SFCC 11-18-08

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!
The year is quickly coming to a close. The Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a new year. The 2009 Membership Drive is now in progress. Membership renewals have been sent out. The Chamber invites all businesses and individuals to join. "What can the chamber do for me" is the big question. The answer is- as much as you let us and support us. The website is a valuable advertising tool and easy to use. People who are looking for that special business that has what they need use it. Patrick Walsh with Blue Goose Media keeps it up and going and up to date. More people are familiar with the "Chamber of Commerce" for traveling, shopping, eating, contracting, and business needs than any other source of information. The Chamber newsletter informs people about what is going on in St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish. People here at home and out of town read it weekly. The
newsletter goes out to over 650 people each week. The Chamber of Commerce office is here especially for those who don't communicate by computer. The office offers sources of information that encourages people to use chamber businesses but also gives out phone numbers and information to those who have particular needs. We have people who call the office who are relocating and want relocation packets that can help with the transition.

This past year the chamber has been very active in the community. Just to re-cap a few events, we advertise and participate with new businesses and new facility "Ribbon Cuttings". The support to the youth of the parish is important so the chamber awards three scholarships each year to students who live in the community. Funds for the scholarships is generated by another event the chamber hosts, "Swing For Scholarships" golf tournament chaired by Clay Pinson. Businesses and individuals participate in this event annually to help fund these scholarships.

2008 proved to be a very active and successful year for the chamber. The Chamber of Commerce sponsored the "Discovery Trip 2008" to Madison, MS with President Miles Higgins guiding the way. The 41 business owners, government officials, board members and interested citizens who went to "discover..decipher..design" toured a city that opened their doors for new ideas to be brought back that could be used with the "Comprehensive Plan" for our parish. The end of the year will bring an event to recognize Chamber members that work together for the parish and the town.

The chamber promises that 2009 will be more successful as businesses and individuals work together to obtain goals that will keep West Feliciana Parish an outstanding place to live and work.

The Chamber will continue working to create an environment for businesses and individuals to grow and prosper in West Feliciana. We provide leadership for the advancement of economic vitality and a strong quality of life for the community.

Chamber Regular Board Meeting Scheduled
The Chamber of Commerce regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 8AM at The St. Francisville Inn. All chamber members are invited to attend.

Chamber of Commerce 2009 Membership Drive
The 2009 Membership Invoices have been sent out to all businesses that were members in 2008. The chamber asks that you complete the form and send the invoice with your check before November 27th. If you are not a member, and would like to join the Chamber, please call the office at 225-635-6717, and we will send you a form. We remind everyone that not only businesses can join- individuals are welcome also!

Welcome New Members for 2009
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes these new members for 2009:
The Carriage House Restaurant- Beth & Tip Pace
Farm Bureau Insurance- Amy Spillman
Live Oak Centre, LLC- Dick Lancaster
MDSA Strategic Communications- Michael Smith
V Catering- Scott & Doughty Varnedoe

The chamber invites you to support these new businesses.

NRC Meeting on "New Reactor"
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 from 6pm- 9:30pm at the West Feliciana High School Auditorium in Bains, LA about the review of the Entergy application for a combined license for the proposed River Bend Unit 3 Reactor. Any one interested is invited to attend this meeting.

Christmas in the Country "White LIGHT Night"
In August the "White Linen Night" was such a big success, it will be repeated during Christmas in the Country as "WHITE LIGHT NIGHT" on Friday, December 5th from 6pm until 9pm following the the lighting of the town's Christmas Tree. This year's Christmas in the Country will be held the weekend of December 5,6, & 7th. Plan to attend this event. Come support the businesses in West Feliciana. For More Information.

"Relay For Life" Fundraiser Hosted by WF Hospital
The West Feliciana Parish Hospital is sponsoring a Fall Festival Fundraiser for their "Relay For Life" team on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 11am until 4pm at Parker Park.
Crafts, games, face painting, live music, spacewalks, booths and more will make this a fun day for the entire family while supporting the fight against cancer.

Friends of WFP Library Tour Of Homes
The Friends of West Feliciana Library will host the "Tour of Homes" on Sunday, December 7th during Christmas in the Country weekend. There will be 4 homes showcased for $15 per person. All proceeds benefit library projects. Call 225-635-3364 for more information or St. Francisville Festivals website.
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.

Contact Information
Linda Osterberger; Executive Secretary
phone: 635-6717

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