A merger is being contemplated between the Minot Area Development Corp. and the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce.

MADC is the nonprofit organization with the responsibility to attract new businesses, aid in business expansion and retention, and advocate for the local business economy to make sure the city remains a top location for businesses. The MADC website notes the organization was founded in 1955.

Last week the Minot Chamber board voted to pursue a potential merger between the two entities.

The Minot Daily News is reporting today that on Monday, the MADC board voted to begin merger talks with the Chamber, according to John MacMartin, Chamber president who also is acting MADC president.

A merger of the two entities, both located in the same building, appears to be a good idea.

MacMartin pointed out in a story about the contemplated merger in the Weekend Edition of The Minot Daily News that some of the Chamber board members have questioned why merge. On the other hand, the view is “why not?” he said.

Minot Chamber and MADC people have already done some homework on a potential merger. Earlier this year they listened to Bismarck/Mandan Chamber economic development corporation representatives talk about the merger in that community between the chamber and economic development group. The Bismarck/Mandan representatives said they have a workable system.

A number of matters need to be sorted out for the two Minot groups to merge but both sides say they will take some time to work through the details. In the meantime, both groups already are working together to be sure economic development continues.

It sounds like they are on the right track and a merger may be down the road, yet not too far way.