The Chamber Southwest achieves its objectives through the volunteers who participate within our committees. It is our belief that only through active involvement will members truly receive a return on their investment. All committees are organized into one of four councils, and are designed to support and implement our strategic plans. Committees may form coalitions and sub-committees as deemed necessary to meet their goals.

 

 

Responsible exploring the environmental issues and opportunities for businesses of all sizes across Southwest Louisiana, developing and implementing programming that is educational and supportive of pro-business environmental policies.

 

Committee Chair:

Mike Dever

Providence Engineering

 

Staff Contact:

Paula Ramsey

337.433.3632

 

Responsible for harnessing the professional economic development talent across the region, promoting the sharing of information, the development of common regional goals and activities which support the development of a globally competitive economy in Southwest Louisiana.

 

Committee Chair & Staff Contact:

George Swift

337.433.3632

 

The purpose of the Quality Council is to build community excellence by capitalizing on the area’s quality resources, publicizing success stories, and focusing on needs in a way that: Uses and promotes the Quality Principles; Maximizes the involvement of the entire community through the use of cross-functional teamwork and interaction with the Council while minimizing total/overall costs; Establishes teams to operate systems with a continuous improvement theme as the focus of their charter; Benchmarks other efforts from around the country; and Identifies Quality Improvement opportunities and coordinates the utilization and implementation of proper resources for improvement so that the business environment and the quality of life in SWLA continuously improves.

 

Committee Chair:

Mark Hanudel

R & H Quality Refractory Services

 

Staff Contact:

Liz Deville

337.433.3632

 

Responsible for developing and implementing programming to encourage small business growth across Southwest Louisiana, focusing particularly on the needs of Chamber/SWLA members.

 

Committee Chair:

Jim Giffin

Southwest Louisiana Credit Union

 

Staff Contact:

Avon Knowlton

337.433.3632

 

 

Responsible for promoting and enhancing quality educational opportunities across Southwest Louisiana.

 

Committee Chair:

Ann Knapp

Merrill Lynch

 

Staff Contact:

Nancy Kelley

337.433.3632

 

Responsible for developing and directing the curriculum of Leadership/Southwest Louisiana, a comprehensive nine month program for middle managers and other professionals nominated by their companies and selected by the committee.

 

Committee Chair:

Tom Sawyer

Automotive Alignment

 

Staff Contact:

Ann Barilleaux

337.433.3632

 

Responsible for developing policies and programming which will provide the greater utilization of technologies in business growth and development as a cornerstone of regional economic development, both as an industry unto itself and as a tool for businesses of all sizes.

 

Committee Chair:

Paul Hite

InfoTech

Staff Contact:

Nancy Kelley

337.433.3632

 

 

Responsible for working with professional public policy staff to monitor legislation and administrative policy and recommending Chamber action as necessary to the Board of Directors. May also engage in the development of policy positions for the consideration of the Board of Directors and the membership of the Chamber/SWLA. Will provide foundation of grassroots advocacy network.  Also responsible for monitoring and promoting the development of infrastructure necessary to sustain and improve the health of the business climate in Southwest Louisiana including but not limited to highway, rail, aviation, port, water/sewer, and telecommunications.

 

Committee Chair:

Courtney Fenet

R.E. Heidt Construction

 

Staff Contact:

George Swift

337.433.3632

 

 

Committee Chair:

Carolyn Woosley

 

Staff Contact:

Daphne Oliver

337.433.3632

 

 

 

 

Committee Chair:

Peggy Kelly

PDI of the South

 

Staff Contact:

Paula Ramsey

337.433.3632