Chamber News

Chamber Discusses Upcoming Events in Central,
Candidates for EBR Sheriff Speak at Meeting

Jim Sartwell
Executive Asst
Central Chamber of Commerce

The Central Chamber of Commerce held their monthly April meeting on April 11, 2007 at Kristenwood. Chamber President, Lucky Ross, called the meeting to order. Clif Richardson offered a prayer, and The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Captain Don Dartez to start the meeting.

Public officials, chamber members and guests were welcomed, and the following new members were introduced:

The Chapman Group – Bill Chapman
Covenant CommunityChurch – Jeff Stanfill, Senior Pastor
State Farm Insurance – Chris White
Tiger Sanitation – Marc Jones & Rusty Wicker

Ross informed the members about the Chamber’s new “Central Profile Magazine” and told the group that copies were available after the meeting.

Day of Prayer

Ross then reviewed the upcoming major events for the remainder of the year. He introduced the Rev. Dick Metz, Pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship Church, and asked him to inform the members about the upcoming “Day of Prayer.” Rev. Metz said the Prayer Day is May 3rd and that a prayer service will be conducted at the Central Fairgrounds at 6:30 p.m. He also said Mayor Watts signed a proclamation that May 3rd is Prayer Day in Central.

Central Clean-Up Day will be held on May 12th. Mr. Rusty Jacobs is in charge of this event and will provide additional information via e-mail.

Another important event in Central is the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life in Central” on June 1st. Ross encouraged the members to get involved in this worthy cause and participate. Last year it was a first-time event in Central, and participants raised $20,000. This year’s Relay For Life will be held at the Central High School practice field and track from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. The event is a family activity, and running is not required, but walking is encouraged.

Ross informed the members about the Board’s decision to change the By-Laws and increase the number of Board Members from 12 to 16. He explained why this was necessary and how it will be accomplished. He encouraged individuals interested in being on the board to let him or other Board Members know. Positions will be filled as soon as possible.

Gautreaux, Phares

This month’s guest speakers were Sid Gautreaux and Greg Phares. Both individuals are candidates in the upcoming election for Sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish.

After the presentations Ross reminded the audience about the very important SDAT meetings that were held on April 16, 17 & 18. These events will play an important roll in forming Central’s master development plan. Louis DeJohn gave an update on the “Cookin for Our Kids” fundraiser that were held on April 27 & 28. He then conducted the Door Prize Drawing and adjourned the meeting.