Barnstable – December 26, 2018: The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Blue Economy
Foundation, Inc. recently showcased their Blue Economy Project at an international convening of coastal
restoration and management officials in Long Beach, CA.
Program Director Leslie-Ann McGee presented the Project’s work and progress over the past three years
at the 9th National Summit on Coastal & Estuarine Restoration & Management, a national conference
hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) and the Coastal States Organization (CSO).
The Summit brings together policy, science, strategy, business, and on-the-ground restoration and
management professionals to address the challenges and opportunities for coastal and estuarine
restoration and management.
“The Blue Economy acknowledges that the environment is our economy,” said Wendy Northcross, Cape
Cod Chamber CEO. “It recognizes the vast role that water – both salt and fresh – plays in our everyday
life, and the importance of finding a sustainable and symbiotic course for the future.”
“The warm welcome that our Blue Economy initiative received out in California demonstrates how
growing our economy by focusing on our existing water-based assets and the opportunities that come
from them just makes sense,” said John Pappalardo, President of the Blue Economy Foundation and CEO
of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “This is an idea that can be applied to any coastal
region on the globe.”
“Unveiling our Blue Economy Project to an international audience was an exciting moment for everyone
that has contributed to making this arguably the most robust and focused economic development
initiative with water at its core,” said Program Director Leslie-Ann McGee. “It is clear that the Cape Cod
region is a world leader in growing a “blue” regional identity and economy with a vision for a vibrant
maritime and technology economy, linking healthy economies to healthy environments and preparing
and educating the future workforce.”
Launched in 2015 by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and supported by Governor Baker’s Seaport
Economic Council, the Cape Cod Blue Economy Project is an initiative to grow the region’s economy in a
sustainable and balanced way, focusing on protecting and promoting our water and coastal resources.
This effort builds on a rich maritime tradition, existing tourism industries, a world class marine
research and technology cluster, and sustainable use planning dedicated to preserving our
environment and quality of life.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is a 1,272-member organization that advocates on behalf of
business to strengthen and promote regional economic vitality while addressing related cultural,
environmental and community concerns. We are a catalyst and advocate for a vibrant economic
community in order to create a better Cape Cod and a sustainable future.
The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce,
formed to advance the blue economy.
