I'll be representing you in Washington D.C. this week as we continue to lead the way in defense of the Energy Industry and support the effort to "Lift The Moratorium.” Folks from throughout the country will be part of a "fly-in” organized by the American Energy Alliance (AEA) and their new initiative Save US Energy Jobs. They are hosting groups from states affected by the oil spill and will include individuals who are knowledgeable about the energy industry and can attest to the fact that what happened in the Gulfwas not a result of industry standards being weak or negligence, but the errors of one company.

Certainly, I can testify as to how a continuation of the moratorium adversely impacts our membership, our community and our state.

Chamber Chairman, Dave Welch, head of Stone Energy, has led the battle to life the moratorium and in addressing how the energy industry assures the safety of our environment and the country with offshore drilling and production in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Dave is in the "Executive Spotlight” in this month's edition of ABiz. You can read the interview article by visiting http://www.theind.com/executive-spotlight/6655-executive-spotlight-julyaugust-2010.

Finally, along with the new look at your Chamber office, we will be rolling out a comprehensive membership communications package within the next month. Staff is finalizing details on how we will disseminate Chamber news via a combination of traditional media and electronic communications.

Exciting things are happening at your Chamber and in our community!