Understanding the impact of small businesses

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is celebrating small businesses and the contributions they make to our community during the month of May.

The U.S. Small Business Administration officially recognizes the value of small businesses during National Small Business Week held May 1-7, 2016.

It is estimated that small businesses make up 97 percent of all Louisiana employers.  In Northeast Louisiana alone, there are over 7,000 small businesses.  The top three industries include retail, professional services, health care and social assistance.  In the United States, small businesses pay almost 40 percent of all wages

Volunteers visited over 50 small businesses in the West Monroe and West Ouachita area this week to present them with Small Business Week/Shop Local signs.  We thank small businesses for the time, energy and commitment they give every day.  Small businesses employ our friends, family and neighbors, and sales tax generated from these businesses help fund parks, schools, roadways and public safety.

The La. Small Business Development Center on the ULM campus offers a number of free trainings and services for small business owners in this region.  The Chamber encourages small business owners to take advantage of their services.  They can be reached at (318) 324-1224 or online at www.lsbdc.org/ulm.

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.

WMWO Chamber and KEDM Public Radio to host candidates meet and greet

Fall elections are right around the corner and not just for the Louisiana Governor's race.  There are a number of local races that directly impact the West Monroe and West Ouachita area.

To help educate the public on these races, the WMWO Chamber of Commerce and KEDM Public Radio will host a candidates "meet and greet" on Tuesday, September 29 at the West Monroe Convention Center.  The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This event is free and open to the general public.

The purpose of the event is to make the public aware of who is running for public office and the issues facing our community. On Saturday, October 24, voters will be asked to select a handful of state leaders ranging from Governor to Attorney General. There are, however, a number of local races that need to be decided. The public will be asked to select state representatives and a senator for the Louisiana Legislature as well as a Ouachita Parish Police Jury representative and a Ouachita Parish sheriff.

Candidates vying for these positions have been invited to attend the September 29 meet and greet. Each candidate will be given a limited amount of time to address the audience. This event is not a debate - no questions will be asked from the moderator. However, candidates are encouraged to remain afterwards and visit one-on-one with those who attend.

Several incumbents faced no competition this season and were automatically renewed for another term in office. Those elected officials have also been invited to attend and visit with the public.

Whether or not you can attend this event, please take time to inform yourself of those who are running for public office. Election Day is Saturday, October 24, and early voting will be held October 10-17 (except on Sunday). The Louisiana Secretary of State's office is a wealth of election information - learn more at www.sos.la.gov.

For more information about the meet and greet on September 29, call the WMWO Chamber of Commerce at (318) 325-1961.

September is National Preparedness Month - are you prepared to weather the storm?

For most of the community, being prepared for a disaster means having an adequate supply of bottled water, batteries and canned goods on hand. But for the thousands of small business owners, preparing for the possibility of a disaster is a complex and daunting task. Most business owners are unsure of even where to start. Unfortunately, those that are most prepared are often those that have suffered a tremendous loss and had to rebuild.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, in support of National Preparedness Month, has prepared some information and tips to help business owners weather the storm.

Develop a Preparedness Plan

A good plan will address several key areas: physical safety, protection of assets, and reestablishment of services. In order to protect the physical safety of both personnel and patrons, you must have and post an updated evacuation plan. This plan should be inclusive and address any possible disabilities and restrictions. All organizations should also have a shelter-in-place plan. Personnel should be trained and knowledgeable so that they can assist any patrons or visitors in the case of an emergency.

Proper protection of assets is essential in determining a business’s ability of bounce back from a disaster. First and foremost, consult your insurance agent annually to update records and determine if your coverage is still adequate. Secondly, back up all financial records and store them offsite. Your CPA will gladly maintain an electronic backup of your records, but documentation and day-to-day registers should also be properly protected. There are many options, from as simple as a home-office safe to an electronic cloud storage system. Determine what is right for the size of your business, but be consistent and diligent.  

After a disaster, quick and effective reestablishment of services is vital for the wellbeing of your business and often your community. Determine beforehand how you will communicate with both employees and the public. Plan for contingencies and receive additional training if avenues such as social media are outside your comfort. Assign roles to personnel when appropriate, allowing for individual expertise to assist in the process.

Make Hazard Mitigation a Priority

Many times when considering disasters and planning, we think about natural disasters that impact the entire community. Fortunately tornados, hurricanes and wildfires are not faced regularly. But hazards that require planning and preparation are much broader and unfortunately much more frequent than we often consider. Electrical fires, ruptures of pipes or even vandalism are all examples of disasters that any business could face – each resulting in shutdown and lost revenue.

A large part of being prepared is being proactive. Keep electrical and mechanical components in good repair. Ensure that all installations or repairs are performed by qualified technicians. Conduct regular physical inspections of your business and require employees to report any concerns immediately. All of these efforts will work to decrease the impact of these confined disasters, reducing your financial loss.

Implement

A plan is only effective if it is implemented. Each year, set aside time to work with staff on safety hazards and disaster responses. Since September is National Preparedness Month, make it your month to focus on updating home and business disaster plans, meeting with your CPA and insurance agent, and scheduling maintenance inspections. Reprint and post new evacuation and shelter-in-place plans.

Lastly, remember - preparation, planning and implementation are the tools for success of any business! To learn more tips about preparedness in your home or business, please visit www.ready.gov.

Small businesses benefit from flexible work options

A recent survey from the Small Business Majority found many small Louisiana businesses offer a variety of "family friendly" benefits to attract employees.

Small businesses may find it difficult to compete against larger businesses when it comes to hiring. Larger employers may be able to offer generous financial packages and benefits; however, small businesses are able to attract a talented, loyal workforce by implementing family-friendly policies that allow employees a healthy work-life balance.

The survey from the Small Business Majority found:

• Nearly one in six small employers offer childcare benefits
• Two-thirds of businesses allow their employees to take time off from work to attend their children's school activities
• Nearly three in 10 businesses provide flexible work schedules or opportunities to work from home

The survey also found that 53 percent of Louisiana's small businesses offer paid leave to their employees, and 38 percent offer on the job training or financial assistance for education and training.

So, small business owners - don't think you can't compete with large companies when it comes to hiring qualified and talented employees.  Sometimes, being "small" has its advantages.  If you are a small business owner, you know that, in many cases, your employees are often the company's greatest asset.  Be sure to give careful thought and consideration to what strategies or policies you can put into place to protect those assets.

Learn more about local businesses at the M2M Expo July 28

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will present a free opportunity for the public to learn more about local businesses and services offered in the area.

The Member2Member Expo, sponsored by Glenwood Regional Medical Center, is a free showcase of more than 50 local businesses and organizations who are current WMWO Chamber members.  The Expo will take place Tuesday, July 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center.

You don't have to be a WMWO Chamber member to attend.  The Expo is free to the general public. We encourage the community to attend the expo and visit with vendors, while learning more about the great local businesses that offer a variety of products and services.

Participating vendors will offer free samples, demonstrations and tons of door prizes.  The Chamber will offer a grand prize giveaway of a 48-inch flat screen television to be given away at 1:30 p.m. at the Expo.

From restaurants to retail clothing stores to professional services, the Member2Member Expo will be filled with dozens of vendors who offer all sorts of products and services.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about our community and the Chamber of Commerce, and as always, we encourage you to shop and support local!

Call the Chamber at (318) 325-1961 for more information or join the event on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/398250113707601/

Summer Fun in the West Monroe and West Ouachita Area

Summer is here!  Kids are out of school, vacations are being planned, and there is a more relaxed feeling throughout the community.

If you are looking for fun things to do with your family this summer, there are plenty of opportunities right here in northeast Louisiana.

Several members of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce offer fun, low-cost entertainment right at your fingertips.

Chamber members such as Bayou Bowl, Skate Town and Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society have several programs and specials for children and families during the summer. These businesses often have "hot deals" available to families. You can keep up with all WMWO Chamber hot deals through our web site at http://business.westmonroechamber.org/hotdeals/.

If you are looking for a camp or structured activity for your child this summer, there are several facilities that offer day camps or week-long camps for children ranging from sports to art to music. Whether it's an overnight camp experience at Seeker Springs or an art camp at MoJoy Studio, there is something for everyone.

An extensive list of regional camps and summer activities can be found by visiting the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor Bureau's web site at www.monroe-westmonroe.org.

Make the most of your summertime by taking advantage of some of the great businesses, camps and programs being offered in the community. If the WMWO Chamber of Commerce can help answer any questions or provide more information, please contact our office by calling (318) 325-1961 or visiting our website at www.westmonroechamber.org.

Happy Summer Everyone!

Posture Productivity in the Workplace

The WMWO Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a lunch and learn with Dr. Daniel Steffins of the Spinal Health Center in West Monroe as the guest speaker.  Dr. Steffins presented “THE POSTURE-PRODUCTIVITY LINK!” and provided attendees with a host of interesting current absenteeism statistics and how posture effects work productivity. 

According to statistics provided by Dr. Steffin, approximately 31 million work  days were last year lost due to problems such as low back and neck pain as well as headaches. This is a cause for concern considering that the most common reason given for taking a day off sick in 2013 was the common cold, and this led to only 27.4 million days off work.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 650,000 work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), resulting in costs to employers of over $20 billion . These costs include Worker's Compensation and medical expenses, the latter of which are increasing 2.5 times faster than benefit costs.

Musculoskeletal disorders account for 34% of all lost workdays, and account for $1 of every $3 spent for workers’ compensation, resulting in a total direct cost of $50 billion annually.

Worker's Compensation claims per injury equal $29,000 - $32,000 per year.  Medical bills for the average shoulder injury (excluding surgery) are $20,000 per year.  Indirect costs are 3 to 5 times higher, reaching approximately $150 billion per year.  Cost of hiring replacement staff is between $130,000-166,000 per year.

Poor ergonomic practices or work stations can play a significant role in the development of many preventable musculoskeletal disorders including neck and back pain, shoulder and arm pain, headaches, or occupational overuse syndrome (previously known as RSI). Many of these injuries are avoidable by implementing correct ergonomics within the workplace.

Sustained sitting places increases pressure through the intervertebral discs in your spine.  A poorly adjusted chair will change the posture of your spine resulting in sore lower back muscles, and if your upper back posture in impacted you may sit with your head poking forward to see the monitor.  The average head weighs between 9 to 12 lbs and sitting in a forward head-on-neck posture for extended periods is very fatiguing to your muscles, contributing to headaches.

The National Headaches Foundation noted that half of 400,000 respondents of a 2008 survey stated they miss 1-3 work days per month due to headaches, and headaches cost companies nearly $17 billion annually due to absenteeism, lost productivity and medical expenses.

A recent article in the American Journal of Health Promotions, stated that for every $1 spent on a corporate wellness program, a return of $2.13 to $10.10 can be expected through lower medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and other factors.

Dr. Steffins and his team at Spinal Health Center are able to provide basic services including onsite workstation ergonomic assessments, employee lunch and learn workshops focusing on topics appropriate for your company, and/or onsite 10-minute “stress break” chair massages for employees with zero out-of-pocket expense for your company. Please give them a call today, at 318-322-2250, to schedule a complimentary consultation. They can quickly customize a solution for your company!

Celebrate National Small Business Week May 4-8, 2015

The U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes National Small Business Week May 4-8, 2015.

Across the nation and in Louisiana, small businesses have a huge impact on the economy.  The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) 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 in 2012.

The Small Business Administration reports most of the employment from small businesses come from firms with 20-499 employees.  Most of Louisiana's small businesses are very small as approximately 80 percent of all businesses have no employees and most employers have fewer than 20 employees.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce applauds these small businesses for their hard work and dedication and the value they bring to our local economy.  Small businesses create jobs for our residents, and sales tax generated by these businesses help fund schools, parks, roadways and other amenities that keep our community strong and healthy.

The WMWO Chamber has signs posted at small businesses in West Monroe this week reminding the public to support small business and shop local.  To learn more about the impact small businesses have in this country, please visit www.sba.gov.

Excellence in Customer Service: Creating the Right Environment

Think back. When is the last time that you received excellent customer service? Not the expected service or decent service, but that above-and-beyond service that makes an organization or business really stand out in your mind.

Now, who performed this feat of excellence? I’m willing to bet that it was the front line staff of the organization – the cashier, switchboard operator, waiter, hostess, order-taker or receptionist. Most of a company’s impressions are made by the individuals that many times are in entry-level positions with limited experience and training.

When was the last time you had terrible service? Odds are that the poor service was delivered by front line, entry-level staff. Why did one person or one organization succeed when others often fail? The key to having consistently good, if not excellent service, is in creating an environment that clearly defines the expectation of service and provides the resources for staff to deliver.

Creating an environment of excellence starts at the top. Management must be the models for all other levels, but it must also specifically define the expectations. This means writing policy, procedures or guidelines that are specific to each position.

Once guidelines are in writing, it is up to management to ensure understanding. Providing mentoring and evaluations of performance are both excellent tools to determine if staff members understand the expectations. Do not be afraid to revise policy regularly in order to make your vision clear.

Now comes the really hard part. You have to enforce the rules, consistently and with everyone. This is easier if you take the time to write position-specific guidelines. This allows for flexibility since you may require some actions by one position while other positions have different expectations or even limitations. For instance, a cashier may be instructed never to leave a specific post, limiting their ability to provide hands-on help to a customer. It is up to you to provide an alternative if you want this level of service to be provided by your business.

Allow people the opportunity to learn about other areas within an organization. This creates a team that understands, respects and can assist one another. Recognize the good as often as you correct the bad and make sure that examples of excellence are celebrated by everyone.

Last but certainly not least, give staff the flexibility and support needed to go the extra mile. A perfect example comes from Zappos, an on-line shopping outlet that has limited personal contact with customers. Consequently, they try to maximize these opportunities. They have empowered their customer service representatives with a limited budget to provide the extra as determined by the REPRESENTATIVE. Sometimes this is done in the form of an upgrade in customer status, but it is not limited to in-house perks. A Zappos representative sent a customer flowers on behalf of the company after learning about a recent illness. That is excellence – all because the company voiced its expectation and then supported its staff as they strived to deliver more than just the expect! 

This article was written by Denise Calhoun with the City of West Monroe. Denise recently led a customer service workshop for WMWO Chamber members. To learn more about customer service, please call the WMWO Chamber at (318) 325-1961.

Chamber presents Shotgun Shells and Crawfish Tails

The WMWO Chamber will present Shotgun Shells and Crawfish Tails, our annual spring fundraiser, on Friday, May 1 at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Rifle Range in West Monroe.

The event will feature a crawfish boil and new to this year's event is a 5 Stand Skeet Tournament. Live music will be provided by The Waterboys!

The Skeet Tournament begins at noon and will end at 4 p.m. with the announcement of winners. Crawfish will be served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Crawfish tickets are $25 per person which includes five pounds of crawfish, vegetables, dessert and unlimited beverages. Registration for the 5 Stand Tournament is $250 for a five-person team. Prizes will be awarded to the top shot and top teams.

The event will be a great time for networking and relaxing. Several wonderful prizes will be raffled off to attendees.

To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, please call the WMWO Chamber at (318) 325-1961 or visit: http://westmonroechamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/shotgun-shells-crawfish-tails-2015-chamber-crawfish-boil-5-stand-skeet-tourney-presented-by-cooper-veterinary-hospital-2055 

WMWO Chamber to offer Colors of New England tour this fall

The WMWO Chamber of Commerce has partnered once again with Collette Travel and the Ruston-Lincoln Parish Chamber of Commerce to offer group travel this fall to New England.

The "Colors of New England" trip will take place October 6-13, 2015, journeying through New England's charming and vibrant northern states. Highlights of the trip include tours of Boston, Massachussetts, Woodstock, Kennebunkport, Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise, Quechee Gorge and a tour of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. Travelers will even be treated to a lobster dinner and will be able to watch apples transform into cider the old-fashioned way using a rack and cloth press.

Check out the link below for a video describing the Colors of New England trip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evhegWkb4yo

To learn more about this unique trip opportunity, you are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce office at 112 Professional Drive in West Monroe. Call the Chamber at (318) 325-1961 for more information or to reserve a seat.

WMWO Chamber announces release of 2015 Member Directory and Relocation Guide

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the recent publication of its 2015 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide.

The guide, published by Innesto Marketing, features a listing of WMWO Chamber members (as of this fall) and several articles about the region including education, healthcare, attractions and amenities. This information can be extremely beneficial to visitors who are considering moving to this area and our newest business owners and residents.

Copies are currently being mailed to every WMWO Chamber member. This annual publication is free of charge to the public. Copies may be picked up at the Chamber office, located at 112 Professional Drive in West Monroe.

An online version of the directory will also be made available in the near future on the Chamber's website at www.westmonroechamber.org.

 

WMWO Chamber announces award winners at Annual Banquet

 

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of several awards presented at the Annual Banquet held on Monday, December 8.

The two highest awards presented by the WMWO Chamber are the A.O. Evans Award and the Entrepreneurial Success Award.

The A.O. Evans Award is presented annually to an individual who has made lasting contributions to the West Monroe and West Ouachita areas.  The award is named after the founder of the Chamber of Commerce - A.O. Evans.  The 2015 Award Winner is Johnny Huntsman, founder of Johnny's Pizza House.

The Entrepreneurial Success Award is presented to a WMWO Chamber business that exemplifies a true entrenpreneurial spirit in three areas - employees, management style and entrepreneurial spirit. The Third Annual Award was presented to Linda Silmon and her team at Silmon Cash & Carry, Inc. of West Monroe.

Other awards presented at the Annual Banquet include Diplomat of the Year, which was presented to Jeanette Hrafnsson of Cheeks Air Worx. Four public safety officers of the year were also recognized. Those winners include City of West Monroe Police Department - Detective Matt Graves; City of West Monroe Firefighter of the Year Captain Christopher Long; Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Deputy Todd McLain and Ouachita Parish Firefighter of the Year Captain Michael Young.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners!

An online photo gallery of this year's Annual Banquet and winners was provided by Amanda Leigh Photography and can be found at:

http://amandaleighphotography.shootproof.com/event/1104358

 

 

WMWO Chamber Banquet & Silent Auction December 8

 

A trip to Cancun - one of the amazing trips offered at this year's silent auction.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will host a silent auction as part of this year's Annual Banquet on Monday, December 8 at the West Monroe Convention Center.

The silent auction will open to bidders beginning at 6 p.m. at the Convention Center, and bidding will be allowed until 7:30 p.m.

Several wonderful packages are being offered at this year's auction, many of which feature local products, goods and services. The packages are themed and include "Girls' Weekend Getaway," "Family Adventure," "Taste of the Bayou" and "Sportsman's Paradise."

If adventure is your passion, there are several packages waiting just for you. Up for bid is a plane ride for two to New Orleans where you can watch the New Orleans Saints play from a suite in the Superdome. For the outdoor lover, there is a guided duck hunt up for grabs as well as a guided fishing trip, provided by the ULM Fishing Team.

For the travel lover, we have seven destination packages ranging from tropical getaway to exciting big city adventure. Some of these packages include a Classic Wrigley Field Rooftop Experience, an Amazing New York City Weekend, Napa Valley Backroads and Railways and tickets to see the Country Music Awards or the ESPY Awards.

To learn more about the seven destination packages, please Click Here.

Tickets are still available to attend the Chamber's Annual Banquet and Silent Auction. To learn more about these silent auction items or to purchase tickets, please call the WMWO Chamber of Commerce at (318) 325-1961.

 

Napa Valley Backroads and Railways Silent Auction package.

Support Small Business Saturday on November 29

Ready to do some holiday shopping after Thanksgiving?

When making your holiday shopping list this week, be sure to think small - as in Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses throughout the United States. The day was founded by American Express in 2010 and is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year's Small Business Saturday will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce encourages shoppers to think small when making this year's holiday purchases. Consumers play a key role in helping small businesses become successful. By shopping or dining at a small business, you show support for small businesses while reinvesting in the community we call home.

This area is home to hundreds of small businesses that offer unique items that can't often be found in larger retail stores. To learn about some of the small businesses found in this area, visit the Chamber's web site at www.westmonroechamber.org.

For more information about Small Business Saturday, check out this video:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcyCepfNp7o&list=PLD078640144E100C8

#shopsmall

Chamber seeking nominations for two annual awards

Each year, the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce presents two annual awards that recognize an outstanding individual and business in the community.

 

These awards are the A.O. Evans Award and the Entrepreneurial Success Award, which will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Banquet to be held on Monday, December 8 at the West Monroe Convention Center. Guest speaker for this year's Annual Banquet is Carrie Kurlander, Vice President of Public Relations at Chick-fil-A.

 

The A.O. Evans Award and Entrepreneurial Success Award are the two highest honors presented by the Chamber of Commerce. Nominations are now being sought for both awards. 

 

The A.O. Evans Award recognizes one individual in the area each year for outstanding contributions to the West Monroe and West Ouachita area. The person cannot be an elected official who currently holds office nor can they be on the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber Board of Directors.  This person must have made several contributions to the betterment of the community.

The A.O. Evans Award was first presented in 1976 to Mr. A.T. Mitchell.  When considering a name for the new award, the Chamber Board decided to name it in honor of the founder of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce – A.O. Evans.

The Entrepreneurial Success Award honors a current WMWO Chamber business member or individual member that exemplifies the true entrepreneurial spirit in three areas – employees, management style and entrepreneurial spirit. This year marks the third time the award has been given. The first two receipients were Johnny's Pizza House and Linda Lavender School of Dance, respectively.

Nominations are due by Monday, November 17. We strongly encourage the business community to take time to nominate an individual or business that has shown leadership and dedication to this area. Please call the WMWO Chamber Office at (318) 325-1961 for a nomination form or to get more information on either award.

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:

http://www.protectamerica.com/static/pdf/halloween-business-safety-guide.pdf

Happy Halloween!

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

www.landryvineyards.com

 

 

 

Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series kicks off in September

The West Monroe Brown Bag Lunch Concert series continues during the month of September.

Every Wednesday during the lunch hour, a local band will perform at the Pavilion located at 7th Square in West Monroe, directly behind the West Monroe Farmer's Market.

These free concerts are a great way to take a break during the work day and enjoy fresh air and the company of other business and community leaders and area residents. 

Local musicians perform each week, offering a variety of musical styles.  The Waterboys will perform a mix of classic favorites and alternative hits on September 10; Strauss Youth Academy of the Arts performs Broadway hits on September 17 and Josh Madden and Tom McCandlish perform on September 24 with a tribute to Celtic tunes and American rock 'n roll standards.

The concerts are conveniently located in the heart of West Monroe and amenities are provided to help you relax and enjoy the music.  Each week, local sponsors and partnering organizations provide beverages and light snacks for concert goers.  Refreshments such as bottled water, cookies and coke/rootbeer floats are provided to attendees at no cost.  If you don't want to bring your own lunch, food trucks are on site to sell you lunch.  The Pavilion offers plenty of shade, and the City of West Monroe provides chairs.

The concerts are organized by the City of West Monroe and West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce.  Sponsors are the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Centric Federal Credit Union and Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union.

Make plans to attend this month's Brown Bag Lunch concerts and listen to some of the great musical talent found right here in our own community.  If you need more information, call the WMWO Chamber of Commerce at (318) 325-1961.