Joann Beattie is stepping down as executive director of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce at the end of June.

Her retirement will come several weeks after the chamber marks its 100th anniversary with its annual awards and installation dinner.

Beattie’s departure after 9½ years will make her what is believed to be the second longest serving chamber leader after the late Gladys Brock.

During her tenure the chamber has grown and added new programs supporting businesses and benefitting the community.

*Record membership that now stands at 320.

*Took over the street fair the chamber started nearly 25 years ago  that is  now known as the Crossroads Street Fair/Watermelon Festival.

*Launched the Christmas fair that is now a two-day event at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley.

*Conducted its first bus tour designed to let businesses and employers see firsthand the advantages of doing business in Manteca-Lathrop.

That is in addition to weekly coffees and evening mixers for networking, coordinating seminars aimed at helping small businesses, promoting tourism, providing information for those contemplating moving here or opening a business here, and staging the annual twilight Christmas parade among other endeavors.

Prior to taking over the business organization in February of 2014, Beattie served Agape Village Foster Care as senior vice president for resources and development.

She owned the Manteca Janitorial Supply Company before joining Agape Villages

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com