After 30 years of discussions that did not produce a result, the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce have merged to form a new organization.
That new organization, the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, will serve more than 1,600 companies, according to chamber officials.
“In discussions through 30 years, nothing had come to a closure. This particular discussion started a year ago and ended with closure,” said Peter Crowley, the president and CEO of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
He said three things played an important role for the merger to occur.
“No. 1, the business community really was looking for a consolidated organization. Both (previous) organizations were relatively strong and big,” Crowley said.
“No. 2, there was an environment at the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce that made it conducive to engage with the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“No. 3, Princeton Regional, when the outreach happened, said that makes sense, let’s talk about it. The conversation kept focusing on what is best for the business community. That was the big emphasis that got us all talking,” Crowley said.
Companies and organizations from the two former chambers of commerce will save money as a result of the merger, according to Crowley.
“We estimated the number could be close to $1 million. That money can now be contributed back to the community in the form of giving to nonprofits or toward economic growth,” he said.
The new organization will be able to be a stronger advocate for the business community and reduce duplication of programs, according to officials.
The chamber will have more than 115 programs at its disposal, including networking, educational events and specific industry segments such as women in business, independent businesses, nonprofits and the New Jersey Entrepreneurial Network, according to Crowley.
The merger was officially announced on March 28.
In a statement, Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said, “We congratulate the leadership of the new Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. This is an exciting day for the business community in the greater Mercer County region, which only stands to benefit from this new collective voice and vision.”
According to chamber officials, John Goedecke will continue as chairman of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce until his term expires in December. Chairwoman-elect Brenda Ross-Dulan will assume the chair’s responsibilities in January 2020.
Officials said Bill Rue and Jeannine Cimino will serve as vice chairs of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“From a groundbreaking perspective, you now have one chamber organization covering the Mercer County and central New Jersey marketplace. To me that is a real accomplishment. The fact is that both organizations aimed for the same goal, which is what is important,” Crowley said, adding that the new organization’s headquarters will be in Princeton.