The Monroe County Business Development Corporation and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce has had on and off-again discussions as to how the two organizations might work closer together for efficiencies and sustainability for years to come. These discussions centered mostly around shared office space, office equipment and even shared staffing.  Although these conversations took place, there was no action to move forward until the pandemic impacted the way we all did business.

Discussions resumed in late 2020 and a working group was assembled consisting of the Executive Committees of the BDC, Chamber and the Tourism Bureau’s Chairperson. Included in the working group were stakeholders in our community representing local businesses and the County of Monroe and its Commissioners. After many hours and long discussions, an action plan was developed to accomplish this new partnership.


During this same time, the Monroe County Convention and Tourism Bureau (Tourism) was going through their own rebuilding process. Holding their own strategic planning sessions and developing a model that would easily work with that of the new organization soon to be named the “Business Alliance” to further advance tourism as an economic driver in our community, while supporting the lodging, recreation, and hospitality business.

The Monroe County Business Alliance was formed and started their work as a new organization on January 1, 2023.