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Chamber eNewsletter |
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St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce
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SFCC - July 15, 2008
The Voice of West Feliciana Business
Greetings!
In keeping with last week's newsletter about the proposed "roll forward" of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish, the polling responses showed unfavorable comments of the "roll forward". The consensus was to opposed the tax increase. The chamber appreciates everyone who participated and responded to such an important issue that affects the entire parish. We have listed the parish and town agencies that have published notice of public hearings to consider levying additional or increased millage rates required by law. This is an important issue for our parish, so we hope that you take every initiative to attend one of the hearings. If you are unable to attend any of the meetings, we encourage you to contact your elected officials of the Police Jury, Town Alderman, or School Board member and express your opinion on this issue.
Welcome New Chamber Members
The Chamber welcomes three new businesses. The Costal Ecology Group owned by Mr. Chad Heiser, Superior Insurance Services LLC owned by Mrs. Sandy Torrence and Miss Ashley Torrence, and Mr. Andy D'Aquilla, attorney at law. These three businesses are all located at 10182 Weevil Street next to the Post Office at the Commerce Centre.
Commerce Centre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting
J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event this Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office.
The Upper Crust Bistro Moving Business
Chamber member, The Upper Crust Bistro, is relocating its business to Lake Pointe Centre in Zachary, LA. The newly constructed building for the business will open in early fall. Owner Camille Thibodeaux will keep us informed on the opening date. The Thibodeaux family wishes to thank all of their patrons and expressed their appreciation and patronage to the business while here in St. Francisville and will look forward to seeing you at their new location.
Schedule of Public Hearings for Taxes
Schedule for Public Hearings for taxes
WF Sheriff Department- Friday, Sept. 5 @ 9am in Sheriff's Board Room
WF Communications District- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 9am at 911 Center
WF School Board- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5pm at School Board office
WF Police Jury- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm at Courthouse Annex
SF Town- Tuesday, Sept. 9 @ 5:30pm @ Town Hall
** The WF Tax Assessor and the Fire District will not have a public hearing.
Chamber Sponsors "Sporting Clay Shoot"
Sporting Clay Shoot scheduled for August 16
The chamber is sponsoring a "Sporting Clay Shoot" on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Tanglewild Plantation. Registrations for teams are now available. Phone the chamber office at 635-6717 for more information. More information will be posted next week. Deadline for entries is August 9th.
Annual Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration
Mark your calendars now for the annual Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration. The festival is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. A guest speaker has been scheduled for Friday night and Saturday. During the festival there will be an opportunity to watch small hummingbirds weighed, measured and banded.
Think Green Nature Day
Audubon State Historic Site is hosting "nature day". On Saturday, July 19th from 10am until 4pm, guests are invited to view booths from organic foods to energy sources. Learn what is going on in our area to protect the environment and how you can help. For more information, call 635-3739.
Congratulations Miguel Pate
West Feliciana High School graduate goes to Olympics
The chamber congratulates West Feliciana High School graduate, Miguel Pate on his recent qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing. Miguel placed 3rd in the long jump in Eugene, Oregon at the Olympic Trials.
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SFCC - Newsletter July 8, 2008
The Voice of West Feliciana Business
Greetings!
Response has been strong regarding the two questions recently posed to Chamber members through this weekly newsletter. As you recall, your Chamber invited feedback on two questions, the first of which was: "How can your Chamber serve you better?"
One member suggested the Chamber host quarterly member luncheons or dinners, in addition to the regular "After Hours" networking events. Another member suggested a member "spreadsheet" picnic - so area businesses might introduce products and services to a broad range of potential customers. Both are solid ideas that will be explored.
The second question posed was "How do you feel about the proposed 'roll forward' of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish? Do you agree or disagree with it?"
On this question we received the highest number of responses to any question ever asked of members. Without fail, every response disagreed with the "roll forward." Here is a sampling of the responses we received:
"In view of the fact that total taxes have increased so much in one year (one of my properties went up over 5 times from last year), I definitely don't think taxes should roll forward anytime soon."
"Let's keep taxes at a minimum here.....heavy taxes are a burden we don't need here."
"For the record, I am opposed to the roll forward. It is a tax increase on the people and our small businesses without a vote of the people - and that's not right."
Your Chamber Commerce is working hard to promote a people-friendly, business-friendly environment here in West Feliciana Parish. Fair, equitable and transparent taxation only helps the promotion of our area as one of the most desirable locations to live, work and play in the South.
We'll keep asking the tough questions, listening to your ideas, and welcoming your input on how we can improve in every way.
Keep those comments coming!
With best regards,
Mike Smith, Chairman
Communications Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce
P.S. - Did you notice that work has actually begun on the "new" section of Hwy. 61? The countdown is on - less than 700 days until we can drive on it!
The Ferry Status link added Before driving around on a trip or business you visit the "Ferry Status" link under the Community Menu and find out if the ferry is operating. Just another way to help save on gas!!
Miles Blair Salon opens with a "Summer Patio Social" The chamber welcomes Miles Blair Salon as a new member. Owner Mrs. Tosha Black will be hosting a "Summer Patio Social" for the new business's ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10th at 6pm. The business is located at 5951 Commerce Street.
Commerce Centre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event.
Annual Hummingbird Festival Mark your calendars now for the annual Hummingbird Festival. The festival is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. For more information, visit AudubonBirdFest.com.
Police Jury Meeting
The West Feliciana Police Jury will meet on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 5:30 at the Courthouse Annex building on Prosperity Street on the second floor.
Multiple Newsletters? Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscriber lists. If you would call the office or email us at sfchamber@bellsouth.net and we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.
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SFCC Newsletter June 30, 2008
SFCC Greetings
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
With these memorable words, Thomas Jefferson, at the age of 33, laid the cornerstone of the United States of America by writing the Declaration of Independence.
There were fifty-six men who were signatories to the famous document. Signed on August 2, 1776, in geographic order of the colonies they represented from North to South, these men declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain with Thomas McKean being the last to sign in August of 1781.
The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played.
Fifty years later, in an 1825 letter, Jefferson wrote that the Declaration of Independence was designed as "an appeal to the tribunal of the world." The document was "intended to be an expression of the American mind."
This weekend, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, with fireworks, or a gathering of family and friends, remember what this day is all about. Don't forget those brave men and women that have fought and died so that we might have the freedom to speak up when things are not as they should be and the freedom to worship in churches of our choice. When you hear "God Bless America" or say "I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag," stand up and be proud to be an American!
Chamber Office Closed June 30- July 4
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce office will be closed from June 30 through July 4th. The office hours will resume on Monday, July 7th. In case of immediate assistance, please call Laurie at 635-3873. "After Hours" at new Commerce Centre
Commerce Cenre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon CuttingJ.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event.
Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration
Mark your calendars now for the annual Hummingbird Festival. The festival is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. Festival information can be found at www.AudubonBirdFest.com
Fireworks on the 4th!!!
Come join the fun and fireworks on Friday July 4th at 6:30pm at the St. Francisville Town Ball Park located behind the Sonic. The American Legion will provide complimentary hot dogs and soft drinks, and the fireworks will begin at dark. For more information call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street at 635-3873.
Multiple Newsletters?
Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office or email us we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.
"Ferry Status" Link The Ferry Status link added
A link for the "ferry status" has been added to the chambers website. Before driving around on a trip or business you can go to the chambers website at www.stfrancisvillechamber.com and find out if the ferry is operating. Just another way to help save on gas!!
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SFCC Newsletter June 24, 2008
Greetings! 06-24-08 Last week, Parish Assessor Randy Ritchie gave a very informative presentation to your Chamber's Board of Directors on the subject of property assessments across the parish. As you know, most property in the parish is subject to taxation based on its value. Randy explained that property values, by state law, must be re-evaluated at least every four years. 2008 is one of those years-a fact that has not escaped notice by many in the parish. As we learned from Randy's presentation, there are two important things to keep in mind when reviewing your property tax bill. The first is the valuation of your home and/or business. Market rates are taken into account when determining the value of property, he said. Generally speaking, Randy indicated that property values are on the rise in West Feliciana Parish. Due to this rise in values, property taxes have increased for most in the parish. Randy emphasized that if you feel the valuation of your property is not fair, call the Assessor's Office for assistance.
The next most important thing to keep in mind is the rate of taxation. The rate (or millage) of each property tax is set when voters approve taxes at the polls. However, as Randy explained, a little known provision allows local and parish government bodies to increase the actual millage by a vote of that body. Here's how it works:
State law mandates, as property values rise, each entity must "roll back" the rate of taxation to be revenue neutral from the previous year. When this is completed, as Randy explained, the taxing body may then vote to "roll forward" the millage to the original rate. If passed, the result is an increase in the amount of tax dollars flowing to that government body- and an increase in your tax bill.
Due to recent adjustments in the law, each government body that levies a property tax must now prominently advertise the date, place and time that it will consider the "roll forward" provision. You may have seen a few of these in The Advocate and other publications of late.
In keeping with our ongoing theme this summer, your Chamber wants to hear from you on this, and many other topics.
This week's question is:
How do you feel about the possible "roll forward" of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish? Do you agree or disagree with it?
Simply reply to this email and let your voice be heard.
Our thanks goes to Assessor Randy Ritchie for his presentation and for answering many tough questions from the board and visitors alike.
Mike Smith, Chairman
Governmental Relations Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce
------------------------------------------------------------------- New Business opens with "Summer Patio Social" Miles Blair Salon opens with a "Summer Patio Social"
The chamber welcomes Miles Blair Salon as a new member. Owner Mrs. Tosha Black will be hosting a "Summer Patio Social" for the new business's ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10th at 6pm. The business is located at 5951 Commerce Street. ------------------------------------------------------------------ After Hours - Ribbon Cutting Commerce Cenre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting
J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Summer Reading Program
| The Summer Reading program at the library has begun. This program is a wonderful way to keep education going during the summer and during the year. Contact Linda Fox at the library for all the details. |
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Vibes In The Ville
Come join a free concert under the stars at Parker Park this Saturday, June 28th at 6pm. The perky alt-pop Austin outfit "The Driving Captain" will be playing. Bring your blankets and chairs for this fun time in downtown St. Francisville.---------------------------------------------------------------- Summer Fun Day Summer Fun Day will be held on Friday, June 27th from 9am til 2pm at the West Feliciana Sports Park. This event is sponsored by the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, West Feliciana Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council, the District Attorney's Office, LA Hwy Safety Commission and West Feliciana Sports & Recreations.
There will be live bands and entertainment, special guests throughout the day, games, free food, demonstrations from the fire department and the K-9 and narcotics department and much more. This event is open to the public. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations Chamber Board Member Mike SmithAppointed To Committee/Appears In National Press Conference
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce board member, Mike Smith, President/CEO of ConnectCallUSA.com, has been appointed to the National Communications Committee of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). The AAPC is a national trade organization representing hundreds of political and public affairs consulting firms across the country. Mike also recently appeared in a national press conference on behalf of the First Amendment Legal Defense Fund.
ConnectCallUSA.com was recently awarded its 7th "Pollie Award" for outstanding work on national, regional and local campaigns. Pollie Awards, the equivalent of an Oscar, are awarded annually to firms and individuals for outstanding work in political and public affairs.
Congratulations to Mike and Chamber member ConnectCallUSA.com! ------------------------------ End Newsletter --------------
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SFCC - Newsletter June 18, 2008
June 17, 2008
Mike Smith
Your Chamber of Commerce is working hard in many ways to help businesses across West Feliciana Parish. From the LSU Mobile Classroom, to the online Market Place, to networking opportunities at
Read more...
Open Invitation from Chamber
Tax Assessor's Assessment Presentation Tax Assessor, Randy Ritchie, will present the property re-assessment process at the Chamber Board Meeting this Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 8am at Town Hall. The chamber invites any interested persons to attend this presentation.
New Business Joins Chamber
Welcome "TigerBytes"
TigerBytes IT Solutions, LLC is the chambers newest member. It is owned by Miles Higgins and Andre Duplantier. The company provides computer and network services for small to medium businesses and staffs a Microsoft Certified System Engineer for all your needs.
St. Francisville Transitory Theatre The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre is hosting a fund-raiser. There is limited seating so reservations are required. Call 245-4952 for more information.
WFP Comprehensive Plan John Fregonese with Fregoese Associates will be presenting the draft of West Feliciana Parish Comprehensive Plan with a joint meeting of the West Feliciana Parish Police Jury and Planning Commission on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 6pm at the West Feliciana Middle School lunchroom. This is a public meeting. For more information call Janet Tharp at 214-354-5523.
Multiple Newsletters?
Linda Osterberger
Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office orThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.
A Thank You Note
Thank you so much for choosing me as one of the recipients of your scholarship. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. I know that this scholarship will be very beneficial next year at LSU.
Thanks again.
Katie Young
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Newletter June 10, 2008
The Voice of West Feliciana Business
Greetings - June 10, 2008
Summer is here and the chamber office is busy. There is so much going on in the community- bridges, highway expansion, businesses inquiring about developments, not to mention structural changes on Highway 61 and new businesses opening. The calls to the chamber office are numerous with a broad variety of questions about West Feliciana and St.Francisville. With the high gas prices, the calls for information from travelers that are planning a visit for vacations, along with people who will be staying here while working on the bridge or the highway expansion are high in volume.
Businesses who are members of the chamber are referred to daily. The membership lists are kept close at hand so information is readily available for each call. People who are moving to the area inquire frequently and they seem to like the personal touch of being able to speak to someone about what businesses have to offer. The chamber website is regularly advised for information. This benefits businesses who advertise in the "business directory".
The chamber's board consists of people in various businesses that work diligently to make the chamber a resource of information for businesses and individuals. These individuals give their time and business experience so the community and economic growth can continue. These are great people to work with and always have the community as a priority.
Happy Father's Day to all dads! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, St. Francisville has it! So stay at home, save your gas, and give dad a relaxing weekend.
---Chamber Activities---
Chamber Committee Meetings Schedule
The Executive Board will meet Thursday, June 12th at 8:15am. The Governmental Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 11th at Noon. All committee members are urged to attend these meetings.
---"New Look" for Chamber Website---
Chamber Website
The chambers website has a "new look". Pat Walsh with Blue Goose Media has updated the site. The newsletter can now be seen on the homepage where you can click on the icon to read the complete article. Go to www.stfrancisvillechamber.com to see this attractive website!
---Area Events---
Police Jury's "new" Meeting Room
The West Feliciana Parish Police Jury will meet on,Tuesday, June 10th at 5:30pm at the "new" Police Jury Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse Annex on Prosperity Street.
The Day the War Stopped
The Day the War Stopped is a historical re-enactment of a very moving event during the Civil War. Beginning on Friday, June 13th through Sunday, June 15th, many events are planned, including a parade on Saturday on Ferdinand St. here in St. Francisville. It will be a history lesson right here in our town! Visit www.daythewarstopped.net for more information.
Farmer's Market
The West Feliciana Farmer's Market is every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the 4-H barn on Wilcox Street, come out and support local farmers and gardeners!
---"Let Us Know"---
Multiple Newsletters?
Are you receiving multiple Chamber newsletters? Please let us know. We are updating the subscribers lists. If you would call the office or email us at we will correct the problem. We appreciate your help.
Contact Information
Linda Osterberger; Executive Secretary
phone: 635-6717
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Information on West Feliciana Parish government, services, offices, elections, utilities, police jury and location maps can be found at wfparish.org. Plenty of links to parish information on this "Gateway to the Parish"
As a tourist destination, St. Francisville Louisiana attacts visitors from around the world. Rich in civil war history, nature, historic sites and parks; people also come for the quaint town where time slows down just a bit.
