BIP Spring 2025

New Orleans NABIP members listen to a Louisiana Department of Health presentation during a recent local chapter meeting.

but Watkins sees it as a step in the right direction. “We had to start somewhere,” he says. “It’s not about getting 30 people on a Zoom call overnight. It’s about proving the chapter still has value.” The challenges facing the Red River chapter aren’t isolated. Northern Louisiana, in general, has struggled with maintaining active chapters. “There’s a real gap in the northern part of the state, and I’m determined to keep at least one chapter alive there,” says Watkins. In contrast, southern chapters like Lafayette and Baton Rouge continue to thrive, driven by a more collaborative culture among members. Watkins notes, “In these chapters, we see members actively supporting each other — sharing resources and strategies. It’s a completely different environment.” This difference in engagement underscores the importance of cultivating community within the organization. “If we can bridge that gap and bring the same level of enthusiasm to North Louisiana, there’s no limit to what we can achieve,” Watkins says. “We need to build a culture where members see each other as allies rather than competitors. That’s when real progress happens.” Beyond Louisiana, Watkins emphasizes how critical local chapters are to NABIP’s mission. “This is where real impact happens,” he says. “What we do at the local level ripples all the way to Washington, D.C. The stronger our chapters, the stronger our voice in the industry.”

Capitol Conference attendees Carla Cohran, Kristy Copeland, Kaci Carlock and Wes Watkins, left to right, prepare to absorb valuable information in one of many breakout sessions at the 2024 Washington, D.C., event.

“Louisiana has very strong relationships with legislators, including the Speaker of the

House, House Majority Whip and others who are advocates for our industry,” says Watkins.

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