Water as our Way of Life™

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Economy Foundation, with Avangrid, the Plymouth Foundation, and the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a two-day economic development conference focused on the regional blue economy and workforce development at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s new conference center.

Over the two days, speakers will present on legislative action, emerging industries in renewable energy, aquaculture, preservation, regional economics, and more. Attendees can also expect to have conversations with regional educators, organizers, marine-life specialists, and artists. Lunch and refreshments are planned for day one of the conference. The “Bank 5 Breakfast” will take place on day two, followed by refreshments, including local oysters, later that day.

Speakers include MA Office of Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao; Senator Susan Moran; representatives from Avangrid, Vineyard Wind 1, and SouthCoast Wind; Paul Gasek, the Emmy-award-winning executive producer of Shark Week and Deadliest Catch; and many others from the worlds of economic development, preservation, and aquaculture. A full list of speakers and event schedule will be posted here: https://www.capecodchamber.org/members/events/big-blue-conference/

“We’re excited to have the community come together to engage in important conversations about our blue economy, which is critical to our region’s vitality,” says Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

The Big Blue Conference represents a collaboration among local, regional, and global organizations including Avangrid, Bank 5, Vineyard Wind 1, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, SouthCoast Wind, The Steamship Authority, and Kandy Korner among others.

“Cape Cod and Plymouth share the same harbor, and it is through the Cape Cod Canal that Plymouth gains access to open ocean,” says Stephen Cole, Executive Director of The Plymouth Foundations. “It is natural, logical, and exciting for Plymouth and Cape Cod to work together to foster the growing Blue Economy in our region. Our joint conferences are intended to share information and showcase the resources, talent and opportunities for hardworking entrepreneurs.”

To support the Big Blue Conference, please contact Katy by emailing katy@capecodchamber.org or call/text 508-477-5564.

Be part of the conversation. Get your ticket today at https://www.capecodchamber.org/members/events/big-blue-conference/

WaterWORKS is a hands-on career showcase connecting high school students to Blue Economy and STEM career opportunities in our region.

At WaterWORKS, college-bound, certificate-bound, and workforce-bound high school students experienced first-hand the many Blue Economy jobs and career paths available to them through demonstrations, exhibits, interactive displays, and hands-on activities.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation have officially launched Expedition Blue, a new perspective on the Cape Cod Blue Economy Project that builds upon our blue regional identity and fosters responsible, sustainable economic development in our blue industries. Our new website at expeditionblue.org describes all of our blue initiatives, including the newly-launched Waypoints interpretive blue economy trail.

Expedition Blue Waypoints is a unique blend of interpretive structures integrated with a mobile-ready web experience spanning the whole of Cape Cod, as well as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Designed for all ages but with particular emphasis on educating young people about the special relationship with our waters, how it sustains us, how we care for it, and how to engage for the future.

See all blue economy initiatives at ExpeditionBlue.org.