Meet Dee Lane, incoming Nederland Chamber Chair – “I am always willing to help”

Published 12:13 am Saturday, January 11, 2020

NEDERLAND — The Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau chooses their chairman in succession.

A member of the board is eligible only after completing a term as a recorder, second vice chair and vice chair. This year, it’s Dee Lane that has been called to serve.

Diana LaBorde, president and CEO of the Chamber, said all chairs start as a board member before being appointed to the executive board.

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“The current chairman selects one member to be the recorder and after that they continue to move up,” she said. “After the chairmanship, you serve one year as past chair. That’s how (Lane) got to be chairman. So once you get to that position, you have served for quite a few years.”

Lane has been a member of the board for 11 years.

“I am always willing to help,” she said. “I am ready to listen and be a help to anyone who needs it, especially those within the chamber. I am excited to be in the position.”

LaBorde said she has served on the board with Lane for many years, even before she became president.

“I’ve known (Lane) forever,” she said. “She steps up and takes her roles very seriously. She is one of those people that has a servant’s heart. I’m very excited to have her as a chairman and this new board as a whole. Our membership is great and I can only account that to our board, they bring everyone in.”

The chairman’s duties include attending functions, presiding over meetings, making executive decisions, planning events, watching finances and increasing membership.

LaBorde said Lane will be “the face of the chamber.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Lane said. “It’s a really exciting role. I enjoy this board. It’s a very easy board to be on. Everyone gets along and likes to help out. We actually enjoy our positions, so it’s not like a chore. We all are just ready to sign up for anything. Everyone is invested in the community and wants to see it grow.”

A major part of the chairman’s job is overseeing annual events such as the Heritage Festival, National Night Out, Trunk or Treat and more.

Lane said her favorite event is “Boots and Bull: Celebrity Waiter,” which takes place in September.

“The Heritage Festival, it is a long, fun, hard process,” she said. “It’s a lot of work getting people to work shifts and getting everyone to be involved but it includes lot of camaraderie.

“However, I really think my favorite event is Boots and Bull. We have judges and well-known people in the community that wait the tables. There is a huge silent auction, music and contests. It’s a huge community event and very laid back. I can’t wait to be a major part in it this year.”

Lane is coming to the Nederland Chamber of Commerce as a former board member but also as a business representative for the Coushatta Casino and Resort, where she has worked for several years.

She will be officially announced as the 2020 Chairman of The Board at the Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau’s 79th Annual Installation Banquet Thursday at 6 p.m.

“Being chairman is the best place to be.” — Dee Lane