Editorial
Merger of two Chambers will mean stronger economic voice for King

It's in the nature of people to embrace change with some reluctance. Thus we can understand why some people might not be too enthused about the proposal to unify the two Chambers of Commerce into one body.

As Barb Davis, president of the Nobleton Schomberg District Chamber accurately observed last week, there will always be some who disagree.

But on the other hand, the merger will represent a pooling of talent, combining into one voice to speak on behalf of the business community in King. Jamie Smyth, King's economic development officer, pointed out that is a benefit.

Despite that, the concern among some over the potential loss of local identity if the merger goes through is understandable, although we suspect it might be a little over-blown. The fact is the people currently heading up the two Chambers in King are neither stupid or blind. They know as well as anyone that King is a collection of communities, each one with its own separate history, attitudes, commerce and issues. Sewers may be the big issue in one village, while traffic patterns are top of mind in another. And these heavy issues change with the passage of time.

With that in mind, we have every reason to believe these differences will be respected. Indeed, no one could seriously believe such a merger could work if they were not.

People are always going to be somewhat parochial when it comes to their village, and there's no reason why that should change. But there's also no reason why that should stand in the way of progress. Individual characteristics and flavours can be maintained in a merger. It might take a bit of work, but it is doable.

Look at King; a collection of communities that still manages to function, even if there is the odd bit of internal controversy and bickering. Our country was made up of two founding peoples, yet Canada some how continues; frequently despite Canadians. Closer to anyone's home, has there ever been a marriage between to completely identical and compatible people?

As in any union, the differences here can be sorted out, eventually.

As Maureen Richardson, president of the King Township Chamber put it, "Everything will evolve and we'll just keep working away."