The Crossroads Chamber of Commerce added to its membership and geographic reach last month when the Winfield/LOFS Chamber of Commerce merged with the Merrillville-based chamber. Winfield Chamber joins crossroads when the process to merge the chambers began in the spring when the boards of directors of the two chambers voted to pursue it.

The merger would expand Crossroads' membership to more than 700 and extend its territory east and south. Chamber members marked the occasion with a celebration Wednesday at the Lakes of the Four Seasons Clubhouse.

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce came into being in January 2010 through a merger of the Merrillville and Greater Crown Point chambers of commerce.

The Merrillville Chamber of Commerce was established in 1954 and grew along with that community to include large retail, hospitality and restaurant sectors that offered a large and diverse membership base.

The Greater Crown Point Chamber was established in 1950 and came to represent a variety of local businesses and professionals, and to manage and host a variety of community festivals and activities focused in and around the downtown square, anchored by the old courthouse.

The Winfield/LOFS Chamber of Commerce was founded as the Lakes of the Four Seasons Chamber of Commerce in 1991, two years before Winfield incorporated as a town, and has grown along with the town.