Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Tips for businesses this Halloween


Halloween is just days away and that means thousands of children will be walking up and down streets in our community. For those businesses in a high foot-traffic area, Halloween is a greaty way to connect with the community.

There are some safety tips for businesses to keep in mind on Halloween:

Clear the Runway - prepare your business for trick-or-treaters by clearing your entrance, lawn and sidewalks of any tripping hazards.

Flame Off - avoid using Halloween decorations with real flames - use battery-operated lights instead.

Shine a Light - even if your business isn't participating in Halloween, turn on your exterior lights for the big evening, which will help reduce the risk of vandalism and help pedestrians navigate sidewalks safely.

Drive Safely - if your business employs a substantial number of drivers, emphasize safe driving habits. Slow down, especially in neighborhoods.
 
For more ideas on Halloween safety, visit:
Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Early Voting in Ouachita Parish through October 28


Early voting for the November 4 election begins today and continues through October 28. There are several high-profile races in this election including United States Senator and Congressman for the 5th Congressional District.
Some voters may not realize there are also 14 proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution.  Those amendments include:
Amendment No. 1 - Medical Trust Fund and Provider Base Rate
Amendment No. 2 - Hospital Assessment, Trust Fund and Fee Formula
Amendment No. 3 - Sales of Property with Delinquent Taxes
Amendment No. 4 - Fund Transfers for an Infrastructure Bank
Amendment No. 5 - Elimination Mandatory Retirement Age of Judges
Amendment No. 6 - Higher Millage Cap for Police and Fire Protection in Orleans Parish
Amendment No. 7 - Property Tax Exemption for Certain Disabled Veterans
Amendment No. 8 - Artificial Reef Development Fund
Amendment No. 9 - Tax Exemption Reporting for Permanently Disabled Residents
Amendment No. 10 - Tax Sale of Vacant, Blighted or Abandoned Property
Amendment No. 11 - Increases the Number of State Departments from 20 to 21
Amendment No. 12 - Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Membership
Amendment No. 13 - Orleans Lower Ninth Ward Vacant Property
Amendment No. 14 - Tax Rebates, Incentives and Abatements
More information about these proposed amendments can be found at the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana's web site at www.parlouisiana.org
Early voting takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day through October 28 except for Sunday. In Ouachita Parish, early voting can take place at the Registar of Voters office at 1650 DeSiard Street, Suite 125 in Monroe or at designated times at Chennault Aviation Museum. Call the Ouachita Parish Registrar of Voters office at (318) 327-1436 for more information.
For a complete list of races taking place in Ouachita Parish, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's web site at www.sos.la.gov.
 

Friday, October 17, 2014

October 2014 Member2Member Profile - Landrys Vineyards



The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce celebrates its October Member2Member Profile - Landry Vineyards.

Landry Vineyards was established in 1999 by Jeff and Libby Landry and their four sons - Ethan, Kohen, Noah and Micah along with the loving labor of family and friends. Landry Vineyards was licensed as a Louisiana Native Winery in 2003.

Originally from south Louisiana, the Landrys moved to Northeast Louisiana soon after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The Landrys used the opportunity to relocate to higher ground. They now reside in the beautiful hill country of West Monroe on a 20-acre site including a new winery, vineyards and beautiful tasting room.

The Landry family strives to produce quality Louisiana wines that are distinctive to the region while complimenting the rich flavorful Cajun foods of their French Acadian heritage. Landry Vineyards wines may be purchased in 300 stores throughout Louisiana, from their web site or by visiting Landry Vineyards.

Be sure to visit Landry Vineyards for yourself for a tasting or make plans to attend one of their popular outdoor concerts.

Landry Vineyards
5699 New Natchitoches Road
West Monroe, Louisiana 71292
(318) 557-9051