The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from new Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce Director Renee Brown.

   Brown told club members that she is expanding the chamber to make it a parish wide organization to include businesses throughout Evangeline Parish.

   Her goal is to promote business in Ville Platte and throughout the parish. She is planning a business forum for large businesses and industry such as Cameron and Ville Platte Iron Works.  The chamber is also preparing a small business forum. She plans to bring in groups such as the La. Workforce Commission, One Acadiana and the Louisiana Economic Development Administration to assist local business.

   Brown said her plans are to have the chamber sponsor a job fair and invite neighboring parishes to attend.

    Since there is a great need for additional machinists to be hired by local industry like Cameron and Ville Platte Iron Works, she is encouraging  Coreil Campus at South Louisiana Community College begin a machinists program at the school.

  Brown said the chamber is in the process of updating  its website to include a job page and a new app that can be downloaded for businesses.

  She mentioned two new businesses that have just opened or getting to open: a new antique/ flea market business in the Lavergne Furniture business and a chef is looking to open a new restaurant in Ville Platte.