Programs and

Initiatives

Guidebook

2016

Chamber Ambassadors

Military Affairs Committee

Workforce Development

And more…

Table of

Contents

Introduction from the

Chamber President… pg. 1

Programs

Ambassadors… pg. 2

NYP… pg. 4

Initiatives

Military Affairs Committee…

pg. 6

Education… pg. 7

Workforce Development…

pg. 8

Other Chamber Projects… pg.

9

Introduction from the

Chamber President

Our programs and initiatives are an ever evolving

extension of our organization. All the committees,

goals, and mission statements carry no value

without the Chamber membership there to give

the words behind them meaning. We provide the

space and the ideas, but the people provide the

hands and the workforce needed to execute

these projects.

Thank you to those of you have already been

working to make these projects a success.

We could not do this without you.

Tony Davis

1

Ambassadors

What is a Chamber Ambassador?

Volunteers from Chamber member businesses that plan and participate in Chamber events such as CRAVE! Natchitoches and the Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon.

“…it’s about working together and having fun while doing it.”

– Kenny Thomas, Chamber Ambassador

“Meeting people and networking is the obvious

reason, but understanding and being a part of how business

and community works in Natchitoches is an exciting

dividend.” – Lorilee Broderson, Chamber Ambassador

2

What’s in it for me?

Utilize delivery of Community Profiles to establish new relationships

You are listed on the Chamber website, with your photo and a brief bio

Recognition at various Chamber events

Great exposure from emceeing ribbon cuttings

Ambassador Form

3

To sign up to become an Ambassador, fill out this form, detach and bring back to the Chamber office at 780 Front St., Suite 101 OR scan as a PDF and send to Membership@NatchitochesChamber.com

What are some of the specific duties of an Ambassador? (Obligations in BOLD)

Attend regular Ambassador meetings (At least 7)

Serve on one (or more) Chamber project groups

Attend ribbon cuttings (at least 3) & other Natchitoches Chamber events (at least 1/quarter)

Helping to plan, decorate and host the Annual Awards Luncheon

Help deliver annual Community Profiles, membership plaques and decals

Help host various Natchitoches Chamber events each year (must host at least 3/year)

Wear your Ambassador badge at all Natchitoches Chamber events

Be yourself!

And most importantly—HAVE FUN!

I’m excited and ready to help!

Name ______________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________

Organization ______________________________________________

Signature ______________________________________________

Date ______________________________________________

Natchitoches Young

Professionals (NYP)

What is Natchitoches Young Professionals?

A Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce initiative, Natchitoches Young Professionals is dedicated to developing our community’s current and future business leaders with membership available to anyone between the ages of 21 and 40 who lives, works, learns or plays in the greater Natchitoches area.

“As one of the founding members of the Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP), it means so much to see the organization thriving and

doing so many great things within the community. It’s my

belief that in order to be a part of your community, you must

volunteer and serve in order to give back to the place that

you love to make it better, day by day.” – Vanner Erikson, NYP

Board Member

4

NYP Member Form

5

To sign up to become an NYP member, scan the QR code below OR fill out this form, detach and bring back to the Chamber office at 780 Front St., Suite 101 OR scan as a PDF and send to Membership@NatchitochesChamber.com.

Annual Dues:

$35 Chamber Member

$50 Nonmember

Name _______________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________

Organization _______________________________________________

Chamber Member: Yes No

Signature _______________________________________________

Date _______________________________________________

Military Affairs

Committee

What Does the Committee do?

Helps coordinate local efforts to better serve local and visiting military personnel.

Share activities amongst the group and public at-large.

Works to increase communication between Fort Polk.

Maps services for improvement.

Goals/Mission of the Committee

To create a stronger bond between the Natchitoches community and the military

community of Fort Polk.

6

Education

Committee

What Does the Committee do?

Works to develop Early Childhood Education Project.

Uses funds from this

program to provide

enhanced environments in

local, Class A, Quality Start

early childhood education

centers.

Provides assistance to the area's educational needs in PreK12, Technical College and University levels via the Education Fund.

Encompasses PLTW and

STEM summer camps.

Goals/Mission of the Committee

The Education Committee works towards providing more

access to higher quality education in Natchitoches

Parish.

7

Workforce

Development

Committee

What Does the Committee do?

Promotes programs geared towards educating and equipping the workforce in Natchitoches Parish for a variety of careers.

Leads the ACT Work Ready Community Program, which empowers regions to measure and close the skills gap in their workforce.

Partners with NWLTC and NSU to better align workforce programs.

Goals/Mission of the Committee

Workforce Development Committee aims to equip the workforces of Natchitoches

Parish for a variety of careers.

8

Other Chamber Projects

A spring event during the Legislative Session to bring

awareness to legislators relative to Natchitoches

Broadband and Technology Expansion

Expands access to high-speed

internet access around

Natchitoches Parish, as well as the

implementation of new

technologies to the area.

9

Advocacy at the Capitol

Short Courses Monthly Luncheons

A series of classes offered free to Chamber members,

covering a wide variety of relevant business topics.

Luncheons provide an opportunity to build members professional networks, as well

as to learn about topics important to businesses in the

community.

NatchitochesChamber.com

Info@NatchitochesChamber.com

318.352.6894

Contact: Maggie Harris