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Chamber and IMC Members Approve Merger

December 16, 2002 -- Members of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce and The IMC, both members of the Greater Rochester Diversity Council, approved the consolidation of the two business organizations at the joint membership meeting held December 16, 2002, at the George Eastman House. This comes after the unanimous approval by both Boards of Directors for the merger plan.

The new combined organization will be called the Rochester Business Alliance, Inc., and will begin operating, as such, effective January 1, 2003.

"The Alliance will serve as the leading advocate for business in our region," according to Douglas Brush, chair of the IMC Board and CEO of Sentry Group. Eric Steenburgh, Chamber Board chair and chairman and CEO of Torvec, Inc., added, "The consolidated organization will help to promote a positive business climate for Greater Rochester."

The Rochester Business Alliance will consist of 4,500 total members, who represent 170,000 employees.

Thomas T. Mooney, CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance and currently president of the Chamber, emphasizes that, "businesses in Greater Rochester now have a unified voice." He adds, "in addition to stronger advocacy on public policy issues, the Alliance will also focus on strategic economic development initiatives to enhance the growth and vitality of the Greater Rochester economy."

Sandra A. Parker, president and COO of the Alliance and currently president of The IMC, indicates that, "the consolidation of the Chamber and The IMC is a good model for other community organizations and groups, desiring to be more effective and to have a greater impact on the economic climate and quality of life here." Parker adds, "Our members will receive comprehensive business services with a sharp focus on human resource solutions and cutting edge management approaches."

Under the consolidated organization, James S. Gleason, chairman and CEO of Gleason Corporation, will serve as the initial chair of the Rochester Business Alliance Board of Directors. The Hutchison House, currently housing IMC administrative operations, will become the headquarters of the new organization. The IMC was founded in 1916. The Rochester Chamber of Commerce was established in 1887.