Greenwood Chamber, JCDC Members Approve Merger
(image courtesy of Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe merger of the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Johnson County Development Corp. has now been formally approved by members of both organizations. Together, it will be known as Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance, a move to create what it hopes will become a more strategically aligned engine to drive business.
“Economic development and the process of attracting new businesses has changed,” said Pat Sherman, chairman of the board for JCDC. “Johnson County and areas just south of Indianapolis mean business, and this union better positions our region to attract companies considering growth or expansion.”
With the approval, current Greenwood Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer, Christian Maslowski, will take the reins of the combined entity.
“Unified strength offers numerous benefits to current and potential business partners, organizational stakeholders, and private and public funders,” said Maslowski.
Maslowski says the organizations will form an integration committee to conduct comprehensive strategic planning. The panel will review and approve financial and operational decisions. “The timing is ideal and allows us to better capitalize on strategic advantages and build upon current momentum.”
Maslowski told Inside INdiana Business earlier this month that modern, comprehensive economic development has changed, including in Indiana.
"No longer are we sitting by the phone and waiting for some large company to call. We are focusing on community development; we’re focusing on placemaking; we are doubling down on helping individuals start and grow businesses; we’re creating our own economic activity."
Maslowski says the merger has been an aspirational process that began a few years ago.
JCDC Executive Director & CEO Dana Monson will be vice president of economic development for Aspire Johnson County.
An official board of directors will be elected before the new organization’s launch on January 1, 2020.