Central Chamber of Commerce C4 Report: Central Chamber Hosts Local State Officials

By Chamber President Ron Erickson
    Recently I just completed a series of training sessions through the Institute for Organization Management hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.  The main reason the Board of Directors chose to send me to these classes was so I could gain insight on how we could better serve our membership, stay relevant to the changing times, and help impact the future of our community.  Basically, we want your chamber and the business community to THRIVE!  As a result, the Board of Directors has decided to redo our committee structure by implementing some new committees and revamping some existing committees.  On August 13th we will hold our monthly Investors Luncheon Meeting at Kristenwood.  At this luncheon we will explain the operations of each committee, introduce the committee chairs, and recruit potential committee members.  
    Here is a list of the committees in our new structure and a brief description of each:
    BUSINESS RELATIONS COMMITTEE:  The Business Relations Committee will support and enhance the City of Central’s business community in the areas of business development, retention, expansion, education, communication, and networking opportunities through specific programs and activities directed to the needs of business.
    EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:  The Education and Workforce Development Committee will strive to meet the educational and workforce needs through support and partnerships with all local education systems, organizations, and agencies.  This committee will provide an open format that allows for educational and workforce development issues and topics to be presented.
    MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:  The Membership Development Committee will provide relevant value-added benefits and programs to members through superior customer service to the degree that the Chamber remains the organization of choice. This committee will define and sustain value-added benefit and relationship with the affiliate groups.
    PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE:  The Public Policy Committee will strive to be the leading force and voice for business through advocacy initiatives that will promote legislation and responsible government and thus create an environment for economic development and quality of life for our community and region.
    EVENTS COMMITTEES:  Besides the aforementioned committees, we will continue to  have committees that will help with events such as the Krewe De Centrale’ Mardi Gras Ball, the Miss City of Central Beauty Pageant, the Christmas Festival and Parade, as well as a few others. 
    We are excited about the direction this is going to provide for your chamber.  Do not miss the August 13th Luncheon!  Come on out and find out how you can be involved and help your chamber thrive!