The puzzle pieces are falling into place, and soon Concordia Parish will have a new entity leading its businesses.

A parish-wide Chamber of Commerce is nearly formed, and will become official in January.

This week, 15 board members were chosen to lead the new board.

The members represent a diverse group of Vidalia, Ferriday and Monterey residents.

Though organizers hoped to have representatives from Clayton, Wildsville and other small communities in the parish, no businessperson from those areas stepped forward.

With the invitation extended, the group’s leaders simply can’t force the issue. Continuing to push for representation from those areas can be a priority though.

In the meantime, the new board has a bit of work to do. First on its agenda must be agreeing to work together for the betterment of the entire area.

The strength of any chamber is in its numbers and its togetherness.

We know the folks chosen to be on the board will put the best interests of the greater good first, and we are excited to see just what good may come of this merger.

As our community realizes day-by-day that we are stronger together than apart we know the future will continue to brighten.