Central Chamber Report

What does the Chamber do in Central?

In these series of articles, we are in the process of exploring how each of the values of Care, Connect and Collaborate play into the overall plan of the Central Chamber.  So far we’ve discussed “Care” and “Connect”.  In a “Community that Cares”, we strive to care for our businesses and our community!  Connect is described as: to bring together or into contact so that a real link is established Through various chamber opportunities contacts are made, dialogue is created, ideas are shared, connections are made and we truly then become stronger together! This week we look at the importance of the value “Collaborate”.

COLLABORATE

The Central Chamber strives to not be “an island unto ourselves”!  We truly embrace the phrase, “Stronger Together”.  The collaboration between the Central Chamber and its’ Investors, allows us to support and watch out for each other.  Similarly, the Central Chamber, as an organization, works to collaborate with a variety of other organizations which allows us to better serve our Investors and the community. 

The Central Chamber is part of the US Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, National Write Your Congressman, Chamber Professional, Baton Rouge Area Chamber and the Better Business Bureau of Baton Rouge.  Our involvement with these organizations allow us to stay on top of industry trends, governmental developments and a variety of other issues that could have an effect on our local businesses and community.

Locally the Central Chamber collaborates with the City of Central government and the Central Community School System (CCSS). The City, CCSS and the chamber work together to sponsor the “Shop Small Business” campaign.  The City’s Municipal Services Department and the Fire, Police, Sheriff and State Police Departments all help to provide a variety of services that make the activities around the Christmas in Central possible. Through the work of the Education Committee, the chamber partners with the CCSS in the following programs: Student of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year and Academic Letter Jackets. 

The chamber recognizes the importance of collaborating with other organizations and strives to work with them whenever possible.  Cooking in Central, Central Community Assistance Foundation, Central Food Bank, Central City Autism Awareness, Art League of Central, Lions Club and Central Rotary are area organizations that strive to improve the quality of life in Central.  Through collaborative efforts with these type of organizations we will continue to build a strong, vibrant and successful community. 

Ron Erickson
President – Central Chamber of Commerce