Recently, The Chamber SWLA hosted our fourth annual Legis-gator Luncheon at L’auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Over 500 people attended including many statewide elected officials, legislators, and area officials. The Legis-gator Luncheon is our annual wrap-up of federal and state legislative issues and a means to honor legislators who support the pro-business plan of the Chamber SWLA.
In addition to recognizing the efforts of our Southwest Louisiana legislators, we invite and honor those legislators from around the state who support our plan.
We invited the entire state congressional delegation to attend and find out more about our region, our Chamber and our mission for Louisiana and Southwest Louisiana in particular. For the record, the Chamber SWLA does not endorse candidates, but we do take positions on issues and legislation.
Having legislators around the state familiar with our area and issues is critical when issues arise and we need their support.
We were pleased to have John Gonzales, Regional Manager of the U.S. Chamber, attend to present their Spirit of Enterprise Awards to our congressional delegation. Accepting in person were Congressmen Charles Boustany and Charlie Melancon. Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter sent video messages in their absence.
At the Legis-Gator, we heard from Louisiana’s Ag and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain, Insurance Commission Deputy Director Ed O'Brien (subbing for Commissioner Jim Donelon), Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, and Public Service Commissioner Clyde Holloway. To cap the statewide officials presentations, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu presented a strong, thoughtful message about our state and its future in his keynote address.
Legislators from around the state were honored with Business Champion Awards and three special awards were presented to the three legislators determined to have fought hardest on the same issues which concern the Chamber SWLA.
Ben Bourgeois, Chair of our Governmental Affairs Committee, honored Rep. Nickie Monica of LaPlace who authored several of our energy bills in our REEL initiative, which stands for “Renewed Energy Economy for Louisiana.” This legislation would provide incentives for enhanced oil recovery projects to boost state and local income.
Chamber Chair Ken Broussard presented the Chair’s award to State Senator Willie Mount, a tireless booster of our state and supporter of higher education and workforce training along with many other issues.
Our 2008 Legis-gator of the Year award went to freshman Rep. Steve Carter of Baton Rouge who took on the tough issue of school board reform. It takes courage to lead the charge as Rep. Carter did.
Even though many of our initiatives did not pass, we appreciate those legislators who supported our platform. We will be back next session, looking for success. We realize not all legislators will agree with us on every issue, and we appreciate those elected officials who are open to meeting with us and discussing our issues.
Despite differing views on various issues, we believe Southwest Louisiana should set the example for the state by working together toward a common goal. The Chamber is proud to be a catalyst in bringing business issues to the forefront and in pushing the progress agenda for Southwest Louisiana inside and outside of our state.
United we can accomplish more than by going it alone. We work closely with the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry, the Council for a Better Louisiana, Blueprint Louisiana, the Coalition to Insure Louisiana and with other regional allies such as Greater New Orleans, Inc., and Baton Rouge Area Chamber.
We collaborate often with organizations within our five parish region such as the Greater Beauregard Chamber, West Calcasieu Association of Commerce, and the Jeff Davis Business Alliance. We also work across state lines with organizations including the Greater Beaumont Chamber and the chambers in Orange, TX and Port Arthur, TX.
Think globally, act regionally, and talk up Southwest Louisiana.
