Get Involved: Committees

Involvement is the key to maximizing the future opportunities of the Chamber SWLA and the SWLA Alliance Foundation.  The skills, talents and experience of our members are vital to the future of Southwest Louisiana and utilized through our volunteer committee/council structure which has been designed to promote and fulfill our organizations’ missions.  

Business Development & Inclusion Task Force

Chair: Velika Hurst-Trahan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Staff Liaison: Eric Cormier, ecormier@allianceswla.org

Harnesses 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.

Environmental Affairs Committee

Chair: Laurie Cormier of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

Staff Liaison: Gus Fontenot, gfontenot@allianceswla.org

Explores 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.

Golf Tournament

Staff Liaisons: Michelle McInnis, Paula Ramsey

Coordinates all aspects of the annual golf tournament.

Governmental Affairs Committee

Chair: Ronnie Petree of The Bank

Staff Liaison: George Swift, gswift@allianceswla.org

Works with our professional public policy staff to monitor legislation and administrative policy at the federal, state and local level, 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. This committee will also monitor and promote the development of infrastructure necessary to sustain and improve the health of the business climate in Southwest Louisiana.

Leadership/Southwest Committee

Chair: Stephen Benoit of B1Bank

Staff Liaison: Michelle McInnis, mmcinnis@allianceswla.org

Develops and directs the curriculum of Leadership/SWLA, a comprehensive nine-month program for middle managers and other professionals nominated by their companies and selected by the committee. Only open to Leadership Graduates.

Quality of Life Task Forces

Chair: Tobie Hodgkins of Century 21 Bessette Realty

Tackles projects to improve the quality of life in Southwest Louisiana

Small Business

Chair: Tina Higgins of Cruise Planners

Staff Liaison: Michelle McInnis, mmcinnis@allianceswla.org

Develops and implements programming to encourage small business growth across the five parishes of Southwest Louisiana, focusing particularly on the needs of Chamber SWLA members.

Technology Council

Chair: Charles Burton of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

Staff Liaison: Gus Fontenot, gfontenot@allianceswla.org

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.

Women’s Business Network

Chair: Erica McCreedy of First Federal Bank of Louisiana

Staff Liaison: Amanda White, awhite@allianceswla.org

Plans the quarterly Women’s Business Network lunches and annual awards luncheon.

Workforce Development / Education Committee

Chair: Tristan Hager of Lyondell  Bassell

Staff Liaison: Michelle McInnis, mmcinnis@allianceswla.org

Promotes and enhances workforce development and educational opportunities across Southwest Louisiana.