SFCC - 08-28-08

Greetings! From the St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

Batten down the hatches!
Hurricane Gustav is currently forecasted to enter the Gulf of Mexico this weekend as a major hurricane. We are unsure if this storm will impact Louisiana. However, it is not too early for you and your family to form a game plan. Governor Bobby Jindal and the State of Louisiana have created a useful website I encourage you to visit it at www.GetaGameplan.org. You will find tips and ideas for individual emergency plans. Make certain you have an evacuation plan for your family and pets, as well as 3 to 5 days of supplies such as water, non-perishable foods, and batteries in case of emergency. For businesses, please make sure that you have taken adequate precautions to protect your building from wind, driving rain and flooding, where that is an issue. In today's world of technology dependent business, additional measures are needed. Ensure that you have an adequate back-up of all your data stored in a safe place. Electronics should be unplugged to avoid electrical surges if the hurricane is eminent. Finally, Hurricane Katrina and Rita brought many evacuees to our parish, and our citizens, schools and businesses stepped to the plate to help out where needed. Hopefully this will not be the case, but it is never a bad idea to plan for family members or friends who may need a safe place to land for a few days. We will be closely monitoring the situation as the storm progresses, and encourage you to monitor your local media outlets to obtain the most current information on Hurricane Gustav.

Miles Higgins, 2008 Board President

Ooh La La Tanning & Hair Salon Joins Chamber
The Chamber of Commerce welcomes our newest member- Ooh La La Tanning & Hair Salon. The new salon is located at 5223 Commerce Street and owned by Miss Lacy Maxwell. Ooh La La will host a ribbon cutting on September 12th. More to come on this event! Go by and let Lacy and her staff take care of your needs to get ready for the "ball game".

White Linen Night "Big" Success

A special "Congratulations" goes out to the committee of the St. Francisville Main Street that put "White Linen Night" together. It was a huge success! Businesses and those participating suggest another event in the near future. A special "thanks" goes to Laurie Walsh. Very Well Done!!

"Swing for Scholarships" getting ready

The Chamber is planning its "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament. The event is being planned for November 10,2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs ready and your team ready for a good time.

More information coming soon!

Freedom Walk Scheduled

On Saturday, September 6, 2008 a "Freedom Walk" has been scheduled. The Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana #3 are sponsoring the walk. The walk will start at Parker Park at 10am, and go down Ferdinand St. and turns at the courthouse then back to Parker Park. This walk is to remember the lives lost on 9-11-01 and those who responded to the tragedy, honor our veterans, past and present, and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of the United States. Registration fee is $10 per person which includes a T-shirt. Contact Estelita Travis at 225-635-3640 or 225-721-1257 for more information and to sign up.

Constitution Week September 17-23

Constitution Week will be observed September 17-23. This year celebrates the 221st anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

On Wednesday, September 17th at 3:00pm, the Alexander Stirling Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution asks that all individuals, churches, schools, governmental and patriotic organizations join in "Bells Across America" by ringing bells with other Americans nationwide to honor the Constitution.

Schedule for Public Hearings for taxes
WF Sheriff Department- Friday, Sept. 5 @ 9am in Sheriff's Board Room
WF Communications District- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 9am at 911 Center
WF School Board- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5pm at School Board office
WF Police Jury- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm at Courthouse Annex
SF Town- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm @ Town Hall

STFCC 08-14-08

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

Watching the Olympics with my three young daughters is a real joy. At 12, 9, and 4, I get the chance to literally see the world through three sets of completely different eyes.

At age 4, Sarah has learned the words to our National Anthem - sort of. The melody is there but the words, well, I'm still figuring out what a rocket's red stare is. She thinks the Chinese gymnasts look about her age. And she might be right.

At 9, Claire is all about diving, wondering what it's going to take for dad to install the 30 meter platform out back so she can attempt the double twisting thing the Japanese do. She was crushed that our girls didn't do better in the gym this week, actually tearing up when it was clear we just weren't going to get the gold.

For Laura, there's only one thing on TV. If it doesn't include Michael Phelps, it just doesn't get watched. It's really neat (scary neat, I guess) to watch your 12 year old fall in love with the greatest Olympic athlete in the history of the world. Maybe we've found a real role model to look up to?

But I have to admit that I've worn out a set of batteries on the remote this week. Have you noticed the trashy show promotions on NBC? The commercials themselves seem OK thanks to Visa, The Home Depot and others.

But through my new sets of youthful eyes, I can't believe what I am seeing between swimming, gymnastics, volleyball and basketball. NBC and the company that owns it should realize that children under the age of 13 are watching these Olympics in record numbers. This is not the typical primetime viewing audience that might be tuned in to Law and Order or ER during this same time period. And they wonder why more people are watching cable and satellite channels instead of the traditional Big 3 networks.

The accomplishments of our fellow Americans, including several fellow Louisianians, has been nothing short of amazing so far. In hostile territory, a foreign land, to win big is just what the doctor ordered back here at home.

Go ahead, admit it. Didn't you have something special to say to the snoddy French swimming team when our guys smashed them in the pool? Thought so.

Have a great week.

Mike Smith
Chairman, Chamber Communications Committee
Email


"Swing for Scholarships" getting ready

The Chamber is planning its "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament. The event is being planned for November 10,2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs ready and your team ready for a good time.

More information coming soon!


New Chamber Member

Denton James, LLC has joined the Chamber. We welcome this important company that is constructing the "new" highway. The company specializes in highway construction. They are really working hard on this project day and night.


Clay Pinson- Managing St. Francisville Branch

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber welcomes one of its board members as the "new" branch manager of The Highlands Bank here in St. Francisville, Mr. Clay Pinson. Clay is the Vice President of The Highlands Bank and lives here in St. Francisville. He has replaced Bruce Sheridan who has moved. Welcome home Clay!!!



"White Linen Night"

St. Francisville Main Street Merchants have teamed up to present "White Linen Night" on Saturday, August 23rd at 6pm featuring its unique shops, sensational food and lively music throughout downtown St. Francisville. The Highlands Bank Trolley will provide transportation along the "White Linen Route" with stops at designated spots near convenient parking.

Participating merchants will play host to various artists and musicians while samples from local restaurants can be tasted along the way. Trolley stops will be conveniently located near parking areas and will be posted with easily identified signage. Maps naming participating businesses and other conveniences will also be available.

Stroll along our Main Street or hop aboard the trolley but be sure to enjoy our local hospitality.

Businesses are invited to sponsor a music venue for this special event. They will have a sign made for your business and post it at the music venue location.

For more information phone St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873.


Freedom Walk Scheduled

On Saturday, September 6, 2008 a "Freedom Walk" has been scheduled. The Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana #3 are sponsoring the walk. The walk will start at Parker Park at 10am, and go down Ferdinand St. and turns at the courthouse then back to Parker Park. This walk is to remember the lives lost on 9-11-01 and those who responded to the tragedy, honor our veterans, past and present, and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of the United States. Registration fee is $10 per person which includes a T-shirt. Contact Estelita Travis at 225-635-3640 or 225-721-1257 for more information and to sign up.


Schedule for Public Hearings for taxes

WF Sheriff Department- Friday, Sept. 5 @ 9am in Sheriff's Board Room
WF Communications District- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 9am at 911 Center
WF School Board- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5pm at School Board office
WF Police Jury- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm at Courthouse Annex
SF Town- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm @ Town Hall


Relocation Packets are now Available

If you know of anyone who is moving to St. Francisville, they can call the Chamber office at 635-6717 and request a re-location packet. Information about the parish and parish facilities along with phone numbers they will need and some brochures from Chamber businesses and maps of the town and parish are enclosed in the packets.

SFCC - August 5, 2008

Greetings 08-05-0

MAKE IT HAPPEN

by Travis Torrence

A wise mentor often reinforced "Managements main responsibility is to re-institute the policies and procedures that have proven in the past to work". In these tough times, small businesses can sustain and often grow if we would simply look to what has been successful for us in the days gone by and re-adopt some of those practices. Perhaps calling on a business that has never done business with you before but because of "God only knows" we pass by that business without seeing them as a potential customer. Maybe advertising in markets that we had previously done well in but for whatever reason we just stopped doing so. How about making a top ten list. The top ten businesses you would love to do business with or the top ten types of clients you would love to have walk through your door today. Now that you have that list of "Who", come up with a methodical approach of "How". My point is simply, if we do the same things that we have been doing and continue hoping, wishing, and yes even praying for things to change more likely than not they will change and get worse. So my advice is this: STOP AGGRESSIVELY WAITING ON YOUR PHONE TO RING OR AGGRESSIVELY STANDING BY THE FRONT DOOR OF YOUR BUSINESS FOR THAT NEXT CUSTOMER TO WALK IN.

The same wise mentor often told me that the surest sign of insanity was to continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. So, as one small business owner to another. Get up, get out, and "MAKE IT HAPPEN"

Welcome New Chamber Member
The Chamber welcomes Louisiana Timed Managers in Baton Rouge. The business specializes in engineering consulting. Mr. Troy Gros is the Communications Assistant Manager and is overseeing the John James Audubon Bridge Project here in West Feliciana. We welcome this new business to the community.

"Swing for Scholarships" getting ready
The Chamber is planning its "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament. The event is being planned for November 10, 2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs ready and your team ready for a good time.
More information coming soon!

"White Linen Night"
St. Francisville Main Street Merchants have teamed up to present "White Linen Night" on Saturday, August 23rd at 6pm featuring its unique shops, sensational food and lively music throughout downtown St. Francisville. The Highlands Bank Trolley will provide transportation along the "White Linen Route" with stops at designated spots near convenient parking.

Give the Gift of Life & Chance to Win a Truck
United Blood Services will be accepting blood donations at the Fire Training Center Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 6pm to 8:30pm. The address is 9892 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville, LA. Please come and donate blood if you can. You will be given a free T-Shirt and will have the opportunity to register for a drawing to win a GMC Canyon Pickup Truck through sponsors of United Blood Services. Please come and give the gift of life. Remember it may be you or your family member in need one day. Please contact the Fire District Office at 225-635-4312 for information or comments.

Schedule for Public Hearings for taxes
WF Sheriff Department- Friday, Sept. 5 @ 9am in Sheriff's Board Room
WF Communications District- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 9am at 911 Center
WF School Board- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5pm at School Board office
WF Police Jury- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm at Courthouse Annex
SF Town- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm @ Town Hall
** The WF Tax Assessor and the Fire District will not have a public hearing.

Best Wishes- Chamber Member Moving
Bruce Sheridan Moving
Former board member, Bruce Sheridan, is moving to Ponchatoula, LA. He is leaving Highlands Bank at the St. Francisville Branch and will be the Vice President of Lending at 1st Community Bank in Hammond, LA. The Chamber wishes you the best of luck!

Multiple Newsletters?
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