Greetings - Sept. 18, 2008

2008 Discovery Trip

October 22nd and 23rd

It is with much excitement that The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce publicly announces our fact finding mission to Madison, Mississippi. This is a wonderful opportunity for many of us to gather together and learn from the successes and struggles Madison encountered through their rapid growth, change and development. Numerous key municipal and civic leaders have already reserved the date on their calendars. It is our desire to also have strong participation from the business owners and members of the chamber who live in our wonderful parish. We hope that you strongly consider participating and take full advantage of this opportunity to interact with other leaders of our community.

I have personally attended three of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber's Canvas Trips (Austin, Nashville & Raleigh-Durham) and each trip, in its own way, was tremendously beneficial for the development of Baton Rouge. With strong participation, this Discovery Trip could have similar results in bringing the community even closer together by building on existing relationships and forging new ones. With respect to our parish's future, there are many concerned groups working independently but with similar objectives. Hopefully, as a result of this trip, we can unite to enhance the climate in our community for living, working and conducting business!

Our trip will cover numerous topics that growing communities face such as economic development, tourism, taxes, planning, ordinances, technology, housing, and more. We have been warmly welcomed by the mayor of Madison, Mary Hawkins Butler, and her staff and greatly thank them for their assistance. We will leave by chartered bus early on the morning of Wednesday, October 22nd and return the following afternoon. Accommodations have been made at the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison. All meals, transportation, lodging and more are included in your trip cost.

Price per person:
$600 single occupancy
$500 double occupancy

Early next week we will have the form available to registration for the trip. Please mark your calendars as we look forward to your participation in this inaugural Chamber Discovery Trip.

Miles Higgins
2008 President
Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

FEMA - Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof

The Blue Roof program is available here in West Feliciana Parish. The number to call is 1-888-766-3258. Your Blue Roof will be installed FREE OF CHARGE.
This repair is temporary, so do not delay in contacting a professional for replacement.

The following is needed to qualify- Have a photo ID, such as driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. Know what kind of roof you have. There are some guidelines. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. You must sign a Right-of-Entry Form. The deadline to apply is October 2, 2008.

FEMA SBA Disaster Help

FEMA Site for Businesses

Businesses that were affected by Hurricane Gustav or Hurricane Ike may be eligible for some help through FEMA. Businesses are asked to register with FEMA online at www.FEMA.gov.

An SBA application will be sent to your business to complete. A FEMA representative will contact you and set up an appointment time and date to meet with you and discuss your needs and what FEMA can offer your business.

If you need more information about SBA disaster help and information, please call us at the Chamber office at 225-635-6717 and we will give you more information.

Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

Highlands Bank - Ribbon Cuttings

The ribbon cutting for the new St. Francisville location for The Highlands Bank will be held this Friday, September 19th at noon. The bank is located on Highway 61. The Highlands Bank is a very active and supportive member of the chamber and the parish. Chamber member Clay Pinson is the Vice President of the bank and the manager of the St. Francisville location. Congratulations and welcome to West Feliciana.

Golf Tournament

"Swing for Scholarships"

"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!

Oct.4, 2008 - Early Voting

Early Voting for October 4th Election Starts Saturday

Early voting for the October 4th election will begin on this Saturday, September 20th, at the Registrar of Voters Office at 5932 Commerce St. in St. Francisville. The office is located next to the Police Jury Office. The early voting will continue thru Saturday, September 27th. The office hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., closed on Sunday.

If you are unable to vote on October 4th, you can vote early! Remember to vote- it is your privilege and the American thing to do!

Freedom Walk - Rescheduled

Freedom Walk Scheduled for October 11,2008

The Freedom Walk remembering 9-11 and honoring Veterans has been rescheduled for October 11, 2008. The walk was rescheduled from September 6th due to the hurricane.

The "American Supports You" Freedom Walk calls on people to reflect on the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor our veterans, past and present, and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country.

The walk will start at 10 a.m. by Parker Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for those who have not pre-registered. Contact Estelita Travis for more information at 225-635-3640.

Contsitution Week

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.