DIVISIONS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Seminars/Luncheons/Conferences:
Provide programs/workshops to members informing them of current issues relating to business, i.e., taxes, incentives, grants, local-state-federal programs, etc.

Existing Business Visits:
Visits are made to existing businesses to determine their needs for expansion and growth and to assist them in solving the problem issues facing them. The visits provide the opportunity to thank owners and managers for their investment in our parish. Our Chamber wants to insure the "staying power" and continued growth of our area businesses. Providing information, contacts and support to those businesses are the key components to the program.

Greater Ouachita Port Commission:
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce provides administrative assistance to the Greater Ouachita Port Commission and provides a location for meetings. Minutes are kept for all meetings and arrangements made for specially called forums.

City of West Monroe
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce assists the City of West Monroe in recruiting new business and industry. The facilitation of visits to the area is a service provided by the Chamber. Meeting with company officials, site selectors, and other involved parties is crucial to the continued growth and development of West Ouachita Parish. Establishing an exemplary relationship with City officials and Economic Developers is an important aspect of insuring quality expansion and providing a more positive business climate conducive to business growth is our focus.

EDUCATION

Adopt-a-School
This program pairs businesses with public schools in the Ouachita Parish School System. It exposes the businesses to public education and the schools to the business community. Business owners and employees become visible in the schools providing an atmosphere of support by offering time and funds to meet needs not otherwise served by the system. Supplies, incentives, and materials are often donated. The program also serves as the host for the annual Teacher of the Year reception.

Scholar's Banquet
An annual banquet honoring high school seniors from Ouachita Parish high schools, both public and private is hosted each year. The students must have a achieved a 25 on the ACT and maintained a 3.5 GPA.

PACE
Partners in Achieving Community Excellence is the Chamber's newest program, developed in 2006. Partnering with the City of West Monroe, the Ouachita Parish School Board, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the West Monroe Police Department, the West Monroe Community Center, Glenwood Regional Medical Center and the West Monroe Boys and Girls Club, we are developing an intervention program to assist those schools and communities in need of educational and developmental improvement. Providing mentoring programs, instructional classes led by business leaders, infrastructure and property improvements, healthcare assistance and activities for students are a few of the many projects comprising PACE. In April of 2006, Entergy and Community Trust Bank joined forces and made a three (3) year commitment to fund the Pre-K program at Crosley Elementary School. Through their generosity ALL fees are paid for students enrolled at the school.

Delta Community College and Louisiana Technical College
The Chamber provides ongoing support of all programs affiliated with the LCTCS. Participating in the search for a new chancellor at Delta and participation in the "Career Pathways" program at the Technical College have enabled the Chamber to be an integral part of both schools. Leaders at both institutions are asked to provide information during the recruitment of industry to the region. They have been instrumental in creating curriculums to meet the needs of trained workers for area businesses.

GOVERNMENTAL DIVISION

Infrastructure
The Chamber is actively involved and in partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, the City of West Monroe and the Louisiana Legislative Delegation to promote the enhancement and development of city and parish infrastructure. The Chamber does NOT receive funding for lobbying efforts, instead its volunteers and staff work with government entities to assess the transportation needs of the community. Developing a strategic plan to provide adequate infrastructure is an ongoing process.

Capitol Access
This newest of Chamber programs is an opportunity for our region to meet the Louisiana Delegation and other elected officials in a casual forum. Presentations will be made by various communities illustrating and explaining the needs of their respective communities. The event is not promoted as a fund raiser but rather an opportunity afforded Chamber membership and regional communities to "have a voice."

INTERNAL DIVISION/MEMBERSHIP/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Chamber annually hosts a Golf Tournament and Banquet/Gala. These two functions are fundraisers for specific projects, i.e., funding the PACE program and Adopt-a-School needs.

Our Diplomat group is comprised of volunteers who represent the Chamber at Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and various Community Events. They are the ambassadors of the Chamber. Their job is to convey the activities of the Chamber and listen to the needs of members. Chamber membership retention is the focus of Diplomats. Being a Diplomat provides an opportunity for networking to its volunteers.

112 Professional Drive
West Monroe, LA 71291
Phone (318) 325-1961
Fax (318) 325-4296

E-mail:
info@westmonroechamber.org