MERRIMACK – The recently formed Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off its new partnership with a reception Tuesday night at the Biergarten at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack.

As more and more brick and mortar companies compete with the Amazons of the world, business models across the region are changing, and so too are the way organizations advocate for them.

Wendy Hunt, chamber president and CEO, said the two chambers shared a similar approach in their efforts to promote and enhance the economic business climate in the collective regions.

“This association will really provide our members access to additional resources, with continued emphasis on the things important to our local companies, like business advocacy and economic strength,” she said. “This arrangement is a win-win situation for both partners.”

The crowd and energy that filled the biergarten was an obvious indication that the roles of the chamber members, as well as the chamber itself, would benefit from growing support and the strength of growing numbers.

Since the merger in February, staff members and directors have worked closely together to transition into a regional chamber, focusing on workforce development, business advocacy and tourism in the area.

Many familiar faces from both chambers enjoyed common interests in conversation over bratwursts and beer.

Attendees share the same goal and belief that the consolidation will shape the future of economic development and job growth in the county through a unified vision and coordinated efforts that will give companies and site selectors considering a relocation or expansion a clear path and a single point of contact, chamber officials said.

The other advantage to a chamber mixer is just that: providing an opportunity for chamber members of surrounding communities to get together and network.

Telegraph and Cabinet Publisher and General Manager Heather Goodwin Henline said she believes the combined group will continue to generate enthusiasm and support.

“The merger makes one powerhouse organization that will have a significant impact on the business climate throughout Southern New Hampshire,” Goodwin Henline said. “We are very excited to be a part of that and combine forces with the chamber to help move local businesses forward and into the future.”

“The chamber has an amazing group of hard-working people that is sure to make a difference in Greater Merrimack and the Souhegan Valley,” Goodwin Henline added. “Local businesses and citizens truly are in good hands.”