Welcome to West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Robert "Bob" Hardy was nominated by so many who love and know him. It was without question that he deserved this award for all of his many years of service and commitment to the City of Westlake. He is a lifelong resident of Westlake, LA, and has served as Mayor since January 2015. Mayor Hardy worked hard for his city and fought and won many battles for the better of his community. He did not work for popular opinion he worked for what was right. It was stated in one of his nomination letters that Mayor Bob Hardy's character can be described by using the Cadet Prayer at West Point which starts with, "Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won." Westlake has been so very fortunate to have someone with his integrity, work ethic, vision and commitment to doing the right thing leading them in his capacity as Mayor. Our area has suffered many blows in the past two years and he faced all of them like a soldier at war. Mayor Hardy is not only committed to Westlake but so many other organizations. It is with great pleasure to announce our 2021, 71st Annual Citizen of the Year Award to Mayor Robert "Bob" Hardy.

Kyle Mestayer serves as member of our Board and has brought so much life to every event, meeting, lunch, etc. His outgoing personality and can do attitude makes him a great team asset. Kyle is an experienced business professional with a background in insurance, financial services, and banking. Currently serving as a commercial banker with a focus on business development, cash flow management, and marketing. West Calcasieu Chamber is honored to have him on our team and as one of our 2021 Presidents Award Representatives.

Jessica Olsen is employed with CITGO as their Public Affairs Specialists and also serves on our Board. She has been a vital role to our Chamber by serving on our Events Committee as Events Chair and went above and beyond working tirelessly for every event that was put on in 2021. She has a full time role with Citgo, a loving wife, and a new Mom which keep her continuously moving, and yet she never stopped to make our 1st Annual Chamber Fest a huge success and our 71st Annual Banquet elegant and inviting. We are so proud to have her on our team, and to Award her with our 2021 President's Award.

Thank You to Kyle and Jessica for all of your time and efforts to go above and beyond for West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce and your local community!

Colleen Desselle was awarded our Excellence Award for 2021 at our 71st Annual Banquet. Colleen is an experienced Director Of Marketing And Business Development with a demonstrated history of working in the financial and marketing industry. Skilled in Analytical Skills, Advertising, Sales, Sales Management, Digital Marketing, Event Management, Online and Social Media. Strong marketing professional with both traditional and online Marketing, Business Development, and Sales experience. Colleen is on her second term on our Board of Directors and has been a crucial role to the success of our Chamber. Congratulations!

Ryan Hess was proudly announced as one of our 2021 Excellence Awards. He also is a member of our Board and his skills in banking are very helpful to West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce. Ryan Hess is the Vice President-Commercial Relationship Manager at Hancock Whitney Bank. He is highly skilled in credit, risk management and business development. Responsible for originating and underwriting new accounts, maintaining client relationships and performing all aspects of credit analysis to ensure lending/loan approval. Skilled in developing and implementing company-wide strategies and goals, working with team members and cross-functionally throughout the organization. Proven leadership skills; able to develop and mentor junior team members Congratulations to Ryan Hess!

Mandy Thomas was awarded one of this years Excellence Awards at our 71st Annual Banquet. Mandy Thomas is a member of our Board and our Events Board as well as Sulphur City Council, and is a faithful servant and lead for all things West Cal Chamber. She has recently accepted a new position with FNBD as a commercial lender. We are so proud of Mandy and all her accomplishments. Her knowledge and infectious smile are what make her a key role in everything she does. Congratulations to Mandy Thomas!

West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce was proud to award the 71st Annual Excellence Award for 2021 to one of our Board members, Michael "Mike" Beer. Mike Beer is a part of our Board, Events Board, Symphony Board, President of the Lake Charles Rotary, just to name a few. His heart and passion is for Boy Scouts of America where he is the Scout executive and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America Calcasieu Area Council. He is from Daytona Beach, FL and now resides in Lake Charles, LA. His "Go Get Em," attitude is exactly why we knew he deserved one of our 2021 Excellence Awards. Congratulations to Mike Beer!

Grace Forman is a local Sulphur resident who studied at McNeese University. Grace was awarded our Oustanding Customer Service Award because of her contagious smile and infectious personality. She helps her parents who are partners with The Village Coffeehouse by working and serving the community one cup of coffee at a a time. Congratulations to our 2021Outstanding Customer Service Award Winner, Grace Forman!