The Chamber buzz is on as there are so many wheels turning for members and communities.

Recently, a meeting was held with several of our state representatives to discuss topics that will be on the top of the list for the regular Legislative session, which began Monday.

Gasoline tax, Inventory Tax Credit, transportation and the ever-popular tax reform issues are on the agenda. The most important question that came from our delegation was, “What’s important to the business community? We need to know first-hand how these issues are directly affecting your everyday life.”

As we all know, the constitutional obligations and statutory dedications are affecting all business, not just industry.

Until our state legislation gets tough and pushes for tax reform, everything else from healthcare to higher education will continue to get hammered once again this year.

We at the Chamber have voiced our push for tax reform. We know it will be a beast of a job, but we must get it started sooner than later. No more band-aiding.

Reform of the tax structure and state spending is needed in order to gain better financial control. We encourage you to reach out to your own representatives and senators to share your concerns and needs.

On a local level, the RRCC Workforce Development Committee is keeping its commitment to collaborate with River Region organizations focused on closing workforce gaps.

Have you heard of “New Collar Worker?” Stay tuned for a special press release highlighting our community leaders and their commitment to improve awareness and support a local campaign focused on opportunities for our underemployed and non-employed citizens.

There are more choices for a career than a four-year degree. Together, we can guide local people to the proper training and certification to get them in a career and not just a job.

Finally, the Chamber is looking for YOU to help build our Business Development Committee. With these tough economic times, we need our local business minds’ help to create unique networking events and business card exchanges that will benefit the tri-parish businesses.

Are you in?

The best way to get your name out there is to network, and what better way to network but by working with others to create the best networking event of the year! You can email or call the Chamber office for more details.

Annette Wray is chairwoman for the River Region Chamber of Commerce 2017 Board of Directors and service manager for Cox Business, New Orleans. For more information, contact annette.wray@cox.com or 504-358-6311.