Well the 2014 Louisiana Legislative Session is now over and it appears that not too much damage was inflicted on the business community this session.

There were several important bills dealing with workforce, education, tort reform, coastal restoration and business incentives that we worked along the LABI, GNO, Inc. and many Chambers of Commerce.

At the federal level, we are closely monitoring EPA guidelines for carbon dioxide emissions, tax proposals, energy legislation and House leadership changes.

These will be items we will discuss with our federal legislators during the Washington Fly-in scheduled for Sept. 16-18. More details with be forthcoming.

On the local front, we hosted a very well attended and successful Parish Presidents Forum on June 6.

Industrial expansions in the River Region were a top topic on our Parish Presidents’ lists of happenings in their parish. Storm protection and drainage improvements were another hot topic as we approach hurricane season.

Also, the Port of South Louisiana unveiled an extremely well-produced video covering the Port and its impact on this area.

The committee will continue monitoring local happenings and federal happenings and react as appropriate to improve the business climate in the River Region.

Henry Friloux,

Public Policy Committee Chairman, River Regional Chamber of Commerce