Lafayette Chamber Focuses On October Issues & Award

The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has been named National Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.  Lafaeytte Chamber President and CEO Rob Guidry joined “Mornings With Ken & Bernie” to talk about the honor, but also to talk about the focus, this fall, for the Chamber.

This fall, for the October 22nd primary, Lafayette voters will be asked to decide the fate of several weighty issues including whether or not to keep a consolidated form of government in Lafayette or two separate.  Voters will also be asked to give a thumbs up or down to a 561 million dollar tax proposal for facilities planning.

Guidry says these issues will be debated not only among their members, but among community members at length, and the Chamber plans to be a part of that process.  Guidry says members we will be seeking answers from both sides of issues for this fall election, and plan to be bold, if not popular, in giving their support to what their members feel should be approved or not for our community.

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ACCE recognized the Lafayette Chamber for excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership. The Lafayette Chamber was one of two finalists in its category; the Longview, TX Chamber being the other. This is a tremendous honor that only up to four chambers in four categories may receive annually recognizing the chamber as among the best in the nation. Applicants for the award are judged by a panel of peers and previous award recipients from across the country.

The Chamber President & CEO Rob Guidry and V.P. of Operations Cydra Wingerter represented Lafayette at the finalist interviews during the 2011 Annual Convention in Los Angeles, CA on Wednesday, August 3, 2011. The interview serves as an opportunity for a panel of seasoned chamber professionals to further explore the chamber’s programs and management practices. The Chamber staff was present during the award announcement last night, Thursday, August 4, 2011.

The national recognition is the latest for the Lafayette Chamber. Earlier in 2011, the Chamber earned reaccreditation with a five star rating from the United States Chamber of Commerce. It is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The five star accreditation places the Lafayette Chamber in the top one percent of the near 7,000 chambers in the United States.