Why consolidate? 

Together, we can take a broader community-minded approach to business development, make the best use of our resources, and create a more representative organization across the county. There is strength in working together - we can expand services, create more meaningful relationships, and foster an environment of equity and harmony across our communities.  

 

When will the transition to one organization happen?  

We are currently in the planning stage and anticipate it will take several months to complete.  

 

What communities will be supported by the new organization?  

All Grant County communities will be served by the consolidated organization.  Currently a ten-member committee pulling from three organizations (four persons from the Marion Chamber, four from the GCA Chamber, and two from the Upland Chamber) is driving weekly discussion. Additionally, 17 board representatives of the three chambers have formed four subcommittees who also meet weekly to discuss specific objectives. 

 

Will my dues go up?  

Each organization currently has member dues investments, and currently, those are not consistent across all organizations. The committee is researching how to best address this challenge and will tap into industry research and best practices to ensure an equitable solution can be implemented. Currently, we do not know those numbers, but will share them when we have a finalized an equitable solution. 

 

How will services change? 

All three organizations, with unanimous board approval, have committed to working together to outline the best plan of action toward a more unified approach to development, commerce, and business engagement. We will identify the benefits each organization currently provides and how we can scale those across the consolidated organization.  

 

What services will I get for my dues?  

We must identify the benefits and services currently provided by each organization and how we can scale those across the consolidated organization. All three organizations have committed to working together to outline the best plan of action toward a more unified approach to development, commerce, and business engagement. We are counting on our member investors to consider their dues as an investment in building a better business environment for the Greater Grant County community. 

 

Will the organization only be promoting commerce in Marion?  

No, the goal is to promote all communities within Greater Grant County.  

 

How can we be sure that the consolidation will benefit all communities in Grant County?  

All three organizations, Gas City Area Chamber, Upland Chamber of Commerce and Marion Grant County Chamber, are committed to working together to outline the best plan of action toward a more unified approach to development, commerce, and business engagement. There are leaders from each organization participating in the planning process and actively sharing their voices and ideas to ensure membership of each organization is well represented. 

 

Will business owners have a say in what services will be provided?  

All three organizations are participating in regularly scheduled committee meetings to assess the individual and shared needs of the organizations. The committee will also identify areas of improvement and opportunities for enhancements. We understand the importance of having our business partners, members and our communities fully engaged and fully supportive of our initiatives. We anticipate this process taking several months and we are committed to full transparency throughout the process. There will be times when we will communicate with the membership of each organization and request feedback to ensure we have complete buy-in.  

 

What will the new organization be called?  

We do anticipate a complete rebrand of the consolidated organization that more holistically reflects our shared mission, values, and goals for the greater Grant County community. However, we have not fully developed the new brand at this time. 

 

Who will lead the consolidated organization?  

Each organization currently has a leadership structure in place. No leadership structure for the consolidated organization has been identified yet. We want to maintain equity in representation from all organizations. Additionally, staffing requirements will be considered by prioritizing the retention of all current staff members. 

 

Will we still have the festivals that we have planned?  

Community events that have been supported by the individual organizations and communities within Grant County will continue as usual. The committee will assess how these events can be expanded, supported, and promoted through the consolidated organization. We want to ensure that all communities within Grant County are fully supported by the consolidated organization. In the meantime, each event will continue to operate as it historically has. 

 

Will the consolidated organization only have meetings in Marion?  

We have not determined the cadence, structure, or location of the new organization's meetings. 

 

Can I provide suggestions?  

Yes, please reach out to your chamber's leadership.  

 

Will the new organization have a dedicated office and staff?  

Staffing requirements will be considered by prioritizing the retention of all current staff members. This has not been determined yet. Offices will remain in current Marion and Gas City locations.