By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Members of the River Region Chamber of Commerce recently visited the nation’s capital in an effort to increase the region’s visibility with its Washington representation.

By all accounts, the effort was a roaring success.

“I thought it really went above and beyond the expectations we had,” said Chamber Executive Director Chassity McComack. “The people that were attending were totally blown away by the benefit.”

Keith L’Hoste of Cajun Comfort was one of those attendees.

“It’s so crucial that the business community convey to our legislators the direction we need to go in,” explained L’Hoste.

One of the ways they planned to do this was to ask the legislators to support some current legislation that could have a direct impact on the business climate in the River Parishes.

“I was hoping to get people to understand the importance of flood control and keeping the river open,” said Rene Ockman of IMTT.

He said if this is not done, businesses will have to move from the area.

“There are bills that need to be passed to make that happen,” he said.

Of course, constituents can voice their feelings about such bills through phone calls and emails, but according to Chamber Public Policy Committee Chairman Mike Palamone, there is nothing like stating one’s case in person.

“A common theme that came from the delegation was that it is important to present a unified front,” said Palamone.

There was no time for sightseeing at some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks for the delegation from the River Parishes as the 48 hours spent in Washington was filled with meetings with many of the legislators from Louisiana.

“We spent roughly 48 hours in Washington and had very little down time,” said L’Hoste.

“It was so productive it was unbelievable,” added Ockman.

The delegation was able to meet with both Sen. David Vitter and Sen. Mary Landrieu as well as House members Steve Scalise, Jeff Landry, Bill Cassidy, Rodney Alexander and Cedric Richmond.

They also met with the chief of staff for Charles Boustany.

“It flowed very well,” said Palamone. “It was a marathon of meetings in sprint fashion, and the whole group stayed together the whole day. Our message was brought, and our message was heard.”

According to Palamone, Billy Tauzin helped orchestrate the fly-in, and members of St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre’s administration also played a vital role in setting up the trip.

“St. Charles Parish can be proud they have a guy like this,” said Ockman.

McComack said she felt doing the fly-in put the Chamber in the role it was always meant to occupy.

“We are very much looking forward to continuing this annually,” she said.

She apparently will not have much trouble filling the airplane seats next year.

“I won’t miss another one,” said L’Hoste.

Added Ockman, “The time spent was so valuable, you couldn’t really put a price tag on it.”