Community Development

■ GOAL: By July 2020, have 40% of information shared by Visit Lake Charles submitted directly from stakeholders, including governmental organizations, community residents, social and health organizations, economic development, business and industry, and not-for-profit organizations.

RESULTS: The community development role has realigned as destination development/ community engagement over the past year to focus on future growth. However, with recovery on the forefront in 2021, this goal was met with 46% of the volunteer organizations active in disaster recovery (VOAD) being listed as partners on Visit Lake Charles’ website. Also, Rebuilding SWLA Coalition’s Facebook page and website became another mechanism for sharing critical information.

■ GOAL: CVB staff to participate in quarterly volunteer events and have 50% of staff engaged as members in at least one civic organization.

RESULTS: Staff-wide volunteer events are held twice a year instead of quarterly due to workflow and scheduling. 50% of staff is engaged on at least one organization’s board or participates as a member or volunteer. Staff serve on the Arts Council, Imperial Calcasieu Museum board, Brimstone Museum board, Chuck Fest Foundation board, No Man’s Land board, Downtown Business Association board, Greater Lake Charles Rotary board, Kiwanis, Fusion Five of SWLA board, Big Brothers Big Sisters board, volunteer with Hobo Hotel for Cats, Friends of Library Calcasieu, among others.

■ GOAL: Review events and check-in with planners weekly to promote initiatives supporting the community’s long- and short-term needs while being a resource for community groups.

RESULTS: Along with the Rebuilding Southwest Louisiana Coalition to meet this goal, Visit Lake Charles also worked with the Community Foundation’s 50-year plan through committees and continues to support efforts of local non-profits, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s Longterm Community Recovery Plan, and other community organizations throughout Southwest Louisiana.