Your Chamber continues to play a leading role in addressing issues related to the BP incident offshore Louisiana. Meanwhile, its business unusual as our staff works around the renovations to our office and managing a number of events designed to keep you informed of matters of interest to your business and our community.

While the nation’s news media continues its focus on the impact of the BP oil spill, your Chamber is partnering with a number of other interested organizations in drawing attention to the federal moratorium on offshore drilling; an economic mandate that could equal and surpass the damaging effects on coastal Louisiana. The six month moratorium has a rippling effect in the state with a direct and indirect impact on jobs…from roughnecks on the drilling platforms to the service staff as our local restaurants.

KLFY TV10 Eyewitness News did an extensive story on this issue which included an interview with Chamber staff. You can view the story by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L34UVYojjZM. 

Also, during our monthly radio interview on KPEL, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHnuEeUQZPI, our call for public reaction included promotion of two upcoming events. On July 8^th, we are sponsoring a special breakfast, "Energy Wake Up Call”, and a "Rally For Economic Survival” on July 21^st.

The breakfast will feature John Hofmeister, founder of the public policy firm, Citizens for Affordable Energy, which promotes sound U.S. energy security solutions for the nation. Hofmeister is a former president of Shell Oil Company and offers and articulate, knowledgeable voice on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, deepwater moratorium consequences and long term national energy policies. The event will be at the Cajundome Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. It is open to the general public.

The "Rally For Economic Survival” is scheduled for the Cajundome from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 21^st. Your Chamber is a partner in organizing the event to call attention to the adverse impact of the federal moratorium on Louisiana’s economy. More information on the rally is available at www.rallyforeconomicsurvival.com. There is also a Facebook fan page setup: www.facebook.com/rallyforeconomicsurvival. Information is also on twitter: with 2 hashtags for the event. #rallyforeceonomicsurvival and #RFES.

You may view an interview promoting these events on KATC TV3 Good Morning Acadiana by visiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ8w4UmEzf8. 

In closing, THANKS! to those of you who were among the 540+ who attended Business Over Breakfast last week. 

And, finally, our front offices have been totally gutted as work progresses in updating our building. Business continues with staff split between "offices” in our board room and at LITE. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Chamber staff will be giving regular updates on the building renovations on the Chamber’s YouTube Channel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG6-Bp4gw0A. We are looking forward to the new look to be completed sometime after Labor Day.

Have a safe and pleasant Fourth of July!