SENECA - Seneca’s Chamber of Commerce will change it’s name today.

The question is whether or not that name will reflect the nature of its membership.

Executive Director Patrick Lee confirmed Thursday that the Seneca Chamber Board of Directors unanimously voted to change its name to the Greater Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, a move he said was prompted by suggestions by both the Oconee County By Choice vision plan and the economic summit in the spring of 2007 that saw Westminster, Walhalla and Seneca’s chambers meet to discuss the future of economic development in the county.

“We want to develop a comprehensive approach as far as promoting the county’s economic development, tourism and existing businesses,” Lee said. “We want to support the wishes of our members and businesses by streamlining our resources on a countywide basis.”

Lee said both Oconee County By Choice and the summit yielded the same suggestion that a countywide effort be put forth to promote economic development. The decision to join the countywide chamber will be up to Westminster’s and Walhalla’s chambers, Lee said.

The problem, Walhalla Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Buddin Jr said, is neither Westminster nor Walhalla’s chambers were privy to Seneca’s idea.

“No, we’re not planning on doing that (joining),” Buddin said. “I haven’t told the board yet, but personally, I’m disappointed they would take this action without consulting with us or notifying our chamber of their intention to do it. It’s not something we’ve condoned or anticipated or something that we authorized. They’ve done this on their own, without anyone else’s approval.”

Buddin stated he had already told Lee of his feelings on the Seneca chamber’s move. He also said that while he had not yet spoken with Westminster Chamber Director Sandra Powell, he was certain through previous conversations that Westminster’s chamber would not participate either. Powell could not be reached for comment.

Buddin, who also serves as the chief executive officer of the Blue Ridge Bank of Walhalla, said the individual businesses within the cities in Oconee County very well may better serve the businesses in their respective areas. He also noted membership fees for the Seneca Chamber would most assuredly be more costly.

“This was aggressive action by the Seneca Chamber,” Buddin said. “They knew we were apprehensive about this. Rather than taking a diplomatic approach, and coming to us personally, and trying to convince us, they’ve decided to simply make up their minds and tell us that this is the new county chamber. I’m not sure the way they’re going about this is the best thing for Oconee County.”

Lee said the existing board will be expanded to include representatives for Fairplay, Walhalla, Westminster and Salem. He emphasized the need for the counties and cities to work together in a time of economic difficulty. Buddin however, took umbrage to Seneca’s measure, saying the Seneca Chamber was trying to make itself “the golden crown and leaders” of the county’s development.

“The Walhalla Chamber, I’ll tell you now, is not going anywhere,” he said. “Let’s not forget, Walhalla, not Seneca, is the county seat. If there’s going to be an Oconee County chamber, it’ll be here, not Seneca.”