National Leaders, Cape Visionaries Launch Inaugural Chatham Summer Salon

CHATHAM – Some of the best conversations don’t happen in conference rooms. They happen over cocktails, among neighbors and friends, where ideas are exchanged, new relationships begin, and communities imagine what’s possible together.

That is the vision behind the Chatham Summer Salon, a new annual gathering conceived by Chatham seasonal resident Jeanne Allen and local entrepreneur, business owner and civic leader Kim Roderiques. Designed as a signature summer event for the Cape, the inaugural Salon will take place Wednesday, July 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Chatham Bars Inn, bringing together nationally recognized innovators alongside Cape leaders for an engaging evening of conversation, connection and community.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra, supporting the next generation of young musicians on Cape Cod.

Rather than a lecture or traditional conference, the Chatham Summer Salon is intended to be an intimate gathering centered around one timely question: How do we help young people find purpose, opportunity and belonging while building strong communities for generations to come?

Featured participants include Joseph Carr, founder of Josh Cellars; Dan Wolf, founder and chairman of Cape Air and a board member of the Community Development Partnership; Lori Jewett, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Cape Cod Healthcare; John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance; Katy Acheson, executive director of the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, an initiative of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; Michael Looney, director of career and technical education for Mashpee Public Schools; Phil Amidon, resort manager of Chatham Bars Inn; and Cris Gulacy-Worrel, executive vice president of Oakmont Education and an award-winning national leader in workforce innovation. Conversations throughout the evening will be moderated by Gulacy-Worrel and Mariah Kelly, RSN, RN, global advocacy leader and a longtime Chatham resident.

Rather than lengthy panel discussions, the evening will unfold through a series of brief, lively conversations that give speakers and guests the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and continue the discussion over cocktails throughout the evening. Topics will range from workforce development, entrepreneurship, hospitality, healthcare and the arts to commercial fishing, marine industries, technical education and how communities can create greater opportunity for young people while preserving the unique character that makes the Cape such a special place to live.

The inspiration for the evening comes from Chatham seasonal resident Jeanne Allen’s forthcoming book, “The Education Avengers: How and Why a New Crop of Heroes Is Fighting America’s Biggest Battle.” Endorsed by Reed Hastings, founder and former chairman of Netflix, and Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, the book tells the stories of extraordinary individuals who have transformed opportunities for young people while strengthening communities across America. Allen will offer guests a preview of the book and discuss why many of its themes resonate so strongly on Cape Cod.

The arts will also have a prominent place in the evening. Maestra Alyssa Wang, music director of the Cape Symphony, will share her perspective on the role music and culture play in strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation. 

Visit tinyurl.com/2fddf6hp for reservations and sponsorship opportunities.