Voice of Business 4/14/08

Greetings!

Perhaps we should replace the old acronym "WIIFM", what's in it for me, with a new one "WIIFU", what's in it for us, when we sit down and have responsible discussions and candid dialogue on the absence of affordable housing in West Feliciana Parish. Housing that is both aesthetically desirable and priced within the reach of a first time homebuyer is virtually non-existent. According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income in West Feliciana Parish is $39,667. The availability of housing options to residents and potential residents that have a household income less than $75,000 is extremely scarce. Many of these potential residents are the same individuals we entrust to educate and care for our children, protect our families and property, as well as provide many of the vital services necessary for our day to day comforts. If the old saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is true, don't we want the villagers living in the village instead of commuting to it. This problem is not exclusive to this parish, state, or region. It is nationwide enigma that has been solved in many cities throughout the country. I believe it is incumbent upon all governmental agencies, organizations, and individuals to continue conversations and devise innovative solutions to address the deficiency of affordable housing in West Feliciana Parish.

Travis Torrence

President elect

River's Up / Ferry's Down

River ReportAs we told you in our special newletter, the New Roads Ferry is down until the river falls below the point that the access road is out of the water. DOTD has a website that you can check on all of the ferrys and their statuses (stati ?) http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/The Solitude low water bridge remains closed and access to Cat Island facilities are accessible only by boat. The mayor of Brandon Station in upper Cat Island informs us that the Como Road is flooded and he accesses the Mayoral Manse by bateau! Jacko an other places that are near the river are only accessible this same way.

There is some great canoeing available! Canoeing Bayou Sara and Thompson Creek are possible in their lower reaches, but remember that these have become the backwater of the Mississippi and, as such, should be properly respected. Be considerate of private property!

River's Up / Ferry's Down

River ReportAs we told you in our special newletter, the New Roads Ferry is down until the river falls below the point that the access road is out of the water. DOTD has a website that you can check on all of the ferrys and their statuses (stati ?) http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/The Solitude low water bridge remains closed and access to Cat Island facilities are accessible only by boat. The mayor of Brandon Station in upper Cat Island informs us that the Como Road is flooded and he accesses the Mayoral Manse by bateau! Jacko an other places that are near the river are only accessible this same way.

There is some great canoeing available! Canoeing Bayou Sara and Thompson Creek are possible in their lower reaches, but remember that these have become the backwater of the Mississippi and, as such, should be properly respected. Be considerate of private property!

Recent and Upcoming Events

Spring Garden Stroll

We had beautiful weather for the Spring Garden Stroll! Local gardens displayed the mixture of English Louisiana, native and other influences. Some of these gardens reflect the works of generations of horticultural efforts. One more reason to enjoy life in the Felicianas!

Angola Rodeo

Another is the Spring version of "The Wildest Show in the South!" The Angola Rodeo will be April19th & 20th. Plan to attend or plan for there to be extraordinary traffic.

"Arts for All" presents:

Community Arts Day,
April 26th from 2-6,
Parker Park

Come and join us in this celebration of the arts
in downtown St. Francisville!

The park will be full of people of all ages making art and music, culminating in the children's parade at 5:30!

There will be music by "The Fugitive Poets" from 4 until 6

There will be folks showing and selling their art,
including 3rd graders from Bains Elementary!

There will be an exhibit of "Physics in Art"
by the Physical Science Classes from West Feliciana High!

There will be an "Edible Art Contest"!

Area Artists and craftspeople have created unique works of art
from 4 pieces of wood (their charge was to do anything they wanted with the 4 stakes, as long as they used all of the wood!).

The results of this, given the creativity of those involved,
will be amazing and varied to be sure!

These will be displayed to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to "Arts for All" to fund future projects including an "art bus".

Then, at 6:00 stay in the park for music by
"The Jazzy Jags" of Southern University!

This is the first of 3 "vibes in the 'ville" music in the park events sponsored by The Bank of St. Francisville.

Louisiana Scholars

Louisiana Scholars

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Robin Olivier of Louisiana Scholars is looking for a few good men & women. This program seeks to recognize the additional effort that students make to graduate under stricter regimens. If you are interested in knowing more or participating, go to the link below. There is a near training seminar that you can learn even more from.

www.louisianascholars.org

Chamber Items

----- Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce -----

Chamber Items

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New Chamber Member Subway, will have their Grand Opening on Monday April 21st at 10:00 a.m. Come and join in the celebration of this new business!

Our new Chamber Executive Secretery, Linda Osterberger, is assuming duties today, April 14th. We are pleased and excited to have her talents and energies added to serve our community!

Don't forget your taxes!

Communications Committee

Communications Committee Minutes

The meeting was held on Wednesday, February 7, 2008. Members present included: Amanda McKinney, Hamilton Willis, Pat Walsh and Mike Smith.

The following items were discussed and agreed to be sent to the full board with a recommendation:

- Pat needs the newsletter sooner so that he can get links and articles on the website.

- Committee agreed to begin editing the newsletter on the website and Constant Contact – making Constant Contact newsletter more of a paragraph driven piece with links to the Chamber website for more details.

- More committee reports should go on both the website and newsletter so members get a better feel for what we’re doing behind the scenes.

- Newsletter should include a more obvious place for people to join the Chamber each issue.

- Suggestion was made to get with Bill and decide best way to incorporate dues payments online through our website.

- Suggestion was made to place a “suggestion box” on the website to solicit feedback from members. This was agreed with the provision that comments from members be screened prior to being place on the site.

- More articles are needed for the newsletter from our committees. This is where most of the Chamber news comes from and we’ve been lacking so far.

- Need to promote board meeting agendas through newsletter so members are informed on what we are discussing.

- The group reviewed a report of current level of readership of the newsletter and agreed that progress is being made but further growth is necessary on list size and readership.

- The newsletter should be used to encourage members to update their free profiles on the Chamber website.

Posted by Mike Smith