As Niagara Regional politicians tackle the question of governance, should the area's nine Chambers of Commerce lead the charge and merge to represent the region has one?

That was the subject of a debate this morning on 610 CKTB's roundtable discussion on the Tim Denis show. 

Carolyn Bones with the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce says they decided a year ago against merging and would only consider it if all of the other local chambers did as well.

"Who better to know the businesses within the community than the local chamber of commerce?"

Walter Sendzik, who heads up the Greater Niagara Chamber believes the current system of separate groups is dysfunctional and it's hurting the region's economy.

"I don't think any one can argue that it's not hurting our economy," says Sendzik. "We have high unemployment; we have a lack of vision; we have disunity among communities."

Sendizik argues it's becoming increasingly difficult for business to find opportunities and a merged chamber would help overcome those obstacles. Bones counters bigger isn't always better but adds it doesn't mean they can't all work together for a strong region.

To listen to the full debate, click here