The significance of this representation is clearly noted in the number of new members which the Lafayette Chamber has attracted and the renewal of existing memberships in recent months. This is an obvious response to the high profile positions identified by Chamber membership and implemented by our leadership.

A prime example is our role in the call for the lifting of the Gulf of Mexico drilling moratorium. We were among the first to draw public attention to the adverse impact which this arbitrary federal mandate would have on our economy; Chamber staff played a primary role in staging the successful Rally for Economy Survival; and we have further responded with the reactivation of an Energy Division within the Chamber.

Our effort to promote the use of CNG as an alternate source of energy for vehicles is another example of how the Chamber works for businesses and the community. Through our lobbying efforts in Baton Rouge during the last legislative session, members of the Acadiana delegation were able to secure one million dollars for Lafayette Consolidated Government to convert some of their fleet vehicles to CNG. Chamber CEO / President, Rob Guidry, was present at last week's City-Parish Council meeting when the monies were officially accepted by LCG. Guidry noted that the CNG allocation was an excellent example of a public / private partnership which the Chamber strongly promotes.

Every day, we strive to our commitment that we are "In Business For Business.”