Minding Your Business- Harwich Chamber of Commerce

Keeping the Harwich community thriving through strong business and community partnerships is at the core of the mission of Harwich Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Williams. For Williams, supporting local businesses and bringing the families and community together is a year-round commitment that is filled with engaging events, happenings and all the key ingredients to making Harwich one of the most exciting destinations on Cape Cod all year long. The chamber works throughout the year to promote its members, support community initiatives and showcase Harwich’s seven villages.

Williams also works closely with all of the other Cape Cod chambers, sharing resources and collaborating on initiatives that benefit the region. 

“The big misconception is what chambers really are, and it's often challenging to get the word out for what we all do,” Williams said. “There are 15 towns on the Cape and many have a chamber. We all meet bi-weekly via Zoom and then a couple times a year we get together in person. We brainstorm. We partner together. And we are all unified to make Cape Cod succeed.”

This fall the chamber is once again partnering with the Harwich Elementary School PTO for its second annual Halloween parade and trick-or-treating event in Harwich Port. Participating businesses along Bank and South streets will distribute candy outside their storefronts.

One of the chamber’s most anticipated events, A Toast of Harwich, is getting a fresh look this year with a new location, live entertainment and multiple fundraising opportunities. After 23 years at Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, the annual celebration is moving to the Harbor Room at Wychmere Beach Club, which is a space many longtime residents remember as the former Thompson’s Clam Bar.

“This year, I wanted to change just to spice it up, rebrand it, but keep the traditions as well,” Williams said. 

The new venue will allow guests to enjoy the festivities together in one large space, featuring culinary stations, beverage vendors, silent auctions, live entertainment and dancing with Boston Premier Dance Band. 

An exciting new addition is a live auction led by auctioneer John Terrio, featuring four unique and exceptional travel experiences. These packages include a Paris getaway with dinner at the Eiffel Tower; a seven-night stay in a private Tuscan villa for four with a driver and cooking class; a three-night Long Beach, Calif. escape featuring a private wine-tasting masterclass; and a Kentucky Derby experience with premium tickets and VIP access.

Williams is particularly excited about the live auction, something she has wanted to incorporate for years. The popular silent auction will return with a festive twist featuring four decorated Christmas trees that will serve as themed auction displays with gift cards and merchandise donated by chamber members.

As always, the food remains a centerpiece of the evening, with approximately 17 participating restaurants and culinary businesses showcasing their culinary specialties. The lineup includes 400 East, Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse, Cape Sea Grille, Red River Barbecue, Sundae School, Sweet Izzy, The Lanyard, Mooncussers, TK’s Sports Bar, Three Harbors Coastal Kitchen and several others.

Beverage offerings will include returning favorites such as Hog Island Beer Company, Cape Cod Beer, Plymouth Brewing, Devil’s Purse and Sandy Neck Cider. Fizzy Potion will also provide specialty mocktails, giving nonalcoholic beverages a greater presence at the event.

Guests are encouraged to dress in business cocktail attire and enjoy an evening celebrating Harwich’s culinary and business community.

Beyond the food and entertainment, Williams stressed that A Toast of Harwich serves an important purpose as the chamber’s major annual fundraiser. Proceeds support the chamber’s ongoing efforts to promote local businesses, organizations and community programs.

“This event will help continue the funding and the operation of what we do for 365 days here at the chamber,” she said. “There’s so much energy into it and so much excitement around it. It’s gonna be fun.”

For more information or to purchase tickets visit the Harwich Chamber of Commerce art harwichcc.com.

The chamber is also preparing for an expanded Christmas in Harwich celebration which is scheduled for Dec. 4 to 6. The festivities begin Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Doane Park with the annual tree lighting featuring Rebecca Riley and the Harwich Elementary School chorus. Stores and churches will welcome visitors, while trolley rides will offer opportunities to enjoy the holiday lights throughout Harwich Port. Saturday’s festivities will include Wequassett’s Merry Market and fireworks, with additional activities planned throughout the weekend, including a holly jolly good time at Wychmere’s Holiday Market on Sunday (more info to come on that soon).

The chamber will also continue its popular Seven Trees for Seven Villages tradition, launched during the pandemic, with decorated trees illuminating each of Harwich’s villages throughout the season. For Williams, celebrating all seven villages remains central to the chamber’s mission.

“It’s kind of like having seven children,” she said. “We give the love to all of them because we’re Harwich and that’s what we do.”

After the holiday season simmers down, Williams gets serious about completing the work on the annual chamber magazine which can be found from Plymouth to Provincetown and everywhere in between. Williams impressively writes all of the articles in the publication herself, which is a testament to her dedication to the work she does year after year for the town, the people and the businesses in Harwich.

“That’s what it’s all about, is community, relationships, and fostering a thriving community,” Williams said. “If it’s keeping Harwich in the forefront of people’s minds, that’s what it’s all about for me.” 

DETAILS:

Harwich Chamber of Commerce

1 School House Rd., Harwich Port

508-430-1165

harwichcc.com