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The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote growth and development within the communities of Bossier and Caddo Parish. The Chamber promotes growth and development by utilizing its most valuable resource, its membership. For nearly 70 years the Bossier Chamber of Commerce has served as an integral part of what makes our community a great place to live, work and play.

History
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1947 under the leadership of a board of directors of 19 businessmen, including President V. V. Whittington, First Vice President A.R. Teague, Second Vice President O.A. Teekell and Treasurer Harry B. Walker. The 15 men making up the directors were mostly from Bossier Parish, with two Shreveport businessmen on board. The Chamber began with a mission stated as: The objects and purposes of this organization shall be the advancement of the civic, commercial, industrial and agricultural interests of Bossier Parish, Louisiana; the promotion of the general welfare and prosperity of the Parish, and the stimulation of public sentiment for these purposes. This group of men held their first board meeting on Sept. 5, 1947 and signed the articles of incorporation on Oct. 30, 1947. The Chamber has been located in Bossier City from its beginning, while serving the entire parish of Bossier. Nine of the original charter members of the Chamber continue to be members today: AEP SWEPCO; Builders Supply Co., Inc.; Centerpoint Energy; Coca-Cola United Bottling Company; Maddox & Hughes Insurance Agency; Montgomery Agency, Inc.; Pulley-White Insurance Agency, Inc.; Red River Motor Company; and The (Shreveport) Times. Throughout the past 70 years, the Chamber has helped, throughout its own initiatives or partnerships in the region, to start Keep Bossier Beautiful and the Military Affairs Council as well as to bring the first emergency room to Bossier Parish, among its many other endeavors to grow and sustain Bossier Parish.

Mission
Through 70 years, the Bossier Chamber has continued with the same legacy and mission – to advance business interests in Bossier Parish while continuing to help the parish prosper. The Chamber has grown to more than 900 members, representing seven states and 37 cities within the United States. The Bossier Chamber is proud to be a leader in government as well as military relations for our region. The Bossier Chamber of Commerce was named in the Top 20 Military Friendly Chambers across America by Vetrepreneur Magazine in 2011.

In 2013, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce received its 4-Star Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce, marking it as a top chamber of commerce in the country

Cyber Innovation Center
The Bossier Chamber championed the position of Military Student Transition Consultant through funding for this position provided by Barksdale Forward, the Cyber Innovation Center, the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, and the Military Affairs Council. Georgette Price was positioned to serve as the MSTC in Bossier Parish in August of 2012. Recognizing the unique demands placed on military families through frequent moves and deployment, the community contracted with the Military Child Education Coalition® to hire a MSTC. The MSTC is responsible for partnering with Bossier Parish Schools and the Barksdale Air Force Base School Liaison Officer (SLO) to assist in the transition and orientation of military families and students into the local school districts. Through the MSTC, families and students are provided with educational opportunities, resources, and information necessary to achieve academic success. After 3 successful years, the Bossier Parish School System absorbed the position as a full time position within the School System. .

Bossier Youth Leadership
Almost 25 years ago, the Chamber formed one of its signature programs – the Bossier Youth Leadership program – and now has added two new foundations to its umbrella of community work as it continues a legacy of general welfare and prosperity of Bossier Parish.

Bossier Innovates Foundation
The Bossier Innovates Foundation was created in 2014 to enhance the economic and social opportunities of Northwest Louisiana, as well as the quality of life of its citizens, thru educational programs, workforce development, enhancement or expansion of existing facilities and programs, and collaborations with community partners.

Northwest Military Support Foundation
The Northwest Military Support Foundation was initially founded in 2009 as SB Squared (Shreveport-Bossier Supports Barksdale), this nonprofit came under the umbrella of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce in 2014. The name change was a result of expanding the reach of this organization to serve ALL military families living and serving in the northwest Louisiana region.

Past Chairman
Past President’s/Chairman of the Board (volunteer position):

Signature Programs

 * Annual Meeting / Banquet
 * Annual Golf Tournament
 * Annual State of Bossier
 * Annual Military Recognition Breakfast
 * Annual Military Speakers Luncheon
 * Annual Legislative Summit
 * Annual New Teachers Luncheon
 * Annual Patriots Celebration
 * Annual State of Education
 * Annual Education & Innovation Luncheon
 * Annual Military Appreciation Reception