VENTURA : Chamber Chief Asked to Quit After 22 Years

The director of the Greater Ventura Chamber of Commerce has resigned after 22 years as head of the organization, chamber officials announced Thursday.

Jim Barroca, 60, said the chamber’s executive board asked for his resignation this week.

“I was surprised,” said Barroca, who said the chamber is doing well financially. “It was kind of sudden.”

Barroca declined further comment, and chamber officials would not discuss details of the resignation.

In a brief interview, however, chamber President Bob Alviani said the group regrets Barroca’s departure.

The group also released a brief statement Thursday lauding the chamber’s accomplishments during Barroca’s tenure. Barroca’s “contribution will be a challenge for any future director to match,” it said.

With more than 1,400 members, the group is the largest chamber of commerce in Ventura County, Barroca said.

Barroca said that his last day will be July 29 and that he has not yet made plans for the future. He said he may look for an administrative job with a nonprofit organization in Ventura County.