Hathian Chamber of Commerce is Here

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By: City Reporter

In a city that is economically deprived, business can be a real struggle. Now add in some gang-related activities and violence and local business owners are lucky if they aren’t in the red or dripping red before the end of a month.

But one local entrepreneur has decided to try his luck at starting up a Chamber of Commerce – a space purely dedicated to boosting business within the city of Hathian as well as supporting local talent and encouraging business initiatives.

We sat down and interviewed Cesar Arnaud, an HPD Sergeant, and a local businessman.

Observer: “Tell us a little about yourself before we dive into more details about the Chamber of Commerce,”

Cesar Arnaud: “Sure. I am a local, working for the HPD as a police sergeant. I also own Motel Dyab out in Devil’s Pocket along with Flubber’s Beer, a bar on that land. I have a lot of connections around the city. I’m a Cajun with some Creole blood in me an’ I like to think I’ve come to know this city an’ it’s residents, well. I like goin’ out, networkin’, bringing people together an’ exploring the city. For me, a good time is action an’ good food, good company too. I wanna see this city improve…in any way that it can. I see opportunity here. Maybe we can take our fate in our own hands as a city an’ try an’ make things different around here.”

Obsv: “Many have tried, some would say, yet the city has its fair share of struggles. Why begin such an enterprise when there is a real possibility for failure?”

C.A: “Nothin’ ventured, nothin’ gained. Business is all about risk. An’ we not failin’ at business. Oh no. We have some gangs doin’ successfully out here. But local city business owners do not need intimidation, they need to thrive too. An’ we do have a few people who are doin’ well enough or gettin’ by but might need more resources. Some may want to start somethin’ up but do not have the means. We also want to see people flock to this city, some of it already happens thanks to the low-cost of livin’ here. But we need to inject some life an’ foot traffic into the businesses we do have. The Chamber of Commerce will be an aid to those willin’ an’ wantin’ to join.”

Obsv: “Fair. So, what will the Chamber of Commerce do for those who join? And what are the conditions for joining?”

C.A: “Joining will cost a business owner a measly sum of $100 per year. It ain’t a lot in the grand scheme of things. An’ it will entitle them to access the Chamber of Commerce, use the facilities, and hold private meetings there. We will, as an organization carry out a few things:

1. Business owners will be able to network and make connections through us. We will do this by holding meetings periodically between businesses. We will address issues and concerns within these meetings an’ also go over practical matters that may aid or hinder businesses. We will hold a party at the Chamber of Commerce every few months for networkin’ an’ connectin’ wit others.

2. We will offer small loans to local entrepreneurs and businesses. People who want to start up a business can seek financial assistance through our loans officer Chasiel Streeter, who heads Hathian’s Union and Construction.

3. We will promote and boost local businesses via hosting events such as a Meet & Greet where old and new residents will mingle and be able to inquire about the business, discover employment opportunities, network or simply enjoy getting to know their local businesses better. We will assist using articles and posters to promote such events as the Meet & Greet and any fundraisers or employment fairs that we help to throw in collaboration with the business.

4. Friendly competition between local businesses will be set off. Bourbon Street is one of the prime economic earners in the city–but what if we put into play a series of initiatives to help drive other blocks and businesses to outdo one another?

5. I hope to seek out a major investor who will hopefully look at our city and see the opportunity and potential that I and many of us Hathianites do. A chemicals company, a fishery, oil, all of these companies could be motivated to come here an’ set up shop via the Chamber of Commerce. There are other policies and initiatives but those are the main ones.

The Observer visited the proposed site and got a sneak peek. (I had to with the flags! – Daiyu)

Obsv: “When will the Chamber of Commerce be open?”

C.A: “We will have the grand openin’ event on the 26th January where we will have a party to celebrate, with food–sponsored by Flamin’ Cajun – an’ drinks, an’ music. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony before with a very short and concise speech given by me. The Chamber of Commerce Vice President Denise Russo is caterin’ with the Flamin’ Cajun restaurant. We will be made up of business owners for business owners. If you interested in joinin’ please seek out myself ((Conraddbk Resident)) or Denise Russo ((Denise Domela)) an’ get in touch wit us.”

While we wished to explore the myriad issues further, we did not want to take up too much of the HPD’s Sergeant time. While this organization promises to deliver, the city will be able to assess its successes and failures in the upcoming months.

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