Our hearts go out to our Houston and West Louisiana neighbors during this difficult time.

I cannot imagine anyone in our Tri-Parish area who has forgotten not only the devastation that we endured during and post Katrina and past storms, but we too remember the kindness extended from our neighbors during the difficult time and Houston was a major contributor.

It is an inspiring image to see all the programs gearing up to deliver supplies, volunteers and most importantly – prayers. I watch the news and see on social media what I believe is the true human spirit – people helping people.

There is no race, culture, religion, hatred, discrimination that I can see – just people helping people – and that is truly how we need to continue with our work.

Our society needs more of this. And maybe, just maybe, this is our reminder to get back to loving each other instead of fighting each other.

Within our own region, we are gearing up for the Chamber’s Washington Fly-In, which is set for Sept. 27 and 28.

Have you signed up yet?

This will be my second year attending. We are looking for diversity in the business sector to help reinforce what we need with a face-to-face with our congressmen to share information and advocate to them what is important to sustain our businesses.

The National Flood Insurance Program is definitely on the agenda – we need to see improvement in our area’s mapping, complete levee protection systems and definitely not see such an increase in flood insurance that our businesses cannot flourish.

In the Workforce Development arena, our WD Committee is on track to roll out the marketing plan to improve awareness of workforce options for our citizens as well as reducing the stigma that a 4-year college degree is the only way to earn a good living.

As a matter of fact, the 2-year degrees and certifications can earn in excess of $80k – and these jobs are right her in our own back yard!

In order to begin we will be working with our district school systems to survey our middle and high schoolers to see how much they know about workforce development – as this will give us a gauge on what information we need to promote and get them excited that they do truly have options!

Keep the prayers coming for our neighbors and please keep watching the weather – we are not finished with hurricane season yet.

Stay safe, and if any of our members need help advertising their programs to help our Houston neighbors, please reach out to our office so we can help get the word out.

Annette Wray is 2017 Board of Directors Chairwoman for the River Region Chamber of Commerce and service manager for Cox Business, New Orleans. She can be reached at annette.wray@cox.com.