BERLIN, N.H. (AP) – A North Country chamber of commerce that serves seven New Hampshire communities may be forced to close its doors because of declining membership.

The Northern White Mountains Chamber of Commerce is open in Berlin, but officials say it might not be open much longer. There’s a potential membership of 450 businesses. But in the last couple of years, membership has dropped from 200 to 96.

Chamber officials said the recent mill closings in Berlin and Groveton have had a chilling effect on other businesses, forcing many to cut back on extras, such as the fee to become a chamber member.

“I know it’s scary. I know people are cutting costs,” chamber Executive Director Sharon Penney said. “But this is not cost-effective to cut, let’s say an average of $300 out of your budget, so you’ll have no one at the forefront working on your behalf.”

If the chamber doesn’t receive help, officials say that it may be forced to close by the end of the summer.