Blair, Tyrone chambers continue merger talks

Local business groups discuss joining forces

TYRONE -- Local control of events, promotion of northern Blair businesses and more were discussed Wednesday morning as plans for a possible merger between the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce and Altoona-Blair County Development Corp. move forward.

During the Tyrone chamber's Breakfast Club meeting, the tables were filled at the Bull Pen Restaurant as questions were raised about the possible merger and how Tyrone businesses could maintain their identity.

Jeff Long, owner of Jeff S. Long Construction and member of both Blair County and Tyrone chambers, said with Blair chamber and ABCD Corp. planning to merge, now was a good opportunity for Tyrone to join in the talks, too.

"We are sinking -- people are not involved, and the attendance at events we host are low -- I think it is a good idea to have a discussion about the possibilities," he said.

Director Rose Black does a lot for the Tyrone chamber, but Long wondered what will happen to the chamber when she decides to retire.

He also noted that there are some Tyrone businesses that are members of the Blair chamber, but not Tyrone's.

Some of the benefits of Blair and Tyrone's chambers working together include larger networking opportunities and promotion for businesses and events, said Blair Chamber President/CEO Joe Hurd and ABCD Corp. President/CEO Steve McKnight.

Hurd said the Blair chamber has about 1,000 members from all over the county and looks forward to having more from Tyrone involved.

McKnight said ABCD Corp. already has a longstanding relationship with the Tyrone chamber and some businesses in the area and wants to amplify that.

A merger would open some good channels of communication, he said.

"We are looking for a way to solidify our connection with northern Blair," McKnight said.

The goal of a merger would be to improve economic development and give more opportunities from small to larger businesses in the Tyrone area, Hurd and McKnight said.

The overall idea of a merger seems to be drawing positive feedback, McKnight said.

One of the main concerns voiced by Tyrone business leaders was representation and autonomy.

McKnight said the Blair chamber and ABCD Corp. understand that all areas of Blair County have their own unique identities and they don't want to take away from that.

"We understand that Tyrone wants to make sure things that are in their best interest are preserved," Hurd said.

Tyrone groups would continue to be in charge of events in the town, with Blair chamber and ABCD Corp. assisting for cross-promotion.

One question was raised: Can the merger be reversed if either party is unhappy?

Hurd said there would be a free membership period where Tyrone could see what the Blair chamber has to offer before the merger is complete.

If Tyrone decides a merger isn't the right move, it can simply walk away, he said.

More discussions will be held, and McKnight said he is looking forward to working with Tyrone business leaders.

Mirror Staff writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.