Chamber Chat with Mags – Details, episodes & analysis

Tune into this episode of Chamber Chat to learn more about the recent Best of Natchitoches Best of Manufacturing winner, RoyOMartin. Senior Director of Human Resources Connie Baker and Vice President of Plywood Jeremy Buford join Mags to chat about RoyOMartin's growth over the past century, and continued commitment to being an industry leader in operational excellence.

Tune into this episode of Chamber Chat to hear how 21-22 A+ Coalition S.T.E.A.M. in Education grant winner Iris Yount (Fairview Alpha Elementary) has utilized her grant funding to create fun and meaningful activities that connect concepts across subjects!

The A+ Coalition’s S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) in Education grant opportunity is available to all public and private, Pre-K-12 educators within Natchitoches Parish. Grants may be funded up to $7,000, or multiple grants may be awarded in smaller increments. This grant is awarded on a yearly basis to an educator(s) in Natchitoches Parish for innovative S.T.E.A.M. initiatives used to advance learning and enhance the skills of students. Grant applications are subject to school principal approval. 

The deadline to apply for the 22-23 grant is July 31, 2022. Educators can start the application process today at NatchitochesChamber.com/steamgrant. 



We're taking a break from our regular programming to present you with something new--The Chamber Rewind. This eight-episode mini-series will feature the recorded sessions from July's virtual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference.

This episode is a recording of the session done by Tori Thomas, Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Northwest Louisiana. Thomas discusses the 4 main benefits of volunteering, how professional volunteering can help you with your career, and how being creative with where and why you volunteer can help you get ahead. This is a great session for any professional or company interested in finding creative ways to develop professionally.

We're taking a break from our regular programming to present you with something new--The Chamber Rewind. This eight-episode mini-series will feature the recorded sessions from July's virtual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference.

Tune into this recorded session with Larkin Simpson, Executive Vice President of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, to about the good things that are happening in Central Louisiana – for businesses and for residents. This talk is about the value of celebrating what is done well and done right in your hometown. Whether it's championing the achievements of major manufacturers that employ a large portion of the parish, or lauding the praises of local creative folks, Simpson will give you a new perspective on the importance of valuing the good stuff that is made where you live and work. 

We're taking a break from our regular programming to present you with something new--The Chamber Rewind. This eight-episode mini-series will feature the recorded sessions from July's virtual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference.

In this recorded session, listeners will learn all the ins and outs of starting and growing a business. Topics covered in include how to obtain financial backing, the importance of having a good brand, and so much more. Listen in on this panel presented by the North Louisiana Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program. 

We're taking a break from our regular programming to present you with something new--The Chamber Rewind. This eight-episode mini-series will feature the recorded sessions from July's virtual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference.

In this session recording, Amy Thibodeaux, the Chamber President at Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce, reveals all of her best budget marketing and branding tools and strategies. She walks through the keys to building your brand, the importance of authenticity and reliability for profitability, and so much more! This session provides invaluable insight for small businesses and businesses who are working to stay fresh with their marketing and branding. 

We're taking a break from our regular programming to present you with something new--The Chamber Rewind. This eight-episode mini-series will feature the recorded sessions from July's virtual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference.

This recording is of the first breakout session of the conference, which was done by the keynote speaker Brent Henley. In this talk, Henley talks about how to cultivate relationships, and the power of a positive YP network. As a bonus, he also covers ways to boost your energy, and tactics for overcoming daily challenges, to make sure you are getting the most out of your work-life. 

We're taking a break from our regular programming to present you with something new--The Chamber Rewind. This eight-episode mini-series will feature the recorded sessions from July's virtual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference. 

Our first episode is a recording of the keynote speaker's presentation, "The neXus Experience". Speaker Brent Henley is well know throughout the state for his outstanding work with leadership programs. In Brent's talk on modern networking, he shows how the current way of doing things is broken. Modern networking is centered around rooms full of people who only want to see what they can “get” from you. He outlines how "relationship selling” is failing, too, and then he provides a new and exciting way to make valuable, meaningful connections. 

In this episode of Chamber Chat Mags sits down with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy. Senator Cassidy talks about his background, the challenges of 2020, and more. To learn more about the Senator visit https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/.

In this episode of Chamber Chat I had the privilege of being able to sit down with the Commanding General at the Fort Polk Joint Readiness Training Center, Brigadier General Frank. General Frank and I chat about the importance of Fort Polk as a key economic driver for the region, some of the existing Natchitoches-Fort Polk connections, and the famous Box Tour, which allows the community to experience battlefield demonstrations and airborne operations.