Following a six-month study of its feasibility, the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York are poised to merge, according to a page one article this week in the Post Standard.
The two agencies, which the paper notes have sometimes been at loggerheads, historically have represented different constituencies: the Chamber with 64 employees on the side of small business, and the MDA with 25 focused on the needs of large employers, including big manufacturing concerns. While each would continue to exist as legal entities under the merger proposal, a new organization would be formed to employ both their staffs and operate as one, according to the paper.
"We want a seamless program, so companies have one organization to turn to for assistance," said Rob Simpson, the current President and CEO of the MDA, who would lead the new group.
The Chamber Board is set to vote on the proposal January 25th, and the MDA Board vote is scheduled for February 4th.
The full story is on the Post Standard Web site at: Syracuse.com
