The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership which promotes commerce in Natchitoches Parish by unifying the business and professional communities, fostering the free-enterprise system, influencing the direction of governmental, educational and economic issues, and providing member services for the purpose of creating profitable opportunities for a better Natchitoches Parish.  More succinctly our mission is to make Natchitoches and Natchitoches Parish the best possible places in which to live and to do business.

The Chamber in Natchitoches was established in 1919 and has a strong tradition of business and community activism.  The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce serves the needs of not just the city of Natchitoches, but all of Natchitoches Parish.  Involved heavily with educational reform, community advancement and economic development, the Chamber also provides the needed resources and support that our many businesses, large and small, need to maintain a competitive edge in tomorrow's economy.

In talking about what the Chamber is, it is important to also note what the Chamber is NOT...it is not a government agency, a branch of City Hall, nor a State or Federally supported organization.  The Chamber is supported by its members and lead by a Board of Directors nominated by membership.

About Chambers

Chambers are the primary source for businesses and individuals seeking information on the business climate in a community. Representing the vocal point for businesses, chambers often are the catalyst for business opinions and represent business needs in the community. As the collective voice, chambers speak from a much broader economic framework than individual businesses or politicians ever could.

The work of local chambers of commerce is vital to the community's business life. Chambers provide bottom line programs for businesses large and small. They fight for pro-business legislation and form public and private alliances. With the support of chambers, small businesses can not only bud, but develop and grow with the security that an inclusive community gives.

But chambers not only address economic issues, they provide leadership in civil and social programming as well. Through innovative programs, chambers address health care concerns, education, crime prevention -- because community issues become business issues and have a great impact upon the overall business climate. A strong dynamic business community benefits the entire community. Chambers directly involve themselves in the community to create the environment where people want to live and work.