By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted Tom Wickham, Vice President of Government Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, on Feb. 5, bringing local business leaders together for a discussion on the current state of government and its impact on Louisiana.
Wickham delivered a presentation offering insight into federal policy priorities from the perspective of the national Chamber of Commerce and how those priorities affect businesses across the country, including those in Northwest Louisiana. He also highlighted several national Chamber programs that the Bossier Chamber participates in at the local level.
Following the presentation, Wickham answered questions from area business owners and community leaders, providing clarification on legislative issues, regulatory challenges, and the U.S. Chamber’s advocacy efforts on behalf of its thousands of member businesses nationwide.
“Tom has a ton of knowledge about governmental affairs and what the U.S. Chamber’s priorities are,” said Lisa Johnson, President and CEO of the Bossier Chamber. “It’s incredibly valuable to hear directly from the VP of Government Affairs about why the U.S. Chamber prioritizes what it does and what they’re doing to improve the thousands of businesses nationwide who are members. We appreciate having a national representative here in Bossier City, answering questions asked by the businesspeople in our community.”
The event was part of the Bossier Chamber’s Public Policy Series, which focuses on educating members about issues that influence the local business environment and connecting them with state and national leaders.
The Chamber’s next Public Policy Series event is scheduled for March 3, featuring a Pre-Legislative Breakfast with the regional legislative delegation. Registration information is available online at bossierchamber.com.
The Bossier Chamber also recognized the series sponsors — Willis-Knighton Health, Expand Energy, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, and Ochsner LSU Health — for their continued support in making the Public Policy Series possible.