Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Half the year has already come and gone, and as the River Region Chamber of Commerce (RRCC)continues to advocate and provide resources to members, you will notice a difference in our events as we adapt to a new way of life. Committees are meeting via conference calls or Zoom, including Chamber 101 orientation and networking events. We were extremely excited to kickoff the first-ever Women’s Empowerment Conversations Online Conference. Our first session featured dynamic women speakers from each of our three parishes. The series continues monthly through October, featuring panel discussions and guest speakers. Our next session is Aug. 26 and focuses on Diversity and Inclusion. To participate in these sessions visit www.riverregionchamber.org.

RRCC continues to advocate for all businesses in our region. During this pandemic, we continue to strive to be a catalyst that permeates our communities and to ensure businesses have resources needed to sustain and rebuild. We all faced uncertainties the last few months, yet our board and members continued to rise to the occasion to stand together.

Our board is heartbroken to see our country look and feel the way it does right now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to so many who are personally impacted across the country as community leaders, business owners and most importantly as individuals. We all have a voice we can use, but we also need to listen to those that have been impacted as listening builds mutual understanding. Racism and systemic injustice cannot be tolerated. Discrimination and acts of hate are unacceptable. We must educate ourselves, engage in open dialogue and seek permanent solutions.

RRCC pledges to join our tri-parish community to address racism and inequality in the business sector. We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, equality and advocatingfor healing in our community.

We are grateful to each of you for your continued support and commitment to your local Chamber. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these times. Remember, we are all in this together.

Aspen Murphy is the 2020 Chairman of the Board for the River Region Chamber of Commerce. Log onto riverregionchamber.org for more information.