By
Debbie Martin, Central
Chamber of Commerce administrator
Most people are not sure what the purpose of a Chamber of Commerce is. Many also assume a Chamber of Commerce is part of the local government.
In fact, the Chamber of Commerce is a group of business owners who form an alliance to help their community. Although the Chamber of Commerce works closely with local government in identifying the community’s needs, the Chamber of Commerce is independent of the government. Once the community’s needs are identified, business owners and community leaders belonging to the Chamber have the strength of numbers to make things happen.
That’s why membership in the Chamber is important. The Central Chamber of Commerce has been the silent force behind many important events in Central, such as the annual Cooking in Central event, which started out as a way to help our neighbors after a devastating storm.
Association of Businesses
People often assume the Chamber of Commerce is an exclusive club for only the most successful and well established business owners. But the Chamber is an association of many businesses, both large and small. This allows successful business owners to help new business owners establish themselves in the community.
More simply stated, the Chamber of Commerce is made of people from the Central community. Many Chamber members are probably your friends and neighbors, and many are the area merchants you patronize.
When you enter a business in Central and see a sign on the door identifying it as a City of Central Chamber of Commerce Member, know that business owner has made a commitment to our community and to the future of our children and grandchildren.
Upcoming Chamber-Sponsored Events
National Day of Prayer - May 1
Prayer Banquet – July 30
Chamber Golf Tournament – September 18
New Central Chamber of Commerce Members
Chris’ Specialty Meats
Paul Mier, Owner
Greenoaks Memorial Park and Funeral Home
Stephen Johnson, Manager
Bingham’s Collision
Billy and Annette Bingham, Owners
Boogie’s Bubbles Carwash
Ronnie and Debra Husser, Owners
Real Estate Management, LLC
Snappy Jacobs,Owner
H&R Block
Deborah Bass, Owner
United First Financial
Monica Vincent, Agent
Professional Restoration Contractors of Louisiana
Tom Prestridge & Kelvin Williams, Owners
Sylvan Learning Center
Jack and Brenda Iverstine, Owners
Derashnie Enterprises
Scott Wilson, Owner
Spillway Sportsman
Scott Roe, Owner
Capitol City Jewelers, LLC
William and Debra Lopez, Owners
Morris Summers, Associate Member
Eric Newsom, Associate Member
Carolyn Marcotte, Associate Member