their respective communities by hosting events and activities on Small Business Saturday. The number of Neighborhood Champions have grown annually, and by 2017, there were more than 7,200 Neighborhood Champions across all 50 states. 

 It’s really amazing how fast Small Business Saturday has grown. Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has attracted U.S. customers to spend an estimated total of $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants, which averages out to $85 billion over an 8 day period. This positive result is proof of how important local businesses are to their respective communities.

For a city like Salem, where the community and business presence are strong all year round, Small Business Saturday isn’t just another day to go shopping, it is a time to celebrate the city’s amazing retail and restaurant scene with fellow community members. So come out, take advantage of the free parking (YES, FREE PARKING), and enjoy Small Business Saturday in Salem.