EDC & Chamber of Commerce Explore Collaboration

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (February 21, 2012) – The boards of directors of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced today they are exploring options to more closely align their work with local business and industry.

“On behalf of the Chamber, we welcome the opportunity to better align our programs and services,” Said Chamber board chair Jennifer Zartman Romano, “We are considering all options to make sure our members, many of whom are also EDC clients, receive the best possible return on their investment.”

Following a recent discussion involving members of both boards of directors, a steering committee was formed to explore options to align the Chamber and EDC. The committee consists of the following current and former members of both boards of directors: Dick Buchanan, Mike DeFreeuw, Scott Gabriel, John Lefever, September McConnell, Jack Moore, and Jennifer Zartman Romano

“We have put together a team of dedicated, community leaders who will work to identify the best approach to our Chamber and EDC efforts,” said EDC board treasurer Jack Moore, “I look forward to seeing the work of this committee translate into positive changes for both organizations, for our clients and members, and for Whitley County.”

The committee will conduct interviews with representatives of other communities that have affiliated their Chamber and EDC organizations to understand the benefits of various affiliations and alliances.

“In recent years, the EDC has expanded our efforts to provide programs and services to meet the needs of existing industry employers, to welcome new companies to the community and to encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said EDC president Alan Tio, “Our efforts are focused on continuing to build the local business to encourage our clients’ growth and success.”

About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.

About Whitley County Chamber of Commerce
The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce was first founded in 1919 as The Commercial Development Club by H.B. Clugston and over the years has changed its name and mission to better serve the communities of the area. The most recent change was from the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce to the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce in March of 2010. With this change, the Chamber board and staff hope to develop a more unified, county-wide organization that increases the visibility and involvement of each community while creating a powerful force not only for the growth of business but the betterment of the Whitley County way of life. The mission of the Chamber is to support, promote, and advocate for business opportunities that provide value to its members and to the Whitley County Community in general. Besides serving local business, the Chamber also operates as the local visitor and information center for the county. For more information, visit www.whitleychamber.com.

-30-

Media Contact:
Alan Tio (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 or atio@whitleyedc.com
Jennifer Zartman Romano (Whitley County Chamber) – 260.610.1873

Download a copy of this news release