The merger of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and Minot Area Development Corp. as of Jan. 1 of this year is a great move for the two organizations.

Chamber and MADC investors overwhelmingly voted in favor of the merger in December, with 94% of the ballots to Chamber members noting approval and 95% of MADC investors in approval.

The two organizations’ merger now gives them a new name – Minot Area Chamber/EDC.

There were good reasons for the merger including, as John MacMartin, then Chamber president, pointed out prior to the vote. He said one of the goals of the merger is to improve efficiency through sharing of staff and resources. MacMartin is serving as interim president of the merged organization.

Randy Hauck, the past MADC board chairman, noted the two organizations already were housed in one building. He said being able to look for further efficiencies will serve the members/investors as well.

While its mission is to continue to focus on promoting business, leadership and growth for the Minot area, as well as facilitating business attraction, expansion, retention and advocacy to diversify and strengthen the Minot area, the goal for the new organization is to do more for the community with the same amount of revenue currently collected between the two organizations.

Overall, it appears this is a very positive step into the future for Minot and the region.