In an Aug. 26 press release, Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) announced a pending partnership with Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (GLVCC). The board of directors informed of this potential new venture, stating, “As a result of our investigation and after serious deliberation, the WACC board unanimously decided to pursue a partnership with the GLVCC.”

A final approval by the board occurred Sept. 14.

GLVCC Board of Governors then met Sept. 26 and also approved the partnership between the two chambers.

On Sept. 19, several members of both chambers’ boards of directors and officers met with a Whitehall-Coplay Press reporter to discuss the potential partnership. In attendance were Elizabeth Martell, WACC president; Eric Eberhardt, WACC vice president; Mark Crossley, Esq., WACC secretary; Dan Quay, WACC treasurer; Dr. Stacey Jones, WACC board member at large; Bob Zentz, WACC past president; Tony Iannelli, GLVCC president; Jessica O’Donnell, GLVCC vice president of affiliated chambers and WACC liaison; and Marlyn Kissner, GLVCC executive vice president of the northern tier.

When asked if WACC would cease to exist, Martell said, “Absolutely not.”

She emphasized this is a partnership, not a merger.

“We didn’t partner with (Greater) Lehigh Valley Chamber (of Commerce) for that reason,” Eberhardt said. “We plan, and we will keep Whitehall (Area) Chamber (of Commerce) with our name behind it.”

Kissner said this partnership really comes down to support.

“I know for us as an organization, it means another great partnership that we’re able to support … so really being able to come in, support our local chamber but also to really share the great things that are happening in Whitehall with the rest of the chamber footprint that we have out there,” Kissner said.

O’Donnell confirmed this goal between GLVCC and WACC, mentioning Whitehall will be able to showcase what the township has to offer.

There are 223 members of WACC and more than 5,000 members of GLVCC.

Eberhardt admitted he was against the partnership at first. He was one of the last members on WACC’s board not in favor of the partnership. But over time, he realized the potential and benefit this partnership would have for WACC and its members.

“I can feel already it’s the right thing to do,” Eberhardt said.

“Some of our biggest opponents became our best volunteers,” Iannelli said, “because they care about their community. Their heart and soul was in their community.”

Quay said the conversation of a partnership with GLVCC has actually existed for a few years, and, this year, WACC recognized the chamber and its members “could be something so much more,” providing its members with greater opportunities.

“I think the timing was just right this year,” he said.

Martell said a three-year freeze for dues was negotiated for current members of WACC. For any new incoming members, O’Donnell said there are tiered membership levels, starting with a basic package and expanding up to a la carte for more advertising and marketing needs.

With this partnership comes the opportunity for WACC to apply for grants, such as Main Street Lehigh Valley Grant, a matching grant.

With more partnerships, Kissner said, comes a bigger voice: “One of our strong points is our public policy committee; we have committees in everything from transportation to health care to energy and environment, so all of our partners throughout the Lehigh Valley have a say, and they have a seat at the table.”

“It is about the members,” Martell said. “And it is about the community.”