Programs

 Business Development Connection "BDC"

Purpose: Connects accomplished and emerging business leaders to develop, share and perfect their business skills. The “Connection” provides networking and education opportunities across the whole business community while emphasizing the strength of diversity within our multi-cultural business community. The “Connection” hosts key signature events that highlight women in business, minority businesses and Hispanic businesses and provides quality and timely information important to all businesses.

* Program Luncheons
* Minority Business Opportunity Awards Banquet-Annual event
* CINCO De Mayo Media Kick-Off Party - Annual event
* BDC Mixers

To Get Involved: Must be Chamber members. There is no limit to the number of BDC members. Contact Ellie Ward at 677-2524.

 Diplomats

Purpose:  Diplomats serve as the Membership Retention Committee of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The Diplomats volunteer their time and resources to sustain a year-round retention program that involves making personal visits and follow-up telephone calls to the Chamber members to establish strong relations between the Chamber and the member. The Diplomats promote membership retention by identifying member concerns and relaying that information to the Chamber and garnering support for the Chamber’s program of work. The Diplomats serve at the pleasure of their employer and are required to follow guidelines and meet the expectations as outlined herein to remain in good standing as a Diplomat.

* Diplomat Monthly Meetings-Each month the second Wednesday
* Diplomat Advisory Meetings-Held the last Monday of the Month
* Diplomat Socials-periodically throughout the year

To Get Involved: Volunteers must be Chamber members. There is a limit of 20 participants; others interested are placed on a waiting list. Contact Tracy Whittington at 677-2547.

Young Professional Initiative "YPI"

Purpose: The YPI is focused on developing career skills to cultivate the next generation of leaders in our community, and also providing opportunities for young professionals in the region to connect and make a difference in the community. 

* YPI Initiative Kick-off – Annual Event
* Lunch & Learn
* YPI Social Mixer
* 40 Under 40 –  Annual Event

To Get Involved: There is no limit to the number of participants. Contact Andy Buffington at 677-2526.

 Committees

 Legislative Policy Committee

Purpose:This committee is to recommend positions that are in the best interest of the Chamber and/or community, as a whole, to the Chamber Board of Directors on state and federal policy and legislative issues. The committee is diverse in business categories, political affiliation, age, race, and gender in order to best reflect the demographics of the Chamber membership as a whole.

To Get Involved: Volunteers must be Chamber members and will be selected by the Vice Chair of Public Policy and Chairman of the Board. Experience in legislative matters is recommended. Contact Kim Farquhar at 677-2510.

 Transportation Advisory Group

Purpose: To analyze, prioritize and recommend policy and positions to the Chamber Board of Directors on regional and community transportation projects.    There are five major transportation infrastructure projects competing for government funding, this group will identify and prioritize how to complete all of these within the limited funding available. 

To Get Involved: Volunteers must be Chamber members, should have knowledge of/or expertise in transportation, finance and long term community visioning and will be selected by the Vice Chair of Public Policy. Contact Kim Farquhar at 677-2510.

 Tax Team (TDL – Tax, Debt and Unfunded Liability)

Purpose:This is a top level leadership team comprised of Board members and Chamber leaders who are CPA’s, Bankers, Investment Advisors and CEO’s who will make recommendations to the Chamber Board of Directors on solutions to the state, local and federal debt, taxes and unfunded liability issues facing our community. 

To Get Involved: Volunteers must be Chamber members and selected by the Chairman of the Board and President. Contact Dick Bremer at 677-2523.