FROM THE 2009 PRESIDENT:
It is both an honor and a privilege to begin 2009 as the President of The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. I would like to thank my fellow board members for their trust and support, and to thank the many fellow Chamber members who have shared an encouraging word. I am looking forward to a great year with a great organization in, what I consider to be, the greatest place to live, work, raise a family and run a business.
Each of us is keenly aware of our economic times. Whether this is a cyclical downturn or long-term economic shift remains to be seen. However, one thing is very clear to me - supporting our locally-owned businesses is at the very core of our success here in West Feliciana Parish. This is why I will work hard alongside my fellow Chamber board members to assist our member businesses with new and innovative ideas on marketing, research, cost savings, and training. Our first goal for 2009 is to assist our existing businesses in anyway that we can.
Another priority for the New Year will be to identify opportunities for new business offerings. Are there goods and services that you would like purchase that are not currently available in the area? We want to know about it - and so do other Chamber members. Perhaps there is a current business that can add that product or service to its offerings. Let's ask. Or, maybe we need to reach out to a possible new business. Either way, everyone wins when we communicate with our merchants in the marketplace.
Your Chamber will continue to build on its positive relationships with local and parish governments in the coming year. There is a renewed spirit of cooperation and optimism here in "Louisiana's Hill Country" and we're proud to be a part of it. By working closely with our government and community leaders we can help shape the future of this community into one that builds on our strengths and addresses our needs - while remaining beautiful, family friendly and business friendly.
Last, but not least, your Chamber will work hard to promote our many parish positives in any way that we can. From our natural beauty to our public schools, from our modern infrastructure improvements to our important role in American history, and from our community treasures to our new "can-do" government attitude, we live and work in a very special place. It's a great story and worth telling to anyone who will listen - and then repeat it.
Your Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is a tremendous group that mirrors our business community. Small businesses, large companies, mom-and-pop stores, manufacturing, sole proprietors, high tech - all have a seat at the table. And for the coming year, my pledge to you is that we will work as a team to help our community reach its common goals by helping our businesses - the backbone of our community - reach theirs.
My door is always open to you and your ideas. So, please, don't hesitate to let me know what's on your mind. My contact information is below. Let's talk.
Looking forward to a great 2009,
Mike Smith
President/CEO
ConnectCallUSA.com
2009 Chamber President
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New Chamber Members
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes
Kean Enterprises, LLC to the chamber. The business specializes in investments and is owned by Mr. John Kean. The business opened in 2001.
We also welcome Audubon Cafe to the Chamber. Owner Lori Gore opened the restaurant in February 2004. Thank you both for serving the needs of the community!
The Chamber encourages everyone to support all of its members- they support the community!
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2009 Chamber Membership Renewals
Just a reminder that if you have not renewed your Chamber membership for 2009 to send in your renewal form and check. Many calls are coming in to the office and we want your business referred first! If you need a new membership invoice, please call the office and let us know at 225-635-6717 or renew and pay on our website at Renewal
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Business Recognition Dinner
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the "Business Recognition Dinner" on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Sage Hill Reception Center at 6 pm. Tickets are $35 per person.
Reservations only required. There are still a few seats available so please call the office at 635-6717 or reserve your place and pay on line at the chamber website, Purchase your ticket(s) online.
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6th Annual Taste of the Felicianas
Mark your calendars! The Women's Service League of St. Francisville will host its Sixth Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala, Bling, Bling It's a Girl Thing...A Nigh of Glitz and Glamour, Friday, January 23, 2009 at Hemingbough. The festivities will begin at 7:30 and tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Ticket price includes our magnificent all you can eat tasting from area restaurants and caterers, live music by Souled Out, exceptional silent auction, and other delightful surprises. A cash bar will also be available. Put on your cocktail attire and join us for an experience like no other.
New this year: "Nearly New" boutique of ladies cocktail attire, evening bags and costume jewelry! "Wine Pull" A $20 ticket allows you to "Pull" a numbered wine bottle cork assigned to a corresponding numbered bottle of wine valued $20 to $100. You win that bottle!
Please visit the . Women's Service League website or
for more information.
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