CHAMBER
SWLA
Economic Development Alliance
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING TOGETHER by Amanda White
Running a business means being informed and active in its every aspect. Each business must have a working knowledge of taxes, the legalities related to its purpose, and HR regulations and payroll – even if you are a one-person business. It’s a lot. This is the main reason that Chambers of Commerce started to pop up all over the world. Pioneered in France in 1599, Chambers represented the common interests of their members. Today, the means and methods have changed, but not the needs met and overall purpose of a Chamber. One business owner cannot stop in the middle of their day to meet with people interested in starting a business in their town. They cannot mentor upcoming entrepreneurs, and they don’t have time to meet with local, state and federal legislators to advocate for pro-business legislation. It requires a collective effort. The Chamber SWLA and its umbrella organization – the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, serve the business community of our five-parish region and the area’s main economic development and business promotion organizations. 14
ADVOCACY As the “Voice for Business” in the region, The Chamber SWLA is one of largest advocates for Southwest Louisiana in Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C. The Picard Group has served as our public policy experts and consultants over the past years under the guidance of their Senior Director of State Affairs, Mike Michot. He is no stranger to the leaders of Southwest Louisiana. Michot served as State Senator and Representative over his 16-year legislative career and continues to easily navigate the corridors of the State Capitol championing Southwest Louisiana interests. Our legislative agenda is laid out prior to each year’s session and shared with all legislators. How votes went during the session is showcased at the Chamber’s Annual LegisGator Luncheon where an overview of the highs and lows of the session is given, U.S. and State legislators provide updates, and honors are awarded to politicians whose actions and voting records best helped Southwest Louisiana that year. Our upcoming LegisGator Luncheon will be held at L’Auberge Casino Resort on August 20, 2021. It is sold out at this time. Thrive
2021 - Annual Issue
