**Your Chamber Newsletter**

WEST CALCASIEU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SULPHUR VINTON WESTLAKE

Check out our Webpage at:

www.westcal.org

New Chamber Members

Ultra Outdoor Advertising -Westlake-Michael Kile (owner) Olympic Fitness & Mixed Martial Arts - Sulphur-Theresa

Davis (owner) Bayou Beds- Sulphur-Chad Norwood (owner)

Lights On ABA Services, LLC -Sulphur - Scott Williamson (owner)

Latest News

Home Instead Senior Care Business of the Month for January

Shown from left are Troy Van Dyke, Marketing Coordinator,

George Cestia, Franchise Owner, and West Calcasieu Chamber Chairman Jody Barrilleux

The West Calcasieu Chamber, at their monthly meeting Thursday,

January 14th, held at The West Cal Events Center in Sulphur, named Home Instead Senior Care Business of the Month for January. Home Instead Senior Care is located at 622 E. College Street, Lake Charles, La. They are a premier provider of Senior Non-Medical Services. They are ready to serve you any day of the week, at any hour of the day or night. They come together as a group of dedicated professionals to deliver a home care solution that meets your needs. For more information call 337-480-0023 or website www.homeinstead.com

West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce *Outstanding Customer Service Award*

Mrs. Lori Bullard was the first recipient to receive "The Outstanding Customer Service Award". She is an employee for Walgreens located on Cities Service Hwy in Sulphur. Mrs.

Debby Nabours started and donated to this recognition award program through the Chamber to continue through each month for a year. Mrs. Bullard was presented

with the award at our January Monthly Business Luncheon and a $25.00 Visa Gift Card. Pictured are Mrs. Bullard and Mrs. Debby Nabours.

Shown are area Walgreen Managers, Mrs. Lori Bullard & Mrs. Debby Nabours

Ryan Nelson, owner of TRK HR Management Services, Stephanie Morris with LA Workforce Commission and Carl Herrick with Herrick Consulting Group were guest speakers at the Thursday, January 14 Monthly Business Luncheon of the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce (WCCC).

Shown from left are Stephanie Morris, Carl Herrick, Chamber Executive Director Lena

McArthur, Ryan Nelson, Chamber Past Chairman Karen Farnum, Chamber Chairman Jody Barrilleaux and Chamber Treasurer Ethan Miller.

Mark your calendars for these New Chamber Members Ribbon Cuttings

MidSouth Bank Sulphur Date: February 12, 2016

Time: 10am – 11am Location: 1500 Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur, La

Lights On ABA Services - Date: February 19, 2016

Time: 11:30am Location: 946 Beglis Parkway, Sulphur, La 70663

February Monthly Business Luncheon

Date: Feb 11, 2015 Time: 12-1pm

Doors Open @ 11:30pm Location: West Cal Events Center

401 Arena Road, Sulphur, LA 70663

Guest Speaker:

Greg P. Naquin, CPA, CFPTM with McElroy, Quirk & Burch

Personal Financial Planning; Extensive experience in audit of various employee benefit plans and construction companies;

Federal and state return preparation of individuals, corporations, partnerships and compliance reporting for tax-exempt

organizations.

EMPOWERING WOMEN LUNCHEON

Quarterly Luncheon Series

Date: February 25, 2016

Time: 12-1pm

Location: West Cal Events Center 401 Arena Road, Sulphur, LA 70663

This event is open to all women to encourage, empower and emphasize our strengths. This WCCC premier event series will enrich and inspire as well as provide an opportunity to build positive partnerships.

NANCY TOWER as our Keynote Speaker

Many of you know Nancy Tower, but since she's "gone underground" as she puts it for the last year or so - I'll reintroduce you to her. Nancy Tower is the wife of Ron Tower from Sulphur. They have been married for more than 30 years in total (I'll let her explain that) . She is proud to share that she has one step-son, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Nancy graduated from Sulphur High School and McNeese. She started her career right

down the road from us at the Sulphur McDonalds in 1982 and to this date people still remember the birthday parties that she would host for kids at that store. Of course, that

was just the beginning - her resume is vast and rather comical, so I'll let her tell you more

about it. She did recently retire from Sasol North America where she worked for 23 years as the communications manager, also assuming the training manager's role in 2005. She

served on our own Sulphur City Council from 2005 to 2010 and she has volunteered for more local and statewide organizations than I could count on my fingers and toes - so we won't try to go through them now. According to Nancy, the most important thing in her life is her faith and she's going to share some empowering words with us about Vision.

***We now must begin offering to our members the opportunity to either request a

specific level of sponsorship or reserve their tables. We hope that you will consider one of the levels of sponsorship, purchase a table, or at least Purchase a ticket.

EMPOWERING WOMEN LUNCHEON

Sponsorship Opportunities

PRESENTING SPONSOR $700 Logo on program Company name labeled as part of event with WCCC Reserve seating and signage at table Signage at door Time on agenda to address attendees Booth space in designated area

PLATINUM LEVEL $500

Logo on program Company name labeled as part of event with WCCC

Reserve seating and signage at table (1 Table of 8) Signage at door

Booth space in designated area GOLD LEVEL $300 Logo on program, Mention in all printed materials Company name labeled as part of event with WCCC

Reserved seating, (1 Table of 8)

SILVER LEVEL $200 Mention in Program + 4 tickets

BRONZE LEVEL $100

Mention in Program + 2 tickets

GENERAL

ADMISSION $20

Last day to register is Monday, February 22nd ________________________________________________________________________________

West Cal Chamber of Commerce

2016 Monthly Business Luncheon Calendar

Jan 14 - West Cal Events Center Feb 11 - West Cal Events Center

March 10 - Isle of Capri April 14 - Holiday Inn

May 12 - West Cal Events Center June 9 - West Cal Events Center

July 14 - West Cal Events Center Aug 11 - West Cal Events Center Sept 8 - West Cal Events Center

Oct 13 - Delta Downs Nov 10 - Annual Banquet -West Cal Events Center

2016 Empowering Women Conference Dates

Feb 25 - West Cal Events Center

May 26 - West Cal Events Center Aug 25 - West Cal Events Center

__________________________________________________________

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2016 West Cal Chamber Committees are set if you are

interested in volunteering to serve on one of these Committees let the Chamber know by email (associationw@bellsouth.net) or give us a

call (337-313-1121).

Economic Development Committee - *Chair position is open if anyone interested*

Workforce Development/Education Committee - Chair - Teri Johnson

Events/Action Committee - Chair - Debby Nabours Membership Committee - Chair - Kenisha Vincent

Governmental Affairs Committee - R.K. Levens

2016 Calendar for Committees:

Economic Development: February 16

April 19 June 21

August 16 October 18

December 20

Workforce Development/Education:

February 24 March 30

April 25 May 25

June 29 July 27

August 24 September 28

October 26 November 30

December 28

Events/Action: February 4

March 3 April 7

May 2 June 2

July 7 August 4

September 1 October 6

November 3 December 1

Membership:

February 18 March 17 April 12

May 19 June 16

July 21 August 18

September 15 October 20

November 17 December 15

Governmental Affairs:

February 23 May 24

August 23

November 22

__________________________________________________________________________

***Olympic Fitness & Mixed Martial Arts*** Classes - available in

February

***Any new businesses interested in joining the West Cal Chamber has two great reasons to join now with free advertisement offered through these Chamber Members below - What a great incentive. Spread the Word!!!

Community Calendar & News

***The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is now providing copies of the 2016 Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Guide: An Energized Region. Primarily targeting new residents and businesses coming to Southwest Louisiana, the magazine is a valuable resource with items of interest to everyone from first timers to Louisiana natives. It is available at the Alliance offices located on the 3rd floor of the SEED Center (4310 Ryan Street in Lake Charles.)

***Dr. Brad LeBert, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) and allergy specialist who has practiced in Lake Charles for more than 5 years, has joined the physician team at Imperial Health, Southwest Louisiana's largest, physician-owned multispecialty medical group. Dr. LeBert is originally from Lake Charles and received his undergraduate degree from

Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He earned his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he also completed a residency in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. LeBert founded the ENT & Allergy Clinic in 2013, where he practices with Imperial Health ENT physicians Dr. Bridget Loehn

and Dr. Blake LeBlanc. Dr. LeBert specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat, as well as related structures of the head and neck. This includes, but is not limited to: sinus disease, tinnitus, ear infections, tonsilar conditions and facial reconstruction. Dr. LeBert offers minimally

invasive sinus procedures and also provides specialized allergy treatment. Dr. LeBert sees patients at the ENT & Allergy Clinic, which is located at 1920 W. Sale

Road, F3. To schedule an appointment with Dr. LeBert, call (337) 312-8564. ***Gov. Bobby Jindal highlighted the selection of the Formosa Petrochemical Corp. project in St. James Parish as one of the nation's top three deals in Business Facilities magazine's 2015 Economic Development Deal of the Year competition. Formosa, a Taiwan-based company that has operated in Louisiana for more than three decades, announced in September 2015 that it was assessing the feasibility of developing a $9.4 billion industrial complex, which would include ethane crackers and downstream

chemical manufacturing plants. -Pending a final investment decision by mid-2016, Formosa would develop the project in

two phases on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near the Gramercy bridge. The project would create 1,200 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $84,500,

plus benefits, and result in an estimated 8,000 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 9,200 new jobs in Louisiana. The Formosa Petrochemical project would become one of

the largest, single-site ethylene production complexes in the world. In January 2014, Gov. Jindal visited Taiwan to meet with company officials and build the foundation for the

Louisiana investment.

-Gov. Jindal said, "Throughout our administration, we focused on building a more

competitive Louisiana so that we would be able to attract global investment and world-scale projects of the highest quality. We're truly proud that Louisiana has indeed become

recognized as the new frontier for business opportunity, that Formosa officials recognized our great progress in developing a better business climate and a more productive workforce, and that Business Facilities recognized all of these hallmarks in one of the top economic development deals in the U.S. What we're most excited about is that beyond this great honor, the Formosa project represents an opportunity for thousands more Louisiana workers and their families to benefit from great new careers and a higher quality of life in the state they love." Business Facilities delivered 30 project nominations announced in 18 states during 2015 to an independent panel of judges that made the final selections for the 2015 Economic Development Deal of the Year competition. Judges selected a $417 million investment in a 4.1 million-square-foot Goodman Global Group manufacturing and corporate campus in Houston, with 4,600 new jobs, as the Gold Award winner. The Silver Award went to

South Carolina's $500 million Volvo assembly plant, with 4,000 new jobs, followed by Louisiana's $9.4 billion Formosa Petrochemical plant as the Bronze Award winner. -The magazine named a record seven runners-up that merited Honorable Mention Awards: Utah (SolarCity expansion, $94 million, 4,000 jobs); Tennessee (Community Health Services expansion, $66 million, 1,500 new jobs); North Carolina (Novo Nordisk expansion, $1.2 billion, 691 new jobs); Alabama (Polaris manufacturing facility, $127 million, 1,700 new jobs); Georgia (Kaiser Permanente National Innovation Center, $20 million, 900 new jobs); Indiana (Subaru expansion, $400 million, 1,200 new jobs); and Texas (Amazon fulfillment center, $191 million, 1,000 new jobs). -The Formosa Petrochemical project rose to the top tier of the annual Business Facilities awards with a comprehensive foundation for attracting one of the world's leading

chemical manufacturing projects. -"Louisiana's world-class infrastructure offers unmatched logistics options for large-scale

petrochemical operations, providing a solid foundation for future growth," said Business Facilities Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers said.

-The Business Facilities Economic Development Deal of the Year awards are presented to projects that create a significant number of quality jobs, increase the tax base and

otherwise stimulate the local economy. The Formosa project recognition marks the latest in a string of major economic development awards for Louisiana in the competition. -In 2013, the 800-job IBM technology center project in Baton Rouge earned an Honorable Mention Award from Business Facilities. In 2012, the magazine presented the state with a Silver Award for the Sasol project in Lake Charles, and in 2010, Louisiana received a

Bronze Award for the Nucor project, also in St. James Parish. Louisiana's latest recognition accompanies a rapidly improving business climate in the

state. Louisiana now ranks in the Top 10 of five national business climate rankings, including Area Development, Business Facilities, Chief Executive, DCI and Site Selection.

Today, Louisiana ranks higher in every national business climate ranking than it ever did prior to 2008. Advances in workforce development, governmental ethics laws, the state

tax structure and education have joined with targeted incentives to boost Louisiana's

success in attracting economic development expansion and corporate relocation projects. Since 2008, Louisiana has attracted economic development projects that are

resulting in more than 91,000 new jobs in the state and more than $62 billion in new capital investment. -About Business Facilities Business Facilities has been a leading source of intelligence on corporate expansion and relocation projects since 1968. For more on the 2015 Business Facilities Economic Development Deal of the Year awards, visit businessfacilities.com. __________________________________________________________________________

AMERICAN PICKERS To Film In Louisiana

LOUISIANA is excited to welcome Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Antique Archeology to the area. The team will film episodes of their hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout Louisiana. Filming is scheduled for March 2016. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique 'picking' on History. This hit show follows two of the ...most skilled pickers in the

business, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they embark on an epic road trip across the U.S. in search of America's most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles

to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle America, restore forgotten relics to their former glory, and learn a thing or two about

American history along the way.

AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore what you may have. They are on the hunt for interesting characters with interesting and unique items. Some

of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, early firefighting equipment, vintage clothing, pre-50's western gear.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions for History. New episodes air

Wednesdays at 9pm ET on History.

If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to Mike and Frank, email: your name, number, address and description of the collection and photos to:

americanpickers@cineflix.com 855-old-rust.

**** Family & Youth will host a Civic Engagement Institute on Tuesday, January 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and January 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Family & Youth Counseling

Agency at 220 Louie St. Lake Charles, LA. The Civic Engagement Institute engages high school students in the democratic process. Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities. At the Civic Engagement Institute teens will develop a combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a

difference in their community as well as learn about promoting the quality of life in a

community, through both political and non-political processes. This institute will challenge civic-minded participants to identify and understand issues that affect the

quality of life in Southwest Louisiana, craft statements to challenge current situations, and develop solutions to issues of concern. Registration is now open online at

www.fyca.org, or by contacting Courtney Armstead at 337-436-9533 or courtneya@fyca.org. The Institute will take place at Family & Youth, 220 Louie Street,

Lake Charles, LA. This event is generously funded by the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund, SASOL North America, Cameron LNG, and Magnolia LNG.

***The Color Vibe 5K is returning to Lake Charles on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. The event

will be held at the Arcade Amphitheatre at the Lake Charles Civic Center (1000 Bord du Lac Dr.) and the run will begin at 8 a.m. Throughout the course, participants run, walk, or

dance their way through color stations, where vibrant colors tie-dye white outfits and costumes. When it's over, everyone is invited to stick around for a large colorful dance party hosted by a professional sound crew and DJ. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Lake Charles. Children 12 and under can participate for free. For more information or to sign for the Color Vibe 5K, visit www.thecolorvibe.com/lakecharles.php or email support@thecolorvibe.com. *** Tickets are now on sale for next year's 2016 Louisiana Winter Beer Festival which will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank Building (844 Ryan St.) in Downtown Lake Charles, LA. You can get your tickets at www.lawinterbeerfest.com. This will be the second year for the Craft Beer festival, benefiting the Lake Charles Symphony, and the event organizers are expecting a

selection of well over 100 Louisiana and American craft beers, meads and ciders for attendees to sample. Regular admission tickets are $50 per person, which grants the attendee admission to the festival at 1 p.m. on Saturday, a commemorative tasting glass and unlimited samplings of the regular festival beer offerings. VIP tickets will also be available for $100 per person. The VIP ticket grants early admission to the festival at noon on Saturday; an express VIP entry gate; access to exclusive beer selections; a special commemorative VIP tasting snifter; access to a VIP restroom; and a token for food from one of the festival food vendors. VIP tickets are limited. Designated drivers will receive access to the festival, free water and soft drinks, and a commemorative tasting glass for $15. Presenting sponsors for this year's festival are Empire of the Seed Historic Properties and L'Auberge Casino Resort. Beer sponsors will be Crescent Crown

Distributing and Southwest Beverage.

***To better accommodate their donors, Lifeshare Blood Center has adjusted the hours at their facility located at 214 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive in Lake Charles. They will still be

open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first and third Saturday, 8 a.m. to Noon, but on Wednesdays they will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. and

on Thursday they will open at 10 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. Every 2 seconds a patient needs blood to live. They must rely on volunteer blood donors to live. Potential blood donors receive a mini-physical prior to the donation procedure, including a check of temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron level. Donors must be age 16 or older (16 year olds require written parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well and

healthy at the time of donation, eat a good meal and increase fluid intake prior to donation. Donors will be asked to present identification. For more information and to

schedule a blood donation or blood drive, call (337-436-4932).

***The Arts Council of SWLA, City of Lake Charles, and Deep South Productions are getting ready for the upcoming season of Live @ the Lakefront, the annual free outdoor

concert series taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center's Arcade Amphitheatre on

three consecutive Fridays, March 11, 18, and 25, 2016. Live @ the Lakefront will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the event will offer an extensive artisan market, local food

vendors, and interactive activities for the whole family. All beverage sales benefit the Arts Council's year-round services and programs. The 2016 live music line up and Headliner sponsors will be announced after the New Year. For information on sponsoring this event, call 337-439-2787. *L.I.F.T. (Living Information for Today), is a social program for lake area widows and widowers sponsored and hosted by Hixson Funeral Homes. They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at their Moss Bluff location, the 3rd Wednesday in Sulphur, and the 4th Wednesday in Lake Charles. All start at 10 a.m. For more info call Jody Barrilleaux 337-794-3113.

*HALOS (Healing After Loved Ones Suicide) Support Group will meet on Tuesday. Sept 1. at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur. For more information, call Jody Barrilleaux at 337-794-3113.

WEST CAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lena McArthur/Executive Director Stacie Monteilh/ Administrative Assistant

337-313-1121 Visit Our Website! www.westcal.org