Kings two Chambers of Commerce talk about unifying
By Bill Rea

Meetings have been going on between the two local Chambers of Commerce to discuss possible unification, and they are going to continue.

Members of the Nobleton Schomberg District Chamber of Commerce voted overwhelmingly (but not unanimously) at their annual general meeting Monday "to explore these options further" with the King Township Chamber.

Chamber president Barb Davis stressed the vote was only to give a mandate for the discussions to continue. She said the membership would have the chance to vote again once a decision is reached.

She added this process is not going to be simple. "We have a lot of different issues we have to address," she said.

Davis later said the chances of this unification going ahead is likely, adding the people she's spoken to in the other Chamber "are certainly willing to look at it," although they have to get the go-ahead from their membership too.

King Township Chamber President Maureen Richardson said her group is likely to have a similar motion on the agenda when they hold their annual general meeting next Wednesday in King City.

She said there have already been about four meetings between representatives of the two bodies. "We're going to take our time and do it right," she commented.

Richardson also thought unification is "very likely," although there are a number of matters that have to be resolved, involving things like constitutions, bylaws, finances, etc.

Mayor Margaret Black was pleased to see the talks are taking place. "I think it's a very positive move," she declared, adding one Chamber could offer a very strong voice, with three strong branches.