Advocacy Initiatives

What is advocacy?

Communities depend on strong economies in order to thrive, and strong economies are built by healthy businesses.

Having a healthy business community in turn encourages other businesses to locate to our area, making our region more vibrant and creating a higher quality of life. Therefore, it is important that policy-makers understand the impact legislation has on the business community so that policy encourages economic growth. The Greater Shreveport Chamber’s advocacy efforts encompass both business AND community involvement.

What advocacy means to you and your business

The Greater Shreveport Chamber advocates for business-friendly legislation at the local, state and federal levels of government. We monitor public policy issues so you can focus on your business, not government regulation.

How you can get involved in our advocacy efforts

Sign up for the Legislative Update

The Greater Shreveport Chamber staff act as advocates for local business and has undertaken a commitment to monitor the legislature, devoting significant time to attending the deliberations during the Regular Session in Baton Rouge. We’ve recognized the need to report this information in a concise and timely manner to our member investors and created a separate Chamber newsletter to keep member investors informed. ​Each week, the newsletter provides updates on the emerging legislation and the progress of bills through the legislature, as well as analysis on proposed legislation and its potential impacts on the Shreveport-Bossier community and the State as a whole.

Attend Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure is the state’s largest annual, citizen-lobbying caravan has been rolling to the capitol during the first week of May for more than 30 years. The purpose of Northern Exposure is to make sure north western, north central and north eastern Louisiana remain on the collective map of both lawmakers and the Governor. This is a high-visibility event that amplifies our voice and lets the decision makers know what’s important to our region and reminds our leaders that not only are we a vital part of the state, but that we’re also engaged in the issues that affect our communities.

Attend the Shreveport-Bossier Business Alliance for Higher Education (SBBA) Higher Education Summit

The mission of the SBBA for Higher Education is to promote economic development by aligning the offerings of higher education with the needs of the business community. As part of this mission and before the start of the regular session, the SBBA hosts higher education leaders and state legislators during our Annual Summit to discuss education priorities and needs.

Spring Cleaning Now Improves Business Performance All Year

ContributorJon HeathMar 15, 2025When the first flowers poke out their heads, small business owners begin the entrepreneur’s version of a spring-cleaning ritual in preparation for filing tax returns. But a springtime cleanup of bookkeeping and accounting is also a...

Preparing for Grant Management and Single Audits

Before applying for grants from local, state, or federal governments—or other not-for-profit organizations—it’s important to establish a strong foundation for grant management. This includes developing a system to track funds, ensure compliance, and stay aligned with...

Succession Planning for Private Foundations

ContributorDenise M. PenzMar 26, 2025Private foundations are often established with the noble intent of creating a lasting charitable legacy, but many fail due to administrative burdens, regulatory complexities, and a lack of long-term engagement from successors....

Our signature investors