The River Region Chamber of Commerce activities through the first quarter of 2019 have been quite varied.

Internally, the Board has adopted a revised Mission and Vision Statement: The mission of the River Region Chamber of Commerce is to grow, strengthen and unify businesses:

• By building relationships to advocate for a pro-business environment in St. James, St. John and St. Charles parishes

• Serve as the voice of all business in the River Region

• Be the catalyst for business support by offering a regional approach to networking opportunities and collaboration that will ensure growth and sustainability

Revised Vision Statement: The River Region Chamber of Commerce will be recognized as the leading voice of business in the tri-parish area.

The core purpose is to serve its members as an advocate for all business needs by networking and providing supportive resources that ensures growth and sustainability.

Kevin Hebert, owner of St. Charles Printing, has taken over as chairman of the Business Development Committee.

That group is busy planning value-added networking events, small business workshops and lunch n learns.

The Chamber leadership has continued to meet with Parish leaders in all three Parishes for a continuing effort to partner on issues of mutual interest.

We participated in the St. Charles Parish School Superintendent selection process.

From the advocacy end, the Chamber recently spoke at a St. James Parish Planning Commission meeting in support of a prospective new business.

We also appeared at a St. Charles Council meeting in support of the ITEP program for an expanding business in the region.

It is election year; therefore, your Chamber will be hosting Candidate forums for the upcoming Parish President races to be held in the Fall. Stay tuned for more details to come.

Importantly, the Chamber has grown by 21 new members since the beginning of 2019.

We look forward to adding many more as we approach the second quarter of the year. I encourage any business that’s not yet a member, stop by the Chamber office or visit us online at riverregionchamber.org.

Your investment is pro-rated at the time you join.

Don’t miss out on the many networking opportunities that are upcoming!

Please feel free to contact us with questions or suggestions. We look forward to seeing you soon and invite you to take part in 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.