BRENT ENGEL, Mo — Following is the second part in a story series

An old proverb says that talk does not fix dinner.

The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is cooking up what it envisions as a new era of economic growth, and it wants results to speak louder than words.

Getting it done won’t be easy, but progress already has been made with the opening of new storefronts. Now, the group has developed initiatives to provide business strategies and encourage local shopping.

It’s just the beginning from a team that includes a diversity of ages and experiences.

Brook Patterson, the new chamber executive director, can easily champion Louisiana’s advantages. But the 42-year-old Pike County native is also blunt – hitting the nail on the head with a slogan she hopes will catch on:

“I believe in the future of Louisiana.”

 

Hometown heroines

Viki Cadwallader is another person who’s invested.

The 56-year-old Louisiana native and new chamber secretary runs a real estate business and a coffee trailer called Street Sips. She has turned her ardor into action.

Almost two years ago, Cadwallader and friend Carmen York established Re(STORE)ing Louisiana, a volunteer group with the goal of highlighting local amenities and opportunities to a national audience.

Cadwallader admits she at times is “too emotionally invested,” but can’t take her foot off the accelerator.

“My love for this community and care for people around me are the basis of my involvement,” she said.

Heather White also is a native and a recent chamber board member. She is part of two businesses with her family – an insurance office and The Pierre restaurant. One hundred years ago, local leaders envisioned Louisiana as an American crossroads. White, 36, says the thought is still viable, and can be used while also showcasing other attributes.

“Louisiana is located at such an important spot on the map,” she said. “We are one of the few bridges across the Mississippi. Highway 54 goes to the Lake of the Ozarks, so we are a stop along the way. Highway 79 is another major highway to Hannibal. We have lots of history and architecture. We need to encourage people to take pride in their homes to make Louisiana look great.”

Cadwallader says that every time a new business opens, Louisiana residents should write a note to themselves.

“We HAVE to make an effort to go into these places at every opportunity to see if we can get what we are looking for here – before heading out of town,” she said.

 

Growing the brand

Tannis Sanders was born more than 2,000 miles from Louisiana, but has called it home since 2017.

The 50-year-old KJFM-WBBA Radio broadcast professional and chamber board member is a native of British Columbia. She hopes the efforts will open new opportunities.

“I do believe it’s important for the chamber to continue adapting to the needs of its businesses and keep it focused on them – providing valuable resources, networking and learning opportunities,” Sanders said.

White suggests local organizations join forces more often. New chamber board member Jennifer Fisher emphasizes that such strong alliances are key.

“In my opinion, there are very few things that can grow without the help of a team,” said Fisher, who has lived in Louisiana for half of her 40 years and is head personal banker at Peoples Bank & Trust. “The interaction and discussion amongst people spark the creativity in others and is sometimes just what is needed to bring out the best ideas.”

Tangible results are sometimes hard to measure, so Patterson said another goal going forward will be acknowledgement of “the need for progression and, quite frankly, the need for revitalization.” Finding the right balance can be done if the community grasps how “additional avenues (can) allow for a robust economy.”

“Embracing and highlighting the history and beauty of Louisiana is the town’s key to tourism,” Patterson said. “However, what’s the significance of tourism, history and beauty if a town doesn’t have the resources and accommodations its residents and visitors need?”

 

Next time: More opinions.

Editor’s disclosure: Brent Engel is a Louisiana Chamber of Commerce board member.

 

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:

Jennifer Fisher, left, head personal banker at Peoples Bank & Trust in downtown Louisiana, is a new chamber of commerce board member who hopes to see an economic surge locally. She’s pictured with personal banker Rachel Campbell.