Local Chambers Intend to Merge

From Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber:

ODENTON and LAUREL, MD - The West Anne Arundel County and the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chambers of Commerce are excited to announce that they have signed an agreement exploring joining forces as a single entity. The combined organization would be the largest chamber in Anne Arundel County and the larger region surrounding Fort George G. Meade and Laurel.

"With both CEOs leaving within months of each other, and a shared focus on the economic vitality of our region, this seemed a natural opportunity," said BWCC Board Chairman Eric Harris. "We believe combining forces will better serve the members of both entities and the region as a whole."

"Growth at Fort Meade has been, and continues to be, a driving force for economic expansion for both organizations' stakeholders," said West County Chamber Board Chairman Randy Fisher. "Combined with Laurel's vibrant retail sector, National Business Park's role as the central location for area defense contractors, the ongoing expansion at Arundel Mills, and the development of the Odenton Town Center, the area served by these two business organizations is the economic hub of central Maryland, if not the entire state, and needs the focus of our combined resources."

Both organizations emphasized the benefits they foresee for members as a result of the proposed merger, which will have a broader, more regional economic focus, greater advocacy capabilities, increased networking programs, and enhanced staffing to support member needs.

"As an active member of both chambers, and a longtime participant in the area's economic development, I see this as a real benefit for our region," said Richard Story of Howard Bank, a member of the BWCC Board of Directors. "Too often business resources have been splintered across diverse organizations, and having two strong entities combine offers a natural choice for investment."

The organizations will now begin a period of due diligence before finalizing the merger, which will include a vote by each chamber's full membership by the end of 2016. Matters still to be decided include the new organization's board and staff structure, location, and name, and BWCC will be represented in upcoming CEO interviews already scheduled by the West County Chamber Search Committee. Projected date for final acceptance or rejection of the proposed merger is December 8, 2016.

Image via Shutterstock.