1-11-21
Chamber News
2020 Annual Report

Your chamber produces the annual report to re-cap the past year and present members with an overview of the chamber's function and role, as well as begins to express the return on investment that the business community has in the chamber. We pride ourselves on the services that we provide to our members and to the parish at large. This report was compiled by chamber staff over the course of the past year.
Leadership Iberia Application Deadline Extended

The deadline to submit your application for the Class of 2021 is January 19th. Leadership Iberia, a program of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, is designed to inspire and renew leadership commitment in a diverse group of participants from a cross-section of the community including age, gender, profession, ethnicity, leadership and volunteer experience.
Sessions are focused on information and activities related to: leadership and team development skills, education, government/ law enforcement and judicial system, economic development, health care, social services and general quality of life issues,
Nearly 400 concerned citizens have emerged from the program with fresh perspective regarding the assets and challenges and opportunities of our community; and consequently renewed commitment towards solving complex community issues as leaders in their profession, industry and the community at-large.
Nominations for Outstanding Civic Service and Business Impact Awards are Open!

The deadline to submit is February 5th.

What is the Business Impact Award?
Every year the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce recognizes one or two companies for development (growth/expansion) and/or business diversification. The purpose of the 
Business Impact Award is to recognize and promote our community’s culture of innovation, entrepreneurialism, resiliency, and to celebrate business success in our community.

What is the Outstanding Civic Service Award?
Every year the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce (GICC) presents an “Outstanding Civic Service” Award to a member of our community who has shown exemplary service by volunteering their time and energy to Iberia Parish. We know there are many local residents who generously contribute their time to local civic projects, to our schools, to various charities and churches. The “Civic Service Award” is our way to honor and thank these very special people for their commitment to our community and to inspire others to make volunteering a part of their lives. 
What's Coming Next in 2021: Chamber Board Member Ryan Boudoin has a message for what to expect in the new year
SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Iberia Parish Eligible for FEMA Relief for Damage Due to Hurricane Delta

Survivors in Allen and Iberia parishes are now eligible for federal disaster assistance for damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Delta.
To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Delta from Oct. 6 to Oct. 10. Registration for Hurricane Delta for Iberia Parish has been approved for 60 days beginning Dec. 23 under FEMA’s late registration process.
Rural Relief Small Business Grants

LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 to be used for businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19.

Payables include rent and utilities, meeting payroll (including applicant), paying outstanding debt to vendors and other immediate operational costs. Awards made to qualified businesses based on complete and accurate submissions. Priority will be given to entrepreneurs of color, women and veteran owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved places who don’t have access to flexible affordable capital. Business must be negatively impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Non-profit organizations are ineligible for the relief funding program at this time, but may be eligible for later rounds of funding.

The next grant application period opens on January 26th.
Member News
Leadership Iberia Alumni in the News

JD BANK PROMOTES JAN TALBOT TO VP COMMERICAL LENDER IN NEW IBERIA

JD Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Jan Talbot to VP Commercial Lender in New Iberia. Talbot has served as Branch Manager for the JD Bank Branch located at 529 N. Lewis Street in New Iberia since 2014. With nearly 22 years of experience in banking, she will work with business customers throughout Acadiana to help them meet their financial goals.
Talbot started her banking career as a part-time teller at the age of 17 while in college. Recognizing her passion for banking and finance, she transitioned into a full-time position and served as a teller, personal banker, assistant branch manager, and manager. She is a graduate of Leadership Iberia Class
XIX. “I’m most passionate about being communicative, dependable, and honest when working with clients. God placed me on this earth to help people, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to do so in my role as a Commercial Lender daily,” said Talbot of her new role as Commercial Lender.