Dear Chamber Members, Community Partners and Industry Leaders:

It has been an honor and pleasure serving the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce during the past two years. I want to let you know that today I informed the Chamber's Board of Directors of my intention to depart from my role as the Chief Executive Officer. This decision was certainly not easy and deliberated at great lengths; however, I have tendered my resignation to accept another leadership position within the Chamber industry. While my last official day with the Chamber will be October 1st, I am looking forward to not skipping a beat and continuing our meaningful work together for the next several weeks.

As I reflect on my time with the Chamber, we can all be proud that much has been accomplished. With the unwavering support from an incredible core team by my side and forward-thinking members and partners, we were able to move the organization ahead in many vital areas. I'd like to highlight some of the key accomplishments since my arrival to Cape Ann; I am proud at what we have accomplished.

Together we have:

• Grown the organization and increased the retention rate of members
• Lead with a member first approach
• Gained relevancy in our operations as a regional Chamber of Commerce
• Introduced a new website, social media and marketing strategies
• Developed metrics to measure marketing efforts, visitorship and page-by-page website performance
• Revamped the Chamber's organizational By-Laws and database systems
• Implemented an online payment system for events, membership dues and sponsorships which enhanced the timeliness of the Chamber's cash flow
• Secured various grants to assist with our tourism efforts
• Launched the Tourism Council, Government Affairs Council and Education Council
• Launched a Health Insurance Cooperative for members
• Welcomed thousands of visitors to the region providing a more positive experience here on Cape Ann
• Revamped nearly all events, resulting in record attendance and sponsorship support while exceeding projected revenues
•  Launched revised newsletters, weekly updates and created a new tourism newsletter used to market to visitors with increased advertising sales
• Hosted prominent speakers such as the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Education, Congressmen John Tierney with our Congressional Debate, SBA Director, an upcoming Mayoral Debate and more
• Launched new events Coffee & Connections and the Brown Bag Series at no cost to members which have increased member engagement
• Strengthened our committees and councils to ensure member input at all levels
• Strengthened critical relationships to advance the organization
• Welcomed new professional team members to advance the organization
• Ended 2012 on solid financial ground, balanced the 2013 budget and on target to hit and exceed 2013 financial goals

While there are many other milestones to highlight, it is important we all take a just a few moments to reflect upon the incredible progress we've made, as a team! Thank you for your membership, your time as a volunteer and your commitment to the business community.

It has been my privilege working shoulder to shoulder with so many dedicated professionals who care deeply about the vitality of Cape Ann.  In today's very competitive, global environment, it is critical that America's Chambers strive for world-class commitment and meaningful results - together; we have done that. I give much credit to my team (Peter, Susan, Gregory, Tim, Emily, Patty, Linda, Beverly and Jim) of dedicated professionals, our members and partners I've had the honor of working with and look forward to your continued progress.

A heartfelt thank you goes to each of you for allowing me to serve you and the communities of Cape Ann.  I'm grateful for every milestone reached and bridge built; I will carry each of those remembrances forward. I sincerely wish each of you the very best in the future.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Heidt, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce