LUTCHER — Customers buy from people they know, and maintaining an active presence in the community is key to running a successful business, according to Advanced Marketing & Promotions owner Wayne Vicknair.

Since 2011, Vicknair has attended River Region Chamber of Commerce events to connect with other business owners and spread word of his one-stop printing, marketing and graphic design shop in LaPlace.

“It’s not just about being a member of the Chamber,” Vicknair said, adding membership is most effective when viewed as a door to wider exposure.

“Participating and being an active member is where you’ll see the most benefit. People put a face to a name in a non-business setting, and once they have that relationship with you, they trust you.”

Vicknair said he’s gotten countless referrals from attending business roundtable sessions and other events. On April 19, he’ll meet with business owners from around the River Parishes at Lutcher Park Pavilion during RRCC’s annual crawfish boil fundraiser.

For $40 per person, each ticket holder will enjoy crawfish, pastalaya cooked onsite by volunteers from Atmos Energy, live music and two drink tickets for beer, water or soft drinks.

Event chair Rachel Mizell of C&D Plumbing & Mechanical said local businesses including Roussels and The Basketry have donated goods for a silent auction. Donations are still forthcoming, and coordinators are in the process of securing a weekend stay in New Orleans to auction off, Mizell said.

A Yeti ice chest and an Echo Chainsaw from Hartman’s True Value in Boutte are being raffled off for $10 per ticket or $20 for three tickets.

Proceeds benefit the River Region Chamber of Commerce, allowing for the promotion of local businesses.

Mizell said the heart of the event is social.

“After work, it’s nice for people to come together with people they don’t get to see often, have some crawfish and dance,” Mizell said. “A lot of companies bring their employees, so it’s something to do together as an office.”

Representatives from local businesses donate promotional items to guests, and Mizell said attending the event has made her more aware of the range of resources the River Region has to offer.

“Since I’ve been going to events, we definitely have gotten more business and referrals,” Mizell said.

“Bringing advertising items is a good way to get your name out there.”

The success of the event motivated her to become more involved by taking on a chairperson position after previously serving on the committee.

Vicknair said other RRCC events are forthcoming, and he plans on attending a Chambers Connections meeting to pitch Advanced Marketing & Promotions to other business owners in the area. The annual crawfish boil is open to the general public, and bringing friends, families, coworkers or customers is encouraged, according to Mizell.

Registration forms are available online at riverregionchamber.org. Completed forms should be returned by April 5 to the Chamber office at 390 Belle Terre Blvd. in LaPlace.

Mizell said onsite payment would be available at Lutcher Park Pavilion the day of the event.

For more information, call 985-359-9777.