SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Two economic champions in the Greater Syracuse region have announced they are joining forces. The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and Metropolitan Development Agency are coming together to form one new organization.

The MDA and the Chamber have more than 2,000 members.

A study found that as a combined organization, they would be able to deliver better services to the area and work more effectively.

"We have found ourselves working more closely together, especially on transformational projects, important initiatives and so, as time has gone on, we have come closer in terms of vision and have really been working really as virtually the same economic entity," said Chamber President Darlene Kerr.

When the integration process is complete, Kerr will retire as Chamber president, but will serve on the board of directors of the newly-formed organization. President and CEO of the MDA, Robert Simpson, will serve in the same role for the new agency.

Both boards will vote on the proposal in the coming weeks.