Mergers and Economic Development

News of the proposed merger between the Rochester Business Alliance and the Rump Group is not getting the best reviews from some members of a local networking group. Some members of a local networking organization, made up of professionals who use online and offline tools to trade information about the local job market, are expressing concerns. "No question the task is challenging! BUT... BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER! Sharp focus and positive execution of strategy is needed!" writes one member in an e-mail exchange. Another member is vowing to collect contact information and reach out to Rump Group members to express their doubts. The main thrust of their concerns is that the Rump Group, an ad-hoc group of 18-20 officials from business and academia, will lose their edge by joining with the larger RBA. Not everyone agrees, of course. "What's the fuss? Let them merge," one member writes.