FOLEy, Ala. — An “exploratory” committee has been formed to determine if there is interest in seeing the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce merge.

Responding to a question this week regarding rumor of a possible merger, LaDonna Hinesley, communications director for the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in Foley, said a committee formed to look into the possibility of a merger has been created from the two chambers’ boards of directors.

“On a staff level, none of us are involved in any of these meetings,” she said, noting that two meetings have been held to date by the exploratory committee.

Jerry Jackson, chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Board, was out of town and unavailable for comment this week.

Sean Chappell, chairman of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, failed to return phone calls in connection with the potential merger.

“I’ve heard it mentioned from time to time that there are a lot of businesses that belong to both chambers,” Hinesley said, presumably a reference to dual memberships. She noted those businesses speaking with “one voice” might conceivably be able to do and accomplish even more.

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1944 with 212 members. SBCC’s 2009 Area Guide lists approximately 200 categories for membership with a total membership of over 800 businesses and individuals.

The Gulf Shores Tourist Association was formed in 1966, according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Web site.

Following Hurricane Frederic in 1979, the Tourist Association decided a new focus was needed and the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce came into being in June 1981. The chamber today serves the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan areas and has approximately 1,000 members.