CHAMBER CONNECTION
Tuesday - January 27, 2015
In This Issue
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 
CHAMBER INVESTMENT, 
SERVE ON A CHAMBER COMMITTEE

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce accomplishes its annual Plan of Work through six divisions composed of multiple committees. 

The Chamber invites you to become involved in one or more committees working to enhance the local business community.

Listed below are the divisions and committees 
from which to choose:

EDUCATION/WORKFORCE DIVISION

Workforce Development Committee: Helps link business and industry to secondary and post-secondary education. Works with partner organizations to increase number of Chamber member businesses using WorkKeys system in hiring new employees. Conducts surveys to assess the technical and certificate program needs of area businesses. Reports information gathered to secondary and post-secondary institutions.


GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

Legislative Committee: Meets regularly during state Legislative Session to review bills affecting business and industry and recommends positions of support or opposition when appropriate. Plans and hosts meeting with elected officials on state and federal levels to discuss legislative priorities. Helps to plan and host Central Louisiana Day at the Legislature.

Infrastructure Committee: Meets regularly throughout the year to discuss infrastructure needs and develops an annual list of priorities to support economic growth in the region. Assists in communicating infrastructure priorities to local, state, and federal officials.


MILITARY AFFAIRS DIVISION

Military Affairs Committee: Maintains relationships and supports Louisiana's military installations, soldiers and families through a variety of initiatives and events. Supports JRTC/Fort Polk, Camp Beauregard and National Guard, V.A. Medical Center, Coast Guard Station at Colfax and USS Alexandria. (Additional feel to participate - $150)


QUALITY OF LIFE DIVISION

Quality of Life Committee: Helps link the business community to the arts, local attractions, special events and outdoor activities.

Young Professionals Group of Central Louisiana (YPG): Provides business professionals ages 21-45 an opportunity to engage in professional development, networking and economic development. The YPG provides participants an opportunity to address community issues and be a voice for their demographic. (Additional fee to participate - $40 for members, $60 for non-members)


MEMBERSHIP DIVISION

Membership Committee: (By invitation of the Membership Chairman.) Works together with Chamber staff to recruit new members and evaluate member needs. Must be willing to get at least 10 new members. Helps develop Strategic Luncheons and other programs.

Red Coat Ambassadors: Hosts Ribbon Cuttings, After Ours Receptions, Morning Coffees and other networking events.


 

SPECIAL COMMITTEES:

Healthy Places Initiative Committee: Work with Chamber staff and Chamber partner organizations to create program aimed at building a healthier workplace in central Louisiana.

Retail, Goods and Services CommitteeNew Chamber committee under development to serve and engage small retail and other small businesses and provide resources to help them succeed.

     

Click the logo above to join today or click here. 

 

 

 HEALTHY WORKPLACE PRACTICES
KICKS OFF 2015 
STRATEGIC LUNCHEON SERIES

On Monday, January 12, the Chamber partnered with the Central Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition to host the first Strategic Luncheon of the new year at Convention Hall at Alexandria City Hall. Attendees heard from representatives from Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, Inglewood Farm, RoyOMartin, and Legacy Health & Wellness as they shared methods for increasing access to local food in the workplace and the overall benefit of a healthy working environment.

 

 




 

 

"Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge ever capacity to be at your best." 

David O. McKay

 

 
 

 


You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce. Don't forget to add lmorone@cenlachamber.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
 
Sincerely,
The Central LA Chamber of Commerce

Brought to you by
The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
Agriculture Initiative


The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend an Agriculture Law & Labor Seminar and Strategic Luncheon with guest speaker, Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry. He will be discussing key aspects of the Farm Bill and the impact agriculture in central Louisiana has on our local economy. 
 


Mike Strain, DVM
Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry

 

 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

STARTING AT 8:30 AM

TUNK'S CYPRESS INN, BOYCE

 

Agriculture is the largest sector of Louisiana's economy, attributing $1.14 billion to central Louisiana's economy alone. Topics that will be discussed during the seminar include:

  • Wage & Hour Law in payment of wages, counting of hours, required breaks, etc, for agriculture workers
  • Farmers' legal rights as employers & how to avoid commonly made mistakes that can cost thousands in fines, penalties & litigation
  • Mistakes farmers may be making with their employees in the operation of motor vehicles, implements, and equipment on the highway, and an explanation of the MAP-12 Exemptions for agriculture that will help many livestock and other producers
  • Dangerous errors farmers may be making in their employees' handling of pesticides
 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8:30 am Registration

9:00 am Opening Remarks

9:15 am to 10:15 am Session One: DOTD rules/regulations, CDL exemptions, HazMat, weights, and exemptions for agricultural vehicles and equipment with the Louisiana State Police

-Break-

10:30 am to 11:30 am Session Two: Employer rights, laws that protect agriculture employers and avoiding discrimination with Joseph Perez-Montes of Gold Weems Bruser Sues & Rundell
 
-Break

11:45 am to 12:15 pm Buffet Line Opens

12:15 pm to 1:15 pm Lunch with Guest Speaker: Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry, Dr. Mike Strain

-Break

1:30 pm to 2:15 pm Session Three: Chemical applicator rules/regulations required by employers with Marty Pousson of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry

$35
Seminar & Luncheon
$25
Luncheon Only

 

Or call 318.442.6671 for your reservation 
& to learn about available sponsorship opportunities.

RSVP by Tuesday, February 10

*No shows are responsible for payment unless otherwise noted by the RSVP deadline.*
 

 

 

 
 THE CENTRAL LOUISIANA CHAMBER DELEGATION VISITS CAPITOL HILL

 Central Louisiana Chamber Delegation met with US Senator David Vitter Wednesday, January 21, on Capitol Hill.  The group also met with US Senator Bill Cassidy, Congressman Ralph Abraham, Congressman Charles Boustany, Congressman Garrett Graves and Congressman John Fleming.


 


 
From left to right:

Greg Upton, Bart Jones, Deborah Randolph. Mayor Rock Allen, Leesville, Senator David Vitter, Scott Linzay, Lafe Jones and Mike Reese. Not pictured, Jon Grafton.

 

 

 


 
EXPERT ADVICE TO HELP YOU 
GET IT ALL DONE, BETTER.

Tips for Business Success in 2015

 

1. Treat customers like guests in your home. 

"While there will always be customers who have decreased attention, are in a hurry, or appear to be frazzled, you want to still aim to deliver strong customer care despite customer scenarios. One way to do this is to treat customers as if they are guests in your home."

Kirt Manecke, customer service expert and author of the book "Smile: Sell More with Amazing Customer Service" 

 
 

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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2/12


2/17



 
RIBBON CUTTING
CELEBRATIONS
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Johnny's Pizza



Walmart Neighborhood Market