As I stated in previous messages, 2017 is OUR year for Collaboration and Relevance!

This first quarter of 2017 has been fast paced with lots of energy and commitment from our committee and Board members — here is what we have been working on.

2016 ended with a productive Workforce Development Solutions Summit and as promised, this Chamber is committed to the next steps to collaborate with other organizations to fill those workforce gaps. We are proud to announce our new Workforce Development Committee Chair — Mr. Mike Palamone with Urban Systems, Inc. as he is leading the initiatives for 2017.

The first item on the agenda is to work with parish leaders in workforce development to streamline current programs and share resources.

The Public Policy committee will be dialoguing with our local delegates on March 27 on topics of Tax Reform, New Tax propositions, Transportation Improvements and potential increase in gas tax.

Sincere thanks to Marathon for hosting this effort for RRCC.

If there are any other items you’d like us to include in our conversation, please send them to chassity@riverregionchamber.org or contact the Chamber at 985-359-9777.

In addition to the above, we are continuing to monitor and participate with local legislators and regional partners on the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Protection) as it is a hot topic this year once again.

Many of us understand this need in all three River Region parishes, since we have experienced firsthand the destruction and devastation it can cause. We need the support of our federal government to ensure fair floodplain regulations and an insurance program that is affordable and focused to best reduce the socio-economic impact of impending disasters.

On a lighter side, our Crawfish Boil Committee has great plans for the annual event — April 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Fun, food and prizes galore are planned!

If you want to get your tickets, call our office at 985-359-3777. We are also accepting Silent Auction items (starting minimum value of $50). Don’t miss out on the biggest networking event of the year.

I also want to take this opportunity to give a huge shout out to our Chamber Ambassadors This group of professionals represents some of the most committed, pro-business people I know.

Below is our talented list of Ambassadors. Please congratulate them on a job well done and maybe even offer them a cup of coffee!

If you don’t know how to recognize them, be on the lookout for their River Region Chamber Name Tags.

Chamber Ambassadors:

Michele Millet, Eagan Insurance Agency

Kent Lomax – Rainbow Chevrolet

Gloria Trahan – First National Bank USA

Angela Golden – CASA

Laurie Thomassee – Lofton Staffing

Ryan Leblanc – Leblanc Wealth Management

Wayne Vicknair – AMP

Carin Fernandez – SCLTC Reserve Campus

Kim Bourgeois – Louisiana Federal Credit Union