Business
Openings, closings, new owners and the companies that keep Cape Ann running.
Real estate
Property taxes on Cape Ann
What would a home pay in each town? Compare tax rates and average bills in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, see how much room each town has under Proposition 2½, and explore assessed values and parcels by type. Updated as the state posts new figures.
Compare the four townsLocal Business Spotlight
12 Cape Ann Artisans open their studios for 43rd fall tour Oct. 10 and 11
The self-guided tour of working studios in Gloucester and Rockport adds two new members this year. The group is taking applications for 2027 through Oct. 31.
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Business news
Woodman family foundation passes $1 million in giving, with two fundraisers this month
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The Essex foundation started in 1988 as a single scholarship. It now helps Manchester Essex seniors, Woodman's student workers and local families. A restaurant day at The James and a Left Right Center night in Manchester are coming up.
Casella takes over Gloucester trash pickup Thursday as purple bags end
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The city's new hauler starts automated cart collection Oct. 1 under a five-year contract. Most homes now pay $300 a year on the utility bill, and bulk items must be booked with Casella.
Two new wellness businesses open on Manchester's Beach Street
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
Renew by the Sea Regenerative Care and A'mi Nail Studio have set up shop downtown. The nail studio holds a free open house Oct. 8.
Rocky Neck Art Colony sets Halloween fundraiser at 51 Rocky Neck Oct. 24
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The third annual Beaux Arts Ball adds an online auction of 12 experiences. Tickets are $75, or $60 for colony members.
Ipswich River Craft opens its new Essex studio with a ribbon cutting Thursday
Cape Ann Current Staff How we work
The maker of hand painted nautical flag signs celebrates on John Wise Avenue Oct. 1. Also: a new manager at Beacon Bank's Gloucester branch.
From Cape Ann Chamber members
- Rocky Neck Art Colony Announces 2026 Beaux Arts Ball Halloween BashRocky Neck Art Colony, Tuesday, September 29
- MORE OR LESS: A SHOW ABOUT HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH at Cove Gallery Sept.Rocky Neck Art Colony, Tuesday, September 22
- Al Temkin excited to be Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer at the Chamber's ''Together, Let's Glow'' Fundraising AuctionAl Temkin Productions, Friday, September 18
- YES! Rocky Neck Members Year End ShowRocky Neck Art Colony, Friday, September 18
- State Contract OpportunitiesWilliam J Funk Procurement Consulting Services, Thursday, September 17
- Now Scheduling Business Kayak Team Building for the Fall!North Shore Adventures & Outdoor Center, Thursday, September 17
- Fall Cider & Donut CruisesEssex River Cruises & Charters, Thursday, September 17
- Cape Ann Artisans Announce Fall Open Studios: Experience Art in Fall Colors!Cape Ann Artisans, Tuesday, September 15
- A Conversation in Making an Impression: Contemporary Printmaking:Panel Discussion at the Cultural Center at Rocky NeckRocky Neck Art Colony, Thursday, September 10
- Established & Highly Reputable Boat Charter Business – Strategic Partnership & Successor Opportunity, Tuesday, September 8
- Manchester-Essex Rotary Club Announces “Gears For Good” Community Bike Event at Masconomo ParkManchester- Essex Rotary Club, Tuesday, September 8
- Company Community Service Coastal Cleanups!Seaside Sustainability, Thursday, August 20
Member posts from the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce news page, written by the businesses themselves. We report out the newsworthy ones.