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Monday, January 28, 2008
Legislature Coming. . .
Three Sessions Of Legislature Coming, Chamber Lege Lunch Too!
Jindal To Call Two Specials Before Regular Session
Governor Bobby Jindal has indicated that he will call the Louisiana Legislature into special session beginning February 10. Ethics Reform will be the focus of this session. Among the new ethics rules to be considered: prohibiting legislators from accepting free tickets to sporting and cultural events, personal financial disclosure for legislators, and a ban on lobbyist-purchased meals for legislators in excess of a pre-set dollar limit ($50 is being considered).Jindal To Call Two Specials Before Regular Session
Jindal plans to call a second special session - perhaps from late February to early March - to address business taxes in the state. Jindal made rolling back certain taxes paid by Louisiana's businesses a centerpiece of his campaign. Leveling the playing field for companies in a global economy is the goal of this tax reform, Jindal says.
Then, the 2008 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature will convene March 31 and continue until June 23. Keep tabs on the legislative calendar through its website.
Your Chamber of Commerce is planning its second annual "Legislative Luncheon" to take place before the regular session begins. This is an opportunity for Chamber members to speaking candidly with our elected leaders and learn about emerging state and local issues. Look for further updates in newsletters to come.
Business of the Week
Travis Torrence Insurance Agency
Two days after Hurricane Katrina, Travis Torrence opened the doors to Travis Torrence Insurance Agency in St. Francisville with no customers and a bleak insurance outlook for Louisiana. "We opened for business with not one customer," Torrence said. But through old fashioned hard work and 24/7 attention to customers' needs, Torrence has grown to over 400 customers throughout Louisiana and Mississippi in less than three years.
Travis Torrence Insurance Agency primarily writes policies for Allstate Insurance, but has several other companies in its portfolio as well. Auto, home and renters policies are naturally among the most popular customer needs, but Torrence also offers an array of financial services including fixed and variable rate annuities.
"We take the approach of getting to know our customers and helping them to better understand their insurance and financial needs," he said. "Each customer has my cell phone number and I make myself available when their schedule allows - evenings, weekends, holidays they are off of work."
Torrence counts companies and municipalities among his customers by offering 401(K) and group insurance products such as cancer and disability policies.
He is also a strong believer in being involved with the West Feliciana Community. Torrence will soon begin his third year teaching Junior Achievement. He is the newly elected Chairman of the West Feliciana Boy Scouts fundraising committee, a member of Rotary and the President-elect of the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Travis by calling him at his office 635-2311, or by email at travistorrence@allstate.com. Yes, you can even call him on his cell phone 806-5074.
Congratulation to Travis Torrence Insurance Agency for being selected as our Business of the Week! To nominate another local business, email us at sfchamber@bellsouth.net.
Two days after Hurricane Katrina, Travis Torrence opened the doors to Travis Torrence Insurance Agency in St. Francisville with no customers and a bleak insurance outlook for Louisiana. "We opened for business with not one customer," Torrence said. But through old fashioned hard work and 24/7 attention to customers' needs, Torrence has grown to over 400 customers throughout Louisiana and Mississippi in less than three years.
Travis Torrence Insurance Agency primarily writes policies for Allstate Insurance, but has several other companies in its portfolio as well. Auto, home and renters policies are naturally among the most popular customer needs, but Torrence also offers an array of financial services including fixed and variable rate annuities.
"We take the approach of getting to know our customers and helping them to better understand their insurance and financial needs," he said. "Each customer has my cell phone number and I make myself available when their schedule allows - evenings, weekends, holidays they are off of work."
Torrence counts companies and municipalities among his customers by offering 401(K) and group insurance products such as cancer and disability policies.
He is also a strong believer in being involved with the West Feliciana Community. Torrence will soon begin his third year teaching Junior Achievement. He is the newly elected Chairman of the West Feliciana Boy Scouts fundraising committee, a member of Rotary and the President-elect of the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Travis by calling him at his office 635-2311, or by email at travistorrence@allstate.com. Yes, you can even call him on his cell phone 806-5074.
Congratulation to Travis Torrence Insurance Agency for being selected as our Business of the Week! To nominate another local business, email us at sfchamber@bellsouth.net.
2008 Audubon Pilgrimage
Member Businesses Get Ready!
March 14, 15 and 16, are the dates for the 2008 Audubon Pilgrimage in West Feliciana - the 37th edition of this annual event. Chamber member businesses are encourage to plan now for the influx of visitors that are sure to take in all this signature event offers. More information can be found at www.audubonpilgrimage.info.
2008 Chamber Officers
Your Chamber Leadership Team
At it's recent planning session, officers for The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce were elected by the Board of Directors. They are as follows (with company affiliation):Miles Higgins (The Relocation Center), President
Travis Torrence (Travis Torrence Insurance Agency), President-elect
Bill Babineaux (Bank of St. Francisville), Treasurer
Laurie Walsh (St. Francisville Inn & Wine Parlor), Secretary
Hamilton Willis (Woodhaven), Immediate past-President
Our thanks to these great Chamber members for serving as the 2008 leadership team!
Souper Bowl of Caring
"Souper Bowl Of Caring" Highlights Super Bowl Weekend
The St. Francis Youth Group from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church will be participating in the "Souper Bowl of Caring" youth-led movement on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3. Youth will be stationed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Jackson following 8:30 a.m. Mass and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in St. Francisville following 10:30 a.m. Mass to collect cash donations and canned goods. All funds and canned goods will be donated to the WFP Food Bank. This unique, youth-led movement of caring is transforming the nation's biggest weekend of football into its largest weekend of giving. Learn more about this effort at www.souperbowl.org.
The Voice Of WFP Business 1/28/08
Dear Chamber,
I sincerely hope your New Year has gotten off to a great start. This is a great time of year to review past successes and re-focus on work that lies ahead.
At your Chamber of Commerce, we are working hard to make 2008 a terrific year for business in West Feliciana Parish. Already this month your Chamber's Board of Directors completed a strategic planning session - at which our 2008 goals were ratified.
Additionally, events and programs which will be offered to members were outlined and committees formed. The meeting was facilitated by Susie Tully, who, just as last year, did an excellent job. Look for upcoming newsletter articles outlining these goals and objectives.
It's an exciting time to do business, not only in West Feliciana Parish, but also in the State of Louisiana. I encourage you to be positive about our great state every chance you get. You might be surprised at what a difference a few of us can make in re-shaping the image of Louisiana.
At your Chamber of Commerce, we are working hard to make 2008 a terrific year for business in West Feliciana Parish. Already this month your Chamber's Board of Directors completed a strategic planning session - at which our 2008 goals were ratified.
Additionally, events and programs which will be offered to members were outlined and committees formed. The meeting was facilitated by Susie Tully, who, just as last year, did an excellent job. Look for upcoming newsletter articles outlining these goals and objectives.
It's an exciting time to do business, not only in West Feliciana Parish, but also in the State of Louisiana. I encourage you to be positive about our great state every chance you get. You might be surprised at what a difference a few of us can make in re-shaping the image of Louisiana.
Have a terrific week!
Miles Higgins, Board President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber
Monday, January 14, 2008
Highway 61 Widening Project Delayed
Access Road Redesign Creates Stall
According to DOTD officials, the letting of two contracts for the construction of new lanes on Highway 61 through West Feliciana Parish has been delayed until at April. Orignially, contracts were to be awarded this month with construction to begin shortly thereafter.
The delay is caused by a change in the plans for a short service road from the Audubon Bridge approach road to Hwy. 61 near D'John's Restaurant. This change has caused additional utility relocation to be necessary, officials say. The new design consolidates access from side streets into one intersection with Hwy. 61.
Officials say further delays are not expected. Your Chamber will keep you posted on this important project.
According to DOTD officials, the letting of two contracts for the construction of new lanes on Highway 61 through West Feliciana Parish has been delayed until at April. Orignially, contracts were to be awarded this month with construction to begin shortly thereafter.
The delay is caused by a change in the plans for a short service road from the Audubon Bridge approach road to Hwy. 61 near D'John's Restaurant. This change has caused additional utility relocation to be necessary, officials say. The new design consolidates access from side streets into one intersection with Hwy. 61.
Officials say further delays are not expected. Your Chamber will keep you posted on this important project.
Business of the Week - Green Acres Campground
When Greg and Debbie Accardo purchased Green Acres Campground in July 2006, they had no idea the RV Park serves as "the unofficial embassy" of West Feliciana Parish. "We've welcomed international visitors from dozens of countries," Debbie Accardo said. In fact, too many to recount, she says.
However, one particular set of visitors sticks out, Greg Accardo says. "One weekend last spring, a couple from Berlin, Germany checked in to the campground. They flew in to the U.S., rented a RV, and began touring the South. Later that weekend, another couple from Berlin arrived - doing basically the same trip - and the couples did not know each other. We thought that was incredible - right here in St. Francisville," he said.
Green Acres has welcomed visitors from every state in the U.S. "Spring and Fall are our busiest times," Debbie said. "They come near and far for pilgrimage, azaleas in bloom, cycling, motorcycling, historical home tours, the food - you name it."
Meeting and getting to know the visitors is among the most enjoyable aspects of owning Green Acres, says Greg. "The people that travel through here are among the nicest you'll ever meet," he said. "We try to offer Southern Hospitality and help them see all this great parish has to offer."
Learn more about this great Chamber member here. Congratulations to Green Acres Campground - our business of the week!
However, one particular set of visitors sticks out, Greg Accardo says. "One weekend last spring, a couple from Berlin, Germany checked in to the campground. They flew in to the U.S., rented a RV, and began touring the South. Later that weekend, another couple from Berlin arrived - doing basically the same trip - and the couples did not know each other. We thought that was incredible - right here in St. Francisville," he said.
Green Acres has welcomed visitors from every state in the U.S. "Spring and Fall are our busiest times," Debbie said. "They come near and far for pilgrimage, azaleas in bloom, cycling, motorcycling, historical home tours, the food - you name it."
Meeting and getting to know the visitors is among the most enjoyable aspects of owning Green Acres, says Greg. "The people that travel through here are among the nicest you'll ever meet," he said. "We try to offer Southern Hospitality and help them see all this great parish has to offer."
Learn more about this great Chamber member here. Congratulations to Green Acres Campground - our business of the week!
"A Taste Of The Felicianas" Coming Soon
Women's Service League, Area Restaurants Team Up
The Women's Service League and restaurants of the Felicianas will host its Fifth Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala, Arabian Night-An Evening of Silk and Sand, Friday, February 22, 2008 at Hemingbough. This year's gala will be a night filled with incredible food from chefs near and far along with incomparable entertainment.
Gala festivities will begin at 8 o'clock in the evening, and will include tastings from area restaurants and caterers, live music provided by Souled Out, silent auction, and other magical surprises. Put on your cocktail attire and join us for a mystical experience like no other.
Ticket price is $50 per person in advance or $60 the night of the gala. Group tickets are available as well, so gather your friends and business associates to join the fun for a good cause. Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.
Please visit the Women's Service League website for further details and ticket purchasing information.
The Women's Service League and restaurants of the Felicianas will host its Fifth Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala, Arabian Night-An Evening of Silk and Sand, Friday, February 22, 2008 at Hemingbough. This year's gala will be a night filled with incredible food from chefs near and far along with incomparable entertainment.
Gala festivities will begin at 8 o'clock in the evening, and will include tastings from area restaurants and caterers, live music provided by Souled Out, silent auction, and other magical surprises. Put on your cocktail attire and join us for a mystical experience like no other.
Ticket price is $50 per person in advance or $60 the night of the gala. Group tickets are available as well, so gather your friends and business associates to join the fun for a good cause. Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.
Please visit the Women's Service League website for further details and ticket purchasing information.
Inauguration Day 2008 - Thank You Public Servants!
Today Is Inauguration Day
Congratulations to our elected officials on being sworn-in to office today. Serving the needs of our state, parishes, cities and towns is no easy task. This Chamber applauds each individual who gives of his or her time, energy and talents in service to us all.
If you see a public official today or in the coming days, shake his or her hand and say "thank you."
Congratulations to our elected officials on being sworn-in to office today. Serving the needs of our state, parishes, cities and towns is no easy task. This Chamber applauds each individual who gives of his or her time, energy and talents in service to us all.
If you see a public official today or in the coming days, shake his or her hand and say "thank you."
Greetings Jan. 14, 2008
Wow! What a way to start the new year! The LSU Tigers are National Champions!
I hope you were able to enjoy the game with family and friends - sharing in the "Golden Age" of LSU Football. Certainly it was great to see the Tigers win, but let's not forget the tremendous amount of positive publicity that LSU's participation and victory in the big game brings to our state. Advertising executives say the dollar value of such publicity measures in the tens of millions.
But watching Head Coach Les Miles and his Tigers hoist the beautiful crystal football trophy in the Louisiana Superdome was, to borrow a phrase, priceless.
Geaux Tigers,
Miles Higgins, Board President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber
I hope you were able to enjoy the game with family and friends - sharing in the "Golden Age" of LSU Football. Certainly it was great to see the Tigers win, but let's not forget the tremendous amount of positive publicity that LSU's participation and victory in the big game brings to our state. Advertising executives say the dollar value of such publicity measures in the tens of millions.
But watching Head Coach Les Miles and his Tigers hoist the beautiful crystal football trophy in the Louisiana Superdome was, to borrow a phrase, priceless.
Geaux Tigers,
Miles Higgins, Board President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber
Monday, January 7, 2008
NOCCA Open Studio
Subject: NOCCA Open Studio
Middle school and high school students and parents are encouraged to visit New Orleans Center for Creative Arts|Riverfront (NOCCA) as the Center opens its doors to the community on Saturday, January 19, 10 AM-noon with a coordinated Open Studio Day.
Families are invited to visit NOCCA (2800 Chartres Street/New Orleans) to see first hand our artist-teachers' studios and classrooms. Application and audition information tables will be throughout the building as guests can learn more about NOCCA directly from faculty and students. No RSVP required for this event.
The Open Studio Day is kicking-off the NOCCA 2008 Summer and 2008-09 Fall audition season. NOCCA offers students across Louisiana tuition-free professional training in: creative writing, dance, drama, classical instrumental music, jazz, media arts, musical theatre, theatre design, visual arts and vocal music. New opportunities include a culinary arts summer session for high school students and a middle school summer intensive. For more information visit nocca.com.
Middle school and high school students and parents are encouraged to visit New Orleans Center for Creative Arts|Riverfront (NOCCA) as the Center opens its doors to the community on Saturday, January 19, 10 AM-noon with a coordinated Open Studio Day.
Families are invited to visit NOCCA (2800 Chartres Street/New Orleans) to see first hand our artist-teachers' studios and classrooms. Application and audition information tables will be throughout the building as guests can learn more about NOCCA directly from faculty and students. No RSVP required for this event.
The Open Studio Day is kicking-off the NOCCA 2008 Summer and 2008-09 Fall audition season. NOCCA offers students across Louisiana tuition-free professional training in: creative writing, dance, drama, classical instrumental music, jazz, media arts, musical theatre, theatre design, visual arts and vocal music. New opportunities include a culinary arts summer session for high school students and a middle school summer intensive. For more information visit nocca.com.
Business of the Week
It came to our attention that a local business has been avoided by our local government, because one of the Jury members was part of the family that operates the business. From an ethical view this business was avoided, while a public decision maker served. We salute in this issue Bennett Ford, for years of serving the West Feliciana community with reliable service and products. A valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, they can now serve the public more fully. Remember to shop locally when possible and support our economy! Chamber members are welcomed to add information to their listing on our website. Go and see if there is a promotion that you may be missing!
News from . . .
News from Two Institutions
Two Public Institutions have made the news lately. Our schools were nationally recognized and we want to add our voice of congratulations to Superintendent Lindsay, the School Board and the Staff and administration of our school district. We also applaud the students and parents, as this is their achievment, also! The other institution in the news is Angola with it's dedication of an inmate Chapel. Positive news from Angola is welcomed and deserved for this work that helps to change lives. We hope that this facility is used to good purpose for many years to come!
Votes Counted
Nomination Committee counts votes
In a tight race for the two open slots on the Chamber Board, Janis Crutchfield and Cathy Howard were elected. The full board that represents you here in the Parish will be President Miles Higgins, Laurie Walsh, Amanda Temple, Nancy Roppollo, Janis Crutchfield, Cathy Howard, Travis Torrence, Clay Pinson, Bill Babineau, John Patrick, Mike Smith, Michael Clarke, and Hamilton Willis. Leaving the Board will be Bruce Sheridan, Doughty Varnedoe and Kitty Martin. Thank you for your volunteer service to our community!
Greetings Jan. 7
Gear up for the New Year!
Like many of you, I feel it is a little hard to focus this time of year. With the kids on vacation for the holidays and all the parties between Thanksgiving and the new year, there are plenty of distractions. Not to mention, what is almost an annual event, LSU in a BCS Bowl game! Don't get me wrong, I love this time of year, but it is fair to say that business productivity is not at an optimum level during this period. In Louisiana, the distractions last even a little longer with Mardi Gras coming on the heels of the holidays. While this is a boon time for gift shops the typical office has the challenge of keeping its staff focused. With that being said, the chamber is gearing up for the new year by having our annual planning meeting later this month to re-focus our efforts. We made great strides in 2007 and will look to exceed that in 2008. Please email me at ideas@stfrancisvillechamber.com with any suggestions for improvement, new programs we could offer or just general feedback.
The runoff ballots for the final two board of director positions were collected and counted last Friday and once again the outcome was as close as you could get. We are adding two new board members in Cathy Howard with Redstick Armature and Janis Crutchfield with the Bank of St. Francisville. Welcome aboard!
Geaux Tigers,
Miles Higgins
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