David Keith and Jim Combs announce chamber consolidation

Feb. 8. By TL Bernthal. The Huntersville Connection, formerly known as the Huntersville Chamber of Commerce,  and the Cornelius-based Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce have consolidated.

The move was under consideration and negotiation by the two boards  since December 2021.

Jim Combs, the 2022 president of the Huntersville group and now a member of the Lake Norman Chamber board, said it is in the best interest of businesses in Huntersville to come together and not duplicate expenses and services.

The Huntersville Connections will continue as part of the Lake Norman Chamber. The LKN chamber will reach out to members and former members of the Huntersville Connection to join the chamber, which has about 800 members.

David Keith, last year’s board chairman for the Lake Norman Chamber, said the chamber can help promote Huntersville Connection like it does the Young Professionals or Women Networking groups. The LKN chamber also has a leadership program now available to Huntersville Connections.

The change was made quietly last year, and announced to the Huntersville town board on Monday. Four Huntersville Connection board members, including Combs, joined the LKN chamber board.

The Lake Norman Chamber serves Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville. The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce also serves Mooresville.

Background

The late Jill Swain, a former Huntersville mayor and commissioner, was the driving force behind  Huntersville Connection, which was commonly known as the town’s chamber of commerce.

Huntersville Connection was launched to enable Huntersville business owners and those businesses that focus on the Huntersville area to have a resource for growth and discussion and advocacy.