About Us
Welcome to West Monroe and West Ouachita, a rapidly growing region of
Northeast Louisiana.
Whether you are a visitor or are considering relocating your business or family to this area, we hope you will enjoy learning about this region. The West Monroe and West Ouachita area has been recognized as one of the top 10 cities on the rise in Louisiana. The community offers a thriving economy, superb schools and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
Throughout this web site, you will learn more about the West Monroe-West Ouachita area, including information about local government, education and healthcare systems. You will also find a directory of Chamber of Commerce members. Whatever your needs may be, we encourage you to support local Chamber members when purchasing goods or services.
Our Mission
The mission of the West Monroe/West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is to enhance economic growth in the WM/WO and surrounding areas by focusing on education, promotion and development of the business community, and those areas of the community affecting business.
Our primary goals are to strengthen our local economy, to promote the community, provide networking opportunities, represent the interest of business with government, and develop community leaders, along with keeping our membership informed of local, state, and national issues as it relates to business within our community.
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that provides the needed resources for its members to remain successful and competitive in the marketplace.
Chamber of Commerce members consist of businesses both large and small, non-profit organizations and individuals. These members are the driving force of the local business community.
Members come together to learn from one another and work toward the common goal of making the West Monroe and West Ouachita area a vibrant place to live and do business.
The Chamber of Commerce began in 1956 when a group of West Monroe business and community leaders led by Mr. A. O. Evans began meeting to discuss the organization of a West Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
Under Mr. Evans' leadership, the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce was chartered on March 31, 1956. Mr. Evans served as the first President of the Chamber, and George E. Wylie served as the first executive employed by the Chamber. The Chamber's first banquet was held October 16, 1956, and the Chamber has held an annual banquet each year since that time.
Due to the tremendous growth in population throughout West Ouachita Parish, the Chamber's Board of Directors voted in 1986 to change the name of the Chamber to the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years, the Chamber's strength has been demonstrated in many ways - the continued economic development of the region, the steady population growth in West Ouachita and quality educational system. The Chamber of Commerce staff and Board of Directors will continue to provide members with opportunities to network, expand business skills and learn more about the resources available in Northeast Louisiana.
If businesses are not Chamber of Commerce members, we encourage them to visit with our staff and learn more about the ways the Chamber can strengthen their business. Your investment in the Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future growth and development of your community.