Chamber gearing up for third D.C. fly-in

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 17, 2013

By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The River Region Chamber of Commerce encourages small business leaders and local government officials from across the River Parishes to join them in Washington, D.C., for meetings with Louisiana’s congressional delegation in October.
The agenda has not yet been set for the third annual Washington, D.C., fly-in, but Executive Director Chassity McComack said the participants will definitely discuss issues that are pertinent to the River Parishes, such as Hurricane Isaac recovery, the National Flood Insurance Protection Act, hurricane protection and the Biggert-Waters Act. McComack said the organization is currently working with an individual consultant to schedule meetings with the delegation.
“It’s important to talk to delegates, but it’s also important to show personal appearances. It shows the true presence and importance of regional issues that affect our business climate and quality of life as whole,” said McComack.
Attendees of this year’s fly-in will stay at the Mandarin Hotel and have the opportunity to participate in briefings from representatives of the U.S. Chamber, congressional briefings at the Capitol and a cocktail reception sponsored by TBA.
The fly-in will run from Tuesday, Oct. 1, through Thursday, Oct. 3.
The cost for the trip is $1,465 per passenger, a fee that includes hotel stay, transportation, lunch the day of arrival and breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday.
The deadline to register is July 31. Participants in last year’s event met with Sens. David Vitter and Mary Landrieu, as well as house members Cedric Richmond, Steve Scalise, Rodney Alexander, Bill Cassidy and Jeff Landry.
The tentative list of attendees includes: St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom, St. John Councilman Michael Wright, Kieran Weldon of Fauntleroy Latham Weldon Barre architecture firm, Henry Friloux of Echo Ventures, Tommy Faucheux of Dow Chemical and Taryn Rogers of Valero’s St. Charles Parish refinery
Michael Palamone, chairman of the River Regions Chamber of Commerce, said he expects this year’s event to be characterized by “marathon meetings” but thinks it will be a good step toward building a working relationship with government.
“I have participated in those with other chambers, and we always found it very effective. Also, in the past we’ve received great feedback, both from the local elected officials and especially our congressional delegation. Having the local elected leadership standing hand in hand with the business community is a very strong message,” said Palamone.
McComack said spots are filling quickly.
For more information about the fly-in or to register, contact Laura Marchese at 504-648-0281 or by email at laura@travelcentervacations.com.