As the cooler weather tries to come our way, it is an indication that the holidays are quite near.

The River Region Chamber of Commerce is still working diligently to be your voice of business. Take a look at some pending projects we have going:

Public Policy Committee, not only kept up with the legislative changes during the 2016 state legislative session, but we still have some pending tax proposals from our local governments that we are currently reviewing with our members to get a gauge on how to move forward collectively. We are also keeping close watch on federal issues such as the new Overtime Rule, which will go into effect Dec. 1, 2016, and the NFIP, National Flood Insurance Program that will rear its head again in 2017, as well as, state issues such as ITEP, Industrial Property Tax Exemption program.

While working on the upcoming Solutions Summit for December 2016, the Workforce Development Committee has been seeking out the different opportunities technology offers and how we can utilize these when communicating these workforce supply and demands in our communities.

The Chamber Board is gearing up for our annual Board retreat — this happens each year to review where we’ve been and set next year’s goals on how to best impact the region while fulfilling the Chamber’s mission.

Communications are being tweaked! Thanks to many of you that took advantage of confirming your spot in the upcoming Chamber Directory and Community Profile! In addition, our website will be getting a facelift. Stay tuned for a more as we move forward.

With these and other projects such as our Business skills seminars and General Membership meetings, it seems we have caught the attention from our Chamber peers.

As recipients of the 2016 Mid-sized Chamber of the Year, the River Region Chamber of Commerce was complimented on our plan of work and strategies for business growth and sustainability. Congratulations River Region Chamber members! This is the second time your chamber has been awarded this distinguished acknowledgement.

With that said, we’re not done. As stated above, the Board of Directors is prepping for 2017. Do you have any suggestions or comments that will help us develop our focal points for 2017? If so, please contact our office — we are interested in your viewpoint and need to know what is important to you as a business in the River Region. Phone 985-359-9777 or email chassity@riverregionchamber.org.

As always, thank you for your membership and commitment to a progressive, member-focused chamber of commerce.

Annette B. Wray 

RRCC Chair, 2016