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The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance Newletter
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2017 Banquet:
Preparing for Progress
Tickets Nearly Sold Out
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The 113th Chamber SWLA banquet will feature
Mick Cornett who became Oklahoma City's 35th mayor on March 2, 2004. He is first mayor in the City's history to be elected to a fourth term, and is currently the longest-serving mayor among the 50 largest cities in America.
He has been honored by various organizations and publications as the top mayor in Oklahoma and the United States - and an international panel selected Mayor Cornett as the second-best mayor in the world.
Newsweek magazine called him one of the "five most innovative mayors in the United States." Governing magazine named him national "Public Official of the Year." Politico placed him on the publication's Politico 50 list of "thinkers, doers and visionaries transforming American politics in 2015."
In June, he became President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the NBA to OKC, and he famously put the entire city on a diet to raise awareness on the national issue of obesity.
During his time in office, Oklahoma City has invested nearly $2 billion in schools and infrastructure dedicated to improve the city's quality of life. That investment generated nearly $6 billion in private sector investment.
This year's banquet will also feature the passing of the gavel from 2016 Chair John Pohorelsky to 2017 Chair Ken Francis. It will be held January 26, at the Golden Nugget Casino Resort in Lake Charles and will begin at 6 p.m.
This event will sell-out and is near capacity. Contact the Chamber SWLA today to secure your tickets.
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Our Recent Ribbon Cutting
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Anytime Fitness, located at 630 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles, now has a new owner and a whole new look. Check out their services and promotions at https://www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/350/lake-charles-la-70601.
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| Local Entrepreneur Honored for Leadership |
Kathi Vidrine of Steamboat Bills was selected as this year's recipient of the Glenn Shepard 2016 Leadership Award. This national award is given annually to people who have demonstrated leadership through their actions and ability to inspire others.
Pictured: Paige Vidrine & son Gabriel, Kathi Vidrine, George Swift (President & CEO of the Chamber SWLA and SWLA Economic Development Alliance, and Paula Ramsey (VP, Chamber).
Kathi was one of 1,936 nominations. She was nominated by her daughter and was recently selected from a finalist list of 10 other business leaders from across the nation. Here is an excerpt from her application:
"Have you ever met someone who has an unnatural ability to overcome, accomplish and inspire? My mother, Kathi Vidrine, is a person like this! She lived in poverty most of her life, working hard as an entrepreneur just trying to get ahead. Raising three young girls alone was hard for her, but she always found a way to make ends meet. When she relocated from Chicago to Louisiana, she started peddling shrimp on the side of the road. Because of her integrity and good business sense, she was able to win the hearts of he local business men and women. This helped her to gain the business experience required to expand her operation and buy a shrimp dock. Years later she was able to open her first restaurant.
Each year after opening, she faced horrible circumstances. From fires that nearly destroyed everything she built to crooks who tried to strip her of all her success, she always found a way to overcome those terrible circumstances with a smile on her face.
Thirty- five years later, her humble beginnings have transformed into supernatural blessings. With four existing franchises and five more opening within the next few years, Kathi Vidrine has embodied the American Dream.
Her attitude and heart have inspired thousands of people over the years. Her generosity and kindness to the young, poor and elderly have touched more hearts than you could imagine. She's a teacher, a leader, a coach and a friend. You'll never forget an experience in her presence. Her spirit is that of a giant living in a pint sized body! If anyone deserves to be recognized for their leadership ability it would be her!"
Kathi received her award at The SEED Center on December 22.
Glenn Shepard has written 6 books including the #1 national best seller How to Be the Employee Your Company Can't Live Without and has written and produced 13 audio and video training programs, and 460 articles. He is considered one of the world's foremost authorities on management, motivation, and eliminating problems in the workplace. His audio, video, and multimedia products are distributed through GlennShepard.com.
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Preferred Members
- Frances Fitz-Gerald Jewelry & Antiques
Business Members
- The Bekery, LLC
- Buffi's Peaux Boys
- Chimney Crete, LLC
- Corcoran Family Law
- Diamond B Compressor & Hydraulics, LLC
- Eustis Engineering, LLC
- Ledet's Auto Solutions
- Matheson Tri Gas
- Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI)
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Featured Event:
On January 18, all members of the Chamber SWLA are invited to attend our orientation program. If you are interested in learning all of the programs and services of the Chamber and the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, contact Paula Ramsey at pramsey@allianceswla.org to RSVP.
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Stripes Convenience Store
Thursday, January 19 @ 10:30 a.m.
3201 Gerstner Memorial Blvd in Lake Charles
Geico Local Office
Tuesday, January 24 @ 11 a.m.
Open House until 1 p.m.
4201 Nelson Road, Suite 200, Lake Charles
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Local engineering consulting firm, Meyer & Associates, Inc., has recently committed to a $25,000 premier level sponsorship for the Chennault International Airshow, which is set for April 28-30, 2017, at Chennault International Airport. The sponsorship will be dedicated to the heart-stopping aerobatics of Randy Ball. During his demonstration in the MIG-17F, Randy routinely pulls 8Gs and reaches speeds approaching 700 mph while at times flying less than 100 feet off the ground. The family-friendly Airshow will also feature a nostalgic array of aircraft of all vintages and kids activities. To purchase general admission or VIP tickets online or to learn about the 2017 event lineup, visit the Airshow's website at www.chennaultairshow.com.
Jane Young with Ultra Outdoor and Dale Mann with Pumpelly Tire were Ambassadors of the Quarter for 3rd and 4th respectively.
Lake Area Medical Center recently named
AMIE PROCTOR, shipping and receiving clerk in the purchasing department as 2016 employee of the year.
Also, Director of Imaging Services
DAWN MATTE
, B.S., R.T., (R), (M), has been named 2016 clinical manager of the year and Director of Marketing and Public Relations
LISA GUERRERO
, B.E.S., has been named 2016 nonclinical Manager of the Year.
The awards are the highest honors bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Proctor, Matte and Guerrero were nominated for the award by their hospital peers based on their dedication to patient care, their professionalism and their contributions on the job.
Family & Youth Counseling Agency received a generous donation of $5,000 from Briggs Equipment of Sulphur, LA. Briggs Equipment donated the money in support of Family & Youth's divisions and their mission to support family life in our community.
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| Member Profile: SWLA Center for Health Services |
The rising costs of healthcare have some businesses struggling to decide whether or not they can afford to provide health insurance for their employees while other businesses may find that their employees may not be able to afford the premiums of their employer sponsored plan.
SWLA Center for Health Services is available to assist businesses by bringing their Certified Application Counselors to you. Their counselors can help with completing health insurance applications for Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act free of charge. Depending on your number of employees, their counselors can be available on Friday afternoons or Saturdays to provide information and application assistance at your business location. For more information about their mobile insurance application assistance at your business, please contact Mrs. Inca Allen, Outreach and Enrollment Supervisor, at 337-769-6535 or reach her by email at
iallen@swlahealth.org.
Their counselors are also available on-site daily Monday - Friday by appointment or walk-in. Visit
http://swlahealth.org to find our location nearest you.
Why is this assistance important now?
In July 2016, Governor John Bel Edwards enacted Medicaid expansion in Louisiana. The income limits for Medicaid have now been adjusted for working families. This is great news for individuals who may not have previously qualified for Medicaid because of their income.
Also, the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act is ongoing through the end of January 2017. Although it is true that there are discussions in Washington to repeal the Affordable Care Act, there has not been a time table set for when the repeal will go into effect once it occurs. Currently, over 20 million Americans receive their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act; subsequently, the incoming Administration has indicated that any future changes will be preceded by a transition period to ensure that all Americans still have access to coverage. Therefore, SWLA Center for Health Services encourages individuals who still want or are in need of health insurance to apply before the January 31, 2017 deadline.
SWLA Center for Health Services, a local community health center, has been serving and providing quality healthcare services to the community for over thirty-five years. SWLA Center for Health Services is a Joint Commission Accredited Federally Qualified Health Center providing preventative and primary healthcare services.
Services offered at SWLA Center for Health Services include Family Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics (KidMed), Oral Health (Dentistry), Behavioral Health, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Case Management, Podiatry, WIC, insurance enrollment, and a state of the art Fitness Center.
SWLA Center for Health Services accepts all types of insurance including Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Choice, and most private insurance. Patients who qualify can also participate in their sliding fee scale discount program which allows a patient to pay for services based on their household size and income.
SWLA Center for Health Services "Caring for the Community, because at the Center is You!"
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