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Trey Sanders Recaps Year as Chamber Board Chair


Jan. 11, 2022

RE:  Trey Sanders recaps year as Livingston Chamber Board Chair

When we first gathered at the beginning of 2021, I recall the focus being the connections and opportunities that the Chamber provides to our Livingston Parish business community.  The two are intertwined and a vital part of better business networks and community initiatives.  Even though we had adjustments to make, including rescheduling our Women’s Leadership Conference where Kim Mulkey had been scheduled as the headline speaker, the Chamber pressed on and continued to offer opportunities. 

Online was never more vital and the Chamber operations continued to shift through web offerings and the robust activity on our social media accounts.  Information that is vital to business success is always on the agenda and we were able to deliver. 

Being the board chair provided tremendous opportunities to me directly.   One new area I made the time to be a part of was the Ribbon Cuttings this year. It’s really an exciting event whether it’s a first time small business owner or an existing business expanding.  I had an opportunity to meet with the key member of the business and learn their story.

Leadership development offered by the chamber holds a special place for me as I am a graduate of the Leadership Livingston Program.  It’s a very good program and I personally recommend it.  It offers an opportunity to learn about the parish and yourself, while making connections and improving our parish.  I was proud to be a part of the Class of 2021 graduation and to help welcome the Class of 2022. 

The program has a lot to pack in and from this seat, I see the incredible projects that enhance our communities throughout the parish.  For 2021, the French Settlement Playground, from a previous class, became a reality and two new projects were launched, first responders and the Albany Community Park enhancements.  All projects create a sense of pride for the communities involved. 

 From my experience and involvement with the Chamber, getting involved in a committee or council role, is one of the most rewarding opportunities.  It enable individuals to work on the leadership and communication skill while making connections.  It’s is truly a game changer in the connections and relationships department, working together for a common cause outside ourselves. 

Last, but certainly not least, is the Advocacy Programming, the Chamber’s voice for Livingston Parish business.  It should be at the top of the list as it impacts every business in the parish.  Bringing the business point of view and developing relationships with our local elected officials at every level of government is a vital step in our parish.  This year, we introduced a new approach and named it our Business & Industry Updates.  We always have had the Government Affairs committee and had regular meeting on current topics.  We changed it slightly this year to engage more business representatives and local officials in addition to our regular line up.  With the success of the program, we should see more of this in 2022. 

In closing my year as Chair of the Chamber, I am thankful for the opportunity.  I am thankful for my family, chamber operations, business colleagues and to my peer business professionals and leaders throughout the parish for offering me this prestigious opportunity. 

I wish you all a Chamber of Commerce Day every day. 
Sincerely,
Trey Sanders