Joanne Beattie – Agape Villages Foster Family Villages Agency’s senior vice president for resources and development – has been selected to lead the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

She starts her new full-time position on Feb. 24.

“I am so excited about this job and for Nina Payne who is taking over the leadership of Agape Family Villages.  She started out as my volunteer and did all the events with me,” Beattie said.

Beattie has lived in Manteca for some 30 years. She owned Manteca Janitorial Supply before going to work for the foster family agency.  

“I have been working closely with volunteers and have those who have already said they would help at the chamber,” she added.  “My goal is to make this the best chamber of commerce ever.  I have lots of ideas. If business is thriving, the community will thrive.”

She said she hopes to soon get a campaign started to develop a slogan to promote shopping in Manteca.  Using interns from the various colleges is on the top of her list for improving the chamber. That will allow her to get outside the office and meet the chamber members and find their needs from one-on-one discussions.

Beattie said she has a history of working with college interns through Agape Villages and found it to be very fulfilling and helpful.

The chamber office will now be open from 9 to 5 with the phone always being answered promptly, she said.

Beattie has four adult children – two boys and two girls.  The youngest at 21 is Michael who is majoring in Economics at Humboldt State.  Brian, 33, is a city planner in San Francisco, Teresa is 41, working at Olive Garden and Melonie is a special needs teacher in the Philippines. 

In her off hours, she enjoys oil painting and bike riding.