Chamber News

At the August Chamber meeting, President Lucky Ross introduced the new Chamber members since the last meeting:

• D-B & Associates – Doug Devall & Gail Bringhurst
• East Printing – Christopher East
• RCS Construction – Ricky Hale
• Tanksley Automotive – Joey and Charlie Tanksley

The president asked for updates from the Mayor Mac Watts and Superintendent of the Central Community School District, Mike Faulk. Both individuals provided a brief update in their respective areas.

Prayer banquet a success

Ross recognized the committee that planned and conducted the Chamber’s Annual Prayer Banquet: Dr. Tony and Judy Lobue, Penny Fruge, Claire Denicola, Bill Porche, Cyndi Farris, Linda Callender, Joan Lansing, Tommie Morden, and others. He emphasized that this year’s banquet has the largest turnout (over 700) to ever attended. The food was excellent, and the presentation by Ron Erickson, pastor of Future Hope Ministries, can only be described as inspirational and one of the best motivational presentations ever given at a prayer banquet. President Ross also gave a special thank you to the “Red Hat Ladies of Central” for their untiring effort in serving the food in record time.

Chamber’s new office

Next on the agenda was to inform members of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce’s new office located at 13567 Hooper Road in the Hooper Road Shopping Center. Ross recognized Chase Bank for their donation of office furniture, and Jason Jacobs of 3D Plans for making space available for the Chamber to use. The phone number for the Central Chamber remains the same (261-5818) however we have added a fax line (261-5122).

The President informed the group that Ms. Tommie Morden had been appointed to the Board of Directors replacing Mr. Darren James. Tommie works for Dr. Dan Dial and a long time resident of Central.

President Ross informed the membership that on August 21 – 22, 2007 the Central Chamber along with LSU School of Business would have the Louisiana Business and Technology Center Mobile Classroom in Central. A variety of classes for the small business owner and for individuals thinking about opening a business would be presented in the two-day period. This program is part of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce continuing education program.

Adopt a spot

The President then introduced Mr. Billy Thompson, Director of Community Services for the City of Central, to inform membership of a new program the City is sponsoring called, “ADOPT A SPOT.”

ADOPT A SPOT is a program to help keep Central Clean. The city is looking for businesses, civic organizations, churches, school organizations, etc. to “adopt a spot” (i.e. intersection, area along a road or a city designated area) that they would keep clean of litter and high grass. In return the city would erect a sign with the business or group that had adopted the location. Interested individuals should contact Mr. Thompson at City Hall (261-5554).

Guest speakers

Our next guest speaker was Paula Bradley – Education Manager for the Baton Rouge Junior Achievement Program. Paula presented the value of Junior Achievement and why businesses should participate in their program. She also explained how Junior Achievement was working with our local school systems in classroom presentations by recognized community business leaders. Paula asked if any members were interested in becoming a presenter at a local school she would like to have them sign up after the meeting.

President Ross then introduced our special guest speaker, Mr. Bob Odom, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture. Mr. Odom talked about the responsibilities of his office in monitoring food production and ensuring that the consumer is getting the quantity and quality they expect on the store shelves. He explained his concerns about the quality of seafood that is being imported and his endeavor to ensure we receive a good quality product.

President Ross conducted the door prize drawing and adjourned the meeting.