Both are young chambers of commerce compared to the ones with deeper roots that surround them. But there is a possibility that the two could become one.
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce has opened up talks with the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce with the idea that the two could explore “integrating membership” of the two chambers. The goal, Wesley Chapel chamber executive director Hope Allen said, would be to “build a strong organization focused on membership development, community development and economic development in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area.”
The Wesley Chapel chamber’s board of directors have appointed a task force to explore the logistics and benefits of a merger, and are now conducting a due diligence review, Allen said.
“While discussions are still in their infancy, we are always interested in reviewing partnerships that enhance our business community,” Allen said in a statement. “After the task force completes its review, the next step is to engage a broader pool of people in the discussion, including current chamber members and community leaders.”
The New Tampa chamber, founded in 2009, has a little more than 100 members. The Wesley Chapel chamber was founded in 1998, and maintains about 460 members. It’s not clear how big a new combined chamber would be, since some businesses are members of both chambers.
A decision is expected to be made by October.
