Members of the Illinois and Iowa QC Chambers of Commerce voted today to merge the two organizations into a single, unified Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. In separate membership meetings at the iwireless Center, chamber members overwhelmingly approved a recommendation from the two chamber boards to merge staff and operations by September 1st.

Iowa Quad Cities Chamber Chairman John Roche characterized the move as a big step forward for the region. 

"Business members - small and large, from all parts of the Quad Cities community - came together today to state that the river is not a barrier but an opportunity for their companies. We heard loud and clear that members want access to more customers, vendors, suppliers and business associates and that it makes business sense to develop that larger network right here in the Quad Cities," said Roche.

Illinois Quad City Chamber Chairman Steve Bahls expressed confidence that the two chambers will make a smooth transition to the new organization.

"With any merger, there is a transition phase where cultures and practices are blended and refined.  We've taken steps to ensure there is a solid operational plan in place to guide our staff and member services over the next several months. We expect the new Quad Cities Chamber Board of Directors will have a CEO in place within the next several weeks to add even more stability to what we expect will be a smooth transition," said Bahls.

"Beyond the operational plan, the more significant document is the strategic plan that is designed to grow the economy of the region and fortify each of our communities as critical elements of regional growth," said Bahls. "A bi-state plan, staff and board will be well positioned to deliver results for the region and can be more readily accountable to the business community they serve."  

The merger follows last year's merger of DavenportOne and the Bettendorf Chamber and the creation of a chamber-led Quad Cities First, the public-private partnership focused on marketing the region to companies and site selectors outside the area. The Quad Cities Chamber will be one of the largest business organizations in the region, with approximately 2,000 member businesses, 85% of which employ 50 or fewer people.

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