LAPLACE — Blaise Gravois has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the River Region Chamber of Commerce. The &#8220passing of the gavel” took place on Jan. 27 before a capacity crowd at the Chamber’s first membership banquet held at San Francisco Plantation.

Gravois, a native of Vacherie is a life long resident of St. James Parish. He and his wife Pat have three children, Aimee, BJ and Maci and one granddaughter, Mary Kathryn.

He is the owner of Gravois Construction, LLC that specializes in commercial and residential construction throughout the River Region, as well as in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

Blaise has always been an active member and in leadership positions in both civic and religious organizations. In addition to serving as Chairman of the River Region

Chamber, he presently serves on the St. James Parish Economic Development Board and on the St. James Community Advisory Panel

In his address to the membership, Gravois expressed the honor, privilege and excitement he feels to serve as the 2006 Chairman. He went on to state, &#8220In any organization, the members who become involved and make things happen are the ones who get maximum value It is my goal, to have all members of the River Region Chamber derive maximum benefit for their business through their membership.”

Gravois also took pride in acknowledging the 2006 Officers and Executive Committee, Past Chairman-Conley Dutreix, Chair-Elect – Chesley Cashio, Vice Chair – Rhonda Hotard, Treasurer – Nolan Schexnayder and the Chamber’s Executive Director – Chassity McComack.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Gravois encouraged all in attendance to take advantage of the educational, informational and networking opportunities available to them though the Chamber. He also asked that they continue to ‘spread the word’ to their colleagues on the positive impact this Chamber is having on the business community and on the region as a whole.

He stated, &#8220I encourage all business and industry to join and to support ourefforts to provide the leadership that advocates a pro-business environment throughout the River Region–come grow with us.”