An overwhelming number of members responding to the recent survey agreed that the Chamber should take a position on Parish President Joey Durel's 2010-2011 budget proposal to set aside $500,000 a year for ten years to purchase the "Horse Farm”.

Out of the 347 respondents, 299 or 86% said "Yes”

To the question, "If you feel the Chamber should take a position what should that position be?” 315 respondents answered: "Support” 82.6%, while "Oppose” 18.4%.

The survey also allowed additional comments. There were 151 responses.

Responses generally ran as below:

"Johnston Street is in dire need of beautiful green space so I believe that the Chamber should support this.”

"Let the university sell the park to commercial interests and use the proceeds to improve ULL.”

"This is not a business matter.”

"A passive walking or jogging park possibly with a lake would be a great asset for Lafayette's future citizens.”

Acting on the member-investor survey results, the Chamber Board of Directors unanimously voted to support the creation of a Lafayette Central Park on the "Horse Farm”. The Chamber's position of support was conveyed to the Lafayette City Parish Council during a public hearing last week.

This was yet another example of your Chamber being proactive and demonstrating vision for our community.

Thanks to all who took the time to respond to the survey.

Representation in New York

Chamber President Rob Guidry visited several editors of national publications last Wednesday in New York to tell "the Lafayette story”. Guidry was part of a media blitz organized by Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Executive Director Gerald Breaux.

The blitz's focus was to tell the editors that the Gulf Coast was not inundated with oil and that the seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is passing every required inspection. Guidry also used the briefings to inform the media that in spite of the BP oil spill the drilling industry remains environmentally sensitive and safety oriented. He stressed that the Obama administration's moratorium on drilling activity is counterproductive and could have a long term negative impact on the country.

The trip was arranged through the state office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The Lafayette contingent visited, among others, the Wall Street Journal, Successful Meetings magazine, Fodor's publications, Conde Nast Traveler magazine, New York Examine, Outdoor Life, and Family Travel Forum.

Representation at Louisiana Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives

Chamber Vice President of Operations, Cydra Wingerter and Communications Director, Nicole DesOrmeaux traveled to the city of Ruston, LA for the semi-annual LACCE Conference.

This conference is primarily produced for chamber of commerce executives and staff.

Keynote speaker, Patrick McGaughey, known as America's favorite "Enter-Trainer", captivated and motivated the participants with two excellent presentations during the conference.