Chamber News August 16, 2009

The Voice of the West Feliciana Parish

It was great to welcome Governor Bobby Jindal to St. Francisville this past week. The Rotary Club and Chamber worked hard to host a terrific luncheon, during which the governor handed over a check to the Town of St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish Police Jury. The money is meant, among other things, to reimburse local governments for expenses incurred in the aftermath of last year's Hurricane Gustav.

After his prepared remarks, Governor Jindal took time to speak individually with anyone having questions and to take pictures.

So many people are to be thanked for such a smooth and successful event. Sheriff Austin Daniel and his staff, Police Chief Scott Ford, Rotary President Jeannie Robinson and Dorcas Brown, Ken Haydel and Phillip Plaisance at The Oxbow, The Healing Place Church, and our Chamber Executive Secretary Linda Osterberger - to name just a few.

But the greatest thanks goes to the memberships of both Rotary and the Chamber. We were overwhelmed with member requests for seats to the luncheon and carried a significant waiting list going into the event. Please know that future events are made possible by the positive momentum generated by meetings like this one.

On another note, please take the next couple of days to review your hurricane preparedness at both your home and business. Hurricane season is well underway and storms can, as seen in the last few days, spin up with little warning. With Gustav fresh in our minds, now is the time to take stock of supplies that we depleted last year. And when restocking, please buy as much as you can from our local businesses. When you do, everyone wins.

Sincerely,

Michael Smith, President
Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce


Farewell from Linda

Thursday, August 13 is my last day at the Chamber. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Board of Directors the past 2 years and all of those who have served on chamber committees. I especially have enjoyed working with the members of the chamber! The experiences of working in this position has been fun, educational and very interesting. I will continue on a part time basis to help keep things going with the chamber. If you have any questions or need anything, please email the chamber and someone will get back with you as soon as possible.

I am proud to say I have been part of the organization that has earned much recognition and respect for its work for the businesses in West Feliciana. Watching the many changes in our parish can be overwhelming but I see it as "production underway".

I have made many 'new' friends and have enjoyed working with all of my "ol" friends too! Thank you to all of you who have sent emails and have called expressing your support.

I will be working in Baton Rouge again and making new friends. I will be the office manager for Dr. Prem Menon and Dr. Vemla Menon's medical practice.

I will close for now but I will see you around town and I encourage you to "SUPPORT THE CHAMBER", it is working for the community where we live!


Renew Paper Newest Member

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes Renew Paper to the chamber family as a corporate leader. The paper mill is the former Tembec mill. Renew Paper opened the business this spring and operations are in the works. The mill is located on Highway 964.


BBQ at the St. Francisville Methodist Church

The St. Francisville Methodist Church is sponsoring a BBQ Chicken Dinner sale on Sunday, August 16th. You may pick up your dinner or dine-in at the United Methodist Church Hall at 4744 Fidelity Street in St. Francisville. Advance tickets may be obtained at the church office at 9866 Royal Street or call the office at 225-635-3763. Come enjoy some BBQ slow cooked to perfection!


White Linen Night

Mark your calendars now for White Linen Night in St. Francisville! On Saturday, August 22rd beginning at 5pm, another spectacular annual event that everyone raved about is returning!

White Linen Night will "showcase a sampling of just about everything in St. Francisville". From gourmet cuisine, antiques, artists, craftspersons, demonstrations, exhibitsd, shopping and especially live music will fill the evening with that 'southern charm' that only St. Francisville has with trolley transportation.

Visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com for more information and SAVE THE DATE!


Job Fair Scheduled

The Baton Rouge Career Solutions Center is having a veterans and general public "Job Fair" on Thursday, September 3, 2009. It will be held at the Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn Executive Center) at 4728 Constitution Ave in Baton Rouge from 9AM until 1PM.

From 9AM until 11AM is reserved for veterans and from 11AM until 1PM for the general public. For further information, please contact Bob Hartman at 225-922-1320 or email at rhartman@lwc.la.gov


Osher Lifelong Learning Meeting

The Feliciana Chapter of Osher Lifelong Learning at LSU will hold their 2009 Annual Meeting and Reception on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in St. Francisville from 10AM until Noon.

The guest speaker will be David Floyd. His topic will be Feliciana Landscapes and Gardens.

What is OLLI? Their mission is to foster accessible lifelong learning and individual growth for mature learners ages 50 and over.

For more information on the event or the organization, please contact Jane Dietrich at 225-634-3560.