Illawarra Business Chamber members have approved the merger of the region's peak business body with the NSW Business Chamber.
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Members voted unanimously in favour of the merger that will result in the creation of a new influential regional business think tank and advocacy group called Illawarra First.
Illawarra Business Chamber will remain in name and chief executive Debra Murphy said the backing of members showed the strong commitment of local businesses to the future of the chamber in the region.
She said it would also help build a shared vision between IBC and NSWBC.
"A vision that will better drive economic development, grow businesses and deliver more jobs in the region," Ms Murphy said.
Work to put it into action would start immediately, as would the creation of an even more united chamber movement at a local, regional, state and national level.
NSWBC chief executive Stephen Cartwright said it meant more strength in numbers, which would build an even stronger voice for business.
He said $1 million was being quarantined for strategic projects seen as critical priorities.
"In the next few months Illawarra First will begin the task of transforming the regional economy and shaping the political debate to create jobs and long-term business growth, and to strategically put Illawarra first," Mr Cartwright said.
