I am grateful to serve as the Chamber’s first Member Engagement Coordinator. My time here began in June 2018.

My role is to focus on recruitment, retention and engagement of the membership. I’ve learned that individual visits to members have made an incredible impact on reminding businesses to take advantage of their member benefits.

A key component with this new role is to provide a more personalized level of service to the members, while learning more about what the business has to offer.

One cool thing I enjoy most when visiting with members is checking in with the Facebook page, posting a selfie and sharing what that member loves most about River Region Chamber.

In a recent visit to Child Advocacy Services, staff members Jordyn G’Sell, Merita Johnson, Akeem Burl and Marcy Willett shared what they love most about the chamber. To no surprise, it’s networking events and the personal service provided by this new role.

I also enjoyed my visit with new member Treasures of Life and Valerie Johnson. Valerie stated that what she loves most about the chamber is the networking opportunities and growing the community.

Another one of my much-loved moments was making a surprise visit to Board member Jonathan Menard at St. Charles Herald Guide. Mr. Menard was smiling with excitement and shared what he loves most about the chamber. He stated the chamber is instrumental in helping businesses grow in the River Region and the Herald Guide has enjoyed the networking provided throughout the year. In addition, getting the word out about important legislation for our businesses.

The Board has approved the 2019 membership goal to increase membership by 10 percent, as well as seeing growth of actual engagement by participating with ribbon cuttings, networking events and posting hot deals and jobs to the website.

We know our members are busy and sometimes overlook the benefits or simply forget, however the personal visits help remind them to keep these offerings at the forefront.

We have noticed a slight increase with job postings, creating hot deals and simply logging onto the chamber site.

A Valentine’s Day recruitment drive was held earlier this year. Although it was planned rather quickly, it delivered magnificent results by making sure all prospects that entered the chamber doors walked out proud new members of the chamber.

Special thanks to the new members on that day; Rhonda B. Clark Photography, owner, Rhonda Clark, Del’s Angels Learning Center, LLC, Owner, Lucretia Scott, Southern Bracing Systems, Sales Engineer & Pilates and Nutritional Wellness, Owner, Laurie Mader.

While planning and coordinating ribbon cutting events for new members, there was one that was near and dear to my heart. My mother, Shirley Sims, Director of A Safe Place of St. Charles opened the doors to her non-profit early in the year. That was one of my proudest moments both personally and professionally.

The River Region Chamber of Commerce is diligent in working as a team, which includes Ambassadors, Board Members, Committees and Volunteers. This awesome teamwork produces unity between the parishes.

The Chamber will continue to build relationships and serve as a voice of all businesses in the River Region. If you’d like to schedule a visit to learn more of how the Chamber can offer support to your business, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 985-359-9777 or email membership@riverregionchamber.org.

Businesses can also join online at riverregionchamber.org! We look forward to helping you grow.

Stacey Scott is the member engagement coordinator for the River Region Chamber of Commerce. She can be contacted at 985-359-9777.