What exactly is a Chamber of Commerce?

Yes, this isn’t a typo. The River Region Chamber has been in existence for 12 years (officially on March 18, 2016) and it’s funny how we still get this question.

In our recent Board retreat, we went through a few exercises with a variety of folks from Board members to general membership and heard there’s still misperception on what a chamber of commerce is and what it does.

To different people, a chamber can mean different things, but there are two factors that do not change:

• A private, non-profit organization

• A volunteer organization of people that have joined to accomplish things none of them could do alone.

Our Chamber is in existence to take action that enables businesses and the region to expand along lines of serving as the voice of business for the parishes of St. James, St. John and St. Charles.

The basic elements that must be united in order to make-up a Chamber or any volunteer organization are: Purpose, Philosophy, Policy and Programs.

People are the primary elements in any volunteer organization. It’s the people that identify a purpose, formulate a philosophy, establish the policies and design the programs needed by the people.

Only through a volunteer base of concerned business people and community leaders can the Chamber staff work toward this progress and realize, not only the cost savings, but acquire funding for future projects.

While we may be challenged to serve as all things to all people, we have a mission and a plan set by our leadership, membership and Board of Directors.

Your local Chamber, located at 390 Belle Terre Blvd. in LaPlace, employs two full time staff. We are proudly represented by over 340 businesses between the three parishes and beyond.

Even with the commitment of the staff, none of the work could be done by staff alone. It takes a group of committed volunteers and business members to help make it happen.

We look forward to sharing more on our program of work for 2016.

Be sure to check our website at riverregionchamber.org for more information. We will update and post once goals get finalized.

Thanks to all of you that have supported us along the journey. It has truly been an honor and privilege being able to continue to serve the businesses of the River Region.

As one wise founding Chairman still says, “Together, we can and will make a difference!”

I look forward to what’s ahead and look forward to working with our local, state and federal partners to ensure we have a good foundation that will enable our business climate to grow and prosper.

Here’s to another successful year! Sincerest thanks!

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