After months of discussions and negotiation, two chambers of commerce are staying separate.
The Port Sydney/Utterson and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce have scrapped their plans to become one.
Board President for the Bracebridge Chamber Richard Borland says ultimately there were too many differences to overcome between the two organizations.
“We’re disappointed we couldn’t make it happen at this time,” admits Borland. “The day to day operations (are quite different).”
Borland keeps the door open to trying again in the future.
“We still plan to collaborate and work together when possible but right now it doesn’t make the best sense to continue on with the merger at this point,” says Borland.
A joint statement on the decision said that both chamber boards feel each community will be better served by working independently.
The original announcement for whether or not the two chambers would merge was scheduled in October and then moved to November, before today’s press release revealed the final decision.
My Muskoka Now News reached out to the President of the Port Sydney/Utterson and Area Chamber of Commerce but had not heard back in time for publication.