The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce's chief is stepping down at the end of the week — not nearly three months from now as initially planned.
Bob Hastings, who announced in July he would retire in January, confirmed Monday that he and the Chamber's executive board have agreed he would step down by Nov. 7, which is next Monday.
Peter Webber, who has served as Rockport manager for the Chamber, will take over as interim executive officer until January, says Sal Frontiero, the Chamber's president, who acknowledged that Hastings' early exit is by mutual agreement.
The board, says Frontiero, is interviewing 10 candidates for Hasting's spot, and should have a new CEO by the new year.
Hastings said he's stepping down out for health issues, due, in part, to a heart surgery he underwent last spring. He said the January end-date would have marked his third year at the Chamber. He took the helm in 2009 at the height of the recession, and directed a series of dramatic changes.
Hastings said he leaves the chamber on good financial, and organizational ground, and makes his exit during the slow season. He added that he's looking for part-time work, but will continue living on Main Street with his wife, Donna.
"This is my home," he said.
Frontiero said Hastings led the Chamber through some difficult decisions after taking the reins from 30 year head Michael Costello.
Hastings cut the size of the chamber staff after revising the membership down to 870 members as opposed to the 1,200 members reported in 2009. The result was a dues and a revenue shortfall pegged by some at up to $100,000, and Hastings took on the task of making the Chamber itself more economically viable and efficient.
"He had to make tough and drastic changes," said Frontiero.
Frontiero said Hastings spend most of his time getting the Cape Ann Chamber through the challenges and changes, rather than advancing the organization. He said Hastings leaves the Chamber ready for the future at the hands of a new director.
The Chamber's mission evolved during his run, Hastings said, including hiring Matter Communications public relations of Newburyport, a move that finalized a push that had come from a number of local businesses. In recent months — and due, in large part, to the PR push — Gloucester and Cape Ann have generated press in high-profile publications like Parade magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and USA Today.
Hastings reiterated Monday that he leaves the organization on better fiscal and organizational footing. Hastings said the organization's books and revenues are in order for the new CEO; though the new chief will face challenges of making the chamber viable for years to come, he said.
The Chamber's landlord, Gloucester Developer Mac Bell, said he's had 30 years of good relations with the chamber, and sees it on solid ground. He said he expects the organization will continue to be a quality tenant.
Gloucester, said Hastings, is also on better public relations footing as well.
"Gloucester always had bad press," he said. "We don't now."
The Chamber's new director, said Frontiero faces economic difficulties as well.
"They'll do the same programs, with less, perhaps," he said.
Steven Fletcher may be contacted at 1-978-283-7000 x3455, or sfletcher@gloucestertimes.com. Follow him on Twitter at @stevengdt.
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