The Minot Area Development Corp. board voted Monday to begin merger talks with the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce, according to John MacMartin, chamber president and acting MADC president.

MacMartin said the board determined that the commonality between the two organizations and the vacancy in the MADC presidency make this a good time to look at consolidation. The Chamber board previously voted to proceed with merger talks.

Representatives from both boards will form a subcommittee to begin looking at personnel, bylaws, budget and other matters associated with a merger, MacMartin said. It likely will be late fall before a merger plan is developed, if that is where discussion leads, he said.

Members of both organizations are encouraged to visit with board members or MacMartin to share their thoughts or get questions answered about the proposed merger.

– Jill Schramm