GREELEY - The Greeley/Weld Small Business Development Center is merging with the Fort Morgan SBDC, a move that will extend the SBDC's reach into 12 counties in northeastern Colorado.

The merged organization will now be known as the Northeast-East Central Colorado Small Business Development Center.

"We are excited to take on the challenge of continuing the great service provided by the Fort Morgan SBDC for Northeast-East Central Colorado," said Richard Pickett, Greeley/Weld SBDC director. "It is our intention to become even more active in outlying cities and towns in the region."

Pickett will become executive director of the merged SBDC and the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado will remain host of the new center. Morgan Community College, former host organization for the Fort Morgan SBDC, will continue its involvement as a program sponsor.

The new SBDC will host an After Hours Open House at the Bloedorn Center in Fort Morgan on Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. to announce the merger. For more information, call 970-352-3661 or 970-867-2303.