BEATRICE, Neb.— Three local Beatrice business organizations with similar missions are planning to merge into one.

NGage, Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce and Gage County Tourism, and Main Street Beatrice are joining forces, according to a joint news release.

NGage provides businesses the opportunity to expand in or into Nebraska. Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce and Gage County Tourism is focused on business, leadership and marketing development in Beatrice. Main Street Beatrice aims to preserve historic sites in the city while expanding the community.

The goal of the partnership is to streamline communications, create one voice and increase efficiency for the city, according to a member of the board.

"By aligning efforts, the new structure will: reduce duplication across organizations, strengthen shared resources, and offer a clearer, stronger voice for all of Gage County," the release said.

The decision comes as NGage executive director Rachel Kreikemeier leaves her position. With knowledge that a transition was coming, organization leaders say they had months of strategic discussions that led to the decision to merge.

There is no word on when the transition will be finalized, but the board said it will release more information in the coming months.