LOUISIANA, Mo — The best recipes feature ingredients that blend well. The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce hopes a combination of youthful gusto and discerning experience will stir up greater achievements. New faces bring a mix of passion, savvy and drive – as well as a range of ages – to a group that’s looking at inventive ways of assisting established businesses and greeting newcomers.
One of them is Tabitha Rardon, this year’s chamber president. The 44-year-old is director of customer support at Stark Brothers Nurseries and owner of TNT Craft Studio in downtown Louisiana with her husband, Tom.
“My vision for the chamber revolves around fostering an inclusive business environment that drives sustainable growth, innovation and prosperity for our community,” Rardon said. “To achieve this vision, we need strategic planning, goal setting, membership engagement and support.”
Vaunted history
The united focus is fitting.
A century ago, nursery owner and future Missouri governor Lloyd Stark urged collaboration as he campaigned for construction of the Champ Clark Bridge. Completed in 1928, the structure was the first Mississippi River highway crossing between Keokuk and St. Louis, and dramatically boosted commerce in Missouri and Illinois. The bridge was replaced in 2019, and remains a vital economic component for the region. While Rardon has no delusions about the change in atmosphere since the 1920s, she refuses to be pessimistic in the wake of challenges facing Louisiana.
“It’s worth noting that fostering a culture of collaboration, respect and mutual learning is essential for maximizing the benefits of having a diverse member composition,” she said. “We need to invest in opportunities for members to continually learn and develop their skills.”
The work already has begun, with Rardon inaugurating a series of monthly chamber professional development workshops called InnovateU. The “Chamber Bucks” shop locally program also is getting under way, and more events, initiatives, community engagement and cultural enrichment activities are planned.
“We serve as a unified voice for local businesses, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, sustainability and inclusivity,” Rardon said. “This involves engaging with local government officials, policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure our community’s needs are heard and addressed.”
Building the team
A board with fresh perspectives has been assembled. Viki Cadwallader, Sydney Spiller and Jennifer Fisher are the latest members. Heather White and Tannis Sanders are recent additions. The veterans include Diana Huckstep and Layne Ebers. Brook Patterson is the new chamber executive director. One hurdle to overcome is a matter of perception. For the most part, just about everything a person needs can be found in Louisiana. The chamber board is a good representation, with members from the retail, real estate, commercial, professional service, healthcare and public sectors. The problem – and it’s one just about every smaller community faces – is that people have grown accustomed to driving elsewhere or going online. For Louisiana, the flip side has been a surge of small business openings during the last year.
White, a 36-year-old Louisiana native with two businesses and a family, is encouraged.
“I would say that we have a beautiful, historic small town that has a lot of potential as long as everyone works together to make it great again,” she said. “There are many people trying to come in and improve our town right now, and I think we need to keep that momentum going and encourage it in every way possible.”
Spiller, 28, is among the movers and shakers who share the enthusiasm. She and her husband, Cody, own Dean’s Outdoors LLC at 414 Georgia, which held a grand opening April 18. Spiller, the chamber’s first vice president, understands there will be naysayers, but sees “tons of potential for development.” She hearkens the past while envisioning a brighter path ahead.
“As a new business owner here, I have seen great days and rough days,” Spiller said. “What I see is a town with amazing potential that needs our help to restore its former glory. To do this, we need to grow our traffic and show new businesses they have a place in the wonderful town of Louisiana.”
Next time: Getting it done.
Editor’s disclosure: Brent Engel is a Louisiana Chamber of Commerce board member.
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:
Sydney Spiller, right, is one of many who hope to reinvigorate Louisiana. She and her husband, Cody, left, opened Dean’s Outdoors at 414 Georgia. They’re pictured at the business with Dan Hagerty of St. Louis.