Chamber merger vote set for Dec.

The Corpus Christi and Hispanic chambers of commerce may soon merge into one. Members of both chambers will vote next month on a proposed merger, after a forum to discuss the idea Dec. 1. Members of both groups in good standing as of Nov. 1 will be allowed to vote from Dec. 4-11. Results will be released by Dec. 15.
An idea that has been discussed for years, the merger would expand networking opportunities and avoid duplication, say supporters. Opponents are concerned about the loss of cultural identity. The Hispanic Chamber, which was founded in 1938, has about 400 members, while the Corpus Christi Chamber, founded in 1905, has about 1,000. 
The mission of the Hispanic chamber sites a focus on small and minority owned businesses, “while increasing awareness of the Hispanic heritage.” 
Both chambers have been in the news lately. CC Chamber President Foster Edwards turned in his resignation six months ago, but has agreed to stay beyond Oct. 31, which was to be his last day, until a replacement is found. Meanwhile, Hispanic Chamber CEO Teresa Rodriguez Bartlett was hired away by the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau to serve as Chief Public Affairs and Business Development Officer as of January 2016. 
Smack dab in the middle of the merger voting period, the Hispanic Chamber will celebrate 77 years of advocacy with its Legacy Award Luncheon, honoring special guest, Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 at the Ortize International Center. It is a major fund raiser for the chamber, which will present awards to the Corporation of the Year and Small Business of the Year. 
The bigger chamber will be holding its own awards luncheon just before the voting begins. Featuring guest speaker Reid Ryan, president of business operations for the Houston Astros, the luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Onmi Hotel. Awards will be given out at this luncheon as well. 
In other news, the Hispanic chamber moved into a new home this year, which was recently given a facelift. The building, which is just up the street from the Corpus Christi Chamber’s Heritage Park building, is the former home of the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau's Visitor Information Center. 
Details for how the votes will be taken and tabulated are currently being worked out, said a spokesperson at the Hispanic Chamber.