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Chairman’s Message

The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has a long and outstanding history of serving the business community in this region. It is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to have the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

I was introduced to the Chamber in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the Chamber undertook three major initiatives that have had a profound impact on the development of this community. These projects – consolidation of the governments, development of I-49 South (the connector and beyond), and the Camellia Boulevard Bridge – have since influenced and shaped the patterns of growth in this community.

It is sufficed to mention that it was our consolidated government that promoted fiber to the premises, which has set us apart from all cities of our size or larger in the nation. The ultimate benefit of this initiative has yet to be visualized and realized.

The Camellia Boulevard Bridge facilitated development of the Village of River Ranch – a truly livable neighborhood – that is now being copied in several cities within and outside of our state. The development of River Ranch has had a major positive impact on the economy of this area.

Since the Chamber has continued its progressive and proactive approach, a number of major projects have made Lafayette a jewel of a city in our state. Needless to say, we have had some setbacks among these successes. I, along with many of my local friends, have been participating in the I-49 South task force for many years. To our preference, we would have rather seen this project completed. Nevertheless, we will not rest until this important highway and its companion loop are built.

Our challenges for the future have already been articulated through the Chamber’s strategic plan. We will continue our efforts in regionalism and development of a unified and strong voice in this region.

Public education will always remain a major objective of this Chamber. We can’t be a first-class community without a first-class educational system. We must do all we can to make our K-12 education the very best in Louisiana. Our university and community and technical colleges are Acadiana’s economic engines. They develop our skilled workforce and provide for advancements in science, engineering and technology, which makes this area attractive to clean industries.

Our rich Cajun culture and heritage, effectively supported by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, provide for a singular uniqueness. The warm and welcoming culture of this community easily integrates people of other cultures into its own fabric, creating a fantastically colorful tapestry that allows all to share its joie de vivre.

These very special attributes provide for a thriving environment where our business community can continue to flourish.

Our future is very bright, and I am thrilled to have an opportunity to contribute.

Kam Movassaghi
Chairman