MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT Volume 15, Issue 37 2585854

Monroe Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Report

September 14, 2015

TOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER CALENDAR

Monday, September 14 at 9:00 a.m.-Statewide Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement

Officers. Ceremony to be held at 700 Wood

Street in Monroe.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 8:00 a.m.-United Way

Kickoff to be held at the Monroe Regional

Airport.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m.- The Monroe-West Monroe CVB will host Tourism

Industry Luncheon. The event will be held at

Bayou Landing at 7805 DeSiard Street in

Monroe.

Monday, September 21 at 5:30 p.m.-The

Ouachita Parish Police Jury will meet at the

Ouachita Parish Courthouse.

Tuesday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.-Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for

Griffin Funeral Home in West Monroe. The

business is located at 600 Highway 139.

Thursday, September 24 at 4:30 p.m.-Ribbon Cutting for Central Oil and Supply

Corp. The business is located at 2300 Booth

Street (located off HWY 165 by Scott

Equipment).

Friday, September 25-The Monroe Chamber

Annual Golf Classis will be held at

Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course. Call Daphne

McClish at 807-4018 to register or for more information.

Saturday, October 3-ULM Homecoming.

ULM vs. Georgia Southern.

Thursday, October 1at 10:00 a.m.-Ribbon Cutting for the newly renovated Brookshire’s

located on North 18th.

Last week, the Monroe Chamber, the News-Star and the Northeast Young Professionals hosted the 2015 Top 20 Under 40 event recognizing outstanding young professionals

throughout Northeast Louisiana. Presenting sponsor for the event was Community Trust

Bank and Thomas & Farr Agency.

TOP 20 UNDER 40 On Thursday, September 10 the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the News-Star and the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals will recognize the Top 20 Young

Professionals Under 40 for Northeast Louisiana. The event will be held at the Monroe Civic Center in Monroe. The top 20 individuals were selected from a highly talented group of sixty-six nominees. These individuals are advancing in their

careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work. The Top 20 Under 40 who will be recognized are as

follows: Carol Anne Barnes-Media Coordinator for Vantage Health Plan. Carol Anne is a

Cum Laude graduate of ULM and was recognized as one of the Delta Style’s 2014 Sweet 16-most influential women of the Delta. Carol serves on the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House and is active in NELA Young Professionals; Alan

Brockman-President of Sunquest Properties and North Delta Ventures. Alan is the co-founder of the Downtown Gallery Crawl that celebrates aspiring artists in NELA.

He is also Co-founder of the North Delta Music Project that produces musical, culinary and art events that are filmed for Louisiana Public Broadcasting; Jason Bullock-President and COO JPS Aviation and JPS Transportation. Jason is a co-

founder of the JPS Equipment and Volvo Rents, which has grown to five locations. He is active in the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association and the United Way: Continued on page 3

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT 5854

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 15, Issue 37

TOP 20 UNDER 40 Continued from Page 1

Dr. Brian Bush-Assistant Principal, Martin Luther King Junior High School. Brian is a recent graduate of the Greater New Orleans School of

Leadership Center. He is on the board of the Our Kids program, working to show underprivileged youth how to become successful within their

own community and life.: Temika Loyd-Cooks-Manager, Monroe Housing Authority. A graduate of Jackson State, Temika has managed to maintain a 98-100% occupancy rate for all public housing in Ouachita Parish. She is a graduate of Leadership Ouachita and active with the

MT. Olive Youth Development.

Jacquiela McFarland Dorsey-Director, Big Brothers-Big Sisters. Jacquiela works tirelessly to meet the needs of youth in Northeast Louisiana.

Not only, does she work at Big Brothers-Big Sisters, she has also been matched with three “Littles”. She is also active in the Junior League: Michael Echols-Director of Business Development, Vantage Health Plan and Affinity Health Clinic. Michael is passionate about restoration and

has restored several buildings in downtown Monroe. He is active in Rotary and is a founding member of the Center for Children and Families:

Simran Dhaliwal Emaus-Vice President of Operations, Now Save Stores. Simran has a BS degree from Tulane and a MPH from the University of South Florida. She is active in Heritage of India and the Food Bank of NELA.

Ernest Finch-Sales Manager-Thomas & Farr Agency. Ernest is a graduate of ULM and the Leadership Ouachita program. He is active in the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and the Great American Clean-up and United Way: Herbert D. Guillory-Owner/CEO of Hi-Def

Marketing and Film Group. A ULM graduate, he has assisted in several award winning websites and media campaigns. He is a board member of the Minority Business Coalition and the NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum: Rick Guillot-Senior VP, Commercial Lending-

Cross Keys Bank. Rick serves as president of the “Big Whit” 77 foundation and the president-elect for Wellspring.

Ryan Hemrick-Vice President-Community Trust Bank. Ryan serves on the ARCO Board, and is active with NELA ACTs: Amanda McMullen-

Project Coordinator-Northeast LA Economic Alliance. Amanda is a volunteer with the Cancer Foundation League and Keep Ouachita

Beautiful: Jessica Nugent-Marketing Director for Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union. Jessica volunteers with both the Monroe Chamber Ambassador’s and the West Monroe Diplomats; Jami Salter-Marketing Director for Scott Equipment. Jamie is active in the NELA young

Professionals and the ULM Athletic Association.

Adebola Shoyebi-Executive Specialist for Specialty Management Services of Ouachita. Adebola is active with Big Brothers-Big Sisters and

serves as an assistant coach with Peak Performance Track Club; Jason Sisk-Digital Sales Manager for the News-Star. Jason is active in North Monroe Baptist Church and Ouachita Parish High School Cheer Booster Club; Joshua Tannehill-Senior InfoSec Engineer for CenturyLink.

Jason also served in the Air Force and was recognized with both the Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Medal for his military service. Joshua founded the NELA InfoSec group. He volunteers with the NELA Veteran’s home; Dr. Matthew L. Thornton-Chief

Operations Officer-The Center for Children and Families, Inc.” Matt is a Leadership Louisiana graduate and founder of noteworthylife.com

and creator of mindforthearpy.com; Rod Washington-Public Relations/Media Coordinator for the City of Monroe. Rod serves on the advisory board for Lifeshare Blood Center and on the board of directors for Ouachita Council on Aging.

The Honorable Mention winners will also be recognized at the event. They are: Courtnie G. Beach-Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer for Marion State Bank; Reannon Borquist-AVP, BSA/Security Officer for Cross Keys Bank; LaKeisha B. Bosworth-Youth Services Coordinator

at the Ouachita Parish Library; Bradley Bridges-AVP Lending, West Monroe, for Cross Keyes Bank; John Bruscato-Attorney with the Bruscato Law Firm; Dr. Charla N. Burns-Physician; Kaleb Causey-Government Watchdog Reporter for The News-Star; Dennis Clack-General

Manager for the Warehouse #1; Joshua Culp-Major in the Louisiana National Guard and Owner of Hemline Monroe; Mark Durham-

Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist for Glaxo Smith Kline; Reginald Peter Fontana, II-Executive Director of Pelican Trade Network; Trey George-Owner, I.T Biz Solutions; Shelly Harrell-Vice President, Cross Keys Bank; Laura O Hawthorne-Vice President of Lending for Centric

Federal Credit Union; Tara Holmes-Property Manager for the 141 Lofts; Jeffery Kent-Vice President, JP Morgan Chase; Jeffery

Laudenheimer-VP of Private Banking at Progressive Bank; Rochelle M. Lee-Branch Manager/Lender, Cross

Keys Bank; Tonya Lied-National Sales Manager, The Radio People; Hannah Livingston-Senior Strategic Analyst, CenturyLink; Greg Manley, Jr.-State Farm Insurance Agency Owner; C. Allen Martin, IV-Operations Manager at JP Morgan Chase; Wesley Martin-Vice

President Relationship Manager, Progressive Bank; Amber Mathews-AVP Banking Center Manager, II-Community Trust Bank; Jake

Maxwell-AVP, Lender-Cross Keys Bank; Kelsea McCrary-Analyst II with CenturyLink; Joe King Montgomery-Producer for Thomas and Farr Agency; Anna Moore-Licensed Sales Agent-Direct Auto Insurance; Crystal Murphy-Vice President, Financial Institution Service, Corp.;

Jessica Nazario-AVP Branch Manager-lending-Cross keys Bank; Michael D. Price, Sr.-Assistant Principal-JS Clark Magnet School; Jamie

Pylant-Lead Organizational Effectiveness Consultant-CenturyLink; Paul David Raymond-Owner-Raymond Quarters & Raymond Construction; Alivia A. Roberts-Realtor at Keller Williams Realty; Michael William Sawyer-Agent with Farm Bureau; Mark Sisk-Relator

with Re/Max Premier Realty; Megan Smith-VP/Compliance Officer-Cross Keys Bank; James Stephens-Sales Agent, Reeve, Coon and Funderburg; Kiwana Sutton-Media Relations Specialist at ULM; Justin Tarver, DDS-Dentist, Owner; Josh Tolleson-Supported Employment

Manager-Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana; Phillip (Andy) Trahan, Jr.-President/CEO of Trahan Solutions, Inc.; Jimmy Valdiviezo-

Senior Relationship Analyst-Rabo Agrifiance; Jon Michael Wages-Personal Banker Supervisor-Community Trust Bank; Barry Paul Webb, Jr.-Payroll Coordinator-Vantage Health Plan; Priscilla Tess Wilkins-Owner/Operator-Elements of Monroe.

Presenting sponsors for the event are Community Trust Bank and Thomas & Farr Agency. Sponsors for the event are Delta Business, The

News-Star, Specialty Management Services of Ouachita, Steel Fabricators, Kitty DeGree Foundation, Iberia Bank, Heard, McElroy and

Vestal, Lagniappe Broadcasting, Patty Stewart Photography, The Radio People and The City of Monroe.

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 15, Issue 37

The Leadership Council and Monroe

Chamber of Commerce are accepting

nominations for the 24th Annual James

M. Shipp, Jr. Memorial Young Business

Leader Award. Jim Shipp was the

General Manager for IMC in Sterlington

who was tragically killed during the

plant explosion in 1991. Jim was a

Monroe Chamber of Commerce Board

member and a leader in our community.

We honor his life of leadership through

the recipients of this prestigious award.

The award recognizes his vision for

outstanding community leadership.

Qualifying Nomination Guidelines:

1. The award is presented annually

to a young individual who has

displayed outstanding civic

leadership ability; who has

made contributions to

community progress; and who

displays personal or business

standing in Ouachita Parish.

2. Nominee must be a resident of

Ouachita Parish.

3. Nominee must be 45 years of

age or younger.

The Leadership Council Chairman

chooses the selection committee and

nominations are confidential. The

deadline to submit nominations is

Tuesday, October 20 2015. Please mail

your nominations to: James M. Shipp,

Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader

Award, Monroe Chamber of

Commerce, 212 Walnut Street, Suite

100, Monroe, LA 71201.

The award will be presented during the

27th Leadership Ouachita Graduation

Banquet scheduled for Thursday,

November 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00

p.m.

Last Week ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno and his staff cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Schulze Cafeteria.

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 15, Issue 37

APPLY NOW FOR 2016 LEADERSHIP OUACHITA

The Monroe Chamber is currently taking

applications for the 2016 Leadership Ouachita

class. Nominations are encouraged from all

segments of the community. Individuals may apply

or nominate those they feel best exemplify the

philosophy of Leadership Ouachita. The application

deadline for the 2016 class is Friday, January 8,

2016. Applications may be picked up at the Monroe

Chamber of Commerce or interested parties may

call Chamber Events Director, Daphne McClish at

807-4018 or dmcclish@monroe.org for more

information.

The purpose of Leadership Ouachita is to develop

and empower the emerging leaders of northeast

Louisiana and help them gain the skills they

need to transform the region into the best place to

live and do business. Class members engage in a

series of sessions focused on education, health care,

workforce development, infrastructure and

government.

The program also provides insight on public

decision making, practical and in-depth discussions

on public issues pertinent to Ouachita Parish, an

expanded knowledge and understanding of the

community in which we live, and the opportunity to

develop lasting relationships with growing and

established leaders in a neutral environment. The

class opening retreat is scheduled for Thursday and

Friday, February 18 and 19, 2016.

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 15, Issue 37

You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual North Louisiana Safety & Health Conference in Monroe on October 27, 2015. We have a host of great speakers and topics again this year and we are excited to share with you. The conference is hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission/OSHA Consultation. The purpose of the conference is to enhance workplace hazard recognition and strengthen a culture of workplace safety, thereby reducing employee injuries and illnesses. While the conference is primarily intended for companies’ management staff, hourly employees are encouraged to attend. The conference is FREE to all participants.

Please click this link to register: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2nd-annual-north-louisiana-safety-health-conference-2015-tickets-18264743339

We are also looking for sponsorship for this event and we also are providing display/table space at the conference to an organization that would like to display information about their organization. Sponsors will receive extensive recognition before and during the conference and their logo will be printed in all publicity materials (flyers, posters, banners, etc.). Also included will be:

2-3 minute introduction from the podium.

Opportunity to distribute one piece of company literature per person in attendance (must be facilitated by sponsor

personnel), or one complimentary tote bag insert.

Opportunity to display company signage at event.

One complimentary booth reservation.

Verbal acknowledgement of your vital role will be given in the President’s welcome and closing address.

To become a sponsor, a tangible gift (door prize) would be appreciated. Sponsors are encouraged to help sponsor at least one or more of the following items, breakfast snacks (juice, biscuits, milk, water, etc.), bottled water, door prizes, gift cards, speaker plaques, and/or a catered lunch for attendees.

If you would like to become one of our sponsors or if you need any additional information, please contact me at 225-219-4216. Please Save –the-Date of October 27, 2015 and join us during this event. I thank you advance for your support and generosity. Hope to see you there!

Corey S. Gaines OSHA Consultation Manager Louisiana Workforce Commission 1-800-201-2495 www.laworks.net 1001 N. 23rd Street Baton Rouge, La 70804

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 15, Issue 37

MONROE CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

212 Walnut Street, Suite 100 Monroe, LA 71201

PHONE: (318) 323-3461

FAX: (318) 812-7594

E-MAIL:

communications@monroe.org

Website: www.monroe.org

THE MONROE CHAMBER’S MISSION

IS TO LEAD IN THE CREATION

OF AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH

OUR BUSINESSES THRIVE.