Recently the Livonia and Westland chambers of commerce merged in a strategic alignment that gives the business community from two of Michigan’s largest cities more opportunities and a bigger voice.

The Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce launched officially in late October, when programming, operations, board, and staffing all came under one organization that now represents more than 1,200 members. The partnership was announced Wednesday, October 11 at a networking event involving both communities in Westland.

Dan West, president and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce since 2006, holds the same title in the newly aligned organization, which is governed by a 29-member board of directors with representatives from both communities. The initial four-person chamber staff have a combined nearly 50 years of industry experience.

“This is a great opportunity for all our members to expand their network and have access to new programming,” West said. “With the business community working together in both cities, we will be able to provide more of a voice to their issues, particularly in the area of workforce and talent development.”

The new Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves the collective business community of these neighboring cities that are among Michigan’s 10 largest cities. Together, Livonia and Westland comprise 180,000 residents, 6,800 business addresses, three school districts and two community college districts.

“This will give members in our community more programming, which aligns with the feedback we received during a recent survey of our members,” said Danielle Strachan, board chairperson of the Westland Chamber of Commerce. “Livonia’s experienced staff and resources will be connected to the untapped potential of the Westland business community.”

The cities are both served by Livonia Public Schools and several health and social service agencies. By leveraging resources from both cities, the Livonia-Westland Chamber is now able to produce more networking events, advocacy and programs to support local businesses and organizations.

“The communities have partnered in other areas, so it makes sense for the chambers to come together,” said Van Nguyen, board chairperson for the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. “We will maintain the grassroots service for business of all sizes while giving our membership more influence, with five state representatives and two state senators representing our expanded service area.”

The Livonia Chamber of Commerce was established in 1950 and the Westland Chamber of Commerce was established in 1962. The new organization remains an independently governed nonprofit trade organization.