For the past month, Callaway County's three business-driven organizations have held discussions about re-forming as one entity.
Representatives from the Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce (FACC), Fulton Area Development Corporation (FADC) and Show Me Innovation Center (SMIC) are exploring ways in which they can work together. Matt Gowin, president of the FACC, said the idea for collaboration and combination of forces has been in the rumor mill for years, but it's been taken more seriously recently.
Though still in its infancy, the opportunity has gained support from Gowin, SMIC President Kim Barnes and FADC's President and CEO Bruce Hackman and Chairman Tom Howard.
"We want to see what can be created that's beneficial for all," Gowin said.
The groups will be researching their options in the coming months, investigating ways they together can stimulate the area's economic base and improve its marketing brand, a press release stated. A primary focus is also to give investors maximum returns.
"We always felt it would be something beneficial to all constituents if the organizations merged," Hackmann said.
Gowin said the formation of one organization will allow a better streamline of resources while pulling together the expertise of the individual entities. He added that the organizations are spending money on similar functions and they will gain efficiency as one.
"We're going to look at how we're doing and see how to make it more economically beneficial for us," he said.
Ideally, a new organization will be under one roof. Hackmann said operating in one setting will improve communication and will lessen the chance of anything "falling through the cracks."
He added that there can be gray area between the FADC and FACC in terms of retail development.
"This will make sure smaller retail development is covered," he said.
The process of forming a single organization will require some time, Hackmann said, as the FADC and FACC have long histories. The FADC was formed in 1991 and the FACC will celebrate 91 years of operation this March.
"It's not something you do overnight," Hackmann said.
This recent step between the FACC, FADC and SMIC is one in the local movement for economic development.
"I think the spark's caught on," Barnes said.
The functions of each group overlap, despite having primary goals that differ. Together, they will seek to attract and create new businesses and expand those that exist, Barnes said.
"The expectations of the individual entities will be magnified when we come together," she said.
Hackmann added that, at times, an organization's mission can go stale, but the change will give the FADC and FACC in conjunction with the SMIC the chance to start anew.
"Sometimes a fresh start is good for everyone," he said.
Gowin said all FACC positions will be maintained if the merger goes through, but job descriptions could change. The FACC has been without a director since November, and Gowin said there are no plans to fill the position as the FACC looks to join with the other two groups.
"We will continue to operate on current staffing and see how it pans out," he said.