Chamber officers, board installed at annual Business Appreciation Banquet

RAYNE - Mardi Gras was in the air Thursday, Feb. 28, as “Chamber Mambo” was the theme of the sixth annual Business Appreciation Banquet held by the Rayne Chamber of Commerce at the Civic Center with the City of Rayne as co-sponsor.
New board members and officers began their 2019-2020 term during ceremonies as the Chamber will continued efforts to serve the business community.
Incoming president Jeremy Lavergne will lead the new slate of officers of the Chamber board, entering his fifth year as a board member.
Suzette Leonards will continue serving the board as vice president as she enters her fifth year serving the board.
Last year’s secretary, Brian Mouton, will continue in that capacity during his fifth year as a board member.
Tiffany Thibodeaux begins another year as the Chamber’s treasurer continuing her service to the board in her seventh year.
Beverly Rayon will begin her twenty-third year on the board as the new member-at-large.
Other returning board members include Cynthia Oliver and Ricky Bonin, along with immediate past president Nikki Link as she begins her eleventh year as a board member with the last three as president.
Three new board members were welcomed and installed Thursday evening, including Michele Veillon, Marietta Sikat and Crystal Underwood.
Fran Bihm returns for her sixth year as the Chamber’s executive director.
A number of awards also were presented during the night’s activities, including:
• Outstanding Business Persons of the Year (tie) Gabe’s Cajun Foods and Super 1 Foods;
• Outstanding Employee of the Year to Barbara Richard (nominated by the administrative staff of The Ellington);
• Humanitarian of the Year to Martha Royer (nominated by Cynthia Oliver); and
• Chamber Member of the Year to Bayou Silkscreening (nominated by Chamber Board).
Bihm announced the “Best Decorated Table” award — $50 in Chamber Cash — to Tractor Supply.
State Rep. John Stefanski was master of ceremonies for the “Chamber Mambo” Banquet, who acknowledged a number of special guests and parish dignitaries in attendance.
Also seated at the head table were Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux, Link, Bihm, Rayne City Judge Jim Cunningham who administered the oath of office to the board members; and Deacon Barry LeBlanc and wife Josette.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux presented an official welcome from the city, in addition to a number of projects the city and Chamber has joined forces to complete during the past year.
Robichaux also announced a number of projects in the works by the city administration and city employees.
Link extended a “Chamber welcome” as outgoing president and recognized all who have assisted the Chamber throughout her three years as president, “A busy, yet productive and fulfilling time for our community.”
Link congratulated the outgoing board on a job well done, and also congratulated the incoming officers and new board members, noting, “I have no doubt you will do great things for our members and our city.”
Incoming president Jeremy Lavergne was humbled to be elected as president and pledged to all Chamber members that “we are here for you.”
Lavergne acknowledged his continue work for the annual Frog Festival which he has been involved with for the past five years, chairing the last two years.
“The festival is not only a celebration of our culture that we must keep alive, but a major event that generates business in our city in regards to restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and gas stations to name a few.
“Our top priorities the Chamber will continue to promote for Rayne are the Farmers Market, Mardi Gras Ball, Parade and After-Party, First Responders Breakfast, OST Day Celebration, and Scholarships for Rayne High and Notre Dame graduates.”
Lavergne also noted the Chamber’s continued work on the Chamber membership retention and growth, economic development, business services, civic beautification and tourism.”
Boys Scout Troop 61 presented the Colors, while members of the Rayne Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Rayne assisted with the cash bar and the service of a sit-down meal.