Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation, (Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — In a strategic move aimed at enhancing community collaboration and driving economic growth, the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC) and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that they are uniting under one roof.
While each organization will continue to operate as a separate entity, this co-location is designed to create a deeper partnership and streamline efforts to support local businesses and economic development initiatives.
Under the new structure, both the GIAEDC and the chamber will share a common leader who will serve as the president for both organizations. This leadership alignment is intended to foster closer collaboration, reduce redundancies, and leverage the strengths of each organization to better serve the community and its businesses.
“This is an exciting step forward for both the GIAEDC and the chamber,” said Mary Berlie, newly appointed president of both organizations.
“By bringing our teams together under one roof, we can more effectively align our efforts, share resources, and create a unified strategy to support economic development, business growth, and community engagement in Grand Island.”
The decision to co-locate and share leadership comes after careful consideration and planning by the boards of both organizations. The GIAEDC and chamber will continue to maintain their distinct missions and services, ensuring that their unique roles in the community are preserved while enhancing their ability to work together on shared goals.
Benefits to the Community
The new arrangement is expected to deliver several benefits to the community, including:
- Enhanced Collaboration: The shared leadership and proximity of the two organizations will allow for more seamless collaboration on growing and maintaining businesses in Grand Island and creating positive initiatives that benefit local businesses and the broader community.
- Streamlined Services: Businesses and community members will have a single point of contact for economic development and business support services, making it easier to access the resources they need to thrive.
- Stronger Advocacy: The unified leadership will provide a stronger voice in advocating for public policies and initiatives that support economic growth and business development in Grand Island.
Looking Ahead
As the GIAEDC and Chamber of Commerce move into their shared space temporarily hosted at the GIAEDC’s current location: 123 N Locust St. Suite 201B, they are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for their members and the community. Both organizations will continue to operate their respective programs and services without interruption, while also exploring new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
“Our goal is to build a stronger, more resilient community by working together,” said Mary Berlie. “We believe that by uniting our efforts, we can create a brighter future for businesses and residents alike.”
This is an exciting opportunity for Grand Island to continue a route of growth and continuity. The GIAEDC and chamber staff and board are excited about this new partnership. For more information about the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, visit www.grandisland.org or www.gichamber.com.
About Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
The Grand Island Chamber, in partnership with over 700 members, creates a formidable alliance when dealing with issues on the local, regional and statewide level. Issues that affect how we do business—how we participate in a global economy—and how we plan for the future. By becoming a partner with the Grand Island Chamber, the business community can speak with one voice on each level to ensure continued prosperity. For more information, please visit gichamber.com.
About Grand Island Economic Development
The Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC) is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity in Grand Island. By attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, we aim to enhance the economic vitality of the region. Our efforts focus on workforce development, business retention, community improvement, and strategic partnerships to create a prosperous future for all residents. For more information, call 308-381-7500 or go to grandisland.org.
