St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News 12-02-09

2009-12-03T01:45:00.000-06:00

Keep Your Lights Safe for the Holidays!

Entergy Customer Service Manager, Mary Broussard, reminds everyone to "respect the power of electricity" when decorating inside and outside.

Here are a few important tips recommended so you can keep your holiday safe and bright:

Inside lighting tips:
* If using a live tree, make sure it is fresh and green with needles that are hard to pull from the branches
* Examine all lights before putting them on the tree or using them in other home decorations
* For greater efficiency and safety, use smaller, cool-burning LED lights
* Make sure all light sockets have bulbs in them
* Keep bulbs from touching tree branches and never burn candles on or near the tree or flammable decorations
* Never use lights on a metallic tree. If the lights become faulty, the entire tree could be electrified
* Be careful not to overload extension cords, outlets or even whole circuits in your house
* Turn off decorative lighting when you leave the room or home
* Place wires where they can not trip anyone. Do Not run them under rugs

Outside lighting tips:
* Make sure the lights you put up are designated for outdoor use
* Use a nonconducting fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with strings of lights and stay clear of all overhead wires
* Do Not replace bulbs when the electricity is on
* Never let light bulbs touch flammable materials such as plastic or dry grass and leaves
* For outside use, work only with three-wire grounded extension cords
* Use rubber gaskets in light sockets or hang sockets downward to keep water out
* Keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes
* Turn outside holiday lights off when away from home or asleep

Enjoy decorating for the holidays but keep your home and family safe!

Come One-Come All to Christmas In The Country!!!

This is the weekend everyone loves. It's for all ages, young to young at heart! St. Francisville guarantees that there is something for everyone and you can finish that Christmas shopping without all the hassle!

The festivities begin this Friday, December 4th and continues through Sunday, December 6th. For the entire agenda, please visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

Bring the entire family and friends to enjoy the weekend!

Christmas Tour of Homes

The Women's Service League will sponsor this year Christmas Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 6, 2009 from noon until 5pm. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased the day of the event or ahead at the Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand St. and the Women's Service League Wreath Sale Booth on Ferdinand Street. For more information call Laurie Walsh at 225-635-3873.

Christmas Concert and Dessert Reception

The St. Francisville Symphony Association is sponsoring a Christmas Concert and Dessert Reception with the members of the brass and percussion section of the Baton Rouge Symphony at Hemstead Hall of Hemingbough on December 4, 2009 at 7pm. This is a change of location in case you may have already purchased your tickets.

This is an added attraction during "Christmas in the Country" that you will want to attend. Tickets may be purchased at Bank of St. Francisville or at the door.

What better way to get you into the "Christmas Spirit"!

"Christmas Open House" at the Museum

The Museum at Angola will be hosting at "Christmas Open House" on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 10am until 2pm. Refreshments will be served.

All T-Shirts sold in the Museum will be 'buy and get one 1/2 off'! Great Christmas gifts!

For more information, please call Marsha Lindsey at 225-655-2592.

Mark Your Calendars!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events at the West Feliciana Parish Library! On December 8th at 7pm- Catherine Savage Brosman, a well-known Louisiana author and poet, will read from her lastest work, Breakwaters, and will have copies for sale that she will personally sign. She is an Emerita Professor of French at Tulane University, Honorary Research Professor at the University of Sheffield, England and poetry editor for Chronicles: a Magazine of American Culture.

On December 12th at 3pm- there will be a reading by Stella Nesanovich and Lewis Garvin. Ms. Nesanovich is a retired Professor of English from McNeese State University, and Mr. Garvin has taught at the University of New Orleans and the College of William and Mary. They are both published poets.

Make plans to attend these events at the Library. West Feliciana Library is bringing a wonderful culture to the parish you won't want to miss!

Send a "Touch of Home"

The holidays are a special time of year when people around the world gather with family and loved ones. But it is also a great time of year to remember the many men and women, their families and veterans who may be separated or far from home.

Until December 7th, you are invited to send holiday cards with messages of thanks and support. The Red Cross volunteers and Pitney Bowes will screen, sort and deliver your card to military bases, veteran and military hospitals across the US and around the world.

Your cards must be received at the Red Cross by December 7th in order for them to be received by a US Service Member. Visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail for details on how you can send a card.

Spread the word to your friends, family and neighbors, and let's send a bit of holiday cheer to our service men and women, veterans and their families around the world in gratitude for their service.

Sheriff's Annual Kid's Christmas

The 9th Annual Kid's Christmas has been scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the West Feliciana Middle School Gym at 10AM. Sheriff Austin Daniel makes sure every year each child attending will receive a toy and be eligible for the bicycle give away. He wants the public to know that everyone is invited!

The Kid's Christmas Toy Fund is in need of toys as well as donations. Anyone wishing to contribute can go by the Sheriff's office or call Barbara Bonaventure at 225-784-3109. Let's help make it a wonderful experience for the children!

Chamber Reports 09/24/09

2009-09-25T23:58:00.000-05:00

1012 Magazine Talks About Home Rule Charter
-- With all of the talk about Home Rule Charter, the August issue of 1012 Magazine has an informative article on the topic. The article spotlights on the Pros and Cons of Home Rule Charter.
-- For more information or to read the article, go to
www.1012corridor.com/news/2009/aug/01/giving-kingdom/

St. Francisville Symphony Association
-- The St. Francisville Symphony Association has announced its 2009-2010 calendar will feature the musicians of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. All concerts will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Ferdinand Street. The first concert is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at 8pm. The Christmas Concert and Dessert Reception is set for December 4 at 7pm, and the final concert is set for Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 8pm.
-- Season tickets are $50 and $40 for seniors and individual tickets are $20 each. Special price for children for the Christmas Concert is $10. Children under 18 who are accompanied by an adult to the October and March concerts will be admitted free of charge.
-- Tickets are available locally at the Bank of St. Francisville or by calling BRSO at 225-383-0500.

Angola Rodeo News!
-- The Angola Rodeo will be held every Sunday in October, and tickets can be purchased before the Rodeo by calling 225-655-2042 or 225-655-2041. Tickets for just the hobbycraft event are also on sale. During the Rodeo, the Prison Museum will be open from 9AM until 7PM, and there will be booths on the rodeo grounds selling t-shirts and other items from the Museum Gift Shop.

Republic of West Florida Bicentennial
-East Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, St. Helena, Livingston, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Tammany parishes were adopted by the Republic of West Florida in 1810. There will be a "Gathering of Forces" celebration at the West Feliciana Court House on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 2:00pm.
-The gathering will actually be at the south end of the courthouse grounds, at the corner of Royal Street and Prosperity Street, where the proposed Republic Park will be.
- Everyone is invited to attend and requested to fly your flag. There will be a calendar of events presented for the coming years events!

Ribbon Cutting for Freds Travel Center
-- Everyone is invited to the Ribbon Cutting for "Freds Travel Center" formerly known as the Truckstop. The beautiful travel center is complete and wants everyone to come out for FREE food, cokes and some giveaways! The Greater St. Francisville Chamber will be there to "Cut The Ribbon" at Noon on Wednesday, September 30th. The celebration begins at 11AM until 5PM so stop by and see this newly constructed business with your support! The business is located on North Highway 61 at the Louisiana/Mississippi state line!
-- The chamber congratulates this valuable member on their success!

Book Amnesty Month --September is Book Amnesty Month at West Feliciana Parish Library. This means those books and DVDs you were afraid to return are fine-free. That's right- all overdue fines will be forgiven the month of September. But there is a catch---each person is invited to donate a canned good at the library for the local food bank in lieu of your "over due book fee".
Read more...

Save the Date for Trick or Treat!!!
-- The Town of St. Francisville will host Trick or Treat Down Main Street and in the city limits on Thursday, October 29, 2009 starting at 5:30pm!
-- The Town is making accomodations since Homecoming at WFHS is on the 30th!
WRITE IT DOWN AND SAVE THE DATE FOR ALL THE LITTLE GOBLINS!!

Road Closure for 6 Weeks
-- La Timed Managers has reported that Delta Place Road in New Roads will be closed for approximately six weeks beginning on September 9th for Audubon Bridge Constructor, the joint venture building the John James Audubon Bridge to construct a new roadway.
-- Delta Place Road will be closed to all traffic at the intersection of LA 10 and
LA 1 in New Roads, LA. All traffic must choose an alternater route and can access Delta Place Road from LA 420.

Stay Warm This Winter & Help The Food Pantry While You Do It!
--The ladies from the "Feliciana Stitchers Quilt Guild" has made a beautiful quilt that is on display at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street, that is being raffled off. The proceeds will benefit the West Feliciana Food Pantry.
--Tickets are $1 each or 7 for $5 and can be purchased from any member of the Feliciana Stitchers, the Historical Society or at the Bank of St. Francisville. The raffle will take place on October 24, 2009 at 11:30am during the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale at the St. Francisville Town Hall.
--Please purchase your tickets and help the Food Pantry Today!!

St. Francisville Chamber Sept. 08, 2009

2009-09-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

'HOW TO ADDRESS EMPLOYEE ISSUES"

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce is continuing to work for the businesses. One of the important committees that works for the Chamber is the Member Services Committee.

Glenn Thomas, committee chairman, and his enthusiastic committee has found another event to "help our businesses" grow and succeed.

A Training Workshop on "How to Address Employee Issues" will be presented on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 11:45 to 1:00pm at the Bank of St. Francisville Board Room, 5700 Commerce Street in St. Francisville (across the street from the bank).

The topics will include:
* Learn a systematic approach for addressing employee performance problems

* Learn interaction techniques for addressing and improving performance

* Practice by participating in role play exercises

To reserve your place at the workshop- Please contact Suzette Daniel at 225-635-0047. Limited Seating Only!

NO ADMISSION FEE TO ATTEND AND LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED!

Call today and get those employee problems worked out!

Quilt Raffle for Food Pantry

The ladies from the "Feliciana Stitchers Quilt Guild" has made a beautiful quilt that is on display at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street, that is being raffled off. The proceeds will benefit the West Feliciana Food Pantry.

Tickets are $1 each or 7 for $5 and can be purchased from any member of the Feliciana Stitchers, the Historical Society or at the Bank of St. Francisville. The raffle will take place on October 24, 2009 at 11:30am during the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale at the St. Francisville Town Hall.

Please purchase your tickets and help the Food Pantry Today!!

Farmer's Market Open Thursdays

The Farmer's Market is still open on Thursdays at the Fair Barn! There is still fresh produce, delicious baked goods and beautiful fresh flowers available. The market is open on Thursdays from noon until 5pm. Go by and support our local farmers.

Book Amnesty Month

September is Book Amnesty Month at West Feliciana Parish Library. This means those books and DVDs you were afraid to return are fine-free. That's right- all overdue fines will be forgiven the month of September. But there is a catch---each person is invited to donate a canned good at the library for the local food bank in lieu of your "over due book fee".

Thursday, September 10- Come by the Library to meet Author Sara Morgan. She will read from her new book- No Limits: How I Escaped the Clutches of Corporate America to Live the Self-Employed Life of My Dreams. This fun program begins a 6pm.

Tuesday, September 15- Teen Only Open Mic. All teens are invited to this event "Only for Teens" from 7pm-8pm. Bring a poem, slam, play an instrument- it's all good! The rules are: 10 minutes and a microphone, appropriateness for a public audience, and don't be shy.

The library is open 9-7 Monday through Thursday, 9-6 on Friday and 9-1 on Saturday. Please call 225-635-3364 for more information.

DAR Observes Constitution Week

Constitution Week is September 17-23
This year celebrates the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

On Thursday, 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.

Show your PRIDE!

Save the Date for Trick or Treat!!!

The Town of St. Francisville will host Trick or Treat Down Main Street and in the city limits on Thursday, October 29, 2009 starting at 5:30pm!

The Town is making accomodations since Homecoming at WFHS is on the 30th!

WRITE IT DOWN AND SAVE THE DATE FOR ALL THE LITTLE GOBLINS!!

Road Closed for 6 Weeks!
La Timed Managers has reported that Delta Place Road in New Roads will be closed for approximately six weeks beginning on September 9th for Audubon Bridge Constructor, the joint venture building the John James Audubon Bridge to construct a new roadway.
Delta Place Road will be closed to all traffic at the intersection of LA 10 and
LA 1 in New Roads, LA. All traffic must choose an alternater route and can access Delta Place Road from LA 420.

St. Francisville Chamber 08/31/09

2009-08-31T22:54:00.002-05:00

The Chamber News

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking an Executive Secretary. Among the many job duties are managing the day-to-day affairs of the Chamber office, communicating with chamber members on a variety of issues, supporting the Board of Directors by implementing policies and procedures, and organizing Chamber events just to name a few.

The right candidate should demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills while being self-motivated to work independently.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Office hours are from 9am to 4:30pm Mondays through Thursdays and 9am to 12noon on Fridays. Please note that some after-hours activities are required for this position.

Individuals interested in this position should send a resume with references via email to sfchamber@bellsouth.net or via regular mail to PO Box 545, St. Francisville, LA, 70775.

The deadline for receiving resumes is Friday, September 11, 2009.

Stay Warm This Winter & Help The Food Pantry While You Do It!

Quilt Raffle for Food Pantry

The ladies from the "Feliciana Stitchers Quilt Guild" has made a beautiful quilt that is on display at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street, that is being raffled off. The proceeds will benefit the West Feliciana Food Pantry.

Tickets are $1 each or 7 for $5 and can be purchased from any member of the Feliciana Stitchers, the Historical Society or at the Bank of St. Francisville. The raffle will take place on October 24, 2009 at 11:30am during the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale at the St. Francisville Town Hall.

Please purchase your tickets and help the Food Pantry Today!!

Farmer's Market Open Thursdays

The Farmer's Market is still open on Thursdays at the Fair Barn! There is still fresh produce, delicious baked goods and beautiful fresh flowers available. The market is open on Thursdays from noon until 5pm. Go by and support our local farmers.

Book Amnesty Month

September is Book Amnesty Month at West Feliciana Parish Library. This means those books and DVDs you were afraid to return are fine-free. That's right- all overdue fines will be forgiven the month of September. But there is a catch---each person is invited to donate a canned good at the library for the local food bank in lieu of your "over due book fee".

The library is open 9-7 Monday through Thursday, 9-6 on Friday and 9-1 on Saturday. Please call 225-635-3364 for more information.

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

Chamber Greetings Aug. 21, 2009

2009-08-21T23:41:00.001-05:00

WHITE LINEN NIGHT- TOMORROW!!

Tomorrow the town of St. Francisville will be buzzing with one of the most "hometown" events ever! This will be the second year of "White Linen Night"!

From 5pm until 9pm, you can casually stroll the streets of St. Francisville and be thoroughly entertained the entire evening. There will be "special sales" at the shops with FREE delicious food to snack on, beverages, desserts, arts you will want to purchase, book signings and LIVE entertainment everywhere you go!!! You can even redeem your sales receipts for a free gift. So why no start your Christmas shopping now!

Laurie Walsh and the St. Francisville Main Street have organized with hundreds of local businesses, individuals, musicians, and talented artists just to name a few, to present the most enjoyable and relaxing evening you will not want to miss! If you thought last year was so successful, wait til you come tomorrow evening.

Load up the family and come to St. Francisville for a fun and relaxing family event that you only see on TV. This is better than Mayberry! Come feel and experience our lovely town- St. Francisville!

LA State Penitentiary Museum

The Justice Hall of Fame event was held in July, 2009 with a ribbon cutting and a reception at the Museum at LA State Penitentiary at Angola.
The Angola Museum will be set up in front of The Shanty Too on White Linen Night with samples of inmate art that is sold at the Angola Rodeo.

Tickets for the Angola Rodeo can be purchased by calling 225-655-2142. You may also schedule tours of the Prison by calling Marsha Lindsey, Director at 225-655-2592. Tours are scheduled Monday thru Friday each week for groups of 20 or more. Participants must be at least 12 years of age.

Farmer's Market Open Thursdays

The Farmer's Market is still open on Thursdays at the Fair Barn! There is still fresh produce, delicious baked goods and beautiful fresh flowers available. The market is open on Thursdays from noon until 5pm. Go by and support our local farmers.

September is Book Amnesty Month at the Library

Book Amnesty Month

September is Book Amnesty Month at West Feliciana Parish Library. This means those books and DVDs you were afraid to return are fine-free. That's right- all overdue fines will be forgiven the month of September. But there is a catch---each person is invited to donate a canned good at the library for the local food bank in lieu of your "over due book fee".

The library is open 9-7 Monday through Thursday, 9-6 on Friday and 9-1 on Saturday. Please call 225-635-3364 for more information.

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

Relocation Packets 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
SFchamber@bellsouth.net

Chamber News August 16, 2009

2009-08-16T21:46:00.002-05:00

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.

The Voice of West Feliciana Parish

2009-08-06T19:37:00.002-05:00

What's going on?

We have some bits and pieces of "what's going on" and we think its pretty important!

We see progress on Highway 61! From Thompson Creek Bridge to Star Hill, Denton James is pouring concrete! It's not finished so don't get too excited but we see progress! Don't forget the other side still has to be done but it is finally coming together.

We would like to send our warmest "Congratulations" to Ellen Kennon. Ellen was one of 3 Best Color Consultants that were interviewed by House Beautiful magazine- September issue. Pick up a copy of the magazine and see what the 'experts' say!

Last but not least- here is the update on the Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Recipients and the colleges they have enrolled in-

Cody Brumfield- LA Tech
Chrystal Lachney- Nicholls State
Jakob Martin- LSU
Kayla Odom- LSU
Sarah Pate- Rhodes College, Memphis TN
Mallory Richard- LSU
Thomas Willis- Southern University

The Chamber wishes these and all students continuing their education the best of luck!

School is getting ready to start and we remind those traveling on the roads to please watch for students and buses and school zones!

"pARTy in the Ville" Final Class

The final class date is August 6, 2009 and the guest artist is Donna Kilbourne. The price per session is $35 per person, which includes all art supplies and appetizers. You bring your own beverage of choice.

The session will begin at 7pm at Sage Hill Gifts on Commerce Street in St. Francisville, she will be open for late night shopping on this date also.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please make a reservation by email to partyintheville@gmail.com or call 225-635-6596 or 225-721-1331.

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

Farmer's Market Still Open

Just a reminder that the "Farmer's Market" is still open on Thursdays from noon until 5Pm. There are not as many farmers but the gardens that are still producing are still selling! Go by tomorrow and support our local farmers!!

Feliciana Chapter of Osher Lifelong Learning Meeting

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.

State Licensing Available

State licensing for those selling tobacco products or selling or serving alcohol can now attend classes in St. Francisville each month.

The cost for the classes are $35 per person. You must present a valid ID. The classes will be held at 5681 Commerce Street in St. Francisville on the second Wednesday of the month beginning August 12, 2009.

For more information, please call Mr. Joey McNabb at 985-517-1755.

Calling All New Folks!

Relocation Packets 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

President's Report June / July

2009-07-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

The following is the President's Notes presented to the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce board of directors at the July 16, 2009 meeting.

Even with the full heat of summer upon us, your Chamber of Commerce has not slowed down a bit. The first half of 2009 was a very successful one for our organization and I have little doubt the remainder of the year will be just as positive.

Last month's first-ever Annual Membership Meeting was a big success. Thanks go to our committee members and to Linda Osterberger for making it so. BESE Board member Chas Roemer gave a terrific - and timely - talk for West Feliciana on the future of public education in Louisiana. And one of the highlights of the evening was the distribution of our member survey, which was well received.

I would like to particularly single out the work of the Events and Member Services committees for their work on the dinner. The "Top 10 Reasons" to be a Chamber member, converted into a large poster, was a focal point of the evening. Their work on this project is proof-positive that our committee structure can, and does, work when everyone participates.

We will need to keep our momentum going for the next six months because there will be no shortage of events and projects. Here's a sampling:

- a Performance Management Training class in August
- Alcohol & Tobacco licensing classes hosted beginning in August
- the Chamber-to-Chamber event at The Victorian in October (over 250 guests expected)
- the Chamber's annual golf fundraiser in November
- our Chamber board of directors elections in November
- our 2010 membership drive in November and December

This month, I am asking the board's approval to create a Long Range Planning Committee for our Chamber. We're doing a terrific job managing the Chamber year-to-year, but I believe now is the time for us to chart a path forward for the next 3, 5 and 10 years. I think we can accomplish the first phase of planning over the next six months, if we agree. I truly believe this will be one of the most worthwhile endeavors for our Chamber in 2009.

Finally, let me encourage you to keep up the momentum we've built this year. Sometimes there can be a tendency to let down a bit after a strenuous stretch. Let's remain focused and committed towards achieving our goals and our membership - and our community - will be better for it.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Smith, President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

West Feliciana Road Closure

2009-07-18T13:37:00.002-05:00

Caution! Road Closure
Bains Road in St. Francisville will be closed on July 21, 2009 from 7AM until 3PM for construction. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.

"pARTy in the Ville"

2009-07-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

No there is not a type error- it's "pARTy in the Ville", an upcoming art class with food and fun. It will be a three part series with different artists. The first date is Thursday, July 16, 2009 featuring guest artist, Jamie Lee Williams, from New Orleans. The second date is Thursday, July 30, 2009 and the guest artist will be David Norwood, and the third date is August 6, 2009 and the guest artist is Donna Kilbourne. The price per session is $35 per person, which includes all art supplies and appetizers. You bring your own beverage of choice.

All the sessions will begin at 7pm at Sage Hill Gifts on Commerce Street in St. Francisville, she will be open for late night shopping on these dates also.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please make a reservation by email to partyintheville@gmail.com or call 225-635-6596 or 225-721-1331.

Back by Popular Demand

2009-07-18T13:30:00.000-05:00

Back by Popular Demand "White Linen Night" - August 22nd, 2009
Mark your calendars now for White Linen Night in St. Francisville! On Saturday, August 22rd beginning at 6pm, 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!

St. Francisville T-Shirts Now Available

2009-07-18T13:29:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a unique gift? Perhaps a souvenir from our lovely town? You may now purchase a very unique T-Shirt that promotes St. Francisville. There are 3 styles available for only $16.95 St. Francisville Main Street & local merchants have teamed together to make these T-shirts available; you may purchase one or all three at local businesses in town. Please go by Belle Glen Traditions, Sage Hill Antiques & Gifts, Shanty Too, WFP Historical Society Museum, Grandmother's Buttons or Birdman to see them and to make your purchase.

Feliciana Nature Society presents. . .

2009-07-18T13:22:00.002-05:00

The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration has been scheduled for July 24th & 25th. It will begin with a 'Wine and cheese" reception on Friday evening, July 24th, at Rosedown Plantation at 6pm while stroling the gardens. Then a presentation from Mr. Bob Loudon on the hummingbirds of Ecuador. Admission is $10.

The celebration will continue on Saturday, July 25 from 7am until 3pm. Hummingbird biologists, Linda Beall and Nancy Newfield will capture and band birds at two private gardens in St. Francisville. A $5 fee covers admission to both gardens.

In addition, vendors will be at both garden sites with hummingbird-attractive plants available for sale. For more information, visit Feliciana Nature Society.

Feliciana Nature Society presents. . .

2009-07-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

Feliciana Nature Society presents. . .
The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration has been scheduled for July 24th & 25th. It will begin with a 'Wine and cheese" reception on Friday evening, July 24th, at Rosedown Plantation at 6pm while stroling the gardens. Then a presentation from Mr. Bob Loudon on the hummingbirds of Ecuador. Admission is $10.

The celebration will continue on Saturday, July 25 from 7am until 3pm. Hummingbird biologists, Linda Beall and Nancy Newfield will capture and band birds at two private gardens in St. Francisville. A $5 fee covers admission to both gardens.

In addition, vendors will be at both garden sites with hummingbird-attractive plants available for sale. For more information, visit Feliciana Nature Society.

June 4, 2009

2009-06-05T11:32:00.004-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

The 1st Edition of the Chamber's E-Saver Newsletter was sent out last week. With overwhelming positive comments we remind everyone to "shop local" and support the businesses in our community.

Each month 3-4 businesses are selected by the Communications Committee to be 'highlighted' in the E-Saver Newsletter.

We want to recognize those businesses that were selected as "Businesses of the Month in May".
__________________________________

DEMCO
DEMCO-the 'member owned' electric co-operative serves 96,000 members and has been in operations since 1938. CEO, John Vranic, makes sure the lights stay on. The St. Francisville manager,Johny Metz, and the DEMCO staff is preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. The co-ops, like the one in St. Francisville, was designed to better serve their members in the rural areas.

They are available 24 hours a day serving their members and the community 365 days a year. They can be reached at 225-261-1221 everyday.

DEMCO has received several national awards throughout the years from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, based in Washington, D.C., most recently receiving "Spotlight on Excellence Awards" for Best Newspaper and Best Annual Report to the Co-op Membership for 2008.
Visit their web site at: www.demco.org

_____________________________________

DANIEL CLINIC

St. Francisville is proud to have a medical clinic with physicians that know and care for the people of the parish. Dr. Chaillie Daniel and the group of doctors treat their patients like 'family'.

Dr. Chaillie Daniel opened the clinic in July of 2000 at 5326 Oak Street in St. Francisville to "serve and give back to the community" with their medical needs. With a staff of 28, the clinic is able to serve patients effectively and provide that personal 'home town' feeling.

The hours of operation can accommodate anyone, Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM until 7 PM. Their phone number is 225-635-5848.

_______________________________________

ABADIE & ASSOCIATES REALTY

Abadie & Associates Realty's owner, Charmaine Abadie Dupree, Broker, ,GRI, enjoys her business here in St. Francisville because of the "good business climate" and "this is home". Her business has been open since July of 2004 serving thousands of people who love West Feliciana as much as she and her family.

The hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9-5 but 'call and we'll answer' at 225-784-2406. The office is located at 12216 Jackson Road-Suite A- St. Francisville, LA.
Email her at cad70775@yahoo.com or visit the web site at www.abadierealty.com

Congratulations and thank you to all of these businesses who are valuable members of the Chamber of Commerce.

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Lodge at The Bluffs Joins the Chamber

The Chamber of Commerce welcomes Lodge at The Bluffs to the chamber family of members. They are open for business and they want to accommodate your needs.

The Lodge at The Bluffs is located at 5903 Magnolia Lane, Jackson, LA at The Bluffs. To contact the office, please call, 225-634-5222 or email at lodge@thebluffs.com or visit their website at www.thebluffs.com

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Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting/Dinner

The members of the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce have been invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner on June 18, 2009 at 5:30pm.

Members are reminded to RSVP by June 12 to the office at 225-635-6717. You may mail your check or go to the website- www.stfrancisvillechamber.com and pay on paypal. There will be a guest speaker along with some information that will benefit the members.

There is limited seating so call TODAY!!

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VBS at St. Francisville United Methodist Church

It's Vacation Bible School time at the St. Francisville United Methodist Church! Camp E.D.G.E. VBS will be held at the St. Francisville United Methodist Church at 9862 Royal Street in St. Francisville beginning on Monday, June 22nd through Friday, June 26th from 9AM to Noon each day.

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Farmer's Market on Thursdays

Don't forget that the Farmer's Market is open on Thursdays from noon until 5pm. There are lots of fresh produce grown locally. Please support our farmers and eat well too! There are some baked goods and fresh flowers and fresh eggs are available at the market too!

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Summer Fun Day- Friday June 12

The West Feliciana Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council, the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, 20th Judicial District Attorney, West Feliciana Sports & Recreations and the LA Highway Safety Commission are sponsoring the 2nd Annual SUMMER FUN DAY on June 12, 2009 from 9AM-4PM at the West Feliciana Sports Park.

This event is for families to enjoy an entire day of fun! There will be entertainment, free food, free door prizes and free refreshments with so much going on all day!

Tell your friends and family to come out and have a good time!

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LA Night Jam 2009
LA Night Jam 2009 is a professional waterski jum competition and festival that will be held on June 6, 2009 at Tri-Lakes at 18605 Barnett Road in Zachary, LA.

The festival has something for every age that guarentees to be a day of fun by the water along with the competition that everyone enjoys featuring Bennett's Waterski and Wakeboard School.

For more information, please contact Amy Bing at 225-654-9306.

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The Day the War Stopped

The Day the War Stopped will be reenacted in downtown St. Francisville on June 12-14, 2009. With many activities scheduled, this is something you will not want to miss.

It all begins on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. with graveside histories followed at 8 p.m. with an open house and historical presentation at the Masonic Lodge. On Saturday, June 13 a parade is planned and a special candlelight tour of Oakley Plantation at 7:30 p.m.. On Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. a talk at Locust Grove State Historic Site.

For more information, call 225-635-4791 or visit www.daythewarstopped.net

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Come Meet the 'new' Library Director

The Friends of the West Feliciana Library are hosting a reception for the new library director, Mr. Ben Bell on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at the West Feliciana Library from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m..

The public is invited to come meet "Ben".
It's a Hootenanny at the Library!

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Hootenanny at the Library!

The West Feliciana Parish Library is hosting a "Hoot Night" on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 from 7 pm-8 pm at the Library. A real ol fashion Hootenanny!

Everyone is invited to come out and bring your instruments and join in the fun. Library Director, Ben Bell, says Z-Squared will there too!
Your Support is Needed

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Your Support is Needed

Your support is needed regarding the Folkes Campus and Region 2 of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The proposed budget cuts would affect Folkes College in Jackson, LA.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Johnny Arceneaux at the Folkes Campus at 225-634-7829 or 225-634-2636 or email him at jarceneaux@ltc.edu
Red Cross Course Offered

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Red Cross Course Offered

The American Red Cross- Louisiana Captial Area Chapter is offering a Standard First Aid/CPR/AED course on June 13, 2009 from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m..

This is one of the most popular safety offerings, this course combines CPR and first aid training to teach participants how to: recognize emergencies and take action, perform CPR on infants, children and adults, minimize the effects of shock, perform first aid for cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, bleeding, strains and sprains, and treat sudden illnesses, including poisonings and heat and cold emergencies.

Now that the summer had begun, it's a good time to get certified in these areas. Register on line at www.batonrouge.redcross.org and have a safe summer!
Calling All New Folks!

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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

May 15, 2009

2009-05-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings
May is a month for milestones. So many young people graduating from college and high school, to even the little Pre-K children moving on to "big school". Not only do we congratulate the students for their accomplishments, but the parents and families as well. These are the times that will always be remembered.
The chamber will award 7 scholarships to just a few of those students who will be moving on to a higher education. The Scholarship Committee had an extremely tough decision to make from so many deserving applicants.
The chamber board recently passed a resolution to rename the scholarships, The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce Lloyd L. Lindsey, Jr. Memorial Scholarships. While the loss of a true leader in our community and a person who put the education of all the children as a number one priority is missed by all, the chamber felt that awarding scholarships in his memory would give each student that 'special' reason to work even harder.
The Chamber of Commerce sends out our warmest "Congratulations" to all graduates!
More milestones have come with the month of May.
Businesses in West Feliciana are giving and serving the community and the chamber is here to work with them and strongly encourage everyone to support all of the members.
We thank Dr. Menon for opening The Victorian's doors to everyone at the ribbon cutting and open house on May 8th.
We invite everyone to the ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30pm at The Bank of St. Francisville. The beautiful "new" bank has enhanced the beauty of our town along with the welcome feeling the employees greet you with at the door.
Another milestone that we invite everyone to attend is the ribbon cutting of a family owned business that has been a member since the Chamber of Commerce first organized. Elm Park Restaurant has re-opened after a short closure, but has a new look and still has that 'home cooking'. The ribbon cutting will be Friday, May 22nd at 5:30 located on LA Hwy 10.
Another ribbon cutting on May 26th at 5pm is The Upper Crust Bistro. Once located in St. Francisville, the business has moved to Zachary with a new delicious menu and has remained a member of the chamber. We will join with the Zachary chamber in the special event.
Please put these events on your calendar and support them as often as possible. We again congratulate all of these businesses and thank them for their membership.
Lloyd L. Lindsey, Jr. Garden Dedication

Garden Dedication
On Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 12:30 pm, Sheriff Austin Daniel will dedicate the 'community garden' that he and his friend, Superintendent Lloyd L. Lindsey, Jr. worked on together.
The garden is located in front of the CRT Building off the West Feliciana Parish Sports Park road. Lunch will be served at noon and the dedication and ribbon cutting will take place at 12:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend this very special event.
Bank of St. Francisville Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Bank of St. Francisville Open House & Ribbon Cutting
Bank of St. Francisville is hosting an "Open House and Ribbon Cutting" of the new facility on Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 4pm until 7pm. The Chamber of Commerce will assist with the ribbon cutting at 5:30pm.
Everyone is invited to go by and see the newly remodeled facility. It has a warm and 'hometown' feeling with a modern look.
The Chamber sends their "Congratulations" to the bank and wishes it continued success.

Elm Park Restaurant Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Elm Park Restaurant, that local "hometown" restaurant that temporarily closed, is RE-OPENED and serving lunch and dinner.
Owner, Miss Jeannette, has a new look but the same delicious home cooking and ready for the Grand Re-Opening on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 5:30pm. The Chamber will be there to "cut the ribbon"!
The Hughes family invites every to this special event!
Elm Park Restaurant has been a member of the Chamber since 1987!

Chamber of Commerce Monthly Board Meeting
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce monthly board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 8am at the St. Francisville Town Hall.
St. Francisville Farmer's Market Opens!

St. Francisville Farmer's Market Opens!
The St. Francisville Farmer's Market will open TODAY, Thursday May 14th from Noon to 5pm at the 4-H Barn....same location.
Every can come out on Thursday's and get those "homegrown" vegetables that are freshly picked. Please come and support our local farmers and gardeners!
Tell your friends and Think Green!

Angola Museum Temporarily Closed
The Angola Museum located in Angola LA, will be closed until May 18th. This is in response to Swine Flu precautions. Travelers are encouraged to take extra precautions while traveling.

Arts Market in St. Francisville
The Third Weekend Arts Market will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 on Commerce Street in St. Francisville. For more information on this event, contact Lynn at 225-635-3665 or e-mail her at birdmancoffee@bellsouth.net.
Cyclists - Ready to Race?

West Feliciana Classic Stage Race
Cyclists can get their bikes ready for a real competition in West Feliciana. On May 23-24, 2009, the West Feliciana Classic Stage Race will begin! With guaranteed cash purses, it will be a great weekend for cyclists and families to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend.
The first event begins on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 8am and will continue with races through Sunday May 24, 2009. The races will be held rain or shine!
The event is hosted by Pedal Play Racing of St. Francisville, LA.
For more information, phone 225-635-3821 or go to www.WestFelClassic.org for all the categories and entry fees. Don't miss out on this family event!

Grace Preschool Now Registering for 2009-2010
Grace Preschool is now registering for the 2009-2010 school year! All enrolling students must be three years of age by September 30th and potty trained by the first day of school.
Registration forms are available at Grace Church in St. Francisville or call the preschool office at 225-635-4030.

Calling All New Folks!
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

SFCC 04/03/09

2009-04-05T19:45:00.004-05:00

Chamber & Tourism Working Together

First I apologize for the newsletter being late but I wanted our readers to know what happened at the State's Appropriation Committee Meeting yesterday.

The meeting included one of the most important issues that West Feliciana Parish is facing right now that will impact the parish and town. The State is cutting the budget that will cause Rosedown and Oakley to cut their hours to only 2 days a week. This would be catastrophic. These state historic sites bring big dollars to the community and its businesses.

Yesterday a group of interested people from St. Francisville went to the State Capitol for the Appropriation Meeting. The chamber and tourism office gives our readers the following report:

We are encouraged by the Lt. Governor's comments on the values of Rosedown and Oakley Plantations to the overall tourism industry. Mitch Landrieu pointed out to the members of the Appropriation Committee that for every dollar spent on tourism marketing, we see $17 return in tax dollars to the state. He reported that tourism is the second largest industry in our state and said, "it is penny wise but pounds foolish to cut funding to this important industry". "In a time when our economy is hurting and jobs are being lost, we need the tourism industry more than ever". As Executive Director of Tourism in West Feliciana Parish, Kitty Martin reports, right here in West Feliciana Parish, tourism related businesses-attractions, overnight accommodations, restaurants, gift shops, etc.- account for more that 450 jobs. More importantly, these visitors leave behind nearly $550,000 in local taxes which translates into $12 ROI (return on investment) for every dollar spent in our marketing efforts. These are significant numbers that should not be overlooked in our support for tourism.

Thank you Representative Tom McVea for speaking up for the "Trickling Effect on businesses".
Even though being on the Appropriations Board, he supports funding for the two historic sites to remain open.

Right here in the chamber office as well as the tourism office, there are numerous calls received everyday that people want information on what to see and do, where to eat and shop and stay, and most of these people are already attracted to Rosedown and Oakley along with all of the other historical homes and sites our parish has to offer. My conversations with these callers leads to chamber member businesses being recommended and the recommendation to contact our local tourism office. 90% of these calls are tourists and 75% of those are from right here in Louisiana (caller ID helps keep tract). Those people are looking for places here in the state to visit and are interested in spending their dollars here in St. Francisville.

With the Audubon Bridge and the expansion of Highway 61- without tourism and the individual support of our own community, West Feliciana and St. Francisville could be a "drive-by" parish and town.

There will be a "Town Hall" meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 1:00pm at Rosedown. Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu will be in attendance and hopefully give our community a "good report". Please make every effort to attend and spread the word. It is not too late to personally contact your state officials indicating your support to keep these sites open full time. Our businesses, our children, our future depends on the support of everyone's efforts.

Scholarship Applications are at Schools & Online

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce has distributed scholarships applications to schools. If you have a student who is a senior and lives in West Feliciana Parish and will be attending a college in the fall of 2009, please have them check with the guidance counselor at school for a scholarship application.

This year the Chamber will present up to 7 scholarships for $500 each to qualifying applicants. The scholarship monies were generated through the chamber's annual "Swing For Scholarships" Golf Tournaments.

If you need any information or an application, please call the office at 225-635-6717 or you may go the chamber website www.stfrancisvillechamber.com and print the application and return it to the chamber office at Town Hall. The deadline to have the applications into the office is April 24, 2009.

Project Graduation 2009 Needs Volunteers
Can you draw, paint or construct scenery? Do you have some lumber or paint that you don't need? Don't throw it away! Do you just want to help do something for the youth of the parish? Project Graduation 2009 needs volunteers for construction, decorating or any service you can provide to prepare for the event in May. The planning committee meets and works at 2pm at the West Feliciana High School Gym every Sunday. Please take the time to help make this year's event another success! For more information please call

"Paint the Parish Purple" for Relay For Life
Beginning April 1, 2009, Relay for Life asks that everyone "Paints the Parish Purple" by purchasing a purple bow. You may purchase the bows by calling Charmaine Dupree at 225-784-2406 and she will have them delivered to you. The cost for the bows are $8.00 for 1 and $15.00 for 2. They will be sold until May 1, 2009.
Please show your support to fight for a cure for cancer by ordering your purple bow today and let's "Paint the Parish Purple".

Relay For Life in West Feliciana Parish is May 1, 2009
The West Feliciana Parish Relay For Life is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2009 at the West Feliciana High School. This annual event is the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event that brings communities together in hope, celebration and memory.

If you or your organization wishes to participate by putting together a "Team" or just volunteer to help, or if you know or are a "Survivor", please call Amy Spillman at 225-721-1742.

The West Feliciana goal is only $30,000.00. Let's go past that amount and help towards saving lives with research, education, advocacy and service."Let's Save Some Lives"!

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 Join our mailing list!

SFCC 3/20/09

2009-03-22T20:08:00.005-05:00

The Voice
of West Feliciana Business

Editor's note: The following is the monthly President's report delivered to the Chamber Board of Directors. It is reprinted here for the benefit our members.

The Chamber continues to make great strides in 2009. For the second month in a row, each of our committees has met to discuss important Chamber business. The committees are truly the backbone of our organization and their work is making a positive impact. At our March Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 4pm at the River Bend Training Center, we will hear reports from each of our five standing committees, review their work, adopt their ideas where requested, and allow the committees to move on towards their goals for this year.

Here are a three of the many items our committees will be asking the Board to take action on:

Â· A request by the Member Services Committee to join with three other organizations in funding the update and reprinting of a parish map for use by our businesses, citizens and visitors.

Â· A recommendation by the Governmental Relations Committee that the Board of Directors authorize a resolution requesting the Police Jury take initial steps towards developing a Home Rule Charter for West Feliciana Parish.

Â· A recommendation by the Governmental Relations Committee that the Board of Directors authorize a resolution requesting the Police Jury to seek official designation as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" by a national cycling organization.

I am very pleased with our current level of membership in the Chamber. With a half-dozen new members in the last week or so, our Chamber stands at 111 members across all categories. Credit goes to our Member Services Committee, our Executive Secretary Linda Osterbeger, and everyone who has helped recruit and retain members.

Between now and the end of May the Chamber expects to conduct 5 ribbon-cuttings at new businesses, 3 ribbon-cuttings at newly remodeled businesses, and 1 ground-breaking for a business to be constructed in 2009. This is terrific news for our community and we are proud to be a part of it.

Your Chamber leadership continues to monitor the important developments at both The Bluffs and the former Tembec mill site. As two of the top three taxpayers in the parish, each of us has a vested interest in both. Despite a tremendous effort by parish officials, it appears the likelihood of the mill re-opening to paper production is gone. Now, we must circle the wagons as a community and help chart a course for this industrial corridor in our parish.

Please remember that our locally owned and operated establishments need your help. The Chamber encourages everyone to give local businesses first shot at their dollars. Take a look at what's offered and you might just be surprised at the selection, price and service you can receive right here at home.

Last week, Linda and I represented our Chamber at a "Celebration of Tourism" at the West Baton Rouge Convention Center in Port Allen. Area Chambers of Commerce along with CVB's and Tourism Commissions from a 7-parish area were in attendance. At the event, it was announced that tourism was responsible for over $1 billion in economic impact last year - just in the 7 parishes represented.

With the Pilgrimage this weekend, it will be a busy time for all of us. Please take a moment to welcome visitors to our parish. Tourism remains one of our most important industries in West Feliciana and we recognize that people have a choice where to visit and spend money. A friendly "hello" and "glad you're here" in our businesses can only help create repeat visitors.

As always, let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

Let's keep Moving Feliciana Forward!

Respectfully submitted,
Michael Smith, President

Latest News

The West Feliciana Parish Relay For Life is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2009 at the West Feliciana High School. This annual event is the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event that brings communities together in hope, celebration and memory.

If you or your organization wishes to participate by putting together a "Team" or just volunteer to help, or if you know or are a "Survivor", please call Amy Spillman at 225-721-1742.

The West Feliciana goal is only $30,000.00. Let's go past that amount and help towards saving lives with research, education, advocacy and service.
"Let's Save Some Lives"!

New Chamber Members

Welcome Two NEW Chamber Members!!!

The St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes two "New" members- Elliott Pharmacy and The LA Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.

Elliott Pharmacy opened its new location in January of 09 in the Spring Creek Shopping Center. They are a full service pharmacy with a gift department along with many other needs for your one stop shopping needs. Pharmacist Clifton Elliott assures his customers will receive that "special" attention. A ribbon cutting for Elliott Pharmacy will be in the very near future. We will keep you informed of the date.

The LA Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living is a non-profit public health organization that works for "Better Living" in Louisiana.

The Chamber welcomes you both to the community!

Annual Audubon BirdFest

The 8th Annual "Audubon Country BirdFest" will be held on April 4, 2009. There will be several birding field trips into spectacular wildlife areas and privately owned properties. Over 175 species of birds are known to reside or migrate through the area. The field trips will feature some popular sites.

The event is sponsored by the Feliciana Nature Society and will be headquartered at the St. Francisville Inn in St. Francisville, LA. All field trips are limited and advance reservations are required at $20 per person.

For more information please contact, Tracey Banowetz at 225-655-4028 or

banowetz@bellsouth.net or Laurie Walsh at 225-635-3873 or lauriemainst@bellsouth.net .

BR Uncorked Event

Two of the seven founders of Baton Rouge Uncorked are here in St. Francisville! Miles Higgins and Luke Williamson started a philanthropic organization that hosts quarterly events that donate the entire proceeds to a selected charity.

The next event is on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at the Sheraton Atrium in Baton Rouge. For more information on the event and the organization, visit their website at www.batonrougeuncorked.com

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.

SFCC 03/11/09

2009-03-12T00:34:00.005-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Many people have been calling the office and the talk about town is the construction at the intersection of Highway 61 and LA Highway 10. The DOTD engineers have made a report to the Chamber office. DOTD is dredging and cleaning the debris from the ditches. There is no report of a time frame. They are working on the many projects on the highway everyday. The intersection has only 2 lanes open with NO TURNING LANES. You must go to the one traffic signal to turn. The turning arrows do work so please observe them. All roads approaching the intersection are double-yellow lined, so do not pass and be extra careful.

As far as the piles of dirt on either side of Highway 61, it will be used to refill the ditches and any other construction areas as needed.

LA Timed Managers media contact, Samuel Moore, reported to the chamber the latest projections for the Highway 61 expansion project.

The expansion from Thompson Creek to St. Francisville is 18% complete with the projected completion date as late June of 2010.

The expansion from St. Francisville to Bains is projected to be completed in February of 2011.

That means that we should just relax and slow it down for quite some time. We encourage those who come through our parish to do the same especially since next weekend is Pilgrimage Weekend.

As I have heard before:

EXCUSE OUR MESS- THIS IS PROGRESS IN THE MAKING!

Welcome New Member!

Welcome Stateline Travel Center

Newest Member of the Chamber is - The Stateline Travel Center. The new building on Highway 61 North of the parish at the Mississippi/Louisiana State Line will be opening very soon. The new facility will replace the current State Line Truck Stop next door that has been open since October of 2001.

The Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting for the new facility in the near future. We will keep you informed on the opening.

The Chamber welcomes you to the community!

The Upper Crust Bistro Has New Location
The Upper Crust Bistro has announced it is OPEN at the new location. The new location is in Zachary, LA, 19900 Old Scenic Hwy at Lake Pointe Centre near Copper Mill. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Call them at 225-654-5600.
Camille and Scott Thibodeaux invites everyone to come by and check out their expanded menu and dining accommodations.

The Chamber congratulates them on their new location. They remained dedicated members even though they moved!

Scholarship Applications are at Schools
Chamber of Commerce Scholarships are at Schools
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce has distributed scholarships applications to schools. If you have a student who is a senior and lives in West Feliciana Parish and will be attending a college in the fall of 2009, please have them check with the guidance counselor at school for a scholarship application.

This year the Chamber will present up to 7 scholarships for $500 each to qualifying applicants. The scholarship monies were generated through the chamber's annual "Swing For Scholarships" Golf Tournaments.
If you need any information or an application, please call the office at 225-635-6717. The deadline to have the applications into the office is April 24, 2009

"Main Street" Workshop

St. Francisville Main Street hosting Workshop
Representatives from the LA Office of Historic Preservation, Valerie Gaumont and Alison Saunders, will be presenting a workshop on Commercial and Residential Historic Tax Credits and Main Street Basics on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall in St. Francisville. Ms. Saunders will be available for site visits with pre-arrangements before and after the workshop. This is a wonderful one on one opportunity to learn about the advantages of historic tax credits. Ms. Gaumont will talk about how Main Street functions. They are always looking for volunteers or people interested in the board functions of Main Street.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a site visit, please call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873 or email at lauriemainst@bellsouth.net

WFHS Project Graduation Garage Sale

The West Feliciana Project Graduation 2009 is having a "Garage Sale" on Saturday, March 14,2009 at 8:00am to 2:00pm in the parking lot at the First Baptist Church at the intersection of Highway 61 and LA Highway 10 in St. Francisville. They will also have hot lunches available to purchase from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Project Graduation is an all-night, alcohol and drug free party for graduating seniors hosted by parents and the community to offer a fun and sage alternative on graduation night. WFPG will be held after graduation on Friday, May 15, 2009.

If you would like additional information on how you can help WFPG 2009, please contact Charlotte B. Odom at 225-635-5342 or contact West Feliciana High School at 225-635-4561.

A Wine and Cheese Evening
A Wine and Cheese Evening during Pilgrimage
Join in on Friday, March 20,. 2009, the evening of the Audubon Pilgrimage for wine and cheese to celebrate the weekend. Tickets are $15 per person for the Friday evening's activities that includes a sing along at St. Francisville United Methodist Church and cemetery tour at Grace Episcopal Church. Tickets may be purchased at the Historical Society prior to the event or at the door. The event will be held from 6:30pm until 9:00pm. The event is sponsored by the Bank of St. Francisville.
For more information, call 225-635-6330.

"Light Up The Night
"Light Up The Night" during the Pilgrimage
The West Feliciana Historical Society invites you to "Light Up The Night" on Prosperity Street in St. Francisville for the 4th Annual Saturday Soiree. The soiree will be held during the Audubon Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:00pm. Ticket prices are $40/person and includes dinner catered by V Catering and Chef Scott Varnedoe, live music and complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will also be available. To purchase tickets, please contact the West Feliciana Historical Society at 225-635-6330.

Annual Audubon BirdFest
The 8th Annual "Audubon Country BirdFest" will be held on April 4, 2009. There will be several birding field trips into spectacular wildlife areas and privately owned properties. Over 175 species of birds are known to reside or migrate through the area. The field trips will feature some popular sites.
The event is sponsored by the Feliciana Nature Society and will be headquartered at the St. Francisville Inn in St. Francisville, LA. All field trips are limited and advance reservations are required at $20 per person.
For more information please contact, Tracey Banowetz at 225-655-4028 or
banowetz@bellsouth.net or Laurie Walsh at 225-635-3873 or lauriemainst@bellsouth.net .
Or visit www.audubonbirdfest.com

BR Uncorked Event
BR Uncorked Event Next Week
Two of the seven founders of Baton Rouge Uncorked are here in St. Francisville! Miles Higgins and Luke Williamson started a philanthropic organization that hosts quarterly events that donate the entire proceeds to a selected charity.

The next event is on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at the Sheraton Atrium in Baton Rouge. For more information on the event and the organization, visit their website at www.batonrougeuncorked.com .

Calling All New Folks!

Relocation Packets are now AvailableIf 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.

SFCC 03/05/09

2009-03-09T14:40:00.002-05:00

Greetings

Greetings!

The following article is very timely for you and your business and I encourage you to read it today. The article is timely because now is the best time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season - which begins June 1. Hurricane Gustav tested many of us in the local business community to the extreme. Please use this article as a tool to "self-check" your response to Gustav. Hopefully it will help you to determine what went right and what went wrong in your organization. Through this effort, we can all be better prepared when and if the need arises.

Our friends at LWCC have granted our Chamber permission to reprint this information and we thank th em. This article was contained in a recent LWCC newsletter. We hope you find it as helpful as we did.

Latest News

Reprinted With Permission From LWCC

With thousands of Louisiana businesses affected by the damaging impact of last year's hurricanes, business owners or managers should take time to consider how well or poorly they prepared for the storms. The following questions may help evaluate how well organized and equipped you were to withstand the potential impact on your business and workforce, and it may assist you in preparing for future emergencies.

New Chamber Member

Newest Member of the Chamber is - The Victorian of the Felicianas- The owners are Dr. Prem Menon, M.D. and Dr. Vilma Menon, M.D..

They own a beautiful facility on Carah Drive off Highway 10 that accommodates events from meetings, and family reunions to weddings and receptions with a "Southern Flair". You may visit their website at www.thevictorian.info . The Chamber welcomes you to the community!

Area Events

Baton Rouge Career Center Job Fair

The Baton Rouge Career Center is have a Veterans and general public combined Job Fair on April 7, 2009.
There will be 70 or more of our regions largest employers participating. These Corporations will be interviewing, collecting resumes and hiring.
The hours are 9:00am until 1:00pm at Crown Plaza Baton Rouge (4728 Constitution Ave.) Baton Rouge, LA.
The first two hours are reserved for Veterans. From 11:00 am until 1:00pm are open to the general public.
For further information, contact Bob Hartman- 225-922-1320 or email at
rhartman@ldol.state.la.us

Light Up The Night

"Light Up The Night" during the Pilgrimage

The West Feliciana Historical Society invites you to "Light Up The Night" on Prosperity Street in St. Francisville for the 4th Annual Saturday Soiree. The soiree will be held during the Audubon Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:00pm. Ticket prices are $40/person and includes dinner catered by V Catering and Chef Scott Varnedoe, live music and complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will also be available. To purchase tickets, please contact the West Feliciana Historical Society at 225-635-6330.

"Main Street" Workshop

"Main Street" Workshop

St. Francisville Main Street hosting Workshop

Representatives from the LA Office of Historic Preservation, Valerie Gaumont and Alison Saunders, will be presenting a workshop on Commercial and Residential Historic Tax Credits and Main Street Basics on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall in St. Francisville. Ms. Saunders will be available for site visits with pre-arrangements before and after the workshop. This is a wonderful one on one opportunity to learn about the advantages of historic tax credits. Ms. Gaumont will talk about how Main Street functions. They are always looking for volunteers or people interested in the board functions of Main Street.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a site visit, please call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873 or email at lauriemainst@bellsouth.net

Chamber Features

Relocation Packages

Calling All New Folks!

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 Join our mailing list!

SFCC 02/27/09

2009-02-28T03:53:00.003-06:00

The Voice
of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

Chamber Office and Committee News

So much has been going on since the "new year" has arrived. The Chamber is "reaching out" to the parish to make the organization stronger than ever. The various committees of the chamber have been putting issues on "high priority" lists and running with them- and the phone at the office rings constantly.

The Members Services Committee is sending out reminders to businesses that have not renewed their memberships. With a "confused economy" everyone is watching their pennies and to accommodate them, we have options. The Chamber is joining with the US Chamber of Commerce to offer advantages of being a member. The membership will be notified of these resources - via email.

Plans are being made to publicize the "Comprehensive Plans for the Town and Parish". The Chamber works "with" every agency to make a better place in which we live and work. Chamber President Mike Smith has met with all but a couple of boards and commissioners to express the Chamber's willingness to "work with" them all.

The Scholarship Committee is getting the applications ready for disbursement in March for high school seniors. They are working with the high school administrators to make sure parents know what scholarships are available for those interested in higher education.

We will keep our readers up to date on what is going on in the parish and town as we get more information. In the mean time- watch those cones in the road at the intersection of Hwy 61 and Hwy 10!

Powwow This Weekend

The first ever Felicianas Native American Powwow is scheduled for this Saturday, February 28, 2009. The Farmer's Almanac predicts rain, and Dr. Dardard says the Indians need to keep their feathers dry so the event will be held at the Pavillion, two doors down from Centenary in Jackson, LA. There will be Native American dancing, crafts, food, drumming and story telling. For more information, contact Dr. Susan Dardard at 225-635-4555.

WF Clothes Closet Sale

The West Feliciana Parish Clothes Closet Sale will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 4591 Feliciana Street (the old high school) from 8 am until noon. Great bargains! They have clothing, household items, books and lots more. Most items are $1. All proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Food Pantry.

Dementia Care Conference

A Meeting of the Minds

The Alzheimer's Association is presenting "A Meeting of the Minds" in partnership with Pennington Biomedical Research Center on Friday, March 6, 2009 at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

You are invited to join in and listen to a diverse cast of special guest speakers to learn about the latest in Alzheimer care, research and policy affecting those with dementia, their caregivers and their families. This is open to the public. To register, please visit www.alz.org/louisiana or contact Ashley Finney at 225-930-0066.

"Main Street" Workshop

St. Francisville Main Street hosting Workshop

Representatives from the LA Office of Historic Preservation, Valerie Gaumont and Alison Saunders, will be presenting a workshop on Commercial and Residential Historic Tax Credits and Main Street Basics on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall in St. Francisville. Ms. Saunders will be available for site visits with pre-arrangements before and after the workshop. This is a wonderful one on one opportunity to learn about the advantages of historic tax credits. Ms. Gaumont will talk about how Main Street functions. They are always looking for volunteers or people interested in the board functions of Main Street.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a site visit, please call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873 or email at lauriemainst@bellsouth.net

"Light Up The Night" during the Pilgrimage

The West Feliciana Historical Society invites you to "Light Up The Night" on Prosperity Street in St. Francisville for the 4th Annual Saturday Soiree. The soiree will be held during the Audubon Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:00pm. Ticket prices are $40/person and includes dinner catered by V Catering and Chef Scott Varnedoe, live music and complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will also be available. To purchase tickets, please contact the West Feliciana Historical Society at 225-635-6330.

Baton Rouge Career Center Job Fair

The Baton Rouge Career Center is have a Veterans and general public combined Job Fair on April 7, 2009.

There will be 70 or more of our regions largest employers participating. These Corporations will be interviewing, collecting resumes and hiring.

The hours are 9:00am until 1:00pm at Crown Plaza Baton Rouge (4728 Constitution Ave.) Baton Rouge, LA.

The first two hours are reserved for Veterans. From 11:00 am until 1:00pm are open to the general public.

For further information, contact Bob Hartman- 225-922-1320 or email at
rhartman@ldol.state.la.us

Calling All New Folks!

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 Join our mailing list!

SFCC 02/19/09

2009-02-22T21:44:00.002-06:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

Editor's note: The following is the monthly President's report delivered to the Chamber Board of Directors. It is reprinted here for the benefit our members.

2009 is off to a flying start! I want to extend my thanks to every member of each committee of our Chamber. Not only did each committee meet between our January and February board meetings, but each committee tackled important work - much of which our Board of Directors will vote to implement at its February meeting.

The committee structure is important on many levels, not the least of which is the ability to pull chamber members into the decision-making process. Getting this type of "buy-in" from our members will promote interest in our work, cultivate future Chamber leaders, and continue to elevate the Chamber as the "Voice of West Feliciana Business."

Way to go! Let's keep it up in the months to come. If we do, we will move mountains. Here are the areas I have focused on since the first of the year:

· Asking for agenda time at each board and commission meeting in the parish. This is an opportunity to formally introduce each agency to what we do, what we hope to accomplish, and to encourage their involvement in the process. So far, the response has been very positive.

· Working with committee chairs to get our standing committees off to a solid start. Committees are where the "dirty work" of the Chamber gets done. It has been impressive to watch it happen.

· Working with Linda to streamline the Chamber office in terms of computer software usage and training, website maintenance and training, and newsletter writing and software training.

· Preparing our 2009 Chamber budget. Thanks to Luke Williamson's efforts, our books are in solid shape. Now it's time to take it to the next level. Our by-laws call for a budget committee and I intend to ask the board's approval to re-form this committee with an eye towards preparing the 2010 budget.

· Meeting with community leaders and elected officials. I am making it a point to have open lines of communication with each and every leader that's willing to sit down and visit. So far, the response has been excellent and their feedback on Chamber activities positive and productive. I will continue this process throughout the year and report to you as we go along.

· Representing the Chamber on the ad hoc Parish Marketing Committee. This committee meets monthly to discuss ways that our agencies can market the parish in the new digital world.

· Attending the Main Street-sponsored community meeting on sustaining historical communities. This was a great presentation by the state's Main Street director. She gave us solid ideas and tips on how we can maintain the historical character of St. Francisville while growth occurs.

· Represented the Chamber at the Town Hall meetings of both Governor Bobby Jindal and US Senator David Vitter. I had the opportunity to speak with both at length about specific issues facing our community. Both pledged their support to seeing them through.

· Attending our first ribbon cutting of the year. It's always great to welcome new businesses into our community. Let's hope we wear out at least one pair of scissors!

It's been a busy first six weeks and everyone is hard at work. Despite the national economic picture, we're making it a great year here in Louisiana's Hill Country because of our positive attitude, teamwork and dedication to the area we love. Let's keep the ball rolling!

As always, let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

Respectfully submitted,
Michael Smith
President

"Big Milt" Speaking at WF Auditorium

On February 25, 2009, a powerful, and motivational speaker, Milton Creagh, also known as "Big Milt" will be speaking to West Feliciana Parish School students about problems that students and parents are facing today. Topics especially parents "DON'T WANT TO MISS"! He will be speaking to 5th-9th graders at the WF Auditorium at 9:00am, then with the high schoolers at 10:30 am. He will be back at the Auditorium that evening at 6:30 pm for a FREE to the community program. Don't miss this informative event, especially if you have children!! This event is sponsored by the WF Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council, WF Parish Sheriff's Office, LA Hwy Safety Commission, 20th Judicial DA Office and WF Parish School Board.

A drawing for 2 Round Trip Airline Tickets donated to the WF Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council will be drawn at the evening program. Call 225-784-3107 to purchase tickets or SADD students have them for sale. All proceeds will benefit the WFHS SADD programs.

What Do You Want From This Newsletter?

The Chamber of Commerce wants your opinion. The Chamber Communications Committee has met and discussed numerous ideas on this newsletter. What would make you READ the newsletter each week? Is there some information you or your business needs on a regular basis? What interests you the most to MAKE you read the newsletter? Please share your recommendations and let us know your requests. WE WANT TO KNOW, so take a few minutes right now and reply to this email.

The Chamber encourages everyone to support the businesses in the parish, so please shop locally FIRST! With our failing economy, remember to do your part by shopping locally to keep our parish alive and kicking.

The interest of the members who serve on the various committees of the Chamber have brought new ideas and enthusiasm to the Chamber. The Board of Directors are all open-minded business people who want to hear from you. Again, do your part, please reply to this email. WE WANT TO KNOW!

Did you forget to renew?

Just a reminder that if you have not renewed your Chamber membership for 2009 to send it in TODAY! If you need a new membership invoice, please call the office and let us know at 225-635-6717. You may renew and pay on our website at stfrancisvillechamber.com

St. Francisville Main Street hosting Workshop

Representatives from the LA Office of Historic Preservation, Valerie Gaumont and Alison Saunders, will be presenting a workshop on Commercial and Residential Historic Tax Credits and Main Street Basics on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall in St. Francisville. Ms. Saunders will be available for site visits with pre-arrangements before and after the workshop. This is a wonderful one on one opportunity to learn about the advantages of historic tax credits. Ms. Gaumont will talk about how Main Street functions. They are always looking for volunteers or people interested in the board functions of Main Street.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a site visit, please call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873 or email at lauriemainst@bellsouth.net

Baton Rouge Career Center Job Fair

The Baton Rouge Career Center is have a Veterans and general public combined Job Fair on April 7, 2009.

There will be 70 or more of our regions largest employers participating. These Corporations will be interviewing, collecting resumes and hiring.

The hours are 9:00am until 1:00pm at Crown Plaza Baton Rouge (4728 Constitution Ave.) Baton Rouge, LA.

The first two hours are reserved for Veterans. From 11:00 am until 1:00pm are open to the general public.

For further information, contact Bob Hartman- 225-922-1320 or email at
rhartman@ldol.state.la.us

SFCC 02/04/09

2009-02-05T19:31:00.001-06:00

Greetings!

Short Version of "What's Goin On" at the Office

The phone is ringing off the wall from people who are getting Spring Fever! Lots of people are apparently planning on coming to "our town". They are ready to get out! Our "locals" are getting ready for so much going on in the parish. With the Camellias In The Country this weekend and the Audubon Pilgrimage in March, you know we have to "spruce up the town", and Mayor Billy D'Aquilla and his staff are getting that ready as usual. We welcome all the visitors to our beautiful town and parish!

Communications with the developer of the "new hotel" assures me that things are underway for construction. And the road expansion is driving everyone crazy, but it is coming along.
If you have been reading the newsletter regularly, you will see that we have some new businesses and members. We encourage everyone to support the local businesses FIRST!

The 2009 Chamber Board and the committees have been working diligently on projects for 2009 and all the committees have really good people who want to see the chamber and the parish grow and work together with its businesses. If you have not joined yet- it is not too late! Call the office and I will make sure you are taken care of! Just a reminder- the Chamber Regular Board meetings are open to the public. Locations of the meetings change each month so keep reading the newsletters to find out when and where they will be. The February meeting will be held on February 19, 2009 at 4pm at the Bank of St. Francisville Board Room.

The door is always open to the Chamber office. You are invited to come by. Back to work....... more info later. Have a good weekend!

Linda Osterberger

New Chamber Members

New Memeber

Another "New" Member
The St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes Ladnier CPA & Photography. It is a family business located on Ferdinand Street in St. Francisville. Toni Ladnier has a CPA firm with her office downstairs and her husband Andy is a photographer who has his studio upstairs. They opened their businesses in October of 2008. The Chamber of Commerce welcomes Toni and Andy Ladnier to the list of businesses.

Area Events

Powwow

Powwow
The first ever Felicianas Native American Powwow is scheduled for Saturday, February 29, 2009 at Centenary State Historic site in Jackson, LA. There will be Native American dancing, crafts, food, drumming and story telling. For more information, contact Dr. Susan Dardard at 225-635-4555.
Calling All New Folks!

Red Cross

Red Cross Programs being offered
The LA Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering some programs that benefit families and businesses. A standard First Aid/CPR/AED, Adult and Child, Plus CPR Schools and Community Coarse will be offered on February 17, 2009. In addition to CPR, there will be a class training in using an automated external defibrillator. The date for this course will be February 19 and February 21, 2009. There will also be a SAfe Baby Plus Child CPR course on February 18, 2009. Visit their website at www.batonrouge.redcross.org to register or to get more information.

Vitter

Senator Vitter Hosts Town Hall Meeting
Senator Vitter will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 1:00pm. It will be held in the library of West Feliciana Middle School. This is President's Day, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Debate

Debatin' at West Feliciana Parish Library
This Week at the Library
On Thursday, February 5, 2009, some of Ms. Georgia Dudley's students from West Feliciana High School will debate the proposition: The Death Penalty Should Be Abolished in the State of Louisiana. They will begin at the West Feliciana Parish Library at 6:30 pm.

Call the Library at 225-784-0260 for more information.

Main Street

St. Francisville Main Street
The St. Francisville Main Street will host "WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AND THE BENEFITS THEY PROVIDE". The public is welcome to attend this program on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 6:00pm at Town Hall.

Valerie Gaumont with the Louisiana Office of Historic Preservation-Main Street will be the guest speaker.

For more information please call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873.

This Weekend John Folse

Camellias in the Country
The Feliciana Nature Society and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will host the 5th annual "Camellias in the Country" program on February 6 & 7, 2009. The weekend event will be packed with information, fun and food for those interested in Camellias or just want to spend a relaxing weekend to enjoy the beauty of West Feliciana. The event includes a program on camellia wine by award-winning chef, author, and TV celebrity John Folse.

Proceeds benefit projects of the Feliciana Nature Society. For reservations and more information call 1-800-488-6502 or 225-635-3110 or visit www.audubonbirdfest.com .

Chamber Features

Moving to St. Francisville

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.

SFCC - 01/27/09

2009-01-28T23:46:00.003-06:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

Your Chamber of Commerce is off to a flying start in 2009 and let me encourage you to get involved today!

Our Chamber committees are the backbone of our organization. This is where the great ideas - and elbow grease - come from to help keep us moving forward. Take a look at the list of committees below and choose one that suits your interests and abilities. We'd love to have you get involved!

The time requirement is minimal. Most committees meet just once per month. All that's required is your can-do attitude and an email or phone call to the committee chair. Here's the list (and the contact info for each chair):

Communications Committee - oversees the publication of this e-newsletter and the Chamber's website, helps to compile a master community calendar, assists other committees with publicity for various Chamber functions. Contact Communications Chair: Cathy Howard at 635-0443

Member Services Committee - helps to increase the benefits of membership, oversees the annual membership drive, and recruits new members to the Chamber (a great way to gain exposure for you and your business...). Contact Member Services Chair: Glenn Thomas at 252-2698

Scholarship Committee - is the steward of the "Swing For Scholarship" Trust Fund which provides annual scholarships to deserving graduates of WFHS, conducts the annual fundraiser to support the trust fund, and recommends scholarship recipients. Contact Scholarship Chair: Janis Crutchfield at 784-3225

Events Committee - plans the Chamber's key meetings throughout the year including the membership luncheons, Business After Hours, and the Business Awards Dinner. Also conducts Ribbon Cuttings for new and/or expanding businesses in the parish.
Contact Events Chair: Amy Spillman at 635-3523

Governmental Relations Committee - interfaces with governmental agencies such as the Police Jury, Town of St. Francisville, School Board and Port Commission to be the voice of business in our community. Also plans and conducts Town Hall meetings as necessary throughout the year.

Contact Governmental Relations Chair: Greg Accardo at 268-2201.

Again, we welcome (and need) your involvement. Please take a moment to contact one of these terrific committee chairs. You (and your Chamber) will be glad you did!As always, my door is open to you. Don't hesitate to email or call me with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you have.

Have a great week!

Michael Smith, President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce
266-2793

Last Call for Renewls!
2009 Chamber Membership Renewals

Just a reminder that if you have not renewed your Chamber membership for 2009 to send it in TODAY! 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. You may renew and pay on our website at Chamber of Commerce

New Chamber Member
Chamber Welcomes Angola Museum

The St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes Angola LSP Museum to its list of members. Come see all the history of Angola at this interesting site. Hours of operation and more about the museum can be found at www.angolamuseum.org. Bring the family to West Feliciana and add this to your "must see" list.

Camellias in the Country
The Feliciana Nature Society and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will host the 5th annual "Camellias in the Country" program on February 6 & 7, 2009. The weekend event will be packed with information, fun and food for those interested in Camellias or just want to spend a relaxing weekend to enjoy the beauty of West Feliciana. The event includes a program on camellia wine by award-winning chef, author, and TV celebrity John Folse.

Proceeds benefit projects of the Feliciana Nature Society. For reservations and more information call 1-800-488-6502 or 225-635-3110 or visit www.audubonbirdfest.com .

Library Events
Eatin' and Debatin' at West Feliciana Parish Library
On Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 3:00 pm, Mrs. Violet Pate will be at the West Feliciana Library to speak about her published cookbooks. She is the author of "Plantation Recipies" and "Aunt Shug's Favorite Plantation Recipes". The cookbooks will be available for purchase and signing.

On Thursday, February 5, 2009, some of Ms. Georgia Dudley's students from West Feliciana High School will debate the proposition: The Death Penalty Should Be Abolished in the State of Louisiana. They will begin at the West Feliciana Parish Library at 6:30 pm.

Call the Library at 225-784-0260 for more information on these events.

Red Cross Family Programs being offered

The LA Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering some family programs on First Aid, CPR, and Rescuer First Aid beginning February 3, 2009. Visit their website at www.batonrouge.redcross.org to register or to get more information.

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

SFCC - 01/07/09

2009-01-07T23:58:00.002-06:00

Greetings!

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.

----------------------------------------

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 kkmarionneaux@bellsouth.net
for more information.

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SFCC 12-31-08

2008-12-31T14:19:00.002-06:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

Happy New Year!!
It has been my pleasure to serve the members and board of the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce as your President, over the last year and a half. Our Past President, Hamilton Willis, laid the groundwork, recognized the needed direction and rapidly organized the chamber into a valuable resource for our members.

With the hard work of our board and an increased level of cooperation throughout the parish, many significant events occurred during my tenure. The Chamber hosted Political Forums, After-hour functions, and Ribbon Cuttings. We continue to enhance the newsletter and website on a regular basis. Through the Swing for Scholarship Golf Outing, we have provided scholarships to numerous students from our area. Most recently, we hosted the Discovery Trip to Madison to learn from their challenges and successes. The Comprehensive Plan has the potential to be the vehicle that will provide the necessary direction and focus for our local leaders. It is important that we continue to ensure that our leaders act on the plan and begin to implement its recommendations. I encourage our President Elect, Mike Smith, and the board to work closely with our officials towards this endeavor.

St. Francisville has remarkable natural resources, a great education system and a rich history for us to build upon. I have learned a great deal while serving our members. More than anything else, I have learned that there are numerous individuals, businesses and municipal leaders that show true care for our community, as well as, a willingness to make sacrifices and dedicate time. The recipe for success is there, and it is time to start cooking!

We have several outgoing Board Members that have played a vital role in our success over the last few years. Thanks to Amanda McKinney, Laurie Walsh, Hamilton Willis and Clay Pinson for everything they have done for the Chamber!

I'd also like to welcome our newest Board Members; Abby Temple, Bobee Leake, Amy Spillman, Brent Bradley and Greg Accardo and Mike Perito.

Mike Smith will take over as President in 2009 and I will support him as the Past President. Mike brings an astute knowledge of politics and he will be an asset in working with our local leaders. Since he has taken over as Vice President, he has already begun taking an active behind the scenes role and great things should be expected in 2009!

As an owner of three businesses that are chamber members (The Relocation Center, V Catering, and TigerBytes IT Solutions) the chamber has been a valuable resource for me and hope each of you feel the same.

Thanks for your support and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Miles Higgins
President of the Board

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome New Chamber Member

New Chamber Member
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes
Daniel Clinic to the chamber. The medical clinic opened in July of 2000 and now employs 25 employees. Thank you for serving the needs of the community!
Chamber 2009 Membership Renewals

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.

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. Reservations must be received by January 5, 2009.

Mr. Stephen Moret will be the guest speaker for the event.

Chamber members are reminded to call, email, or mail their nominations for awards by January 5, 2009!

6th Annual Taste of the Felicianas
The Women's Service League and Feliciana Restaurants and Caterers are preparing for the 6th Annual- Taste of the Felicianas. It is truly "A Night of Glitz and Glamour" that everyone will enjoyed.

The date for the event is Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7:30pm at Hemingbough in St. Francisville. For more information call 225-784-1704. Don't miss this event!!
Relocation Packets now available

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 Join our mailing list!

SFCC - 12/17/08

2008-12-17T12:22:00.003-06:00

Greetings!

Congratulations Conville Lemoine!
On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, the West Feliciana Parish School Board and others paid tribute to former board President Conville Lemoine. Mr. Lemoine resigned last month from the School Board due to conflicts between his association with the school board and his business interests. Mr. Lemoine served on the board for 30 years. He was first elected to the School Board in 1978 and began serving in January of 1979 at the age of 24 and became board president in January 1981.

The board adopted a resolution pointing out that Mr. Lemoine served under three superintendents, through eight elections and with more than 30 board members.

As many outstanding citizens of the parish came to commend him for his accomplishments, "he always put the children first", said current Superintendent Lloyd Lindsey.
"I have enjoyed it so much", Conville said.

The School Board earlier this month named Kelly O'Brien as an interim board member from the 6th District. A special election will be held April 4, 2009 for the remainder of Mr. Lemoine's term which ends December 31, 2010.

The Chamber of Commerce sends our warmest "congratulations" to Mr. Conville Lemoine and for all his work and dedication to the West Feliciana Parish School system.

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 by December 15, 2008. 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 Chamber Members
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes our newest member for 2009. The Chamber asks that you support the members as they strive to help the economic success of our community. All people and businesses that are members of the chamber work diligently to make St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish "the best place to live".
New members:
Jones Welding of St. Francisville- Reggie & Barbara Jones

St. Francisville Ferry Status
The St. Francisville/New Roads ferry is NOT running due to mechanical problems. DOTD has not indicated when it will reopen.

FEMA Deadline
The deadline for registration with FEMA for disaster relief from Hurricane Gustav is December 17, 2008 and for Hurricane Ike, December 26, 2008. If you need any assistance from FEMA, you must register. You may register on line at FEMA.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

6th Annual Taste of the Felicianas
The Women's Service League and Feliciana Restaurants and Caterers are preparing for the 6th Annual- Taste of the Felicianas. It is truly "A Night of Glitz and Glamour" that everyone will enjoyed.
The date for the event is Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7:30pm at Hemingbough in St. Francisville. For more information call 225-784-1704. Don't miss this event!!

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 and will be available soon. For more information, please call the chamber office at 225-635-6717. MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY- Limited seating available.

SFCC - 12/10/08

2008-12-10T14:59:00.003-06:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

The American Red Cross and the Women's Service League are partnering together to offer "The Ultimate Babysitter's Training Course".

As parents often face the tough question of who will become the trusted family babysitter, this may help you to make that decision. The American Red Cross has a history of success with the programs it sponsors. The course will be for students aged 11-15. They will learn responsibilities and qualities of being a good babysitter with skills in first aid and basic care,along with many other areas needed to supervise children, as well as providing certification in CPR and First Aid.

Known as the most complete learning experience, the Ultimate Babysitter's Training Course has been reviewed and supported by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Girl Scouts of the USA, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA of the USA, Boys and Girls Clubs and 4-H.

The course is being offered here in West Feliciana Parish which students must attend on the two consecutive days, Monday, December 29th and Tuesday, December 30, from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm at the St. Francisville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in St. Francisville. The $50 cost per student will pay for the certification fees for CPR and First Aid.

This event is valuable to parents and students. For more information or to sign up, call Kati Williamson with the Women's Service League of St. Francisville at 225-635-2885. Space is limited so get your student signed up today.

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 by December 15, 2008. 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 Chamber Members
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes our newest members for 2009. The Chamber asks that you support these newest businesses as they strive to help the economic success of our community. All people and businesses that are members of the chamber work diligently to make St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish "the best place to live".

Dredge Brokers, LLC- Brantz von Mayer
Feliciana Realty, LLC- Jeannie Robinson
The Upper Crust Bistro-Zachary, LA - Camille & Scott Thibodeaux
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McVea

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 and will be available soon. For more information, please call the chamber office at 225-635-6717. MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY- Limited seating available.

Registration for FEMA Deadline
The deadline for registration with FEMA for disaster relief from Hurricane Gustav is December 17, 2008 and for Hurricane Ike, December 26, 2008. If you need any assistance from FEMA, you must register. You may register on line at FEMA.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Current Ferry Schedule
Because of low water, the St. Francisville/New Roads ferry will be running from 6 am until 5:15 pm. You can check the status at the chamber website at stfrancisvillechamber.com.

6th Annual Taste of the Felicianas
The Women's Service League and Feliciana Restaurants and Caterers are preparing for the 6th Annual- Taste of the Felicianas. It is truly "A Night of Glitz and Glamour" that everyone will enjoyed.

The date for the event is Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7:30pm at Hemingbough in St. Francisville. For more information call 225-784-1704. Don't miss this event!!
Relocation Packets now available

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. �

SFCC - 12-08-08

2008-12-02T21:39:00.003-06:00

Greetings! 12-08-08

The lights are going up and so are the trees. The businesses and home owners are pulling out all the decorations and the town workers are working diligently for a "Spectacular Weekend" to kick off the Christmas season- Christmas In The Country is here!

For a short version of what to expect-

Friday, December 5- 5:30pm- the First Baptist Church Children's Choir will be singing on the front porch of Town Hall- at 6:00pm, Mayor Billy D'Aquilla will light the Town of St. Francisville Christmas Tree and will host a reception at Town Hall with a "special visitor". Then from 6:30pm until 9pm- White Light Night will begin. Trolleys will be rolling downtown with all the businesses staying open late for your shopping needs. More will be going on so make sure you get a schedule of the events at any business in town.

Saturday, December 6- starts off with Breakfast with St. Nick at Jackson Hall. Tickets are required. West Feliciana School choirs will be singing at the Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street during the morning with vendors and food and activities for everyone along Ferdinand and Royal Streets and bands playing in Parker Park and other locations throughout the town. The businesses will be open for you to get that "special" gift. Then at 2:00pm- THE CHRISTMAS PARADE- JUMP IN! More activities for the evening until 8pm including the Live Nativity at the First Baptist Church on Hwy 61 & 10.

Sunday, December 7-starting at noon, the Library Tour of Homes, tickets are required. Shops, restaurants, and businesses will again be open so you can complete those shopping lists.

For more information on the event, visit stfrancisvillefestivals.com or call St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873.

This is a good weekend to get that shopping done without the hassle, bring the children, invite guests and family, and let St. Francisville show you how to make the holidays fun for the entire family! Start a tradition!

Latest News

News from T. C. Boyett, Fire Chief
Due to the tragic deaths of a number of Louisiana citizens in home fires,
the Fire Marshal's Office has put together a Fire Safety Awareness page to
help educate the public about precautions they can take to keep their home
and families safe in the event of a fire.

We ask that you take the time to read the information provided and keep your
loved ones safe.

Read Fire Safety Awareness page.

Current Ferry Schedule
Because of low water, the St. Francisville/New Roads ferry will only run during daylight hours. Until further notice, the ferry will operate from 6:15am until 5:15pm. If the water continues to fall the ferry will have to shut down completely. Another source for up-to-date information can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website on the top left, click Ferry Status.

Chamber Activities

Chamber of Commerce "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 and will be available beginning December 1, 2008. For more information, please call the chamber office at 225-635-6717. MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY- Limited seating available.

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. An online membership form can be found on the Chamber of Commerce, click here. We remind everyone that not only businesses can join- individuals are welcome also!

Area Events

WOW- Wellness of Women
With all the work and excitement of the holidays, come relax with other women and learn an amazing and easy technique for dissolving the stresses of your day. Light refreshments will be served. The event will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:30pm at Miles Blair Salon on 5951 Commerce Street, St. Francisville, LA. For more information, call 635-3124.

Glitz & Glamour

6th Annual Taste of the Felicianas
The Women's Service League and Feliciana Restaurants and Caterers are preparing for the 6th Annual- Taste of the Felicianas. It is truly "A Night of Glitz and Glamour" that everyone will enjoyed.

The date for the event is Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7:30pm at Hemingbough in St. Francisville. For more information call 225-784-1704. Don't miss this event!!

St. Francisville Transitory Theatre presents;
Performances are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7 at Market Hall on Royal Street in St. Francisville. Each performance will run approximately 90 minutes which includes a 15 minute intermission between plays. Admission to all performances is $5.00 per person. Tickets will be on sale 30 minutes prior to each performance. Seating is limited to 50 people, so come early to get your seats!. For more informaiton: Click Here

Annual Christmas Concert
The St. Francisville Symphony Association's Annual Christmas Concert will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Francisville on Friday, December 5th at 7 pm. Musicians from the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will be featured with Timothy Muffet conducting. There will be a reception following the concert in Jackson Hall. For tickets, please call 225-635-6397 or visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com. Tickets will be available at the door but the concert may sell out so get your tickets early.

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.

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 visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com

Chamber Features

Moving to St. Francisville

SFCC - 11/25/08

2008-11-25T18:59:00.000-06:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Visit Chamber of Commerce Website

Greetings!
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

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. An online membership form can be found on the Chamber of Commerce, click here. We remind everyone that not only businesses can join- individuals are welcome also!

Chamber of Commerce "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 and will be available beginning December 1, 2008. For more information, please call the chamber office at 225-635-6717. MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY- Limited seating available.

Current Ferry Schedule
Because of low water, the St. Francisville/New Roads ferry will only run during daylight hours. Until further notice, the ferry will operate from 6:15am until 5:15pm. If the water continues to fall the ferry will have to shut down completely. Another source for up-to-date information can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website on the top left, click Ferry Status.

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 visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com

Annual Christmas Concert
The St. Francisville Symphony Association's Annual Christmas Concert will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Francisville on Friday, December 5th at 7 pm. Musicians from the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will be featured with Timothy Muffet conducting. There will be a reception following the concert in Jackson Hall. For tickets, please call 225-635-6397 or visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com. Tickets will be available at the door but the concert may sell out so get your tickets early.

Tour Of Homes - Friends of WF Library
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 visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com.

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.

SFCC 11-18-08

2008-11-18T17:18:00.000-06:00

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

Join our mailing list!

2008-11-13T00:50:00.000-06:00

Latest News

Current Ferry Schedule

Because of low water, the St. Francisville/New Roads ferry will only run during daylight hours. Until further notice, the ferry will operate from 6am until 6pm.

CC's Greetings

SFCC - 11/12/08

Greetings!

"Shop Local" for the Holidays

The Thanksgiving holidays are quickly approaching and this is the time we get "stressed". With Christmas right around the corner,this makes it even worse! Try shopping here at home- first. Take a couple of days or weekends and just go to all the businesses here in St. Francisville to find that special gift for someone on your list. The merchants in our parish apparently have "something special" in their shops and

Chamber Activities

Membership Drive

Chamber of Commerce 2009 Membership Drive

If you were a Chamber of Commerce member in 2008, you will be receiving your 2009 Membership Renewal in the mail along with a nomination form. The Chamber asks that you return both forms by November 12th. This is your chance to take part in the selection of the Board of Directors. If you are not a member of the chamber, please call the office at 225-635-6717 for an application for membership or online application.

Golf Tournament - Thank You

A Chamber "Thank You"

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce sends out a sincere "Thank You" to all the teams, hole sponsors, helpers, The Bluffs, Mockler Beverage, Coca Cola, Demco, Heirloom Cuisine, Temple Design, Varnadoes, Sheila Porch of Entergy, the chamber board members, and especially Clay Pinson, who made the "Swing For Scholarships" a success. We will see you next year!

Area Events

"Relay for Life"

"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.

Annual Tour of Homes

Friends of WF 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 visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com.

White Light Night

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. More information visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com.

Chamber Features

Multiple Newsletters?

Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office or email us we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.

Information for new Residents

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.

SfCC - 11/03/08

2008-11-04T01:10:00.000-06:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Swing For Scholarships Entries Extended to Tuesday

The Chamber's Swing For Scholarships entries have been extended to tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th. You don't want to miss this event! Call the office at 225-635-6717 for more information and an entry form. CALL NOW!!! The tournament is at The Bluffs on November 10th. Online Application

Chamber of Commerce 2009 Membership Drive

If you were a Chamber of Commerce member in 2008, you will be receiving your 2009 Membership Renewal in the mail along with a nomination form. The Chamber asks that you return both forms by November 12th. This is your chance to take part in the selection of the Board of Directors. If you are not a member of the chamber, please call the office at 225-635-6717 for an application for membership or online application.

Christmas in the Country "White Linen Night"

In August the "White Linen Night" was such a big success, it will be repeated during Christmas in the Country 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. More information visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com.

Friends of WF 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 visit StFrancisvilleFestivals.com.

Farewell to General Robert H. Barrow

27th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1979-1983)

The Chamber of Commerce wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of General Barrow who deceased on October 30, 2008. Our community was graced with the residence of a highly decorated veteran of the Marine Corps. Thank you for your dedicated service to our country.

wikipedia - History

Obituaries- Washington Post

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

SFTCC- 10-29-08

2008-10-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

SFCC 10/29/08

Greetings!

Wow!

Our inaugural trip to Madison exceeded our expectations! From the second we boarded the bus, everyone was engaged. This trip demonstrated, more than any one thing, that we have a strong passion for our great town and parish.

On the bus trip, we heard encouraging updates from the Steve Jones on the CDF, Lloyd Lindsey on the School Board, Dorcas Brown on Green Building Practices / Comprehensive Plan and Mark Chustz on the Parish Hospital and more.

Once we arrived in Madison, we heard from a wide array of speakers but undoubtedly the Mayor of Madison, Mary Hawkins Butler, stole the show. Her willingness to tackle the tough issues head-on and continuously stand her ground has significantly contributed to their success. She shared a passion for Madison that we have for St. Francisville.

Other speakers included commercial and residential developers, the Directors of Public Works, Permits, Code Enforcement, Community Development and the City Economic Development Consultant. One thing that was clearly evident was how well the various public entities work together. All of us that attended have committed to continue to strive for the same level of concentric cooperation. The Chamber, Community Development Foundation and local business leaders are committed to working with the parish and town to make St. Francisville reach its potential.

We wrapped up our trip with a "Lessons Learned Session" where we divided up into groups and then presented our findings from each group.

Stay tuned to a follow-up newsletter on our findings and future meetings!

discover, decipher, design!

Miles Higgins
Board President

"THANK YOU"
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce sends a large "Thank You" to chamber businesses and people who were an important part of the Discovery Trip 2008 to Madison, Mississippi. Fred's, The Wine Parlor, Audubon Package Liquor, St. Francisville IGA, Feliciana Supermarket, Temple Designs, Amanda Temple, Tom Temple, West Feliciana Sports Park, Randy Alberez, Melissa Higgins, Miles Higgins, The Relocation Center and Bank of St. Francisville.
The chamber also thanks the support and attendance of everyone who attended the event.
The success of the Discovery Trip 2008 would have not been possible without your work, donations, and encouragement.

Swing for Scholarships
Get those "Swing for Scholarships" Applications In
The Chamber's "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament applications are now available. The event is planned for November 10,2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs and your team ready for a good time.
Deadline for team applications are November 3, 2008. You may call the chamber office at 225-635-6717 for more details and for an application.

Red Ribbon Week Speaker Today
at WFHS Auditorium
Guest speaker, Bobby Petrocelli, will speak at WFHS High School Auditorium tonight, October 29th at 6:30pm. This event is FREE and open to the public. Mr. Petrocelli is a professional speaker, author, educator and coach. He is a motivated and dynamic speaker who will share his experience of the tragedy of the loss of his wife to a drunk driver.
This speaker is a "must see and hear" person that will make you look at the way you live-change.
Relay For Life

Relay For Life Meeting
Join the community in the fight against cancer by attending the Relay For Life meeting on Thursday, October 30th at 6pm at Town Hall. Do you know someone who has cancer or are you a survivor? Come to be part of this worthwhile event for our community. Call Amy Spillman, Relay Chair, at 225-721-1742 for more information.

Trick or Treat Down Main Street
Trick or Treat Time!
Come join the fun downtown and visit local businesses and residents for Trick or Treat. Stroll along Ferdinand and Royal Streets for this safe and Happy Halloween tradition on Friday, October 31st from 5:30pm until 7:30pm.
For more information, call Laurie Walsh at the Main Street Office at 635-3873.

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

SFCC - 10-15-08

2008-10-16T08:34:00.000-05:00

Greetings
45 People will leave out at 7:15am on Wednesday October 22nd for Madison, Ms. to "discover, decipher, design".

Other news from the chamber is about the debris removal in the parish. The Police Jury has informed me that the company hired should complete the contract by the end of October. Residents may call the Police Jury at 635-3864 and enter extension 3 or call the Debris Removal line direct at 784-3739 for information and location pick-ups.

The Town of St. Francisville is continuing their regular debris removal, but residents are reminded that they must have limbs put at the road and cut to handle and no roofing or repair materials please.

FEMA has been by the chamber office and reported that the Blue Roof Program is complete in our parish. People with damage to their roofs that the program put a FEMA Blue Roof, needs to have your roof repaired by a professional. With the warm weather, these tarps are temporary and may not provide protection in case of rain.

There is alot going on for the next few weeks here in St. Francisville, so give yourself and break and visit us for a relaxing weekend.

Linda Osterberger
Executive Director
St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

Symphony Concert Saturday

The St. Francisville Symphony Association will hosts its first of three concerts this Saturday, October 18, at Grace Episcopal Church. Selections from Handel, Shostakovick and Mozart will be performed. Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville, by calling the BRSO at 383-0500, or at the door. Other concerts are scheduled for December 5, 2008 and April 4, 2009.

"Swing for Scholarships" Applications now Ready

The Chamber's "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament applications are now available. The event is planned for November 10,2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs and your team ready for a good time.
Deadline for team applications are November 3, 2008. You may call the chamber office at 225-635-6717 for more details and for an application.

Garden Symposium This Weekend

Friday and Saturday, October 17,18 and 20th, Southern Garden Symposium will be held in St. Francisville. This annual event attracts garden enthusiasts from across the South. For more information call Lucie Cassity at 225-635-3738.

OLMC Church Raffles Colorado Ski Trip

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church is raffling a Colorado Ski Trip for 2 people. The drawing will be held on October 19, 2008. Contact the church office for tickets and details at 225-635-3630.

Movie Under the Stars

"Meet the Robinsons" will be shown at dark on Friday, October 24 at Parker Park. The Women's Service League will provide refreshments while you sit back, relax and enjoy the movie. All you'll need is a canned good for the Food Bank for admission and a blanket and/or chairs.

Town Hosts Dedication to Mr. Richard Holcomb

On Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10am, The Town of St. Francisville will hold a dedication ceremony to Mr. Richard "Dick" Holcomb, the former Mayor Pro-Tem of St. Francisville at the railroad park on Ferdinand St. (site of the red caboose). This is a special dedication to a special person who was dedicated to St. Francisville. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited.

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

The 6th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival will be held at Parker Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 26. There will artists display and selling their wares as well as demonstrating their artistic talents. Musical groups will also be playing. Bring the family out for a weekend of fun.

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.

SFCC - 10-08-08

2008-10-09T16:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

It's fall. Everyone is ready to get over the hurricanes and get out of the house. "Information calls" are a regular at the chamber office. These wonderful people are coming here for one reason or another. All calls are ended by "I hope you enjoy our beautiful town". I know the Tourist Information Center in town is getting calls; we are sending a lot of them to this amazing place. Have you ever been there? It is located at the Museum downtown. You could spend hours just looking around. You must go to visit if you have never been there. We tip our hat to all those ladies who plan events for our town and parish not to mention those who know the history by heart. If you keep reading our "newsletter", we will try to keep you informed on what's going on.

The big talk right now is "what is going to happen to the town when the bridge opens"? The beauty and the ambiance of our town will still be here. Our reply is, when you have family or friends who come to visit or just want to get away, even for a couple of hours, bring them to town and just park the car and walk. We still have some great unique shops open downtown and numerous businesses throughout the parish, and the Churches are a "must see". The history and beauty of each one is like no other place. This is such a wonderful place to raise children and grow older.

The Chamber encourages business and economic development so our families can "stay in the parish" for most of their needs. The "Discovery Trip" to Madison, Mississippi is quickly approaching. A large number of seriously interested people have jumped on board with the same desire to learn from another town's growth and bring some ideas back to our town with the interest of all the people in the parish.

The members and individuals who support the chamber are very appreciated. A goal for 2009 is for those who are not members, to join us in the effort to continue to build a better place for our families and businesses. 'What a wonderful place to live', and your Chamber of Commerce will be here to support the town and parish.

Linda Osterberger

Director

St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

"Swing for Scholarship" - Applications Ready
The Chamber's "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament applications are now available. The event is planned for November 10, 2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs and your team ready for a good time.
Deadline for team applications are November 3, 2008. You may call the chamber office at 225-635-6717 for more details and an application or use the online application. You may submit online or click on the user friendly print button on the top right of article.

Some of the proceeds from this event benefit the chamber's scholarship fund.

Debris Pick-up in St. Francisville

The Town of St. Francisville can only pick up yard and tree materials, building or roofing materials CANNOT be picked up by the town. Your contractor should arrange for disposal of these materials.

Town Hosts Dedication to Mr. Richard Holcomb

On Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10am, The Town of St. Francisville will hold a dedication ceremony to Mr. Richard "Dick" Holcomb, the former Mayor Pro-Tem of St. Francisville at the railroad park on Ferdinand St. (site of the red caboose). This is a special dedication to a special person who was dedicated to St. Francisville. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited.

Freedom Walk Scheduled for October 11,2008

The Freedom Walk remembering 9-11 and honoring Veterans has been rescheduled for this Saturday, 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. Come experience a patriotic day with many events throughout the day including the walk. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for those who have not pre-registered. Contact Estelita Travis for more information at 225-635-3640.

Red, White and Blue Sale Day this Saturday

Walk, snack and shop St. Francisville's dowtown stores all day this Saturday, October 11th. This sale is in conjunction with the Freedom Walk. Many businesses are offering % off savings along with snacks and food at each location while you spend the patriotic day in St. Francisville. Bring the entire family and friends for a "fall weekend". For more information, call Laurie at 635-3873.

Open House & Review of Draft WFP Plan

There will be an Open House & Review of the Draft West Feliciana Parish Comprehensive Plan on Monday October 13th, from 5-8pm at Hemingbough in St. Francisville. A brief presentation at 6:30pm with members of the Support Committee, consultant team and Parish staff present to discuss recomendations and take your comments. Come review the vision and plan for West Feliciana!

Congratulations Sam D'Aquilla

The Chamber congratulations Sam D'Aquilla on his continued position of District Attorney for East and West Feliciana. Mr. D'Aquilla is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

OLMC Church Raffles Colorado Ski Trip

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church is raffling a Colorado Ski Trip for 2 people. The drawing will be held on October 19, 2008. Contact the church office for tickets and details at 225-635-3630.

SFCC - 10-01-08

2008-10-01T13:07:00.000-05:00

Greetings - Sept. 30, 2008

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

The Chamber office is staying quite busy these days. Fully recovered from all the hurricane action, the beautiful weather has brought everyone refreshed and ready for the fall with numerous calls about events going on in the parish, those taking advantage of the weather are ready to get out and "St. Francisville" is on their list. Apparently weddings are planned for our area because there have been calls about businesses that can cater all the needs of the special event to" what the guests can do while visiting" and "where can we eat". The chamber membership list is by the phone to answer the calls.

For those who have forgotten, the St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the "Discovery Trip 2008" to Madison MS on October 22 & 23, 2008. The applications for this trip are available at the chamber office. You can call me at 225-635-6717 and I will be glad to send you an application via e-mail. Deadline for applications is October 6th. The goal of this endeavor is to bring together community leaders and interested residents to learn from the successes, ideas, and planning Madison has undergone. We know positive results will be achieved from this trip so the successful growth of West Feliciana will benefit. Spaces are limited so call today!

Along with all the activity, on November 10, 2008, the annual "Swing for Scholarships" Golf Tournament will be held at The Bluffs. All proceeds from this event go into the Scholarship Fund. The Chamber of Commerce awards three scholarships to deserving students every year. Team applications are now available for this event. Please get your team together and call the chamber office for an application to participate in this worthwhile event for our youth.

Sometimes we feel like we ask too much, so this past Sunday, representing the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce, Al and I assisted the Red Cross with "Rockin out the Hurricanes" event at Walk-ons in Baton Rouge. Bands played and all participants had a good time. In four short hours, we raised over $1700 for the emergency/disaster fund for the Red Cross. I bring back a warm "Thank you" from Kendall Hebert and Pam Chenevert for the participation.

September is just about gone and October starts the festival and holiday season and St. Francisville is "back and as beautiful as ever". Have a great week!

Linda Osterberger
Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce
Director

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Ooh La La Ribbon Cutting

Ooh La La Tanning and Hair Salon has rescheduled the new business's ribbon cutting for Friday, October 3rd at 6pm. The business had to reschedule due to Hurricane Gustav. Owner Miss Lacy Maxwell welcomes everyone to come and see the "new salon in town". The Chamber welcomes this new business to St. Francisville.

View Larger Map

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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.

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Applications for "Discovery Trip" are Now Available

Applications for the "Discovery Trip" to Madison, Mississippi sponsored by the St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce are now available. Anyone who is interested may contact the chamber office at 225-635-6717 for more information.
There are limited spaces available so reserve your space today!! Deadline for the applications is October 6, 2008.

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"Swing for Scholarships" Applications Ready

The Chamber's "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament applications are now available. The event is planned for November 10, 2008 at The Bluffs. Get those clubs and your team ready for a good time.
Deadline for team applications are November 3, 2008. You may call the chamber office at 225-635-6717 for more details and an application or use the online application. You may submit online or click on the user friendly print button on the top right of article.

The proceeds from this event benefit the chamber's scholarship fund.

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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! What's on the Ballot?

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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.

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Greetings - Sept. 18, 2008

2008-09-20T23:58:00.001-05:00

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

2008-09-20T23:56:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-20T23:55:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-20T23:53:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-20T23:51:00.000-05:00

"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

2008-09-20T23:50:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-20T23:47:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-20T23:46:00.000-05:00

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.

SFCC - 08-28-08

2008-08-29T12:47:00.000-05:00

Greetings! From the St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

Batten down the hatches!
Hurricane Gustav is currently forecasted to enter the Gulf of Mexico this weekend as a major hurricane. We are unsure if this storm will impact Louisiana. However, it is not too early for you and your family to form a game plan. Governor Bobby Jindal and the State of Louisiana have created a useful website I encourage you to visit it at www.GetaGameplan.org. You will find tips and ideas for individual emergency plans. Make certain you have an evacuation plan for your family and pets, as well as 3 to 5 days of supplies such as water, non-perishable foods, and batteries in case of emergency. For businesses, please make sure that you have taken adequate precautions to protect your building from wind, driving rain and flooding, where that is an issue. In today's world of technology dependent business, additional measures are needed. Ensure that you have an adequate back-up of all your data stored in a safe place. Electronics should be unplugged to avoid electrical surges if the hurricane is eminent. Finally, Hurricane Katrina and Rita brought many evacuees to our parish, and our citizens, schools and businesses stepped to the plate to help out where needed. Hopefully this will not be the case, but it is never a bad idea to plan for family members or friends who may need a safe place to land for a few days. We will be closely monitoring the situation as the storm progresses, and encourage you to monitor your local media outlets to obtain the most current information on Hurricane Gustav.

Miles Higgins, 2008 Board President

Ooh La La Tanning & Hair Salon Joins Chamber
The Chamber of Commerce welcomes our newest member- Ooh La La Tanning & Hair Salon. The new salon is located at 5223 Commerce Street and owned by Miss Lacy Maxwell. Ooh La La will host a ribbon cutting on September 12th. More to come on this event! Go by and let Lacy and her staff take care of your needs to get ready for the "ball game".

White Linen Night "Big" Success

A special "Congratulations" goes out to the committee of the St. Francisville Main Street that put "White Linen Night" together. It was a huge success! Businesses and those participating suggest another event in the near future. A special "thanks" goes to Laurie Walsh. Very Well Done!!

"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!

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.

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.

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

STFCC 08-14-08

2008-08-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

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
Email

"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.

SFCC - August 5, 2008

2008-08-06T17:03:00.000-05:00

Greetings 08-05-0

MAKE IT HAPPEN

by Travis Torrence

A wise mentor often reinforced "Managements main responsibility is to re-institute the policies and procedures that have proven in the past to work". In these tough times, small businesses can sustain and often grow if we would simply look to what has been successful for us in the days gone by and re-adopt some of those practices. Perhaps calling on a business that has never done business with you before but because of "God only knows" we pass by that business without seeing them as a potential customer. Maybe advertising in markets that we had previously done well in but for whatever reason we just stopped doing so. How about making a top ten list. The top ten businesses you would love to do business with or the top ten types of clients you would love to have walk through your door today. Now that you have that list of "Who", come up with a methodical approach of "How". My point is simply, if we do the same things that we have been doing and continue hoping, wishing, and yes even praying for things to change more likely than not they will change and get worse. So my advice is this: STOP AGGRESSIVELY WAITING ON YOUR PHONE TO RING OR AGGRESSIVELY STANDING BY THE FRONT DOOR OF YOUR BUSINESS FOR THAT NEXT CUSTOMER TO WALK IN.

The same wise mentor often told me that the surest sign of insanity was to continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. So, as one small business owner to another. Get up, get out, and "MAKE IT HAPPEN"

Welcome New Chamber Member
The Chamber welcomes Louisiana Timed Managers in Baton Rouge. The business specializes in engineering consulting. Mr. Troy Gros is the Communications Assistant Manager and is overseeing the John James Audubon Bridge Project here in West Feliciana. We welcome this new business to the community.

"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!

"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.

Give the Gift of Life & Chance to Win a Truck
United Blood Services will be accepting blood donations at the Fire Training Center Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 6pm to 8:30pm. The address is 9892 West Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville, LA. Please come and donate blood if you can. You will be given a free T-Shirt and will have the opportunity to register for a drawing to win a GMC Canyon Pickup Truck through sponsors of United Blood Services. Please come and give the gift of life. Remember it may be you or your family member in need one day. Please contact the Fire District Office at 225-635-4312 for information or comments.

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
** The WF Tax Assessor and the Fire District will not have a public hearing.

Best Wishes- Chamber Member Moving
Bruce Sheridan Moving
Former board member, Bruce Sheridan, is moving to Ponchatoula, LA. He is leaving Highlands Bank at the St. Francisville Branch and will be the Vice President of Lending at 1st Community Bank in Hammond, LA. The Chamber wishes you the best of luck!

Multiple Newsletters?
Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office or email us we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help

SFCC -NEWS LETTER July 29, 2008

2008-07-29T17:32:00.000-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

That "special" day is soon approaching. School is getting ready to start. The school supply lists are out and the school uniforms are being purchased. By this time the students are usually ready because they are bored and the parents are certainly ready, so everyone can get back on a schedule. Those big yellow buses are even getting ready and the drivers have to get back into the routine. It's quite a responsibility to make sure all of the children get to school and back home safely without any problems. The office staff of each school starts early to make sure everything is in order for the first day of total chaos! What always amazed me was that they remember every student by name and some by voice. They too are such a wonderful part of the system that needs to be appreciated.

Of course there are those important people who teach the children- TEACHERS. These people have had only a few months off to get ready for another 9 months, some of which worked this summer. I for one, who no longer has children in school, can truly appreciate all those who work at the school from the office staff, groundkeepers, cafeteria staff, librarians teachers aids, teachers and the principals.

When it is all said and done and they graduate and choose to continue their education or even go to work to make an honest living, I hope they will understand what these "special" people do for the community and the children. Please say "thanks" when you see all of these people. They work really hard to mold our children into good citizens and give them the best education possible and should be admired for their love and commitment. Thanks to all of you!

The West Feliciana Parish Schools will open as follows:
Bains Lower Elementary- Pre-K- August 26
Kindergarten- August 21
1st Grade- August 14
Bains Upper Elementary- August 14
West Feliciana Middle School- August 14
West Feliciana High School- August 14
Tunica Elementary- Pre-K- August 26
Kindergarten- August 21
1st-6th Grade- August 14

"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!

Welcome New Chamber Member
The Chamber welcomes Louisiana Timed Managers in Baton Rouge. The business specializes in engineering consulting. Mr. Troy Gros is the Communications Assistant Manager and is overseeing the John James Audubon Bridge Project here in West Feliciana. We welcome this new business to the community.

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
** The WF Tax Assessor and the Fire District will not have a public hearing.

"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. For more information phone St. Francisville Main Street at 225-635-3873.

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.

SFCC Newsletter 07/22/08

2008-07-23T17:17:00.000-05:00

7/22/08 - The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

It is all about Attitude
The saying "perception is reality" often comes to fruition. With all the talk of "RECESSION" the more we buy into the hype, the more likely it will happen. Now, I'm not suggesting anyone act recklessly or without the proper caution in making decisions regarding your business or personal life. Take a good look around and see if you honestly feel this looks like a recession. Are people still spending, traveling and making a good living? Are there developments and projects in the works? Are you personally better off then you were 5, 10 or 15 years ago? My guess is that the vast majority would not trade today for yesterday. A few years ago, a fortune 500 article found that 94% of all executives surveyed attributed their success more to attitude than any other factor.

The national economy is really out of all of our hands and is certainly on a macro economic scale. Our regional and local economy, as well as, our personal situation are the real factors to consider, and our region's numbers are well ahead of the rest of the country.

Your attitude affects not only your ability to succeed but, even more importantly, your health and happiness. Here are a few tips to help stimulate the growth of your business...and your attitude. 1) Write a list of positive things in your business and update it daily. You just might be surprised how many good things are happening. 2) Reward your employees for providing exemplary customer service. 3) Review your advertising. In a tighter economy sometimes more marketing is needed. 4) Stay POSITIVE. Being positive is contagious and others will catch it. Finally, here is a great quote by Abraham Lincoln, "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing."

Miles Higgins
President/CEO
miles@relocationcenter.com
www.relocationcenter.com tel:
mobile: 800.733.0930
225.925.5501
225-205-3530

"Swing for Scholarships" getting ready
The Chamber is planning its "Swing for Scholarships" golf tournament. The event is being planned for November 2008 at The Bluffs. More information will be published next week. Get those clubs ready!

Welcome New Chamber Member

The Chamber welcomes Audubon Package Liquor and Lounge to our membership. The business is located at 6831 US Hwy 61, St. Francisville, LA.

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
** The WF Tax Assessor and the Fire District will not have a public hearing.

Annual Hummingbird Celebration
The annual Hummingbird Celebration is scheduled for this weekend July 25th and 26th. The celebration begins with a wine and cheese reception and guest speaker, Donna Dittman, at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site. The Friday event is $10 per person. For more information about the weekend event, visit the website at audubonbirdfest.com and click on FHC Event Schedule in the right hand corner.

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
www.SFChamber@bellsouth.net

SFCC - July 15, 2008

2008-07-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

In keeping with last week's newsletter about the proposed "roll forward" of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish, the polling responses showed unfavorable comments of the "roll forward". The consensus was to opposed the tax increase. The chamber appreciates everyone who participated and responded to such an important issue that affects the entire parish. We have listed the parish and town agencies that have published notice of public hearings to consider levying additional or increased millage rates required by law. This is an important issue for our parish, so we hope that you take every initiative to attend one of the hearings. If you are unable to attend any of the meetings, we encourage you to contact your elected officials of the Police Jury, Town Alderman, or School Board member and express your opinion on this issue.

Welcome New Chamber Members

The Chamber welcomes three new businesses. The Costal Ecology Group owned by Mr. Chad Heiser, Superior Insurance Services LLC owned by Mrs. Sandy Torrence and Miss Ashley Torrence, and Mr. Andy D'Aquilla, attorney at law. These three businesses are all located at 10182 Weevil Street next to the Post Office at the Commerce Centre.

Commerce Centre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting

J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event this Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office.

The Upper Crust Bistro Moving Business

Chamber member, The Upper Crust Bistro, is relocating its business to Lake Pointe Centre in Zachary, LA. The newly constructed building for the business will open in early fall. Owner Camille Thibodeaux will keep us informed on the opening date. The Thibodeaux family wishes to thank all of their patrons and expressed their appreciation and patronage to the business while here in St. Francisville and will look forward to seeing you at their new location.

Schedule of Public Hearings for Taxes

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

** The WF Tax Assessor and the Fire District will not have a public hearing.

Chamber Sponsors "Sporting Clay Shoot"

Sporting Clay Shoot scheduled for August 16

The chamber is sponsoring a "Sporting Clay Shoot" on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Tanglewild Plantation. Registrations for teams are now available. Phone the chamber office at 635-6717 for more information. More information will be posted next week. Deadline for entries is August 9th.

Annual Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration

Mark your calendars now for the annual Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration. The festival is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. A guest speaker has been scheduled for Friday night and Saturday. During the festival there will be an opportunity to watch small hummingbirds weighed, measured and banded.

Think Green Nature Day

Audubon State Historic Site is hosting "nature day". On Saturday, July 19th from 10am until 4pm, guests are invited to view booths from organic foods to energy sources. Learn what is going on in our area to protect the environment and how you can help. For more information, call 635-3739.

Congratulations Miguel Pate

West Feliciana High School graduate goes to Olympics
The chamber congratulates West Feliciana High School graduate, Miguel Pate on his recent qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing. Miguel placed 3rd in the long jump in Eugene, Oregon at the Olympic Trials.

SFCC - Newsletter July 8, 2008

2008-07-08T12:20:00.000-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

Response has been strong regarding the two questions recently posed to Chamber members through this weekly newsletter. As you recall, your Chamber invited feedback on two questions, the first of which was: "How can your Chamber serve you better?"

One member suggested the Chamber host quarterly member luncheons or dinners, in addition to the regular "After Hours" networking events. Another member suggested a member "spreadsheet" picnic - so area businesses might introduce products and services to a broad range of potential customers. Both are solid ideas that will be explored.

The second question posed was "How do you feel about the proposed 'roll forward' of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish? Do you agree or disagree with it?"

On this question we received the highest number of responses to any question ever asked of members. Without fail, every response disagreed with the "roll forward." Here is a sampling of the responses we received:

"In view of the fact that total taxes have increased so much in one year (one of my properties went up over 5 times from last year), I definitely don't think taxes should roll forward anytime soon."

"Let's keep taxes at a minimum here.....heavy taxes are a burden we don't need here."

"For the record, I am opposed to the roll forward. It is a tax increase on the people and our small businesses without a vote of the people - and that's not right."

Your Chamber Commerce is working hard to promote a people-friendly, business-friendly environment here in West Feliciana Parish. Fair, equitable and transparent taxation only helps the promotion of our area as one of the most desirable locations to live, work and play in the South.

We'll keep asking the tough questions, listening to your ideas, and welcoming your input on how we can improve in every way.

Keep those comments coming!

With best regards,

Mike Smith, Chairman
Communications Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

P.S. - Did you notice that work has actually begun on the "new" section of Hwy. 61? The countdown is on - less than 700 days until we can drive on it!

The Ferry Status link added

Before driving around on a trip or business you visit the "Ferry Status" link under the Community Menu and find out if the ferry is operating. Just another way to help save on gas!!

Miles Blair Salon opens with a "Summer Patio Social"

The chamber welcomes Miles Blair Salon as a new member. Owner Mrs. Tosha Black will be hosting a "Summer Patio Social" for the new business's ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10th at 6pm. The business is located at 5951 Commerce Street.

Commerce Centre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting

J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event.

Annual Hummingbird Festival

Mark your calendars now for the annual Hummingbird Festival. The festival is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. For more information, visit AudubonBirdFest.com.

Police Jury Meeting
The West Feliciana Police Jury will meet on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 5:30 at the Courthouse Annex building on Prosperity Street on the second floor.

Multiple Newsletters?

Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscriber lists. If you would call the office or email us at sfchamber@bellsouth.net and we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.

SFCC Newsletter June 30, 2008

2008-06-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

SFCC Greetings
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

With these memorable words, Thomas Jefferson, at the age of 33, laid the cornerstone of the United States of America by writing the Declaration of Independence.

There were fifty-six men who were signatories to the famous document. Signed on August 2, 1776, in geographic order of the colonies they represented from North to South, these men declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain with Thomas McKean being the last to sign in August of 1781.

The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played.

Fifty years later, in an 1825 letter, Jefferson wrote that the Declaration of Independence was designed as "an appeal to the tribunal of the world." The document was "intended to be an expression of the American mind."

This weekend, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, with fireworks, or a gathering of family and friends, remember what this day is all about. Don't forget those brave men and women that have fought and died so that we might have the freedom to speak up when things are not as they should be and the freedom to worship in churches of our choice. When you hear "God Bless America" or say "I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag," stand up and be proud to be an American!

Chamber Office Closed June 30- July 4
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce office will be closed from June 30 through July 4th. The office hours will resume on Monday, July 7th. In case of immediate assistance, please call Laurie at 635-3873.

"After Hours" at new Commerce Centre
Commerce Cenre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon CuttingJ.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event.

Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration
Mark your calendars now for the annual Hummingbird Festival. The festival is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. Festival information can be found at www.AudubonBirdFest.com

Fireworks on the 4th!!!
Come join the fun and fireworks on Friday July 4th at 6:30pm at the St. Francisville Town Ball Park located behind the Sonic. The American Legion will provide complimentary hot dogs and soft drinks, and the fireworks will begin at dark. For more information call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 635-3873.

Multiple Newsletters?
Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office or email us we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.

"Ferry Status" Link

The Ferry Status link added
A link for the "ferry status" has been added to the chambers website. Before driving around on a trip or business you can go to the chambers website at www.stfrancisvillechamber.com and find out if the ferry is operating. Just another way to help save on gas!!

SFCC Newsletter June 24, 2008

2008-06-24T16:20:00.000-05:00

Greetings! 06-24-08

Last week, Parish Assessor Randy Ritchie gave a very informative presentation to your Chamber's Board of Directors on the subject of property assessments across the parish. As you know, most property in the parish is subject to taxation based on its value. Randy explained that property values, by state law, must be re-evaluated at least every four years. 2008 is one of those years-a fact that has not escaped notice by many in the parish.

As we learned from Randy's presentation, there are two important things to keep in mind when reviewing your property tax bill. The first is the valuation of your home and/or business. Market rates are taken into account when determining the value of property, he said. Generally speaking, Randy indicated that property values are on the rise in West Feliciana Parish. Due to this rise in values, property taxes have increased for most in the parish. Randy emphasized that if you feel the valuation of your property is not fair, call the Assessor's Office for assistance.

The next most important thing to keep in mind is the rate of taxation. The rate (or millage) of each property tax is set when voters approve taxes at the polls. However, as Randy explained, a little known provision allows local and parish government bodies to increase the actual millage by a vote of that body. Here's how it works:

State law mandates, as property values rise, each entity must "roll back" the rate of taxation to be revenue neutral from the previous year. When this is completed, as Randy explained, the taxing body may then vote to "roll forward" the millage to the original rate. If passed, the result is an increase in the amount of tax dollars flowing to that government body- and an increase in your tax bill.

Due to recent adjustments in the law, each government body that levies a property tax must now prominently advertise the date, place and time that it will consider the "roll forward" provision. You may have seen a few of these in The Advocate and other publications of late.

In keeping with our ongoing theme this summer, your Chamber wants to hear from you on this, and many other topics.

This week's question is:
How do you feel about the possible "roll forward" of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish? Do you agree or disagree with it?

Simply reply to this email and let your voice be heard.

Our thanks goes to Assessor Randy Ritchie for his presentation and for answering many tough questions from the board and visitors alike.

Mike Smith, Chairman
Governmental Relations Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

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New Business opens with "Summer Patio Social"

Miles Blair Salon opens with a "Summer Patio Social"
The chamber welcomes Miles Blair Salon as a new member. Owner Mrs. Tosha Black will be hosting a "Summer Patio Social" for the new business's ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10th at 6pm. The business is located at 5951 Commerce Street.

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After Hours - Ribbon Cutting

Commerce Cenre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting
J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event.

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Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading program at the library has begun. This program is a wonderful way to keep education going during the summer and during the year. Contact Linda Fox at the library for all the details.

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Vibes In The Ville

Come join a free concert under the stars at Parker Park this Saturday, June 28th at 6pm. The perky alt-pop Austin outfit "The Driving Captain" will be playing. Bring your blankets and chairs for this fun time in downtown St. Francisville.

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Summer Fun Day

Summer Fun Day will be held on Friday, June 27th from 9am til 2pm at the West Feliciana Sports Park. This event is sponsored by the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, West Feliciana Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council, the District Attorney's Office, LA Hwy Safety Commission and West Feliciana Sports & Recreations.

There will be live bands and entertainment, special guests throughout the day, games, free food, demonstrations from the fire department and the K-9 and narcotics department and much more. This event is open to the public.

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Congratulations Chamber Board Member Mike Smith

Appointed To Committee/Appears In National Press Conference
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce board member, Mike Smith, President/CEO of ConnectCallUSA.com, has been appointed to the National Communications Committee of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). The AAPC is a national trade organization representing hundreds of political and public affairs consulting firms across the country.

Mike also recently appeared in a national press conference on behalf of the First Amendment Legal Defense Fund.
ConnectCallUSA.com was recently awarded its 7th "Pollie Award" for outstanding work on national, regional and local campaigns. Pollie Awards, the equivalent of an Oscar, are awarded annually to firms and individuals for outstanding work in political and public affairs.

Congratulations to Mike and Chamber member ConnectCallUSA.com!

------------------------------ End Newsletter --------------

SFCC - Newsletter June 18, 2008

2008-06-18T22:38:00.000-05:00

June 17, 2008
Mike Smith

Your Chamber of Commerce is working hard in many ways to help businesses across West Feliciana Parish. From the LSU Mobile Classroom, to the online Market Place, to networking opportunities at

Open Invitation from Chamber

Tax Assessor's Assessment Presentation

Tax Assessor, Randy Ritchie, will present the property re-assessment process at the Chamber Board Meeting this Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 8am at Town Hall. The chamber invites any interested persons to attend this presentation.

New Business Joins Chamber

Welcome "TigerBytes"

TigerBytes IT Solutions, LLC is the chambers newest member. It is owned by Miles Higgins and Andre Duplantier. The company provides computer and network services for small to medium businesses and staffs a Microsoft Certified System Engineer for all your needs.

St. Francisville Transitory Theatre

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre is hosting a fund-raiser. There is limited seating so reservations are required. Call 245-4952 for more information.

WFP Comprehensive Plan

John Fregonese with Fregoese Associates will be presenting the draft of West Feliciana Parish Comprehensive Plan with a joint meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Police Jury and Planning Commission on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 6pm at the West Feliciana Middle School lunchroom. This is a public meeting. For more information call Janet Tharp at 214-354-5523.

Multiple Newsletters?
Linda Osterberger

Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office orThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.

A Thank You Note

Thank you so much for choosing me as one of the recipients of your scholarship. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. I know that this scholarship will be very beneficial next year at LSU.

Thanks again.

Katie Young

Newletter June 10, 2008

2008-06-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings - June 10, 2008

Summer is here and the chamber office is busy. There is so much going on in the community- bridges, highway expansion, businesses inquiring about developments, not to mention structural changes on Highway 61 and new businesses opening. The calls to the chamber office are numerous with a broad variety of questions about West Feliciana and St.Francisville. With the high gas prices, the calls for information from travelers that are planning a visit for vacations, along with people who will be staying here while working on the bridge or the highway expansion are high in volume.

Businesses who are members of the chamber are referred to daily. The membership lists are kept close at hand so information is readily available for each call. People who are moving to the area inquire frequently and they seem to like the personal touch of being able to speak to someone about what businesses have to offer. The chamber website is regularly advised for information. This benefits businesses who advertise in the "business directory".
The chamber's board consists of people in various businesses that work diligently to make the chamber a resource of information for businesses and individuals. These individuals give their time and business experience so the community and economic growth can continue. These are great people to work with and always have the community as a priority.
Happy Father's Day to all dads! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, St. Francisville has it! So stay at home, save your gas, and give dad a relaxing weekend.

---Chamber Activities---

Chamber Committee Meetings Schedule

The Executive Board will meet Thursday, June 12th at 8:15am. The Governmental Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 11th at Noon. All committee members are urged to attend these meetings.

---"New Look" for Chamber Website---

Chamber Website

The chambers website has a "new look". Pat Walsh with Blue Goose Media has updated the site. The newsletter can now be seen on the homepage where you can click on the icon to read the complete article. Go to www.stfrancisvillechamber.com to see this attractive website!

---Area Events---

Police Jury's "new" Meeting Room

The West Feliciana Parish Police Jury will meet on,Tuesday, June 10th at 5:30pm at the "new" Police Jury Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse Annex on Prosperity Street.

The Day the War Stopped

The Day the War Stopped is a historical re-enactment of a very moving event during the Civil War. Beginning on Friday, June 13th through Sunday, June 15th, many events are planned, including a parade on Saturday on Ferdinand St. here in St. Francisville. It will be a history lesson right here in our town! Visit www.daythewarstopped.net for more information.

Farmer's Market

The West Feliciana Farmer's Market is every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the 4-H barn on Wilcox Street, come out and support local farmers and gardeners!

---"Let Us Know"---

Multiple Newsletters?

Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office or email us at we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.

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

June 02, 2008 Chamber Newsletter

2008-06-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Voice of West Feliciana Business

Greetings!

by Miles Higgins Chamber President

Thanks to those that are making our community better

Several weeks ago, I wrote an article commenting on poor signage and lack of enforcement of existing regulations. Additionally, we were encouraging local businesses to take more pride in their place of work by having better landscaping, a cleaner facility, etc. etc. The response was overwhelming in support (although not 100%) of those comments. Now it is time to focus on the positive work that is being done in this area. The town has taken the first steps to bringing local businesses in compliance with their regulations and both the Town Council and the Mayor's office are to be commended for their actions. Some businesses have added landscaping or planters with flowers, and it has made a real difference in their appearance. One example is the Spring Creek Shopping Center that has resurfaced their parking lot and added entrance landscaping to help it blend in with the natural beauty of our parish. Other businesses have mentioned that plans are in the works for improvements to their facility as well. One of the great aspects of our community is that nearly all of us have a great love and appreciation for what our parish has to offer. There are numerous individuals that are working both in the public eye and behind the scenes to improve our town and capitalize on our assets. St. Francisville is at a crossroads and the choices that we will make will determine our future. There are shining examples of communities that have made the difficult but right decisions and are flourishing with managed growth. However, we can all name communities that did not properly plan and tackle their growth and are now paying the price. There is a lot to be learned from both the communities that planned properly and those that fell short. The real estate trends all point towards north of Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville has as much to offer as any town in that area. The Master Planning process that our Parish and Town are going through has the opportunity to give us the formula for success, but it is up to each of us to ensure that the plan is actually implemented.

Stay tuned for more information on communities that planned properly and what we can learn from them.

Chamber Activities

Chamber Committee Meetings Schedule
The Scholarship Committee will meet on Thursday, June 5th at 5:30 at the BSF board room. The Executive Board will meet Tuesday, June 10th at 4:00pm. The Governmental Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 11th at Noon. All committee members are urged to attend these meetings.

A "Thank You" note

Dear Chamber of Commerce Members,
Thank you very much for awarding me one of your scholarships. I cannot tell you how honored I feel, because I know I had wonderful competition. Thank you again for helping me achieve my educational dreams.
Carolyn Mangham - Scholarship recipient

Area Events

Police Jury/Planning & Zonning Commission use "new" Meeting Room

The West Feliciana Parish Police Jury Planning and Zoning committee will meet today,Tuesday, June 3rd at 5pm at the "new" Police Jury Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse Annex on Prosperity Street. All future Police Jury Meetings will also be held at this location. The next Police Jury meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10th at 5:30pm.

The Day the War Stopped

The Day the War Stopped is a historical re-enactment of a very moving event during the Civil War. Beginning on Friday, June 13th through Sunday, June 15th, many events are planned, including a parade on Saturday on Ferdinand St. here in St. Francisville. It will be a history lesson right here in our town! Visit Visit for more information.

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading program at the library has begun.This program is a wonderful way to keep education going during the summer and during the year. Contact Linda Fox at the library for all the details.

Farmer's Market

The West Feliciana Farmer's Market is every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the 4-H barn on Wilcox Street, come out and support local farmers and gardeners!

"Country Corner"

An Occasional Column Of Homespun Stories
From Life In The Felicianas

by Mike Smith

My newly minted four year-old, Sarah, has officially hit the "why is the sky blue" phase of life. A recent trip to the Feliciana Supermarket caused the following pearl of wisdom to spill forth from her mile-a-minute brain and very cooperative mouth.

"Does this store grow corn in the back?" she asked. No, I replied. "Corn grows on a farm and a truck brings the corn to the store for us to buy." (I over-simplify to avoid the "what is NAFTA" conversation).

Two days later, on our way across the parish, we passed Mr. Joe Daniel's farm - complete with his very own square of good-looking corn stalks. From her car seat, Sarah exclaims with all the purpose and conviction she can muster - "Daddy, there's the farm! That's where all of our corn comes from!"

Then, a moment to pause and reflect produces the "laugh until you cry moment."

"But Daddy," she says. "I don't think that's nearly enough corn for everybody in the world. He needs to make more."

Thank you, Mr. Joe, for producing the world's corn supply. Now if you can just help me to find a four year-old compatible explanation for "what is ethanol" then we'll be in good shape.

Greetings! 05/12/08

2008-05-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

We add our congratulations to US Congressman Don Cazayoux! Congressman Cazayoux represented a portion of West Feliciana in the past as a State Representative, but now in Washington, will represent us all.

Strong in family values, criminal responsibility, and community support, we look forward to him continuing this in Washington. We hope that he will remember River Bend, Cat Island, US 61, the US Corp's mat field and the other Federal matters that impact us in West Feliciana.

Don received the endorsement of former US Senator Breaux, who was more pro-business than some on his side of the aisle. We hope that business interests will find the new Congressman agreeable to support quality legislation for all of us!

We are pleased to inform you that the Ferry is scheduled to open today, at noon! The receding water has allowed resumption of operations and our western gate is re-opening! Welcome back!

Chamber Activities

2008-05-12T16:51:00.000-05:00

Membership renewal forms

Linda Osterberger has gotten on the ball and sent out renewals to our last year list. If you haven't received one, yet, we need you to contact us and get on board. We are working to make this a better place to live and work. Support us as we work for you!

by Linda

Chamber Activities

2008-05-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

After Hours

The next Greater St. Francisville After Hours will be held on Thursday May 22, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at The St. Francisville Inn. This is a first time ever hands on WEBINAR After Hours. TempleDesign and Blue Goose Media will sponsor this event. Bring your lap top if you want - we will teach you how to register, add your business listing and use the Community Market Days. This is the time to come and see the website on the big screen and have a little fun at the same time.

by Laurie Walsh

Area Events

2008-05-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Farmer's Market & More

The West Feliciana Farmer's Market is returning every Thursday, beginning Thursday May 22nd. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the 4-H barn on Wilcox Street, come out and support local farmers and gardeners!

Memorial Day Weekend will be pack with fun for the whole family. The weekend kicks off with a Movie Under the Stars in Parker Park. The movie will start at dark, admission is one canned good for the West Feliciana Food Bank, concessions will be available. The movie showing is ENCHANTED. For more information call Laurie Walsh at the Ma in Street Office 635-3873. On Saturday night in Parker Park at 6:30 p.m. the Delta Drifters will be playing in the Gazebo. This event is brought to you by the Bank of St. Francisville. Bring your chair and your dancing shoes. For more information call Laurie 635-3873 or Lynn 635-3665.

Remember that we have company coming to town for Graduation night! Grand parents and other family will be coming, so make your reservations at our local restaurants to enjoy the time together. Support the Merchants who supported Project Graduation. Finally, our congratulations to all of our graduates! We're sorry not to have scholarships to offer all of them, but a stronger St. Francisville economy is a gift that we at the Chamber are working for.

by Laurie Walsh & Hamliton Willis

Last Word

2008-05-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

The Police Jury is reviewing the tax structure in West Feliciana and will be discussing this at the next meeting. Keeping up with where we, as a community are going , is every citizens responsibility. We have some extraordinary talent at the Jury, that is looking at how to fund government in the near future. Look for more on this important subject and let your voice be heard for the pros and the cons. We applaud the planning that is implied in this discussion. We await to see what is proposed.

by Hamliton Willis

River Rising

2008-04-07T21:40:00.002-05:00

The Governor's Office has issued a press release regarding the river condition and Angola. It is being posted in it's entirety on our web page. http://www.stfrancisvillechamber.com/ Additionally, you can access information from the Governor's Office of Emergency Preparedness website http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/

Angola lies across the river from the Red River Landing site which is a reported reading. Employees that have to cross the river are doing so on a crew boat, since the closure of the Angola ferry.

All of the lands outside of the levee are flooded and the US Army Corps of Engineers are monitoring the situation, as well as State and local agencies. The river is not yet crested, so there is more water coming!

Tunica Street and the Solitude low water bridge are closed until the water evacuates.

Late edition info:
Miss. River at Natchez forecast to crest at 55 ft., which is 3 ft. shy of its all-time high there, by April 11.

As of 3 a.m. this morning, the Miss.River at Red River Landing (near Angola Ferry crossing) was at 56.2 ft. The forecast crest is 57.7 ft. on April 11. However, as per yesterday's press conference at OEP, all crests are expected to be revised upward due to heavy rain across the river's watershed last week.

Also at 3 a.m. this morning, the Miss.River at Baton Rouge was 38.4 ft. The forecast crest is now 40.5 ft. on April 11. This crest is also expected to be revised upward.

The river levee system protects the City of Baton Rouge (including the LSU campus) up to a river height of 48 feet in most places.

In West Feliciana, the St. Francisville Ferry landing has been re-located slightly upstream to accommodate a higher dock approach. The Corps of Engineers placed sandbags along the lower portions of the ferry landing road to protect against backwater flooding of the road from Bayou Sara. The low water bridge is closed as are most access roads to the CatIsland area

Scholarship openings soon to close.

2008-04-07T21:40:00.001-05:00

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce offers scholarships to West Feliciana youth. Our annual "Swing for Scholars" fund has been built up over the years and we are approaching graduation when scholarships are awarded. Winners are chosen from the applications submitted. So, you can't win if you don't apply. Applicaitions are available on line and at the Chamber office in the Town Hall.

This Weekend and Last

2008-04-07T21:38:00.000-05:00

The Audubon Bird Fest was a lot of fun and educational for all who attended. Threatening weather kept some of the faint of heart away, but the really interesting birds were out! Thanks to the organizers and those that offered their time and facilities to make this part of our "Quality of Life" assets!

Another of these is the Spring Garden Stroll that will take place next weekend. Some of this areas beautiful public and private gardens will be open to the public to view. Pam Meyers at Cooperative Extension can give more information! 635-3614 Proceeds benefit local projects!

Greetings! April 7, 2008

2008-04-07T21:36:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Representative Don Cazayoux and Woody Jenkins for their wins in the primary run offs! Both of these are friends to West Feliciana and we look forward to seeing one of them in Washington.

Representative Cazayoux's district includes the western part of this Parish, including the Tunica State Park facility that is being built at this time. Some of the money that was allocated for this was diverted, after Hurricane Katrina, but Representatives McVea, Cazayoux and Edwards, along with Senator Riser are working to get this money completed.

This new park will be world class! If you can imagine Costa Rica or New Zealand class facilities in our Parish, you can see what has been designed. Tree houses in the tree tops connected with suspension bridges that will allow local residents to marvel, as well as tourists drawn from all over! Eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing markets and we have what they want to see! Tourism is something we all benefit from, as it offers us local jobs and businesses that couldn't be sustained on local traffic.

One local business that is leaving, sadly, is Hill Country Sporting. Jeff Wheeler is moving his Home Builder's office to his new location behind the Post Office. But his sporting goods store is leaving the Parish. An outfitter for sportsman who hunt and those who hike, the Park didn't come soon enough. Remember to support your neighbors who pay taxes here. Shop St. Francisville first!

Travis Torrence All State Agency and a new Environmental Services Company will move their offices to Jeff's new building. We welcome the growth and lament the loss.

RBS Local Programing

2008-03-24T22:18:00.001-05:00

Channel 20 has RBS/ local programming!
Denise Paul of RBS writes to remind us that local cable is running local programming! Tune in and see local events and governmental meetings in the comfort of your home. Why get out in inclimate weather to watch and listen to Walter Oliveau, when you can do the same in your own living room.

Sports events that have their "glory" moments and public meetings that have your government at work are available. Local businesses can advertise to our market.

Tune in and check it out!

BirdFest April 3-6

2008-03-24T22:08:00.000-05:00

7th Annual Audubon Country BirdFest

This birding event has continued to grow in popularity, and this year will take place on the weekend of April 4 - 6. Field trips will feature our most popular sites - Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge and wildlife artist Murrell Butler's Oakhill Plantation in addition to four outstanding private properties - Beechwood Plantation, Hollywood Plantation, Woodhill Farm, and Wyoming Plantation.

The Angola Rodeo has one Spring event. Put April 19th and 20th on your calendar! The "Wildest Show in the South" will once again thrill and excite you! More on this as it approaches.

Coming soon....

2008-03-24T21:56:00.000-05:00

Upcoming Events
Cruising in the Country will be held this upcoming weekend with all of it's family fun and excitement! March 27-29th. http://www.cruisinginthecountry.com/ This year the event will he held at the St. Francis Hotel on the Lake. Contact Dick Lancaster for more details or view the website.

Another new tradition is the Spring Stroll, this year featuring the gardens of Wyoming, Hillcroft, The Myrtles and Ouida. These beautiful gardens will show a variety of plantings and settings. Enjoy the spectacular beauty of these gardens! Sponsored by the Feliciana Horticultural Society, Ins-and-Outs Nursery, The Myrtles Plantation, Cooperative Extension and your Chamber of Commerce. April 12th from 9 to 1. More information is available

from the West Feliciana Parish Extension Office at 635-3614.

Scholarship Available

2008-03-24T21:46:00.000-05:00

Chamber Scholarship Applications Available
It is time for graduating seniors to apply for the Chamber's scholarship awards. West Feliciana residents graduating high school may apply for one of the scholarships granted each year. Applications will be available at the Chamber office and on line at our website. Deadline details will be forth coming. Applications are available through the guidance counselors, as well.

This is a long time tradition of the Chamber and is supported by your involvement in our annual "Swing for Scholarship" golf tournament. Thanks to you, we can offer this to them!

Greetings March 24, 2008

2008-03-24T21:37:00.001-05:00

A recent storm took a tree down this week in front of the Oaks Plantation, near Hardwood. Town Police, Sheriff's units, EMS and volunteer firemen came to make safe the road until DEMCO could rehang the wires. My detour took me around the Bains Road and back to town on La 10, where I found Deputy Archie Lee and others working another tree down, near Rosedown. They were not only directing traffic, but winching the tree out of the road, themselves!

Our community takes a lot of effort to make it nice, and I am thankful to all of these public servants! I especially am thankful for the volunteer firemen! They are on call at no pay, for our benefit! Encourage any interested to contact Chief Boyette or Chief Robinson to volunteer for this important service!

The Voice Of West Feliciana Business

2008-03-03T18:39:00.001-06:00

Greetings!

The end of this week was met with news few expected - the bridge on Hwy. 61 is open! Just 23 days after the span was closed, a new section is in place re-opening the main artery through West Feliciana Parish.

There are many thank you's to go around so let's get started:

Ambrose Sims - our parish manager went to bat for us on day one, helping to turn an initial 8-10 month repair estimate by DOTD into a 3 week job.

Sheriff Austin Daniel - had deputies assisting motorists following the detours around the clock, enforcing the speed zones and keeping the peace while being stretched thin.

The Police Jury - focused crews on Audubon Lane to help shore up the road's shoulders under the strain of the traffic crunch.

State Rep. Tom McVea - shined a light on the bridge issue during the special legislative session, pushing DOTD to find a better bridge inspection plan.

State Sen. Neil Riser - intervened with DOTD during the process, pushing it to use the "Waskey Bridge" technology to help speed up the replacement process.

DOTD - for listening and getting the job done.

Our citizens and businesses - kept a positive frame of mind during the entire event and helped to spread the word that our parish is indeed "open for business."

I'm sure there are countless unsung heroes of the past three weeks. To you, we say "Thank You!"

It's going to be a beautiful spring in the Felicianas.

Commentary by Mike Smith
Chairman, Governmental Relations Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

What do you think?
Email Miles at mike@connectcallusa.com

Hometown Heroes Sign To Be Unveiled In Parker Park

2008-03-03T18:37:00.000-06:00

Be There With Blue Star Mothers To Recognize Our Soldiers
The Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter #3, will unveil a sign to recognize our hometown heroes on Sunday, March 9 inside Parker Park. The event begins at 3:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Everyone is urged to attend as show of support for our local men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

Congressional Candidate Forum Postponed

2008-03-03T18:36:00.000-06:00

Sixth District Forum To Be Held During General Election
Scheduling conflicts brought on by the quick timeline of the Congressional Primary election has forced the postponement of the Candidate Forum. The Chamber is looking forward to hosting the Forum for our citizens and members during the general election.

Don't forget to vote on Saturday, March 8 for the Republican or Democrat candidate of your choice. But before you go to the polls, double check your voter registration. Those registered as Republicans will vote for the Republican candidates. Those registered as Democrats, along with those voters who have not declared a party affiliation, will vote in the Democrat primary.

Don't Forget To Update Your Member Profile Online!

2008-03-03T18:35:00.001-06:00

People Are Visiting Our Site. Is Your Info Up-to-Date?

The Chamber's website has a terrific free tool to help you promote your business. But you need to do your part by visiting it today and updating your information. Inquiring minds want to know how to reach you!

And while you're there, don't forget to sign-up your business in the Business Marketplace. List your products and services for free - for all eyes to see! Even list job opportunities too.

Two more great benefits from your Chamber membership!

An American Revolution Comes To West Feliciana Parish

2008-03-03T18:34:00.000-06:00

Chevrolet Chooses St. Francisville For National Commercial
You may notice a familiar sight on your television screen soon. Chevrolet completed filming for a new national truck commercial in St. Francisville last week. According to Community Development Fund Director Steve Jones, the commercial was filmed on private property chosen for its beauty, easy location and our film-friendly community.

Kudos to the CDF and Chevrolet for making this happen!

Chamber Welcomes New Members

2008-03-03T18:30:00.000-06:00

Thank You For Helping Our Chamber Grow!
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members:

Velma Alford
RTE Millworks
RRL Real Estate Appraisal
The Upper Crust Bistro

Traffic Notices

2008-02-05T17:41:00.000-06:00

Greetings!

This morning, Highway 61 in West Feliciana Parish was closed between Highways 965 and 966 due to a bridge failure. It is believed the bridge will be closed for the foreseeable future. According to the Louisiana Dept. of Transportation, here are the detour plans in place as of today:

Northbound local traffic on Highway 61 will be detoured to Highway 966 (at D'Johns Restaurant) to Highway 965 and then back to Highway 61.

Southbound local traffic on Highway 61 will be detoured to Highway 965 (at Hemingbough) to Highway 966 then back to Highway 61.

Large truck traffic northbound on Highway 61 will detoured at Highway 68 at Jackson, west onto Highway 10 and then back to Highway 61.

Large truck traffic southbound on Highway 61 will be detoured east at Highway 10 in St. Francisville, south to Highway 68 at Jackson, and then back to Highway 61.

As you detour via Highways 966, 965 and Audubon Lane, please be courteous to our friends and neighbors. These areas will experience a tremendous traffic increase through both rural and residential areas.

Remember that 18-wheeler traffic on Highway 10 through the parish will increase dramatically. Please be more aware and extra careful as you turn on and off the highway into homes, businesses and neighborhoods.

A long-term closure will have a significant impact on our local community and businesses. We will keep you updated on repair progress through this newsletter.

Mike Smith, Chairman
Governmental Relations Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce

Business Marketplace Open

2008-01-28T17:18:00.001-06:00

Promote Your Business On The Web For Free

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber Marketplace is open for business - and ready for your free listing! Gain valuable exposure for your products or services by clicking here. It's free to our members in good standing. Take advantage of it today!

Legislature Coming. . .

2008-01-28T17:15:00.000-06:00

Three Sessions Of Legislature Coming, Chamber Lege Lunch Too!

Jindal To Call Two Specials Before Regular Session

Governor Bobby Jindal has indicated that he will call the Louisiana Legislature into special session beginning February 10. Ethics Reform will be the focus of this session. Among the new ethics rules to be considered: prohibiting legislators from accepting free tickets to sporting and cultural events, personal financial disclosure for legislators, and a ban on lobbyist-purchased meals for legislators in excess of a pre-set dollar limit ($50 is being considered).

Jindal plans to call a second special session - perhaps from late February to early March - to address business taxes in the state. Jindal made rolling back certain taxes paid by Louisiana's businesses a centerpiece of his campaign. Leveling the playing field for companies in a global economy is the goal of this tax reform, Jindal says.

Then, the 2008 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature will convene March 31 and continue until June 23. Keep tabs on the legislative calendar through its website.

Your Chamber of Commerce is planning its second annual "Legislative Luncheon" to take place before the regular session begins. This is an opportunity for Chamber members to speaking candidly with our elected leaders and learn about emerging state and local issues. Look for further updates in newsletters to come.

Business of the Week

2008-01-28T17:13:00.000-06:00

Travis Torrence Insurance Agency

Two days after Hurricane Katrina, Travis Torrence opened the doors to Travis Torrence Insurance Agency in St. Francisville with no customers and a bleak insurance outlook for Louisiana. "We opened for business with not one customer," Torrence said. But through old fashioned hard work and 24/7 attention to customers' needs, Torrence has grown to over 400 customers throughout Louisiana and Mississippi in less than three years.

Travis Torrence Insurance Agency primarily writes policies for Allstate Insurance, but has several other companies in its portfolio as well. Auto, home and renters policies are naturally among the most popular customer needs, but Torrence also offers an array of financial services including fixed and variable rate annuities.

"We take the approach of getting to know our customers and helping them to better understand their insurance and financial needs," he said. "Each customer has my cell phone number and I make myself available when their schedule allows - evenings, weekends, holidays they are off of work."

Torrence counts companies and municipalities among his customers by offering 401(K) and group insurance products such as cancer and disability policies.

He is also a strong believer in being involved with the West Feliciana Community. Torrence will soon begin his third year teaching Junior Achievement. He is the newly elected Chairman of the West Feliciana Boy Scouts fundraising committee, a member of Rotary and the President-elect of the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Travis by calling him at his office 635-2311, or by email at travistorrence@allstate.com. Yes, you can even call him on his cell phone 806-5074.

Congratulation to Travis Torrence Insurance Agency for being selected as our Business of the Week! To nominate another local business, email us at sfchamber@bellsouth.net.

2008 Audubon Pilgrimage

2008-01-28T17:12:00.000-06:00

Member Businesses Get Ready!

March 14, 15 and 16, are the dates for the 2008 Audubon Pilgrimage in West Feliciana - the 37th edition of this annual event. Chamber member businesses are encourage to plan now for the influx of visitors that are sure to take in all this signature event offers. More information can be found at www.audubonpilgrimage.info.

2008 Chamber Officers

2008-01-28T17:09:00.000-06:00

Your Chamber Leadership Team

At it's recent planning session, officers for The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce were elected by the Board of Directors. They are as follows (with company affiliation):

Miles Higgins (The Relocation Center), President
Travis Torrence (Travis Torrence Insurance Agency), President-elect
Bill Babineaux (Bank of St. Francisville), Treasurer
Laurie Walsh (St. Francisville Inn & Wine Parlor), Secretary
Hamilton Willis (Woodhaven), Immediate past-President

Our thanks to these great Chamber members for serving as the 2008 leadership team!

Souper Bowl of Caring

2008-01-28T17:08:00.000-06:00

"Souper Bowl Of Caring" Highlights Super Bowl Weekend

The St. Francis Youth Group from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church will be participating in the "Souper Bowl of Caring" youth-led movement on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3. Youth will be stationed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Jackson following 8:30 a.m. Mass and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in St. Francisville following 10:30 a.m. Mass to collect cash donations and canned goods. All funds and canned goods will be donated to the WFP Food Bank. This unique, youth-led movement of caring is transforming the nation's biggest weekend of football into its largest weekend of giving. Learn more about this effort at www.souperbowl.org.

The Voice Of WFP Business 1/28/08

2008-01-28T17:07:00.000-06:00

Dear Chamber,

I sincerely hope your New Year has gotten off to a great start. This is a great time of year to review past successes and re-focus on work that lies ahead.

At your Chamber of Commerce, we are working hard to make 2008 a terrific year for business in West Feliciana Parish. Already this month your Chamber's Board of Directors completed a strategic planning session - at which our 2008 goals were ratified.

Additionally, events and programs which will be offered to members were outlined and committees formed. The meeting was facilitated by Susie Tully, who, just as last year, did an excellent job. Look for upcoming newsletter articles outlining these goals and objectives.

It's an exciting time to do business, not only in West Feliciana Parish, but also in the State of Louisiana. I encourage you to be positive about our great state every chance you get. You might be surprised at what a difference a few of us can make in re-shaping the image of Louisiana.

Have a terrific week!

Miles Higgins, Board President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber

Highway 61 Widening Project Delayed

2008-01-14T12:27:00.000-06:00

Access Road Redesign Creates Stall

According to DOTD officials, the letting of two contracts for the construction of new lanes on Highway 61 through West Feliciana Parish has been delayed until at April. Orignially, contracts were to be awarded this month with construction to begin shortly thereafter.

The delay is caused by a change in the plans for a short service road from the Audubon Bridge approach road to Hwy. 61 near D'John's Restaurant. This change has caused additional utility relocation to be necessary, officials say. The new design consolidates access from side streets into one intersection with Hwy. 61.

Officials say further delays are not expected. Your Chamber will keep you posted on this important project.

Business of the Week - Green Acres Campground

2008-01-14T12:26:00.000-06:00

When Greg and Debbie Accardo purchased Green Acres Campground in July 2006, they had no idea the RV Park serves as "the unofficial embassy" of West Feliciana Parish. "We've welcomed international visitors from dozens of countries," Debbie Accardo said. In fact, too many to recount, she says.

However, one particular set of visitors sticks out, Greg Accardo says. "One weekend last spring, a couple from Berlin, Germany checked in to the campground. They flew in to the U.S., rented a RV, and began touring the South. Later that weekend, another couple from Berlin arrived - doing basically the same trip - and the couples did not know each other. We thought that was incredible - right here in St. Francisville," he said.

Green Acres has welcomed visitors from every state in the U.S. "Spring and Fall are our busiest times," Debbie said. "They come near and far for pilgrimage, azaleas in bloom, cycling, motorcycling, historical home tours, the food - you name it."

Meeting and getting to know the visitors is among the most enjoyable aspects of owning Green Acres, says Greg. "The people that travel through here are among the nicest you'll ever meet," he said. "We try to offer Southern Hospitality and help them see all this great parish has to offer."

Learn more about this great Chamber member here. Congratulations to Green Acres Campground - our business of the week!

"A Taste Of The Felicianas" Coming Soon

2008-01-14T12:25:00.000-06:00

Women's Service League, Area Restaurants Team Up

The Women's Service League and restaurants of the Felicianas will host its Fifth Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala, Arabian Night-An Evening of Silk and Sand, Friday, February 22, 2008 at Hemingbough. This year's gala will be a night filled with incredible food from chefs near and far along with incomparable entertainment.

Gala festivities will begin at 8 o'clock in the evening, and will include tastings from area restaurants and caterers, live music provided by Souled Out, silent auction, and other magical surprises. Put on your cocktail attire and join us for a mystical experience like no other.

Ticket price is $50 per person in advance or $60 the night of the gala. Group tickets are available as well, so gather your friends and business associates to join the fun for a good cause. Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.

Please visit the Women's Service League website for further details and ticket purchasing information.

Inauguration Day 2008 - Thank You Public Servants!

2008-01-14T12:24:00.001-06:00

Today Is Inauguration Day
Congratulations to our elected officials on being sworn-in to office today. Serving the needs of our state, parishes, cities and towns is no easy task. This Chamber applauds each individual who gives of his or her time, energy and talents in service to us all.

If you see a public official today or in the coming days, shake his or her hand and say "thank you."

Greetings Jan. 14, 2008

2008-01-14T12:21:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a way to start the new year! The LSU Tigers are National Champions!

I hope you were able to enjoy the game with family and friends - sharing in the "Golden Age" of LSU Football. Certainly it was great to see the Tigers win, but let's not forget the tremendous amount of positive publicity that LSU's participation and victory in the big game brings to our state. Advertising executives say the dollar value of such publicity measures in the tens of millions.

But watching Head Coach Les Miles and his Tigers hoist the beautiful crystal football trophy in the Louisiana Superdome was, to borrow a phrase, priceless.

Geaux Tigers,
Miles Higgins, Board President
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber

NOCCA Open Studio

2008-01-07T06:55:00.000-06:00

Subject: NOCCA Open Studio

Middle school and high school students and parents are encouraged to visit New Orleans Center for Creative Arts|Riverfront (NOCCA) as the Center opens its doors to the community on Saturday, January 19, 10 AM-noon with a coordinated Open Studio Day.

Families are invited to visit NOCCA (2800 Chartres Street/New Orleans) to see first hand our artist-teachers' studios and classrooms. Application and audition information tables will be throughout the building as guests can learn more about NOCCA directly from faculty and students. No RSVP required for this event.

The Open Studio Day is kicking-off the NOCCA 2008 Summer and 2008-09 Fall audition season. NOCCA offers students across Louisiana tuition-free professional training in: creative writing, dance, drama, classical instrumental music, jazz, media arts, musical theatre, theatre design, visual arts and vocal music. New opportunities include a culinary arts summer session for high school students and a middle school summer intensive. For more information visit nocca.com.

Business of the Week

2008-01-07T06:54:00.000-06:00

It came to our attention that a local business has been avoided by our local government, because one of the Jury members was part of the family that operates the business. From an ethical view this business was avoided, while a public decision maker served. We salute in this issue Bennett Ford, for years of serving the West Feliciana community with reliable service and products. A valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, they can now serve the public more fully.

Remember to shop locally when possible and support our economy!

Chamber members are welcomed to add information to their listing on our website. Go and see if there is a promotion that you may be missing!

News from . . .

2008-01-07T06:53:00.001-06:00

News from Two Institutions

Two Public Institutions have made the news lately. Our schools were nationally recognized and we want to add our voice of congratulations to Superintendent Lindsay, the School Board and the Staff and administration of our school district. We also applaud the students and parents, as this is their achievment, also!

The other institution in the news is Angola with it's dedication of an inmate Chapel. Positive news from Angola is welcomed and deserved for this work that helps to change lives. We hope that this facility is used to good purpose for many years to come!

Votes Counted

2008-01-07T06:52:00.001-06:00

Nomination Committee counts votes

In a tight race for the two open slots on the Chamber Board, Janis Crutchfield and Cathy Howard were elected. The full board that represents you here in the Parish will be President Miles Higgins, Laurie Walsh, Amanda Temple, Nancy Roppollo, Janis Crutchfield, Cathy Howard, Travis Torrence, Clay Pinson, Bill Babineau, John Patrick, Mike Smith, Michael Clarke, and Hamilton Willis.

Leaving the Board will be Bruce Sheridan, Doughty Varnedoe and Kitty Martin. Thank you for your volunteer service to our community!

Greetings Jan. 7

2008-01-07T06:49:00.000-06:00

Gear up for the New Year!

Like many of you, I feel it is a little hard to focus this time of year. With the kids on vacation for the holidays and all the parties between Thanksgiving and the new year, there are plenty of distractions. Not to mention, what is almost an annual event, LSU in a BCS Bowl game! Don't get me wrong, I love this time of year, but it is fair to say that business productivity is not at an optimum level during this period. In Louisiana, the distractions last even a little longer with Mardi Gras coming on the heels of the holidays. While this is a boon time for gift shops the typical office has the challenge of keeping its staff focused. With that being said, the chamber is gearing up for the new year by having our annual planning meeting later this month to re-focus our efforts. We made great strides in 2007 and will look to exceed that in 2008. Please email me at ideas@stfrancisvillechamber.com with any suggestions for improvement, new programs we could offer or just general feedback.

The runoff ballots for the final two board of director positions were collected and counted last Friday and once again the outcome was as close as you could get. We are adding two new board members in Cathy Howard with Redstick Armature and Janis Crutchfield with the Bank of St. Francisville. Welcome aboard!

Geaux Tigers,

Miles Higgins

Country Roads Honored

2007-12-17T12:46:00.000-06:00

Covers Featured in Art Gallery
Member of our Chamber, Country Roads, has been featured in a prominent art gallery in Covington. Recognized and award winning, Country Roads Magazine is a local creation that has been recognized broadly for it's style and art. This is just another example of recognition.

Publisher Dorcas Brown was pleased to let her friends and clients know that this honor has once again been given to the magazine. Jamie Fox-Smith continues to write interesting and witty script that sets the tone for each edition. We are proud to count them a member of our community and this Chamber! Congratulations to all at Country Roads!