GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Feb. 22, 2010

Upstate real estate executive John R. Hastings, Sr. has been named president of the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce, effective March 1.

Hastings, a Spartanburg native, has worked in real estate for nearly two decades and is the owner of The Hastings Company, a residential real estate company based in the Upstate. Before entering the real estate industry, Hastings served as a training instructor and process engineer with Michelin Tire Corp. in Spartanburg. 

Hastings also served as a director of the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce and was named the organization’s 2008 Board Member of the Year. He succeeds outgoing President Maria Bentley, who is retiring after six years at the position.

Under Bentley’s leadership, chamber membership has grown by more than 50%. She led the execution of a citywide Clean Up Day, the addition of a Christmas Festival, and the planned move of chamber offices this summer to the Commerce Park and Museum Building.

“Without Maria’s many contributions over the past six years, Fountain Inn could never have accomplished so much to benefit our businesses and citizens,” said Cindy Clemmer, chair of the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce. “We all owe her a true debt of gratitude, and thank her for her many contributions to this community.”

Hastings’ role will include development and coordination of long range business plan to achieve the Chamber’s mission, developing and interpreting policies, leading staff, overseeing finances, and ensuring continued growth of membership while serving as primary liaison to key community and governmental audiences.

“John is an outstanding businessman and leader, and has long proven his commitment to advancing the Fountain Inn and Upstate communities through his civic and professional involvements,” Clemmer said. “We are pleased and privileged to welcome such a dedicated community champion to this key position of leadership at the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce.”