The Business Development Connection (BDC) connects accomplished and emerging business leaders to develop, share, and perfect their business skills. 

Providing networking and educational opportunities across the entire business community, the BDC also works to emphasize the strength of diversity within our multi-cultural community. 

The BDC hosts a number of signature events highlighting women and minorities in business, including the ATHENA Awards Luncheon and the Minority Business Opportunity Awards. Through quarterly luncheons and the “What’s Happening” breakfast series, the BDC also provides quality and timely information important to all business professionals.

MEMBERSHIP: Membership in the BDC is open to all members of the Chamber and their employees, with special emphasis on business owners, management and emerging senior management employees.

OFFICERS: Officers of the Business Development Connection will consist of a President, who will also serve on the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during their one year term as President. The President-elect will succeed the President and the First Vice President will succeed the President-elect. The Executive Committee of the Business Development Connection will also include a Treasurer, Secretary and Immediate Past President. Those eligible to serve as officers are those whose firms are dues-paying members of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. (Those in Honorary Membership firms or organizations are not eligible for officer positions). Officers shall also be a business owner or in management within their company. Emerging leaders within dues-paying companies may be eligible to serve in an officer position if a written letter of recommendation is provided by the business owner or senior management of the firm which they represent.

ELIGIBILITY: During the first three years of the Business Development Connection, dues-paying Chamber members who have previously served in office for YPI, the Greater Shreveport Leadership program or the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are eligible for nomination as an officer of the Business Development Connection. All nominations for officers will be approved by the Board of Directors of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. 

If you are interested in getting involved with the BDC or want further information, please contact Ellie Ward at (318) 677-2524 or by email at [email protected].