By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The River Region Chamber of Commerce held a special event recently to encourage local businesses and elected officials in St. John the Baptist Parish to build meaningful relationships.

Chamber members gathered at Petra’s Restaurant on Airline Highway that evening to enjoy some quality, one-on-one time with the officials and enjoyed light refreshments and drinks during the first Business Meets Government event. Members of the Parish Council, Sheriff’s Department officials, School Board members and District Attorney’s Office employees were invited to attend.

2013 Chamber Chairman and CEO of Urban Systems Associates Mike Palamone said the idea for the event evolved over the course of several Chamber meetings. All chamber members were invited.

“We’ve heard from our members about connecting business with government, and we decided to have an informal event where we bring our elected officials into the room with our local businesses here and just give them a chance to talk and mingle and get to know (each other),” said Palmone.

“You know, access is sometimes a little more difficult for the small business individual. As a Chamber, we’re trying to provide that to our members, to gain access,” he said. “It’s a good thing for members, and good for elected officials to know what businesses in their community are interested.”