In September 1997, Greater Louisville Inc. was formed through the merger of the Greater Louisville Economic Development Partnership and the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The merger was a priority for the community as a means to increase Louisville's chances of becoming an economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Business leaders believed that a single economic development group could better provide a unified approach to and common vision for building the local economy. (See Visioning Report)

In early 1998, GLI also assumed some of the economic development activities that had been carried out by the city and county - specifically the Louisville/ Jefferson County Office for Economic Development's outreach program, business retention and expansion responsibilities.