The St. Tammany West Chamber’s board of directors is made up of local business professionals who are passionate about the chamber and its mission.  Board members serve a three-year term.  At the end of every year, six members rotate off and six new members take their place. 

               We are pleased to announce our newest board members for the 2010-2012 term, each of whom has committed his time and talent to advancing the goals and objectives of the chamber: Mark Benfatti, N'tini's; Scott Delacroix, Adams and Reese LLP; Mike Dugger, Runners Choice & City Soccer; Kirk Landry, Florida Marine Transporters, Inc.; Craig Marinello, Next Step Resources; and Kieran Weldon, Fauntleroy & Latham, Inc. 

             In addition, advisory board members were also selected.  These were chosen as a result of recommendations made by the nominating committee and specific appointments by the incoming chairman, all of whom will serve a one-year term.  The advisory board members for 2010 include: Janet Fabre-Smith, Fabre Smith & Company; Sally Kingston, Merrill Lynch; Laurie McCants, Honda of Covington; James Stewart, Charter Business; Catherine Wilbert, Nutrition Company/Vitality, LLC; and Donald Villere, St. Tammany Parish School System. 

             All 2010 board members will be formally installed at the January 14 Installation & Awards Banquet at the Castine Center.  It is not too early for chamber members and guests to reserve their seats. 

             We’d like to also recognize our returning members, serving their second and third years on the board: Michele Avery, LaPorte Sehrt Romig Hand; Lisa Blossman, City Business/North Shore Report; P.J. Demarie, P.J. Demarie & Associates; Amy Edwards, Capital One; Sandy Hughes, Hughes-Consulting; Randy Meyer, Conbeth, Inc.; Jamie Schlottman, Humana; Pat Brister, Northshore Business Council; Rick Flick, Banner Ford; C.J. Ladner, State Farm; Richard Muller, Lakeshore Title, LLC; Willie Paretti, Rare Find Design Center, Inc.; Danny Schaus, Cleco; and our outgoing 2009 chairman, Jean Champagne. 

             And finally, we thank all of our outgoing board members, whose terms end December 31, for their exceptional service: Scott Boudreaux, Ochsner Health Center; David Duplantier, Chevron; David Guzan, Fairway Medical Surgical Hospital; Melissa Kirsch, Workforce Investment Board; Stewart Shields, Mass Mutual Financial Group; and Janet Whitters, AT&T. 

             Each year the new board is led in an orientation process, detailing their role in accordance with chamber by-laws and the standards of excellence that is responsible for the success of our organization.  All incoming board and advisory members attended an orientation session that took place in September.   In addition, all current, incoming and outgoing board members will attend a special planning retreat this month.  A program of work that outlines the goals and strategies for the year ahead will be developed based on input from our membership survey and focus group participants during this annual process. 

             The board is comprised of a wide range of individuals in a variety of fields that include CEOs of leading business companies, as well as small business leaders.  Board members donate a great deal of their energy and expertise to board service and truly have the best interest of the chamber and the business community at heart.  We sincerely thank all of our board members for their willingness to serve.

             For more information on the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, visit www.sttammanychamber.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.