Lubbock's Chamber of Commerce will merge with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

This was an idea both chambers have been toying with for years.

More than 60 percent of the Hispanic chamber's members voted to merge in December, and Tuesday morning the Lubbock Chamber's board of directors made it official with a unanimous vote.

Rudy Rosales, general manger of Montelongo's mexican restaurant says the merger is bittersweet.

His grandmother was one of the founding members of the Hispanic chamber.

Even still, he says this is a step in the right direction.

"I think she'd be proud of the job of the job were doing here, as long as the Hispanics are surviving, growing their business," said Rosales.

Not everyone was pleased with the merger.

Several of those opposed broke off to create the Lubbock Area Mexican American Chamber of Commerce."

Their kick-off celebration will be held Friday, May 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at Joel's Restaurante and Bar at 1901 West Loop 289.