This time of year is membership renewal season for the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and the Butler County Community Development Corporation (CDC).

This year, renewal efforts will be shared between the organizations, so members who previously belonged to one will now belong to both, according to a news release from the CDC. The boards of directors of both organizations passed motions approving the decision.

Jordan Grady, executive director of the chamber, said joint membership will allow both organizations to do what they each do best for members. He also said it will add benefits for members that will strengthen the sense of community for members and increase their credibility and exposure.

The CDC’s executive director, Joe Saeler, said that because the two entities have such similar missions and visions, combined membership will be a big step in propelling Butler County forward.

The CDC proactively creates an environment for private industry to create and retain jobs through coordination of the county’s leaders, according to its website.

The chamber is the county’s largest business association that has an aim of enhancing the economic prosperity of its members and promoting free enterprise and growth in the county, according to the news release.

Current members of the CDC and the chamber can expect to receive additional communication about the joint membership decision with their annual renewal packets.

The CDC and chamber remain independent organizations. The merger is meant to foster further collaboration between them.