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
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"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.