Local Businesses Celebrate Chamber and Community Resiliency

Author: Marketing Manager

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On July 28th, over 200 Chamber members, business leaders and elected officials met at Bayou Oaks Ballroom for the largest business event in the region- the 2022 GICC Annual Banquet. The Chamber was able to host its banquet in the parish, thanks to the recent re-opening of Bayou Oaks Ballroom and presenting sponsorship from LeBlanc Honda, Kia, Nissan and First Horizon Bank.


The evening started out with something everyone has been missing- in-person networking. Attendees mingled in the newly renovated ballroom as they stopped by Nine different tasting stations that highlighted some of the best food in the parish. Banquet Chairperson, Denise Broussard, got the evening started by welcoming everyone to the event and introducing this year’s guiding theme- The New Normal.


One of the main functions of the event was recognizing businesses and individuals alike for their contributions through the awarding of the Outstanding Civic Service and Business Impact Awards. The two 2021 Business Impact Awards were given to the Iberia Comp Community Health Center and McDonald's/Miller Management, the 2021 Outstanding Civic Service Award was awarded to Dean and Catherine Wagittny. All of the awards highlighted Iberia Parish’s ability to thrive in difficult situations through community and show how they adapted in the New Normal of today's world events.

Keynote speaker and Executive Deputy Director of Athletics and Executive Director of External Relations for Louisiana State University, Verge Ausberry, Jr., gave a rousing address where he shared some of his own personal successes and spoke to Iberia Parish's growth since he has left to pursue his career. Ausberry thanked the crowd for their warm welcome home and congratulated everyone on the success of Iberia Parish throughout the past year.


The night also featured three of the nine restaurants who were chosen by the audience to receive first, second, and third “plate” trophies for their tastings. Taking home third plate was MISFITS Dine & Drink, in second was Vern's BBQ, and the coveted first plate went to Bon Cerole.


2021 Chairperson Wendell Verret discussed the Chamber’s growth in 2021  and ability to keep the community informed and connected through the pandemic, while 2022 Chairperson Lennie Feilds discussed the Chamber’s upcoming plans of growth.


The Chamber is looking forward to a busy and successful second half of the year. Keep up with it all at iberiachamber.org and facebook.com/iberiachamber.