The Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance have merged to form the Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise, or AV EDGE. The two groups noticed a duplication of efforts in attracting and retaining businesses to the Antelope Valley and agreed that a combined organization would create a stronger entity. The economic development and growth enterprise, known as AV EDGE, will become effective on July 1. “The blending of the two legacy organizations, in collaboration with our local public institutions, will create a formidable partnership for the attraction and retention of business throughout the High Desert,” Board of Trade Board President Bret Banks said in a statement. The official announcement and unveiling of the new AV EDGE logo took place Friday at the end of the board of trade’s 48th annual Business Outlook Conference. Economic Alliance Board President Veronica Knudson said that combining the work and reputation of the group with the board of trade brings strength to what is offered the community for attracting new business to the Antelope Valley. “We are looking forward to AV EDGE supporting the cities’ efforts to grow business and to advocate for the Antelope Valley far into the future,” Knudson said in a statement. The Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance was formed in 1999 to become a leading force in the attraction and retention of business. The board of trade has served north Los Angeles County region since 1957 with the goal to maintain and promote diverse business and industry, quality infrastructure and a legislative voice for its members.