Jay Smith, President of the Board of Directors of the Rockport Chamber of Commerce, a Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, today announced that Peter Webber has been hired as Manager of the Rockport office.

Webber, who resides with his family on High Street in Rockport, commenced his duties with the Rockport Chamber earlier this week. His responsibilities will include oversight of the Chamber’s administrative office located at the Lantana House on Broadway, as well as the operations of the Chamber’s information booths located on Upper Main Street and in Barletta Park near Dock Square.

‘This is a critically important time for the Rockport Chamber and our members, as we strive to make a smooth and positive transition following our recent merger with the Rockport Division of the Cape Ann Chamber,’ said Smith. ‘On behalf of Rockport’s Board of Directors, I am delighted that Peter Webber, a skilled manager and experienced leader, will be supporting us in this important endeavor.’

Following lengthy discussions and deliberations, the Rockport Chamber of Commerce this past April formally merged with the Rockport Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. The new entity is officially called the Rockport Chamber of Commerce, a Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

‘A key objective of the merger is to build an even stronger Chamber to support Rockport’s business community and promote Rockport’s abundant natural, cultural and historic attractions,’ said Michael Costello Costello, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. ‘Keeping the Rockport name and hiring Peter Webber to manage the Rockport office are two good indicators of our commitment to that goal.’

The Rockport Chamber of Commerce currently has 210 members representing all sectors of the Rockport business community. The new Board of Directors, under Smith’s steady hand, has created a number of committees that have begun to work on issues and programs of importance to business and the Town. Webber will work closely with these committees, with the goal of expanding the services that the Chamber offers and, ultimately, growing the organization itself. One of his first projects will be to produce a hand-out encouraging greater use of the free park and ride facility for distribution by downtown merchants.

Prior to being hired to his current position, Webber served for 12 _ years as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. He also served five terms in the Massachusetts Senate, as Senator for the Berkshire District, during the 1980’s.