By Bevin Hicks, Vice President, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
It was an honor for the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to co-host Speaker of the House Mike Johnson at a special breakfast event on Wednesday, July 30, at Louisiana Tech University’s beautiful Davison Athletic Complex. This visit, though organized in record time, will remain a proud and memorable moment for our community.
With just seven days’ notice, we partnered with Louisiana Tech’s Cami Geisman and Ryan Richard to coordinate an event befitting a visit from the highest-ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Together with Chamber President and CEO Elizabeth Turnley, we hit the ground running. Our team reached out to nearly 250 business and civic leaders across Ruston and Lincoln Parish, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Within hours of sending invitations, RSVPs poured in. They were not only a show of support but also a clear sign of the deep pride our community feels when it comes to hosting on the national stage. By the morning of the event, the Davison Athletic Complex was filled with attendees ready to enjoy a warm breakfast provided by Aramark and to hear directly from Speaker Johnson about the future of our country, our economy, and the power of local leadership.
As always, Ruston rallied.
“Having Speaker of the House Mike Johnson visit Ruston, Louisiana was truly a special occasion,” said Elizabeth Turnley. “This memorable event would not have been possible without the support and partnership of Louisiana Tech University. It is always a pleasure to collaborate with Tech, especially on events of this magnitude.”
Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson served as the event’s energetic and engaging commentator, while Mayor Ronny Walker delivered a warm introduction for Speaker Johnson. Both leaders set the tone for the morning with insight, optimism, and genuine appreciation for the role of community in national conversations.
Speaker Johnson spoke about key legislative initiatives, the state of the economy, and the importance of civic engagement. His message resonated with business owners, educators, and elected officials who care deeply about the future of our region.
“Having the Speaker of the House of the United States on campus is a rare opportunity that we enthusiastically seized,” said Cami Geisman, Louisiana Tech’s Associate Vice President for Advancement. “Speaker Johnson and his staff have been very supportive of Louisiana Tech during these past seven months in District 4. We look forward to more visits in the future.”
For the Chamber team, this event was not only a logistical success but also a heartfelt reminder of what makes Ruston exceptional. In less than a week, businesses rearranged schedules, university staff mobilized resources, and civic leaders stepped forward to make it happen. That is the Ruston way: full of heart, rich in hospitality, and always ready to shine.
We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed behind the scenes. Johnson’s visit was a milestone moment for our community, and we are proud to have helped make it happen as we continue to prosper together.
