A note from
THE PRESIDENT
T
he Ascension Chamber is incredibly proud to present the first issue of our annual magazine Elevate. After a year filled with adversity, the Chamber wanted to use this inaugural issue to say thank you to our healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and other frontline workers who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep our community healthy and safe through the pandemic. In the magazine we also feature a few of the many chamber members who have done their part to keep our local economy up and running through one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. While nothing could ever overshadow the heroism of our frontline workers, these business owners and their employees were also heroes in their own unique ways. I encourage you to read the featured pieces to learn more about these incredible businesses and their people. Our members have been resilient in adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, and just like our members, we had to adjust and find the most effective route to serve our
members in the unknown environment. For years we’ve said, “A connected business community is a healthy business community.” Bridging the digital divide has been a challenge for everyone, but we quickly realized that it was even more important for us to meet our members where they are at. Through the sharing of resources, cold calling to check on members, hosting virtual events or advocating for business recovery and relief programs, the Chamber works to assist our business community whenever, however, and wherever we can. While the pandemic will continue to impact our lives, our communities and our businesses moving forward, I know this season will soon pass. Until that day, and every day after, the Ascension Chamber will remain steadfast in our mission to facilitate and foster economic growth for our members. On behalf of our Chamber staff and Board of Directors, I want to personally thank each of our members for choosing to support the Ascension Chamber. Through our collaborative partnership, we will persevere and continue to elevate Ascension Parish.
Barker Dirmann President/CEO Ascension Chamber of Commerce
ELEVATE 2021
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