These last few weeks for your local Chamber have been a literal world wind when you say “upcoming election.”

Each election year, the Chamber’s Public Policy committee, along with local organizations in the respective River parishes, get together to partner on hosting candidate forums.

These forums are meant to be informative to be able to give the residents an opportunity to either meet or get to know each one better.

Sincerest thanks to all the candidates that could participate in these forums. Extra special thanks to the residents and businesses for taking time to come out and get informed.

Whether you attended to support a particular candidate or just came to see what it was about, we truly appreciate your time and attention to this effort.

While each parish brings its own uniqueness and different issues, after it was all said and done, there’s one thing that resonated with me after reflecting on these marathon of events: PEOPLE.

At the end of the day, no matter our opinion, no matter if we agree with this or that or how folks respond, we are all people living in our community!

We are made to be different so we can complement each other and improve this world to the best of our God given ability.

Chamber volunteers and staff are truly humbled to have been able to witness all of these forums, to be able to see the true meaning of what this is all about.

Our region is blessed beyond measure to have PEOPLE, such as the candidates, to care enough to step up and say, “I want to help” or “I just want to do my part.”

It takes a lot of courage to do what each of these candidates did, and we thank them for stepping up to the plate to make our region the absolute best it can be. Wherever you stand during this upcoming election, I ask you to remember the statement above. While some stand divided by names and logos, the big picture shows no sides. Our region is ONE! Make it a great week.

Chassity McComack is executive director of the River Region Chamber of Commerce. Email her at Chassity@riverregionchamber.org or log onto riverregionchamber.org.