With half the year under our belt, we are starting to evaluate successes and where improvements can be made internally and externally.

In the next month, a nomination committee will start discussion of future board of director seats available. It’s also time to start planning the annual year-end retreat with the incoming Chair to devise a vision for what the Chamber should focus on in 2019.

We have recently added to the Chamber Team. Stacey J. Scott is serving as Membership Engagement Coordinator. Her role will focus on recruitment, retention and engagement.

She has hit the ground running making personal visits to members. Therefore, if you haven’t seen her yet, you will soon. We also have Michele Spencer that serves as our hub, Administrative Assistant.

Michele ensures everything runs seamless with member happenings. If you have not spoken or met Michele yet, please feel free to come by the office and say Hi.

Workforce Development remains a priority for the Chamber! I’d like to acknowledge a huge THANKS to Shell Chemical (Norco and Convent sites) for their commitment to support the La. Calling initiative to help create community awareness of jobs and training available within our local community.

Their commitment truly sets them as a leader in this area as a regional partner for our future workforce.

A recent announcement by Congressman Graves can’t be heard or read enough. We are extremely excited and, most of all, thankful for all of our region leaders for their dedication and perseverance to push for funding of the West Shore project, which will enable a levee to be built from Montz in St. Charles parish to Garyville in St. John.

This is truly a monumental and historical act. I believe we will start to see a sense of peace with people knowing this will finally become a reality after so many years.

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