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

Ouachita Green to host America Recycles Day event November 15

Ouachita Green will celebrate America Recycles Day on Saturday, November 15 with a free recycling event for the entire community.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Monroe Civic Center plaza.

This is a great opportunity for area residents to recycle items from their households. Items that will be accepted include tires, office paper, magazines, card board, white goods and scrap metal, automobile batteries and electronic waste (such as computers, monitors, assorted computer accessories, printers, scanners, VCRs, DVD players, TVs, cell phones or anything with a cord).

Goodwill Industries will be on site this Saturday to accept such household items as clothes, shoes, jewelry, working electronics, games, furniture, home decor, working appliances, etc.

The collection is for households only - large quantities from businesses or commercial operations will not be accepted.

PROHIBITED Materials include the following items: Glass, household chemicals, pesticides, paints, stains, motor oil, infectious/medical waste, radioactive materials, compressed gas cylinders, ammunition, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and explosives.

For more information about Ouachita Green, visit www.ouachitagreen.org.

For more information about America Recycles Day, visit www.americarecyclesday.org.

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!

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.

 

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

 

 

 

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival October 4

One of Northeast Louisiana's most unique and interesting festivals will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Saturday, October 4 in West Monroe.

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games will take place on October 4 at Kiroli Park in West Monroe.  The all-day festival is family friendly.  There is no admission to attend the festival, but there is a 50 cents per person fee to enter into Kiroli Park.

The festival features a day filled with authentic Celtic music performed by well-known bands such as The Pure Drop, Emerald Accent, Traveling Murphys and a special performance by the Jackson Irish Dancers.

Not familiar with Celtic music?  Check out the link below as our very own WMWO Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Tom McCandlish and his pal Josh Madden performed at a recent Brown Bag Lunch Concert.  The duo played a selection of Irish tunes that had toes tapping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJCXHDfL6bE

The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Besides musical performances throughout the day, there will be plenty of food vendors and crafters.  One of the highlights of the festival is the sanctioned Scottish Highland Games, where athletes in kilts compete in such events as the caber toss and throwing telephone poles.

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival is one of the oldest and longest-running festivals in the Northeast Louisiana area.  Bring the family and experience first hand the unique food, music and traditions that are part of Celtic heritage.

For more information, call the WMWO Chamber of Commerce at (318) 325-1961 or "like" the Celtic Festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NELACelticFest