HENDERSON, KY (Mar. 31, 2021) – The Henderson Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Henderson Partnership (DHP) have completed their official merger this morning, just ahead of the April 1 deadline.
Following a three-month examination by a merger committee made up of members from each organization, both Boards voted to confirm the terms of the merger this week, with their respective Chairs signing off on the deal today. “It’s been a process that took a community effort, and it’s a blessing that we’ve been able to bring two organizations together for the greater good and the greater benefit of Henderson, Henderson County, and our downtown businesses,” said Doug Lawson, chairman of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
Also, this week, the Chamber welcomed a new full-time staff member, Clay Gillham, as Events and Communications Coordinator. Clay will assist in event planning, marketing and communications in support of the newly-merged organizations.
With this reorganization, the DHP will become a division of the Chamber alongside its existing pillars of Workforce/Education, Agriculture, Government Affairs and Membership. Some members of the past Downtown Henderson Partnership Board of Directors will join the Chamber’s newly-formed Downtown Committee, and others will take seats on the Board of Directors to ensure continued synergy of the two organizations’ efforts. “The DHP board is thrilled to return to its original home as a division of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce,” said Sean Wilder, Downtown Committee chairman, “the agreement signed today is indicative of the climate of collaboration and a “better together” attitude that permeates Henderson’s civic organizations and government. Downtown Henderson has enjoyed tremendous growth in recent years and this move will provide DHP with the resources to continue to fuel that momentum and take it to the next level.”
Businesses that were previously members of either organization will now enjoy one streamlined membership with the full myriad of benefits from both, presenting a greater value for them, and a stronger single organization for the community. This move brings the DHP and its mission full circle, as it actually began as the Downtown Henderson Project, an arm of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce.
“This has been a very exciting week for the Chamber of Commerce and the community. We look forward to more collaborative efforts this year with other organizations and ways we can continue to support and provide resources to the business community in Henderson County,” says Lindsay Locasto, president of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce.
The Henderson Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit corporation incorporated locally in 1950. Today the organization works to strengthen the local economy, advocate for its members and the community, advance community excellence, and deliver value to its members.
Contact:
Clay Gillham
Events & Communications Coordinator
clay@hendersonkychamber.com
270.826.7505
