The boards of directors for the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council and the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce voted on November 9 to merge the two organizations.

According to a news release from the Chamber, officers of the two organizations hope to eliminate overlapping functions and to reduce operating costs in the economic downturn.

While there are many details to address, the release said, the group designated to coordinate the merger will be working to have the new organization up and running by January 1, 2011.

“We believe that we will be able to serve the wider community more efficiently by joining together,” said Dave Batt, President of the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council.

The new organization will focus on the same range of issues as the two groups do today, but will emphasize the areas most relevant during a tough economy.

“Certainly, during the next year, we will concentrate on promoting the county and getting more visitors to our communities,” said Jennifer Hanigan, president of the Chamber. “We want to continue community development, keep the visitor’s center open, maintain the Chamber’s events, and market Wahkiakum County to other areas through an integrated website and other resources.”

In addition, the organization will continue efforts to assist the county’s existing businesses. As the economy improves, additional efforts will be made, including outreach to potential new businesses.