As 2019 begins, the River Region Chamber of Commerce will be continuing some great things, in addition to adding some new aspects.

We will continue our primary work of being “the unified voice of business in the River Parishes.”

That effort will be carried out by a newly elected slate of officers. As Chairman, I represent The Truck Farm Tavern, in St. Rose.

The Chair Elect is Aspen Murphy of Marathon Petroleum.

That contrast of a small business and a large industrial company is one of the continuing opportunities and challenges of the RRCC. We strive to add value and enhance the business climate for all businesses in the three-parish region.

On the day-to-day side, we are entering our first full year with a three-person staff, headed by Chassity McComack, the veteran executive director.

In addition to the increased staff size, we will strive for greater transparency and inclusion by having numerous guests at Board and Executive Committee meetings.

The River Region Chamber of Commerce Leadership program has begun its second year with a class of 24 emerging leaders from the area. The program has proven to be successful and popular. We anticipate a bright future for this initiative.

2019 is expected to be a very good year for the RRCC.

At our first Board meeting, we approved signing onto the Ready La. Joint Statement of support with other local Chambers, as well as, a request to end the government shutdown in partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce.

Your local Chamber makes a significant impact in the area of advocacy. Therefore, we encourage the business community to use your voice when feedback is requested on certain issues.

Be sure to keep up with our happenings at riverregionchamber.org.

Please feel free to contact us with questions or suggestions. We look forward to seeing you soon and invite you to take part in your helping grow your local Chamber of Commerce!

John Little is the 2019 Chairman of the Board for the River Region Chamber of Commerce. Log onto riverregionchamber.org for more information.