By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

VACHERIE – The River Region Chamber of Commerce is known for championing causes that will help its members to be informed and ready for the modern business climate, but once a year it takes time out to celebrate its members and all they do for the region.

Last week, the Chamber did just this when it held its annual banquet at Oak Alley Plantation. Just like last year, the audience was a sea of business leaders and public officials, including the parish presidents from all three River Parishes as well as St. James Parish President-elect Timmy Roussel.

The organization was founded in 2004 and now boasts 243 members representing 43,000 employees across the River Parishes.

According to Executive Director Chassity McComack, the RRCC boasts an 83 percent retention rate, which puts it well above the national average.

“In the last three years, we’ve experienced a consistent 3 percent growth rate,” said McComack.

She noted that recently much of the Chamber’s growth has come from St. James Parish. St. John the Baptist Parish still has the largest percentage of members of any of the River Parishes with 43 percent.

“This is your chamber, and we are as successful as you allow us to be,” added McComack.

McComack’s opening speech was short, however, as the purpose of the banquet was to celebrate its member’s efforts as well as to install a new board of directors.

After a short swearing-in ceremony officiated by Judge Jude Gravois, Henry Friloux was once again installed as the Chamber chairman for 2012. Friloux presided over a successful 2011, which saw a number of fruitful events such as the crawfish boil and golf tournament as well as the inaugural Washington Fly-In. Friloux said he hoped the Chamber would be able to serve its members at least as well in 2012.

“You, our members, are our most important asset,” said Friloux. “Membership growth will only take place if we do the right things for our members.”

And with that, he and McComack set out to honor some of its members for the work they did during the last year.

The first awards given out recognized members for their work in the community. Community Leader awards were the first to be handed out, and this year there were three. Sheila Butler, Randy Mire and Tanyia Tregre all took home awards for their charitable work. This year’s Shining Star awards went to Kanoa Mire and Phyllis Madere.

Businesses were the next to be highlighted, with Gem Drugs winning small business of the year and IESI/ SWDI winning large business of the year.

Next, McComack and Friloux recognized those individuals who went the extra mile. John Harmon and Cherie Scioneaux won awards for their efforts with the crawfish boil and golf tournament, respectively. Mike Palamone and the entire Public Policy Committee were recognized as the outstanding committee for 2011 thanks in part to its role in organizing the Washington Fly-In, and John Harmon was named board member of the year.

This year’s Board of Directors includes Paul Aucoin, Mac Bordelon, Kerry Bourgeois, Sheila Butler, Chesley Cashio, Richard Drexel, Ray Dussold, Tommy Faucheux, Penny Freeman, Henry Friloux, Barry Griffin, John Harmon, John Little, Brent Madere, Randy Mire, Randy Noel, Mike Palamone, Raj Pannu, Ralph Phillip, Doug Rhodes, Nolan Schexnayder, Nathan Stein, Tanyia Tregre and Annette Wray.