At the chamber’s annual board retreat in late January, members outlined strategies for supporting the positive momentum in Iberia Parish.

Community Promotion

At the beginning of the year, Boudoin proposed to viewers on Facebook that they change the way they speak about New Iberia, asking them to post with one positive thing about Iberia Parish.  

Shifting the reputation of the parish is a priority of the chamber that will be achieved by showcasing it as an economic driver with a rich culture and heritage, poised for growth and prosperity.  Think positive!

Education & Workforce Development

Strengthening people strengthens a community and its businesses. The chamber is engaged in a multi-faceted approach supporting education and workforce development from the Work Ready Community Initiative for graduating high school students and transitional workers, to the 55 by 25 regional initiative designed to boost education beyond high school, and promoting the School Readiness tax credit that addresses kindergarten readiness issues.

Community Leadership

In 2019, the chamber will continue its signature programs for developing community leadership through Leadership Iberia, the FireStarter Project, and INSPIRE. as well as remain active in local, state and federal public policy issues.

Fall Political Forums

There will be several important races on the ballot this fall.  The chamber plans to provide opportunities for community members to meet and hear from the candidates who are running for political offices.

Networking Opportunities

The chamber facilitates connections with over 400 business members through events like:

– “Eggs and Issues,” informing attendees of what’s going on in Iberia Parish.

– Ribbon Cuttings, celebrating new businesses as well as the relaunching or expansion of existing ones.   (Last year, chamber representatives presided over 16 ribbon cuttings.)

Special Events

-The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating 80 years in Iberia Parish

-Look forward to what Boudoin says will be the best World Championship Gumbo Cookoff yet, as that event celebrates 30 years.

The gumbo cookoff has been a boost for Iberia Parish and the chamber, garnering national attention over the years.  Most recently, the event was featured in the January 2019 issue of “Southern Living.”  For Boudoin it confirms what he, and others, have said for years:  that once you experience New Iberia, you will like it.

His impassioned commitment is felt when he says, “This is where I grew up; this is where I’m raising my family now and where I will spend the rest of my life.  I want to see this city prosper well into the future!  Our community Is unique in that it is like a family.  We have a great group of people who are willing to help – and make it fun along the way.”