Meet Brandi Welch
Occupation: Executive Assistant & Marketing Assistant
Organization: Orion Instruments
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
When and why did you get involved with BRAC?
I have been with Orion for the past four years. This association has afforded me the opportunity of attending quite a few BRAC events from the annual Shareholders‘ Meeting to different monthly lectures. I appreciate and value the information given from each speaker. After being a fly on the wall for a while, I decided I wanted to be a part of the movement to empower Baton Rouge.
Tell us more about how you are involved in Baton Rouge?
As a proud alumnus of Southern University in Baton Rouge, I try to remain active with the university by attending games and different events sponsored by fellow alumni and the national alumni association. I am also the proud mother of two girls, ages 8 and 2 years old. As the PTO President of my eldest daughter’s elementary school, I have attended and participated in events and community meetings sponsored by EBRPSS to stay knowledgeable about the direction of the public education system here in town.
Why do you stay involved with BRAC?
I have always been an inquisitive type, always want to know what’s next and how it affects myself, my family, my employment, or my quality of life. Being a part of BRAC gives me the opportunity to attend meetings and lectures and gain insight on how they plan to move the city forward. I have heard representatives ask questions like, “How are the conditions of the city?”; “What would you like to see improved?”; “What do you like and want to see continue?” These aren’t just water cooler questions. They are asking how to help so they know what the people want and can provide a means to execute.
What would you tell someone considering becoming a BRAC investor?
Anyone operating a business anywhere would benefit from being part of the local chamber of commerce. Investors become involved with a group of other thriving businesses and leaders in town, all with the common goal of moving the city forward. It also gives the opportunity to mix and mingle and build working relationships with other reputable services and providers. Also, BRAC is a good ally for a business to have, especially in dealing with local government and the intermingling of the city.
What do you see for the future of Baton Rouge? How will we get there?
I think Baton Rouge will continue to progress. I believe the people in our communities want more and better and will hopefully work together to get there. I’d hope to see the coming together we all need to lead productive, successful and fulfilling lives here in town. Companies continue to open businesses in Baton Rouge because of all the offerings the city has. With business comes employment. With employment comes stability. When we can get all the functions of the city stabilized, Baton Rouge will continue to grow and prosper.
What’s one of the most exciting things you see happening in the Baton Rouge Area today?
One of the most exciting things I have witnessed in Baton Rouge is the revitalization of the downtown area. As a student working for the Department of Justice in the early 2000’s, I would go to Capitol Park for work, then jump on the freeway and go home. Now, just a few years later, you can live, eat and play in the downtown area and that is a wonderful thing. A fresh, upbeat, downtown is what every city needs. I appreciated how they find different uses for all the open spaces in town, including Town Square, Galvez Park and the State Capitol, where we don’t take time to visit on a regular basis. The festivals are a good way to bring us all, from far and wide, to the same spot each season. BRAC’s Ambassador Program is designed to allow company representatives to actively build relationships with BRAC investors and business leaders while serving as advocates of BRAC’s work.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these ambassadors in the Ambassador Spotlight. To learn more about the Ambassador Program visit the program page here.