Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month - a month-long effort designed to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of the fact that 48 million Americans are food insecure. In fact, right here in Northeast Louisiana over 73,000 people are facing hunger.   

During this month, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana hosted a series of events to spread the word about the hunger crisis, and dedicate themselves to a solution. 

Although September is coming to an end, we challenge the community to support the Food Bank year round and help end hunger in Northeast Louisiana. As we prepare for a busy fall and holiday season, we know there will be a tremendous need for volunteers, donations of food and financial support. The Food Bank challenges the community to spread awareness and join the movement to fight hunger in our community by participating in some of the events and actions below.

Get Involved:

·        Follow FBNELA on Facebook & Twitter and share our posts about hunger with your friends with the hashtag #HungerActionMonth.

·        Make a donation – $10 = 55 Meals for people facing hunger in Northeast Louisiana.

·        Coins for a Cause – Drop off your spare change at any Centric Federal Credit Union location. Your donations will be given to the Food Bank of NELA to fight hunger.

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·        Visit www.foodbanknela.org/HAM for more events and ways to get involved.

Chamber Diplomats recently packed food bags for needy children in our area.

With the end of May upon us, the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce wanted to take time to reflect on National Small Business Month, which was celebrated throughout the month of May.

Across the nation and in Louisiana, small businesses have a huge impact on the economy.  The La. Association for Business and Industry reports there are more than 424,000 businesses in Louisiana, employing more than 892,000 people.  Small businesses make up more than 97 percent of Louisiana's employers, providing more than half of the state's private workforce.

The WMWO Chamber of Commerce partnered with the La. Small Business Development Center at ULM to spotlight small businesses in our area and thank local business owners for their commitment to their business and the community. Small businesses create jobs for our residents, and sales tax generated by these businesses help fund schools, parks, roadways and other vital services.

Each May, the Chamber honors small businesses in various categories as part of its Small Business Awards Program, sponsored by Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

This year's winners award winners included: 

• Community Champion Award - Tiffany Olmstead, publisher of Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe.
• Emerging Entrepreneur - SaniCan Bin Cleaning & Exterior Services
• Female Champion Award - Deanna Head, Unitech Training Academy
• Micro Business Award - Finding Solace Counseling, LLC
• Small Business Award - TBA Studio
• Silver Plus Award - Kilpatrick Funeral Homes
• Honorable Mention in the Micro Business Awards category was presented to Green Gator Pumping & Sewer, LLC

Emerging Entrepreneur Winner SaniCan Bin Cleaning & Exterior Services

Congratulations to all of these well-deserving businesses and leaders!

Remember to support small, locally-owned businesses throughout the year. For a complete listing of WMWO Chamber members, visit our online membership directory at www.westmonroechamber.org.

Spring festivals and events abound in West Monroe

The spring season is right around the corner, which means festivals are abound in the West Monroe area!

We kick off the unofficial start of the spring season this Saturday with the 5th Annual St. Paddy's Bicycle Parade at Kiroli Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come rain or shine, this free family event will roll! The highlight of the day is a bicycle parade for people and pets of all ages. Bring your scooter, trike, bike, wagon, etc. and parade around the park in your festive green attire. 

Other activities include face painting, jumpers, food vendors, arts and crafts and live musical entertainment from Emerald Accent. Contact the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce at (318) 325-1961 for more information.

Also this Saturday, Landry Vineyards kicks off its annual concert series.  If you haven't done so, make a point to visit this beautiful vineyard in the rolling hills of West Monroe and listen to incredible musical groups while enjoying Landry Vineyard wines and refreshments. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic is optional. Visit www.landryvineyards.com for additional information.

Celebrate the many talented artists and musicians found in this region later this spring at the Downtown Spring Art Festival on Saturday, April 29 in downtown West Monroe. This second annual event will feature local artisans, crafters, musicians, food vendors and more. There will be plenty of hands-on activities for children - then shop or dine in the district known to many as Antique Alley. Learn more about the Art Festival at www.artfest318.com.

In May, the Chamber of Commerce, City of West Monroe and several community partners will host the annual Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series. This seasonal favorite features live local musical talent every Wednesday in May from noon to 1 p.m. at the covered pavilion at 7th Square in West Monroe (located directly behind the West Monroe Farmer's Market). A light lunch is sold at each concert and sponsors provide complimentary refreshments. Feel free to bring your own lunch and enjoy the sounds of terrific local entertainment. The concert series will pick up again in September.

There are so many fun things to do this spring season in the West Monroe area.  To learn more about any of these events or others taking place in the community, contact the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.monroe-westmonroe.org.