August 15, 2006
For Immediate Release

Organizational Restructuring: Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Ritter Resigns; New Executive Director Named

Jeff Ritter, Executive Director of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce recently notified the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors that he has decided to step down from his responsibilities at the Chamber. Mr. Ritter has decided to pursue other career opportunities including the completion of a Masters Degree. He extends his deepest appreciation to the staff, Board of Directors, and everyone that assisted him during his tenure at the Chamber and stated that he was particularly appreciative of having the opportunity work with the business community in the Blackstone Valley.

On 8/2/06, the Board of Directors announced the appointment of Mr. Joseph Deliso, a member of the BVCC Board of Directors and Principal of Blackstone Management and Consulting of Sutton as Executive Director. Blackstone Management, a Sutton based firm, provides strategic business consultation and interim executive management.

Mr. Deliso's firm has been engaged to lead the chamber organization through a strategic planning and restructuring process as part of the Chamber's "Vision 2010" program. "Vision 2010" is a new strategic effort for the Chamber of Commerce. According to Mark Anderson, CEO of Heritage Design Group of Whitinsville, and Chairman of the BVCC, the Chamber’s Board of Directors has decided that the BVCC should "make an increasingly stronger commitment to further engage itself, as well as the entire business community of the Blackstone Valley, in a visible and active role in the economic development of the Valley." Citing recent advancements in highway access, the 146 exchange project, and numerous public and private development programs underway, Mr. Anderson stated "the timing for active, intelligent leadership by the Blackstone Valley Chamber, in close cooperation with its members, the Commonwealth, and the 11 town governments in this region is excellent."

The Board of Directors readily welcomes Mr. Deliso as Executive Director of the BVCC and wishes continued success to all!

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About the Chamber

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the Blackstone River Valley's eleven member towns in Massachusetts: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. The mission of the chamber is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley, meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley.