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As a business organization, this question pops up a lot. And as a local “Chamber of Commerce”, it means different things to different people.

In order for us to continue to serve our mission, we have to constantly evaluate the programs we provide to our members. We realize there is no such thing as a “one size fit all” when it comes to providing “value-added” service. Small businesses want to grow their business. They want opportunities to network and meet new people so they can build relationships that can hopefully lead to future business. Larger businesses want advocacy. The Chamber of Commerce is sort of viewed as insurance. We are here when they need us, in the event of non-business friendly legislation for example. Our Public Policy committee serves as the legislative watchdogs to keep abreast of anything from local, state to federal issues that may have an impact on the business climate in the River Parishes. Needless to say, we need to be creative when planning the work for the year by making sure we are touching upon the different needs of the different markets of business.

With the session starting this week, we have a Rapid Response Team in place to help RRCC’s voice remain strong on issues important to our region. Be on the lookout for updates to come. You can also keep abreast of these topics on our website at www.riverregionchamber.org

As we celebrate 16 years of service as the voice of business, our mission to “Grow, Strengthen and Unify businesses in St. James, St. John and St. Charles parishes” remains strong and steadfast in support and the parameters of regionalism remain constant to ensure we stay at the forefront of opportunity. Our Core Values will remain the same: to build coalitions, serve as the voice of all businesses and provide business support and value to the members.

In considering upcoming meetings and events, RRCC is monitoring the threat posed to health by COVID-19 virus, including updates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as, state and local health departments. While each Chamber gathering will continue to be evaluated on a case by base basis, all events remain scheduled as planned at this time. Until further notice, we will conduct all scheduled in-person meetings via conference call. Anyone who thinks they may be sick should see www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019 and as recommended by the CDC, stay home. For prevention guidelines, please review www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.

We wish to inform our members and guests that we are adding flexibility to our event refund policy to further encourage anyone with symptoms including a fever and signs of respiratory illness such as coughing or difficulty breathing to not attend. The same should apply to anyone who has recently traveled to an area where there is a concentration of illness. See www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us for updates on areas most affected.

Additional Resources below can be found at http://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/COVID-19_Business_Guidance.pdf

Chassity McComack is the Executive Director of the River Region Chamber of Commerce. Log onto riverregionchamber.org for more information.