West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Honored with 2025 Excellence in Workforce Development

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce has been recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Workforce Development Award by the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Executives (LACCE). The award was presented during the LACCE Annual Conference on August 26, 2025, in recognition of the Chamber’s commitment to preparing a skilled workforce, creating pathways of opportunity, and building strong partnerships that benefit both businesses and individuals.

The award also shines a spotlight on the leadership of Margaret Troquille, the Chamber’s Mentorship Liaison, whose vision, talent, and determination have been instrumental in building the Chamber’s mentoring program. Through her efforts, the program has grown into a cornerstone initiative that connects high school students with business leaders, fostering life skills, career exploration, and workforce readiness. This recognition reflects not only the Chamber’s mission but also Margaret’s tireless commitment to ensuring our community’s next generation of leaders is prepared to succeed.

“This honor underscores the hard work and collaboration of our business community, educators, and partners who believe in building a strong talent pipeline for Northeast Louisiana,” said Kristopher Kelley, Executive Director of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. “Workforce is at the heart of economic development, and we are proud to be leading innovative programs that prepare students, support job seekers, and strengthen our local businesses.”

The Chamber’s award-winning efforts include workforce readiness initiatives such as mentoring programs for high school students, partnerships with local school systems and higher education, and employer-driven opportunities that connect students and job seekers with real-world experiences. These initiatives are designed to prepare the next generation of talent while ensuring businesses in West Monroe and Ouachita Parish have access to a strong and sustainable workforce.

The Chamber remains committed to expanding its workforce development portfolio through programs that support education, job readiness, and career advancement. With a focus on collaboration, the Chamber will continue to serve as a convener for businesses, educators, and community partners to build opportunities that elevate the region.

For more information about the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development initiatives, visit www.westmonroechamber.org.