Karen Taylor Squires

As the end of 2023 nears, preparations for a new year for the Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce are in full swing. Each year, in January, the Chamber has an open meeting to elect board members and officers. This past year, an eager group of business owners and operators came together to create an energetic board of directors. This group helped to create two new events for Red River, the Easter Egg Hunt and Red River Glows. The flagship event will be Dec 7, 2023, when the Christmas Parade and Fireworks burst through Coushatta.

This year is the final Christmas parade and gathering for me as the Chamber of Commerce leader. I have enjoyed every moment of my time as a chamber member and president. Getting to know the business community and working with the people of Red River proved that Coushatta has the best people far and wide.

When the membership meeting occurs in January, I urge all business owners and interested citizens to attend. Get active—volunteer for the board. Be a part of the change in Coushatta-Red River. This new board will need more than just membership. They will need people to join in and offer support. No good thing comes from sitting on the sidelines and hoping for the best. To make this community a better place and conserve the home atmosphere of this town, we need to all commit some time and energy to the cause.

I want to thank the board for the last 12 years I have volunteered. I have been blessed to serve with many good board members and great individuals in this area.