Small Business Saturday is November 28

Americans will spend this week celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family.  As we give thanks for this year's many blessings, the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce takes time to give thanks for the hundreds of small businesses in Louisiana.

We have a chance to say thank you to these businesses by taking part in Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 28.  Small Business Saturday is a national campaign created in 2010 by American Express to bring awareness to supporting small businesses across the country.  Small Business Saturday is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  

During last year's Small Business Saturday event, approximately $14.3 billion was
spent at small independent businesses across the country.

There are dozens of small businesses right here in northeast Louisiana.  From clothes to toys to home decor and everything in between, all your shopping needs can be met right here at home in small, locally-owned businesses.

As you prepare to take part in Black Friday sales and holiday shopping this weekend, remember to Think Small!

For a list of WMWO Chamber members, please visit www.westmonroechamber.org.

Early voting begins November 7 for statewide elections

Early voting begins November 7 for three of Louisiana's statewide races.

Early voting will be held through November 14, and voters are reminded there is now an early voting site in the City of West Monroe.  The West Ouachita Senior Center, located at 1800 N. 7th Street, now serves as an early voting site.  The Senior Center will be open to early voters on November 7, 9, 13 and 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voters will be asked to select Louisiana's next Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. U.S. Senator David Vitter and State Rep. John Bel Edwards are vying to be Louisiana's next Governor.  In the runoff for Lieutenant Governor are Billy Nungesser, former president of Plaquemines Parish, and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden.  The third statewide seat up for grabs is state Attorney General.  Facing off in that runoff are current Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and former Congressman Jeff Landry. For more information on Louisiana's elections, please visit the La. Secretary of State's web site at www.sos.la.gov.

Election Day is Saturday, November 21.

The West Ouachita Senior Center now serves as an early voting site for Ouachita Parish residents.

Only 38.5 percent of registered voters turned out for the October 24 election.

We encourage all registered voters to exercise their right to vote on November 21 and let your voices be heard.  After the polls close on November 21, the leaders elected will serve our state for the next four years.  With our state facing some tough decisions concerning such issues as education reform, transportation and the state budget, Louisiana's next leaders have their work cut out for them.

Vote!!