LAPLACE — Chamber executives successfully met with Parish officials last week to get 2009 off to a great start. Chamber Executive Director Chassity McComack, Public Policy Chair and owner of Echo Ventures, Henry Friloux, and the new 2009 Chamber Chair Rhonda Hotard met with area Parish leaders to assure their support of economic development in the region. Parish officials meeting with the Chamber representatives included St. Charles Parish President VJ St. Pierre, St. John Parish President Bill Hubbard, St. James Parish President Dale Hymel, and representatives from the Port of South Louisiana, Executive Director Joel Chaisson and Director of Business Development Linda Prudhomme.

Along with the introduction of the new Chair, the discussions included an outline of the Chamber’s plan of work for 2009 as well as specific issues relevant to each parish and the port. “The Chamber is eager to deepen the partnership with the parishes we represent,” stated Chassity McComack, Chamber Executive Director. “We have an aggressive plan for development this year, and we want our Parish leaders to know we support them — especially in these trying economic times.”

Since the Chamber’s inception, meetings with Parish officials have been routine with each passing year.

They serve as an opportunity to communicate one-on-one with these officials regarding upcoming Chamber programs, upcoming legislative issues, and discuss how the Chamber can be more supportive of the parishes’ efforts as it relates to growth and retention of business.

Also, the River Region Chamber is calling for volunteers to serve on multiple committees. Professionals that are interested in volunteering should contact Chassity McComack at the Chamber at (985) 359-9777.

“Now is the time for our area business leaders to actively support the Chamber,” explained Rhonda Hotard, President/CEO of Louisiana Federal Credit Union and newly-appointed Chamber Chair. “We are asking for our area companies to contribute to the success of their Chamber by volunteering their time.”

The River Region Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to the interests of the business community of St James, St John and St Charles parishes.