Natchitoches Leaders Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Regional Growth and Opportunity
Posted 03-26-2026
Baton Rouge, LA: On March 25, 2026, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with its Regional Advocacy Committee, hosted Natchitoches Day at the Capitol, bringing together community leaders, partners, and stakeholders to elevate the voice and priorities of Natchitoches Parish at the state level.
The annual advocacy initiative aims to strengthen relationships with state leadership while showcasing the region’s impact and potential. Throughout the day, participants focused on four key objectives: raising awareness of Natchitoches’ cultural and economic significance to Louisiana, tracking legislation impacting the region during the current session, continuing meaningful dialogue with elected officials and agency leaders, and advocating for strategic investment in the parish.
The Chamber’s Regional Advocacy Committee includes leadership from Natchitoches Parish Government, the City of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cane River National Heritage Area, and the Natchitoches Parish Port. Together, these partners represent a unified front committed to advancing the parish’s long-term growth and sustainability.
The day began with a Legislative Appreciation Breakfast held in the Governor’s Press Room, sponsored by Lamar Advertising and featuring breakfast and signature roast coffee provided by French Market Express. Attendees heard directly from a strong lineup of state leaders, including Senator Alan Seabaugh, Representatives Gabe Firment and Jason DeWitt, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Chief Engagement Officer Rachel Shields and Director of Legislative Affairs Chris Stelly, Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Frieman, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Governor Jeff Landry’s Chief of Staff Julie Emerson, Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Deputy Secretary Beau Black; and Senate President Cameron Henry.
Following the breakfast, attendees participated in legislative committee meetings, gaining insight into the policymaking process and current issues under consideration.
The day’s signature event, the Cane River Calling lunch reception, was held in the Pentagon Barracks Courtyard and sponsored by Expand Energy. The reception highlighted six core policy pillars: business and industry, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, and history and culture. Guests engaged with community representatives to learn more about the region’s assets, economic contributions, and priority needs.
The event also brought a taste of Natchitoches to Baton Rouge, featuring live entertainment by the LaCour Trio Zydeco Band and catering by Lasyone’s, two beloved cultural staples of the region. The reception was hosted at the invitation of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
Approximately 100 attendees from Natchitoches participated in the day’s events, with about 150 guests attending the Cane River Calling lunch reception. This is a significant turnout for a population our size, signifying the seriousness of our community in advocating for opportunity, investment, and growth for our region.
In the afternoon, participants returned to the Capitol, where Natchitoches Day attendees were recognized on the House floor. Resolutions were presented honoring Angela Lasyone and Katrice LaCour for their cultural contributions, as well as a memorial resolution recognizing the legacy of the late Northwestern State University Coach Sam Goodwin. The Louisiana Senate also extended formal recognition to the Natchitoches delegation in the Rotunda prior to convening.
Leadership Natchitoches Cohort 7 participated in Natchitoches Day at the Capitol as the Government and Governance session of their program. They, along with other attendees, concluded the day with a guided tour of the State Capitol provided by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
The return of Natchitoches Day at the Capitol reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to champion business, connect community, and cultivate growth for Natchitoches Parish, ensuring that our voice is both heard and valued at the state level.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to each committee member, volunteer, sponsor, and attendee who made this event such a resounding success. We also offer a special thank you to Senators Luneau and Seabaugh and Representatives McFarland, Firment, and DeWitt for their presence and continued support of the Natchitoches region.
For more information regarding the Natchitoches Day at the Capitol, visit GoNatchitoches.com/CapitolDay.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.
Photo credit belongs to NSU Marketing & Branding
The annual advocacy initiative aims to strengthen relationships with state leadership while showcasing the region’s impact and potential. Throughout the day, participants focused on four key objectives: raising awareness of Natchitoches’ cultural and economic significance to Louisiana, tracking legislation impacting the region during the current session, continuing meaningful dialogue with elected officials and agency leaders, and advocating for strategic investment in the parish.
The Chamber’s Regional Advocacy Committee includes leadership from Natchitoches Parish Government, the City of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cane River National Heritage Area, and the Natchitoches Parish Port. Together, these partners represent a unified front committed to advancing the parish’s long-term growth and sustainability.
The day began with a Legislative Appreciation Breakfast held in the Governor’s Press Room, sponsored by Lamar Advertising and featuring breakfast and signature roast coffee provided by French Market Express. Attendees heard directly from a strong lineup of state leaders, including Senator Alan Seabaugh, Representatives Gabe Firment and Jason DeWitt, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Chief Engagement Officer Rachel Shields and Director of Legislative Affairs Chris Stelly, Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Frieman, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Governor Jeff Landry’s Chief of Staff Julie Emerson, Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Deputy Secretary Beau Black; and Senate President Cameron Henry.
Following the breakfast, attendees participated in legislative committee meetings, gaining insight into the policymaking process and current issues under consideration.
The day’s signature event, the Cane River Calling lunch reception, was held in the Pentagon Barracks Courtyard and sponsored by Expand Energy. The reception highlighted six core policy pillars: business and industry, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, and history and culture. Guests engaged with community representatives to learn more about the region’s assets, economic contributions, and priority needs.
The event also brought a taste of Natchitoches to Baton Rouge, featuring live entertainment by the LaCour Trio Zydeco Band and catering by Lasyone’s, two beloved cultural staples of the region. The reception was hosted at the invitation of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
Approximately 100 attendees from Natchitoches participated in the day’s events, with about 150 guests attending the Cane River Calling lunch reception. This is a significant turnout for a population our size, signifying the seriousness of our community in advocating for opportunity, investment, and growth for our region.
In the afternoon, participants returned to the Capitol, where Natchitoches Day attendees were recognized on the House floor. Resolutions were presented honoring Angela Lasyone and Katrice LaCour for their cultural contributions, as well as a memorial resolution recognizing the legacy of the late Northwestern State University Coach Sam Goodwin. The Louisiana Senate also extended formal recognition to the Natchitoches delegation in the Rotunda prior to convening.
Leadership Natchitoches Cohort 7 participated in Natchitoches Day at the Capitol as the Government and Governance session of their program. They, along with other attendees, concluded the day with a guided tour of the State Capitol provided by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
The return of Natchitoches Day at the Capitol reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to champion business, connect community, and cultivate growth for Natchitoches Parish, ensuring that our voice is both heard and valued at the state level.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to each committee member, volunteer, sponsor, and attendee who made this event such a resounding success. We also offer a special thank you to Senators Luneau and Seabaugh and Representatives McFarland, Firment, and DeWitt for their presence and continued support of the Natchitoches region.
For more information regarding the Natchitoches Day at the Capitol, visit GoNatchitoches.com/CapitolDay.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.
###
Photo credit belongs to NSU Marketing & Branding
Company Info
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
373 Second Street
Natchitoches, 71457