Inside the Chamber 2022

0 2 2 INSIDE

CHAMBER

Made in Monroe

Monroe makes some pretty cool things. Read about 7 local manufacturers and the products they make.

Leadership

Meet our 2022 Leadership Class, our largest Leadership Class ever.

2022 Ribbon Cuttings

Join The Chamber, the Chamber Ambassadors and the city as we celebrate each new opening.

Cyber Security

In October, the Chamber, with multiple partners, held our first Cyber Security Summit.

Pictured: Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis and James Machine Works President, Susan Weaver

TH E ONLY

B A N K

Large Enough to be Progressive, Small Enough to be Personal

Welcome to the 2022 edition of “Inside the Chamber” magazine. This has been a great year for our Monroe Chamber and for our business community. Everywhere you look you see change, growth, and collaboration and there is a renewed spirit of optimism and energy. This year as Chairman, I have had the honor of working with outstanding board members, staff, and volunteers who have tirelessly worked to deliver our 2022 strategy. At our retreat last year, I challenged each board member to find their passion and join one of our newly formed committees. I am very proud to say our board rose to the occasion implementing impactful strategies in Government, Workforce, Education, Technology, Non-Profit, Healthcare, Diversity, Small Business, Finance, and Member Value. The good news is we are just getting started. We will continue to use these foundational building blocks to create a community where our businesses thrive. This year we also advanced communicating our strategies, achievements and branding through engagement of a new marketing firm. Last year’s magazine kicked off our communication efforts. Our newsletter was revamped last summer, and our social media presence continues to grow. We are proud of our newsletter and website which continues to evolve and grow with the chamber. I invite you to visit the new website and view the board video you will find on the homepage. This video captures the heart, soul and diversity of who we are. The new website is also the hub for all information regarding the Monroe Chamber and great resource for our chamber members.

We hope you enjoy this edition of “Inside the Chamber” magazine where we have featured 7 local manufacturers that help drive our business economy and make impactful and amazing products. We call it Made in Monroe and we are very proud to share their stories.

Thank you to Roy Heatherly, Monroe Chamber CEO, for taking the lead in driving our strategy and for always being that spark of enthusiasm at every meeting and event. Your enthusiasm permeates what we do and is spreading throughout our business community. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your 2022 Chairman. It was a tremendous honor and I am very excited to see our chamber continue to build on its strong foundation to advance business and economic growth in our community, our parish and our region. As Roy would say, “It’s a great day in Monroe, Louisiana”!

Tania Hilburn

CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTRIBUTORS 4 6 8 12 31 18 28 10 16 26 14 20 30 It’s a Beautiful Day in Monroe DRAX Mid South Extrusion 2023 Board of Directors Ingersoll Rand James Machine Works, LLC. 2022 Ribbon Cuttings Made in Monroe Pulpmill Services, INC. Annual Banquet

PRESIDENT + CEO

Roy Heatherly

PRODUCTION

Amanda Chenevert – Kinetix

Sawyer Ryder – Kinetix

CONTRIBUTORS

Annmarie Sartor

Susan Weaver

Roy Heatherly

Mark Kent Anderson

Michael Jordan

Tania Hilburn

Bayou

Life Magazine

Bill Fitzgerald

Mark Ingram

Ronnie Marsh

Rachel Cooper

Daphne Garrett

Sarita Daniel

Jackie Rosenberg

Tina Stanley

Terri Arthur

Thanks to

Dean Baugh -

LED

Sol’s Pipe & Steel

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN MONROE

We told the Governor when we was here for his annual luncheon with us that the bright and shining light he sees every night to the north of Baton Rouge is Monroe, West Monroe, Ouachita Parish and Northeast Louisiana! There is something special happening in our city and in our region! There is an energy, excitement and buzz that hasn’t been here in a long, long time. Thanks to our fantastic board of directors, our staff and our amazing volunteers your Monroe Chamber has been right in the middle of the excitement. Rain, shine, hot or cold everyday is a Beautiful Day in Monroe, Louisiana.

ROY HEATHERLY President & CEO

THE CHAMBER:

As we closed out 2021 we had two goals. The first was to diversify our board of directors. Thanks to the leadership of our Chairman Tania Hilburn, we assembled a fantastic board that reflected the make up and DNA of our community. What an honor it has been to serve with each of them this year. They embody the spirit of what makes this community special. Our second goal was to build a strategy based on specifically targeted business segments that help us achieve our mission of creating an environment where your business thrives. In January under the leadership of Tania, Jay Mulhern, Beverly Lewis, Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Paul Hutcheson, Jasmyne McConnell, Jeremy Harrell, and Jessica Hale we launched committees and strategies that addressed Governmental Advocacy, Technology, Non-Profit assistance, Workforce, Education, Small Business, Member Value, Diversity, Healthcare and Finance. Each committee was built with board members and member volunteers. From there the work began. As a member you might have noticed we did a lot of surveys to find out what we could do to help you. Some highlights include the following: Our Government Advocacy Committee engaged political candidates and partnered in a political forum, our Technology committee hosted our first Cyber Security Summit, our Education committee launched a school pride and educational pathway campaign that includes 10 banners at each Monroe City Schools and a STEM Music concert for all of our city 3rd and 4th graders, our Healthcare committee launched Medical Moments, our Workforce committee is in the middle of helping form a Manufacturing Council and partnered with other local organizations to hire a dedicated workforce employee, our Diversity committee partnered with others to put on a diversity training and our Small Business committee launched a new monthly networking event called Coffee & Conversation as well as partnering with the city to hold real estate and business district meetings. And…………. we’re just getting started. 2023 will see us build on all of those efforts. We are also adding a committee called Community Engagement and Pride. Another project we began in 2022, was revamping our entire marketing effort. Working with our partners at Kinetix we revamped our website to include more videos and updated community, committee, and member information. Our newsletter was overhauled, and our social media efforts took off. We launched campaigns thanking our Total Resource Sponsors, saluting Oneroe stars and 100 Days of Funroe. Over the holidays we ran a Shop Local – Eat Local Ouachita campaign and Thanks to Randy Stone and Ashley Doughty Able we have a regular spot on Louisiana Living celebrating our members. As you read through the following pages you will see recaps of numerous chamber events. Thanks to Daphne Garrett and Terri Arthur our events and GALA skyrocketed. You will also see articles highlighting local manufacturers in a series called “Made in Monroe”. We make some amazing things in our city and we all should celebrate these amazing companies making some amazing things.

THE CITY:

Wow – Wow – Wow – I tell people they won’t recognize our city 5 years from now. The city is in phase 2 of our Downtown Master Plan and launched a master plan for our parks and recreation centers. RFP’s have gone out for the Candy Company buildings and the Kansas Lane project. The city hired a Mainstreet Director (Nirali Patel) to spearhead the downtown efforts. $300,000,000 of Capital Outlay money is being invested all over our city to improve, fix, repair or upgrade much needed projects. Much of the work is in infrastructure which is needed so other projects can be developed and happen. Ground has been broken on the new Bio-Medical Research and Innovation Park. In early November the city hosted the Southern Rail Commission to discuss passenger rail from Atlanta to Dallas with a new station in Downtown Monroe. Our friend Tom Pearson continues to elevate our zoo and another good friend, Melissa Saye is well on the way to relocating The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum to a new 20,000 square foot building in Forsythe Park. Michael and Kristy Echols continue to do amazing renovation work in our downtown. Dr. Berry and the team at ULM continue to WOW us with some amazing things happening on the Bayou. VCOM-Louisiana just white coated their 3rd class and Louisiana Delta Community College leads the entire system in innovative ways to teach, train and match students with the workforce needs of our local businesses and manufacturers. Leaders like Governor Edwards, Senator Kennedy, Senator Cassidy and Congresswoman Letlow use words like transformative and collaboration when describing the team approach to change in our city. The good news is as Mayor Ellis would say ……. Uncle Roy we’re just getting started.

So Many Reasons

RUTHIE WHEATLEY Executive Assistant to the President

DAPHNE GARRETT Events Director SARITA DANIEL Membership Director

BEVERLY LEWIS VP Health Ochsner LSU Monroe

JEFF LAUDENHEIMER Progressive Bank

MARK KENT ANDERSON Mid-South Extrusion

MATT WHITE Drax

COLBY WALKER InterMountain Renovations

DR. RANDY ALDRET VCOM

DR. RON BERRY ULM

ALBERTA GREEN ABG Counseling and Career

JOSH ETHERIDGE Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit

LAMONT WINDOM Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit

AIMEE KANE VP of Finance St. Francis Medical Center

MEG KEENE Stephens Media Group

MATT DICKERSON Legacy Metal Works, LLC

BILL WILLSON Century Next Bank

RANDY STONE KTVE/KARD

PASTOR IKE BYRD Mt. Zion Baptist Church

DR. WENDI TOSTENSON VP Workforce Development La. Delta Community College

DAWNE SMITH Paramount Health

MARK SISK ReMax

CHRISTINA DAVIS LA SBDC

JAMES MILES Pelican State Credit Union

STEWART EWING InterMountain Management

PAUL HUTCHESON VP Government/Non-Profit Homeland Bank

ALANA COOPER Discover Monroe-West Monroe

JEREMY TINNERELLO Glenwood Hospital

QUENTIN DURR Origin Bank

TAYLOR CAGLE Origin Bank

KELSEY MCCRARY City of Monroe

JASMYNE MCCONNELL VP Membership Cajun Title Co.

MARILYN DORRIS IBM

KIRSTEN GLADEN Catholic Charities of NLA

DANA MULLENS Monroe City Schools

PATIENCE TALLEY City of Monroe

TANIA HILBURN Immediate Past Chairman JP Morgan Chase

KEN WYCOFF Pecanland Mall

STEPHANIE POLK Lumen

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce is please to introduce our 2023 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Jay Mulhern, with Express Employment Professionals will serve as the Chairman of the Board, Tania Hilburn with JP Morgan Chase, Immediate Past Chair, Jeremy Harrell, Incoming Chair or Chair Elect for 2024. The VP for Finance will be Aimee Kane, St. Francis Medical Center, Vice President of Workforce, Education and Economic Development is Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Louisiana Delta Community College, Paul Hutcheson, Homeland Bank, Vice President of Governmental Advocacy, Technology and Non-Profits, Beverly Lewis, Ochsner LSU Health/Monroe, Vice President of Healthcare, and Jasmyne McConnell, Cajun Title Agency, Vice President of Membership, Diversity and Small Business.

Serving on the Board of Directors are: Dr. Randy Aldret- VCOM, Meg Keene (Ambassador Chair), Stephens Media Group, Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Marilyn Dorris, IBM, Jeff Laudenheimer, Progressive Bank, Dr. Ron Berry, ULM, Matt Dickerson, Legacy Metal Works LLC, Mark Sisk, Remax, Randy Stone, KTVE-KARD, Jeremy Tinnerello, Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Kirsten Gladen, Catholic Charities, Mark Kent Anderson, Mid-South Extrusion, Alberta Green, ABG Consulting and Career Counseling, Bill Willson, Century Next Bank, Christina Davis, LA. Small Business Development Center, Colby Walker, InterMountain Management, Lamont Windom, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Pastor Ike Byrd, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Stewart Ewing, InterMountain Management, Kelsea McCrary, City of Monroe, and Patience Talley, Chair of our Young Professionals and City of Monroe. New Board Members for 2023 include Matt White, Drax, Josh Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit, Ken Wycoff, Pecanland Mall, James Miles, Pelican State Credit Union, Dawne Smith, Paramount Healthcare Consultants, Taylor Cagle, Origin Bank, and Dana Mullins, Monroe City Schools.

THE MONROE CHAMBER IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SELECTION OF OUR 2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

ROY HEATHERLY President & CEO

JAY MULHERN Chairman 2023 Express Employment Professionals

JEREMY HARRELL Chair Elect Guaranty Bank

MADE IN MONROE

MONROE MAKES SOME PRETTY COOL THINGS...

We saw a quote once that read “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.” That sums up the amazing work being done my manufacturers in Monroe, Louisiana. Last spring, The Chamber along with Dean Baugh of LED, Mayor Friday Ellis, Kelsea McCrary and DJ Fortenberry began a series of visits to our local manufacturing facilities. WOW, Monroe makes some pretty cool things and each manufacturer is unique with their own story. We thought it would be fun if we gave each of them a chance to tell you their own story and share with you what “Made in Monroe” is all about.

As you turn the pages you meet family owned businesses like Sol’s Pipe and Steel or James Machine Works who are both in their 2nd generation of family ownership. We are proud of Susan Weaver of James Machine Works, for being a professional leader and trailblazer in a business traditionally dominated by men. You also learn about another Monroe family owned business Mid South Extrusion and see the great work the Anderson family is doing. You will read about Steel Fabricators dba Lexicon that produces 15,000 tons of structure annually and employs 150 local residents. Did you know that Ingersol Rand produces Fractional horsepower compressors, vacuum pumps and precision syringe pumps. The pumps made at Ingersoll Rand are used in ventilators and helped save many lives during the pandemic. Learn more about Drax - did you know Drax is a GLOBAL renewable energy company and producer of wood pellets. Pulpmill Services primary businesses is manufacturing, installation, repair and refurbishing of Pulpmill equipment. So many diverse and amazing products – all of them made right here in Monroe, Louisiana.

Monroe’s DNA is an entrepreneurial spirit coupled with an attitude of hard work and never giving up. We think we have the coolest manufacturers in the world and once you read their stories we know you will agree. Enjoy reading about the cool things that are “Made in Monroe”.

QUALITY IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT; IT IS ALWAYS THE RESULT OF INTELLIGENT EFFORT.

MIDSOUTH EXTRUSION IS GROWING

We’ve got a great story to tell. When the first “bubble” went up the tower in 1987, it was an exciting day for Mid South Extrusion. We started small with only a single production line and 24,000 square feet in which to operate. But we also had a vision. Over the years we’ve seen the fulfillment of that original vision, and as the Company has grown, our vision widened and clarified. Simply stated, our vision is to be the industry’s leading producer of innovative flexible films. Our vision focuses on continually serving existing markets

with blown film products that outperform those of others in the industry. It also points us to new and expanding markets, Mid South Extrusion, circa 1987 such as food packaging, where opportunities for novel application of our technologies enable our customers to better serve the consumer. In 2021 the Company attained certifications for our Quality (ISO 9001) and Food Safety Systems (FSSC 22000), certifications that reinforce our commitment to continually improving both products and processes.

Today, we’re over 350,000 square feet, and we operate 12 extrusion lines. The products that come off of those lines package the food you eat, wrap the mattresses you dream on, and protect the equipment that keeps our military strong. We help grow crops in our fields, and we preserve the beauty of the furniture you buy. The carpets you walk on last longer and feel more luxurious and plush because of our film products. Yet, we’re even more diverse than that. Millions of pounds of our film go into the products of others, and it is Mid South Extrusion’s films that help them perform better and last longer.

The products we sell are manufactured on state-of-the-art extrusion lines. That 1987 production line looks very different today. It’s been upgraded with the latest technology in the industry and joined by 11 other film lines that offer capabilities from single-layer to five-layer co-extrusion products. Look closely as you drive the highways. You’ll see our products delivered by a dedicated fleet of trucks and trailers, enabling us to serve customers across the country as few others can equal.

As proud as we are of our products and our facilities, we’re even more proud of our people. We’re now 200 strong and growing, and we see exciting opportunities for all. Our staff is anchored by employees with over 35 years of blown film extrusion experience and buoyed by a cadre of employees whose knowledge and skills are ever-increasing. Our emphasis is not simply to provide a job. We offer a career. To that end, we invest heavily in training and in developing skills. It’s been said that “people determine quality,” and the quality of our products is reflected in the nature of our employees.

“There is no better example of ‘Monroemade’ than Mid South Extrusion. We’re locally owned, but nationally and internationally focused,” says Mark Kent Anderson, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We feel that we’re a beacon in South Monroe and for the community at large. We express that in our Mission Statement which says, ‘We grow by empowering our employees, customers, suppliers, and community.’ We have exciting things on our horizon and are pleased that we can bring them to the greater Monroe area and to Northeast Louisiana. You’ll hear more about the opportunities at Mid South in the coming months with the start-up of our newest production line which will add an additional 6,600,000 pounds of plant capacity. This is an exciting time for our organization.”

We truly have a great story to tell. It’s a journey of persistence, hard work, success, and opportunity. We hope others will join us as our journey continues. We’re Mid South Extrusion – Monroe-made, Monroeproud, and Monroe-growing.

James Machine Works, LLC

THREE GENERATIONS OF EXCELLENCE, SAFETY, AND A CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SERVING MONROE

James Machine Works, LLC was founded in 1957 in Monroe, Louisiana by H.M. James after he retired from the US Navy where he served as a machinist aboard the USS Hull, USS Stewart, USS Utah, and the USS Arizona. What began as a small auto machine shop with 3 employees has grown into a company that employs between 130-145 full-time employees. We are proud to be on our third generation of family ownership. William M. (Bucky) McElroy, Jr. purchased the business in 1972 on Mr. James’ retirement. Paul M. McElroy, Bucky’s son, purchased the business in 1995 on Bucky’s retirement. Susan M. Weaver joined the business in 199. Upon Paul’s death in 2015, Susan was designated President. In 2022 JMW attained 100% Women’s Business Owned status through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

JMW employs approximately 100 people at the company’s headquarters in Monroe and an additional 30-40 employees that make up the 9 field crews who work throughout the United States concentrating primarily in the Gulf South and southeast sections of the country; although, JMW has also completed work in Michigan,

Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Virginia. James Machine Works manufactures stainless steel pressure and non-pressure vessels and storage tanks for the pulp & paper, chemical, oil & gas, and energy industries. JMW has an in-house Quality Control department, in-house Safety department, personnel certified in ASME, API 653, AWWA, and API, and an in-house Engineering and Design department.

Safety is #1 at JMW. In 2015 JMW attained inclusion in the OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). At that time there were only 17 companies in the state of Louisiana that had earned this distinction and JMW was one of only two in northeast Louisiana. The Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation has recognized JMW with their Safest 70 Award in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021. The Golden Triangle Business Roundtable of Southeast Texas honored JMW with the Contractor Safety Award in 2017 and 2018.

Always family-owned, JMW has made a commitment to the Monroe

community through involvement in local churches, schools, local sports team sponsorships, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rays of Sonshine, P .A.W.S. of Northeast Louisiana, and River Cities Humane Society for Cats. JMW participates in the adopt-a-school program by providing resources for JS Clark Magnet school. Many area elementary, middle, high schools, colleges, churches, and youth athletic programs have benefited from JMW philanthropy. JMW is currently involved in a program at Neville High School to teach welding to interested high school students.

Pulpmill Services, INC. LOCAL LEGACY, INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

Pulpmill Services, Inc. (PSI) primary business is the manufacturing, installation, repair, and refurbishing of pulp mill equipment, diversifying into industrial general construction including concrete, structural steel, piping, and mechanical projects.

The principles of PSI founded the company over 20 years ago after investing more than 15 years in industrial fabrication, construction, and maintenance. Soon after PSI formed a construction company specializing in the paper industry and other heavy site projects. Since then, we have had the good fortune

to experience continued growth in both the scope and breath of our operations. PSI continues to invest in the resources necessary to capitalize on the strategic partnerships we have earned. We completed the expansion of our 80’ x 100’ machine shop giving us over 50,000 sq, ft, under roof. We’ve also made a large investment in CNC equipment that will vastly expand our capabilities becoming the most advanced fabrication and machine shop in Northeast Louisiana. Our metal cutting capabilities also expanded adding a 12’ x 20’ high definition plasma cutting table to our 1 O’ x 20’ five axis water jet cutting table.

The members of our senior staff have over 200 years of combined experience in the pulp, paper, and wood products industries. This past year our team averaged over 185 employees and completed over 800 projects in many states throughout the U.S. Our teams are designed to meet or exceed pro-posed project needs comprising of; engineers, AWS-CWl certified QA and members trained in liquid penetrant testing level I & II, certified high alloy welders, CNC machinist, pipefitters, millwrights, riggers, and concrete workers.

PSI has the capability to fabricate products using most any metal, but specializes in fabricating all high alloy metals including titanium, and hastelloy. With the addition of one of the state’s largest CNC bridge mills and the ability to roll 3” metal, our in-house capabilities have expanded allowing us to handle more complicated fabrication needs. Because of our abilities, PSI has expanded outside of the pa-per and wood products industry into multiple types of industries, including chemical and food products. We’ve delivered equipment and parts all over the U.S., Canada, Austria, Poland, Spain, and Germany.

These types of plants require strict safety standards. Our award winning safety department is charged with the responsibility of insuring our teams are current in the industry safety standards as well as the safety standards set by each individual plant site including the required drug testing. We also enjoy a relationship with Delta Community College developing training programs for our teams.

The strict documentation of the processes outlined are the responsibility of the Q.A. department. This includes; nomenclature and lot numbers of all metal parts, certification of the welder for the type of metal, documentation of all welding materials used, and weld testing. All of this is available upon request by the plant or manufacturer’s representative.

DRAX FUELING THE RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

From Louisiana to the world:

Louisiana plays a crucial role in the world’s energy system, transforming sustainable biomass from forest harvesting residues and sawmill residues into renewable energy that keeps global economies moving.

Sustainable biomass from Louisiana creates jobs and economic value at home, and abroad, where it is used to generate renewable power for millions of homes and businesses.

The best is yet to come:

Louisiana’s biomass is also helping unlock a vital new technology: Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). BECCS will remove millions of tons of harmful CO2 from the atmosphere while generating renewable power, creating thousands of new jobs in clean technology, and putting Louisiana at the heart of global efforts to power our industries and economy sustainability.

Drax is a leading global renewable energy company and producer of wood pellets: a sustainable, low-carbon fuel source for renewable electricity generation.

In the US, Drax is headquartered in Monroe and operates two sites in Louisiana that supply sustainable biomass to customers in Europe, including Drax Power Station in the United Kingdom. The company also has a significant presence at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.

We support Louisiana to:

• Unlock local jobs: 800+ direct, indirect and induced jobs across Louisiana, including the supply chain of loggers, truckers, railway workers, port workers

and other logistics professionals.

• Boost the state economy: A total annual impact of over $129m.

• Help communities: A track-record of providing funds to our communities to support delivery of educational outreach, community health and recreational activities and resources. In times of crisis our contributions have also helped to re-build and improve public spaces, food donations, and COVID recovery efforts.

• Keep forests as forests: The biomass sector supports timber markets and sustainable forest management by providing a market for low-value wood.

Sustainable forest management practices play a critical role in improving the health and resilience of Louisiana’s forests by reducing risks from wildfires and pests while also improving native wildlife habitat.

The State of Louisiana recognizes that a lack of active management is one of the biggest threats to Louisiana’s forests and that a healthy market for the waste and low value products is required in order to ensure that the health and long-term future of the forest area can be maintained.

Drax works with landowners across Louisiana to implement best-in-class management practices, helping them make informed choices about their forests in order to maximize the benefits that sustainable forest management can deliver.

Drax’s commitment is clear: work with its partners to ensure that our wood pellets make a positive social, economic and environmental contribution to our neighbors and communities.

To find out more about Drax responsible sourcing visit: www.drax.com/sustainability

Ingersoll Rand LEAN ON US TO MAKE LIFE BETTER

Ingersoll Rand is a global provider of mission-critical flow creation and industrial solutions and has been a proud member of the Monroe community for more than 50 years – operating under the names of ITT Pneumotive, Thomas Industries and, most recently, Gardner Denver. The Monroe factory is part of Ingersoll Rand’s Precision and Science Technologies segment.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset, Ingersoll Rand is dedicated to helping make life better for its customers, employees and stockholders. Our purpose – lean on us to help make life better – guides everything we do. In addition to being a purpose- and values-driven organization, our employees think and act like owners because they are. Under an Ownership Works all-employee equity grant program that launched in 2020, all employees –regardless of level or position – who have been with the company for one year are eligible to participate. We believe thinking and acting like owners fuels our success.

Wondering what is produced right here in your hometown? The Ingersoll Rand team of operators, engineers, and support staff designs and manufactures more than 250,000 compressors and vacuum pumps annually. The compressors are used in a number of applications, including plasma cutters, food and beverage dispensers, tire inflation, pond aeration and medical equipment.

Our facility in brief:

• 153,000 square foot facility

• Plant manager: Mark Ingram

• More than 150 employees

• Products produced: Fractional horsepower compressors, vacuum pumps and precision syringe pumps

• Brands: Thomas, Welch and TriContinent

us. During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, our operators produced more than 150,000 compressors for use in machines that generate oxygen for patients with respiratory issues, including ventilators, oxygen concentrators and nebulizers. It’s a testament to our commitment to make life better for those in our community.

Ingersoll Rand also has strong sustainability goals and we are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment by reducing our energy, water consumption and waste to landfill. Often seen as a leader in sustainability for the Ingersoll Rand group, the Monroe operation has made significant improvements to drive toward zero waste to landfill and zero emissions energy usage.

We are honored to be part of the Monroe community. Thank you for your ongoing support as together we make life better for our community.

The health and wellbeing of our community is incredibly important to

Sol’s Pipe & Steel GROWING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF GROWING CUSTOMERS

Sol’s Pipe & Steel was founded in 1958 by Sol Rosenberg, Sol’s Pipe & Steel is now in it’s 64th year of business. Sol’s sons, Jackie and Herman Rosenberg presently run Sol’s, noting that their Father started the business with a used truck in a rented facility at Selman Field. His primary business then was buying and selling used pipe. Selling mostly to farmers and contractors, slowly working his way up to selling some new steel as well. When his sons started working full-time in the mid 70’s, they started purchasing new steel and new pipe from domestic and foreign mills. Several years thereafter, the only steel company in Monroe had sold out to another company and that company also decided to shut it’s doors as well. Sol’s Pipe & Steel then became the only’ steel and pipe company within approximately a 1.00 mile radius of Monroe.

Initially starting with only a few trucks, Sol’s Pipe & Steel presently has a fleet of fifteen 18-wheelers as well as five smaller trucks that handle smaller loads. Approximately 30 years ago Sol’s purchased it’s first pipe rolling machine. It could only roll 10 ft sections of pipe that would have to be welded into 20 ft sections, which was the length preferred by their customers. After about 10 years, Sol’s purchased it’s first 20 ft rolling machine. As soon as it arrived, they were so busy with the increase of new orders, was forced to purchase a 2nd machine, double the size of the existing warehouse and 7dd on a 2nd work shift to keep up with the demand of new orders. Sol’s presently rolls 26” up to 14 ft diameter pipe mostly for encasement pipe for large water and sewage projects as well as vertical caissons for foundations. It is sold to pipe distributors as well as large contractors from coast to coast.

Throughout the years Sol’s also expanded it’s capabilities in the steel industry as well. They are now a full scale service center, providing not only carbon steel such as angles, channels, beams, sheets and plates, but also offer a complete section of alloy bars and shapes as well as aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized. Sol’s also has three state of the art CNC burn tables that burn shapes either with plasma or oxy-fuel. Along with it’s burning capabilities, Sol’s also operates three production saws that process pipe and steel shapes to specific lengths for their customers.

Through all the years Sol’s has been in business, they were constantly morphing themselves to meet customers needs. Today, they are unique in that they offer so many pipe and steel products they are truly a “ONE STOP SHOP”.

Kitty DeGree and Rambin Silverstein Awards

HONORING PAST LEADERS BY RECOGNIZING LIFETIME ACHIEVERS

Looking back on the history of Monroe there are names that are synonymous with lifetime achievements and community service. David Silverstein, Melvin Rambin and Kitty DeGree are at the top of the list. Each year your Monroe Chamber of Commerce honors today’s game changers with awards named after these past giants. Ms. Kitty DeGree established her award in 2003 and it is presented annually to an individual who had demonstrated outstanding achievements as a business leader throughout their career. This year Malcolm Maddox was awarded the 2022 Kitty DeGree Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in Business. The Rambin Silverstein award is based on a person’s contributions to the community over many years of service, evidence of their leadership ability, and evidence of their personal, professional, and business integrity. Sue Nicholson was named the winner of the Rambin-Silverstein award for outstanding leadership and service to the Community in 2022. The Monroe Chamber salutes our current winners and thanks them for all they do. They join a long list of community servants who were past winners.

Past Kitty DeGree Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in Business winners include: Glen Post, Sam Rubin, Sister Anne Marie Twohig, Sol Rosenberg, Clyde Webb, Don Beach, Jim Bershen, Dr. Terry King, Bucky McElroy, Dewey Weaver, Elton Kennedy, Charles Marsala, Benny Evans, Jr., Stewart Ewing, John Hunter, Tom Scott, Frank Wilcox and James Moore Jr..

Past Rambin-Silverstein Award Winners include: George Moses, J.C. Loftin, W.L. Howard, Governor James A. Noe, Garland Shell, T. Arthur Grant, H.M. James, George Phillips, Jim Williams, R. Lee Vanderpool, Clifford Strauss, John L. Luffey Sr., T. H. Scott, Grayson Guthrie, Paul Fink, Ed Whetstone, George T. Walker, Pat Regan, Baily Grant, George Roex, George Riser, Saul A. Mintz, June Sherrouse Holmes, Dr. August Danti, Nelson Abel, Jr., Kitty Degree, Clarke M. Williams, James A. Altick, Williams Sanders, Harvey Hales, Hugh McDonald, Lawson Swearingen, Jr., James W. Moore, Jr., Tom Nicholson, Melvin Rambin, B.D. Robinson, George Cummings, III, George Mouck, Guy Barr, Melinda Mintz, Van Pardue, Roy Johns, Joe and Linda Holyfield, Sharon Taylor, Malcolm Maddow, Morris Mintz, Clyde White, Joe Farr, Glen Post, Cindy Rogers, Billy Haddad, Anne Lockhart, Janet Durden, David Hampton, Dr. Nick Bruno, and Susan Hoffman.

The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for both awards. Nomination forms are available.

TOP: MALCOLM MADDOX, KITTY DEGREE WINNER BOTTOM: SUE NICHOLSON, RAMBIN-SILVERSTEIN WINNER

MEETING & BANQUET Monroe Chamber 101st Annual

Healthcare, Technology, Non-Profits, Small Business, Healthcare, and Diversity & Inclusion which complement the Chamber’s efforts in Workforce, Education, Government and Membership. Hilburn also mentioned some increase marketing initiatives the Chamber will working on with our marketing partner, Kinetix.

Our 101st Annual Meeting and Banquet hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce was held Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall. Emcee for the evening was Roy Heatherly, President & CEO for the Monroe Chamber. The evening was a celebration of the Chamber, its members and all of the great things happening in Monroe. John Landry, a partner at McNew, King and Landry and the 2021 Chairman of the Board, provided a recap of the year via a video presentation and personal comments. Landry highlighted the resiliency of the Chamber coming out of the pandemic, new initiatives the Chamber has launched and the transition to new leadership. Landry praised retired Chamber president Sue Nicholson for her years of leadership and community service. Landry also recognized the Chamber staff: Ruthie Wheatley, Daphne Garrett, Sarita Daniel, and Terri Arthur for the great job they do. He also recognized the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club and named Robert D’Avignon with the Louisiana Purchase Council Boy Scouts of America as the 2021 Bernard Heflin Ambassador of the Year.

Tania Hilburn, Site Manager for Chase Home Finance and the 2022 Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, outlined the Chamber’s plans for the coming year, which includes new focus areas including

So Many Reasons

Mayor Friday Ellis spoke about new projects going on in the city and about the excitement across our region. The mayor thanked the Chamber for helping create positive dialogues about the city. Ellis also mentioned the collaboration between the cities, the parish, and the chambers. The keynote address was given by Dr. Randy Esters, Chancellor of Louisiana Delta Community College. Dr. Esters has been in his role since June of 2021 and is making a huge impact. Esters delighted the crowd with his stories and the direction LDCC is going. He challenged the audience to change the conversation about career paths. He also presented some sobering job opening statistics. Dr. Esters praised the other Higher Education institutions in the area and told the crowd to be watching for some exciting news coming from LDCC and ULM. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 57th Rambin-Silverstein Memorial Civic Award to Sue Nicholson, past President & CEO of The Monroe Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented by Anne Lockhart. Lockhart praised Nicholson’s spirit of giving back and tireless desire to improve this community. Lockhart described Nicholson as a champion of this area and highlighted her work in Workforce, Governmental Advocacy and for leading the efforts to complete the

Kansas Lane Connector. Nicholson is a summa cum laude graduate of Louisiana Tech, has worked for the Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Business Bureau, served ten years as the President of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce and at ULM before taking over the leadership of the Monroe Chamber. Nicholson is married to Tom Nicholson, and they have 3 children, her daughters Jennifer and Sarah and Tom’s son Conner as well as seven grandchildren. Long time Banking Executive and Civic Leader Malcolm Maddox won the Kitty DeGree Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in Business. Maddox’s good friend Joe Holyfield presented the award. Maddox recently retired after a 50-year career in banking. Malcom Maddox graduated from Northwestern University and was elected to their College of Business Hall of Fame in 1999. Malcolm Maddox worked locally at People’s Homestead, First National Bank, Hibernia Bank, Capital One Bank, and Iberia Bank. Maddox was praised for his leadership and for helping businesses grow and prosper. One nominator described him as the “go to person to help businesses grow and thrive through creative approaches to complex financial matters.” Maddox’s civic work includes the Boy Scouts, The United Way, The Rotary, OEDC, among others and his nominators praised his help with ULM and VCOM. Maddox is married to Jo Maddox, and they have 3 daughters and 1 son-in-law. Laura Maddox and Kelly Manuel (Bret Manuel) and Jo’s daughter Sydni as well as 4 grandchildren.

2022

Gala and Auction

WOW - No event says Monroe and the Christmas holidays more than the Chamber’s annual Holiday GALA and Auction. The Holiday GALA and Auction celebrates our city, our region and everyone that makes us unique and special. Terri Arthur leads an all-star committee of staff and volunteers that work tirelessly to make this event happen. Special thanks to Origin Bank, Thomas/Farr and Reeves- Coon and Funderburg for being our Title sponsors. Other sponsors include Progressive Bank, Homeland Bank, St. Francis Medical Center, Kinetix, Banner Ford, Care Solutions, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Manpower Staffing, KTVE NBC10, Ochsner LSU Health (Monroe), Paramount Healthcare, Scott Powerline, Bank of Oak Ridge, Century Next Bank, Entergy, Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Holyfield Construction. Entertainment is provided by The Josh Madden Band. Bayou Desiard Country Club sets the mood with a beautiful holiday display. The food is awesome and reflects Monroe. Special just for the GALA is our popular Wine of Wine sponsored by Green Qube and new this year is our Signature Drink (the Jingle Smash) sponsored by Mid-South Extrusion. Auction items galore plus our Holiday scratch offs. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

northern exposure

On May 3, 2022 over 250 business leaders, chamber executives, elected officials or their staff, sponsors and others met at Capital Park Museum in Baton Rouge for Northern Exposure 2022. Northern Exposure is an annual event sponsored by The Monroe Chamber of Commerce each year to bring North Louisiana to the state capital during session to meet with elected officials and the administration. Included in the gathering was the Leadership Ouachita class. Those attending heard from Governor Edwards, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, Shawn Wilson, Secretary of Transportation and Development, Dr. Courtney Phillips, Secretary Louisiana Department of Health, Ken Bradford, COO, Louisiana Department of Education plus many others. Earlier in the day Joe Holyfield, Virenda Chhikara, and Melissa Saye made presentations to the Northeast Louisiana delegation on the new Bio Medical Research & Innovation Park and the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum move to Forsythe Park.

Some the Chamber partners there included Ruston Lincoln Chamber

Richland Chamber, The West Monroe/West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. The Union Parish Chamber, the Bossier Parish Chamber, the Shreveport Chamber plus many others. Sponsors included Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Atmos Entergy, the City of Monroe, D&J Construction, Drax, Entergy, Grambling State University, JP Morgan Chase & Co., La Tech University, La. Delta Community College, NLEP, Progressive Bank, St. Francis Medical Center, ULM, Cross Keys Bank, KTVE/KARD, La. Land Bank, Moore Investments, Standard Enterprises, Lexicon dba Steel Fabricators, Stephens Media Group, The Radio People, and Vantage Health. Drinks and treats were provided by a variety of North Louisiana’s best including Miros. Monroe Coca Cola, BeauJax Crafthouse. Cake, La. Pecan Shelling Company, Thurman’s Food Factory, Millennial Cookie, Somethin Sweet Bakery, King Springs Water, Community Coffee, Indian Village, 318 Social and the Corner Coffee House.

A GREAT DAY!

& AMBASSADORS Young Professionals

On the second Tuesday of each month, NELA Young Professionals meets to share a meal, discuss events around the community, and listen to a speaker who is able to reinforce the goals of the individual and the organization as a whole. The speakers and topics of discussion range from elected officials, to entrepreneurship, career development, understanding non-profit organizations in the community, and more.

The Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals has evolved into more than a program to meet and greet, it has been an organization with purpose. NELAYP began in 2012 as a Monroe Chamber of Commerce program with a mission to provide a resource for young professionals through the state’s northeast region to form a network across industries, grow in professional development, and engage deeper in the communities they live.

The NELA Young Professionals Chairperson, Patience Talley, has led the group since the Fall of 2021 and is proud to lead the organization into its next decade of impacting lives.

“To think this organization has been inspiring and informing young professionals for 10 years is a testament to the value and need of it,” Talley said. “Many of us have climbed our career ladders through the information we’ve learned in these meetings and the relationships we’ve developed.”

Talley said many young professionals join the group in an entry-level position but have seen and can attest that Young Professionals is a catalyst to developing leaders in careers and in the community.

Co-Owner of Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit Caleb Etheridge said that the Young Professionals is a “monthly dose of what I need as a young entrepreneur.”

“The opportunity to feed off the group’s energy, hear other’s stories and collaborate with like-minded young business leaders keeps my fire stoked as I stay reminded that there are others like me, striving to make a difference in our community,” Etheridge said.

So Many Reasons

Additionally, we would like to send a special thank you to all of our speakers in 2022: WrldNVision; Activate Your VSN, Vitus Shell; Louisianan of the Year – Art, Local non-profits; How to get plugged in – Volunteer, Dr. Wendi Tostenson; Making Workforce Development Work, Cassie Livingston and Laura Clark; Buiding & Sustaining Relationships in Business, Scott McDonald; Inside ULM Athletics, Dr. John Sutherlin; Regulations & Refer. The Politics of Marijuana, Dr. Angela Crumpton; Mastering Communication & Conflict Management, Liz Pyle, Branding Archetypes.

Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors are tremendous advocates for the Chamber and our community. Dedicated and enthusiastic, these community champions meet monthly to celebrate our chamber and to learn about the great things happening. They also are the force behind our ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. In January our Ambassadors delivered our “Inside the Chamber” magazine to our members and every December they pack food boxes at the Food Bank. A shout out to Bob D'Avignon, Scout Executive, Louisiana Purchase Council, for being chosen as Ambassador of the Year. Luncheon Speakers in 2022 included Dr. Wendi Tostenson (La. Delta Community College)-Workforce, Beverly Lewis-Healthcare (Ochsners LSU Monroe), Lamont Windom (Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit)Diversity , DJ Fortenberry (City of Monroe), Downtown Monroe, Jasmyne McConnell (Cajun Title), Small Business & Membership, Kirsten Gladen (Catholic Charities) , Nonprofits and our Ambassadors participated in the Governor's Lunch.

leadership IN THE COMMUNITY

Thursday, November 3RD , thirty four participants graduated from the Monroe Chamber and Leadership Council’s 2022 Leadership Ouachita program at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. This was the Leadership program’s 34th graduating class.

The purpose of Leadership Ouachita is to develop and empower the emerging leaders of Northeast Louisiana to transform the region into a place recognized as one of the best places to live and do business. Class members engage in a series of sessions focused on education and workforce development, economic development and infrastructure.

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. Since the class inception thirty-two years ago, over 850 people have graduated from the program.

The 2022 Leadership Ouachita graduates are Bryson Belaire, Hull & Company; Jeshirl Brice, City of Monroe; Josh Carroll, SnapMe

THIRTY FOUR GRADUATE FROM LEADERSHIP OUACHITA PROGRAM

Creative; ReRe Crockett, Origin Bank; Courtney Dickerson, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; Julie Dickson, Allied Management Solutions; Kimberly Essex, City of Monroe; Nadine Fares Crawford, Lincoln Health Care; Corey Gilbert, Heard, McElroy & Vestal; Yolanda Henderson, Abounding Grace Medical Staffing; Harmony Hixon, Origin Bank; Latetao Hutchinson, JPMorgan Chase; Fawn Hutto, Caldwell Memorial Hospital; Dr. Brice Jones, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Meghan Jones, United Way of NELA; Amber Marshall, Berry Global; Anthony Marshall, LA DOTD; Michelli Martin, City of Monroe; Pamela Martin, LaSalle

So Many Reasons CHOOSE LDCC

Corrections; Carolyn McFarland, Louisiana Delta Community College; James Miles, Pelican State Credit Union; Brittany Myers, Drax; Elizabeth Newcomer, John Rea; Chris Noren, Lakeside Property Group; Allison Nunnelee, Discover Monroe-West Monroe; Albert Paxton, Bank of Oak Ridge; Mitch Reppond, Lexicon dba Steel Fabricators; Pegeen Singley, Centric Federal Credit Union; Anne Marie Sisk, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Tyler Smith, Graphic Packaging; Leah Tatum, LA Dept of Health/ Office of Public Health; Peyton Underwood, Century Next Bank; Gina White, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Lamont Windom, Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit.

During the ceremony, Amy Sawyer, with North Delta Title, was named the 32nd Annual James M. Shipp, Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader of the Year. This prestigious award is presented annually to a young man or woman in Ouachita Parish who has displayed outstanding leadership and service. The award was named in honor of James M. Shipp, Jr. Jim was the IMC general manager that was tragically killed during the explosion at the IMC plant in Sterlington in 1991. He was a Monroe Chamber board member and an active leader in the community.

Past recipients of this prestigious award include: Brent Henley, Tom Nicholson, David Cattar, George Cummings, Harvey Hales, Ed Major, Debbie Sawyer, Mike Ryan, Bruce Hanks, Dr. David Uth, Terry Baugh, Jerry Daigle, Taylor Cagle, Jim Crotwell, Judge Wendell Manning, LJ Holland, Aimee Kane, Christian Creed, Stephen Harrison, Kevin Woods, Stewart Keyes,

Michael Echols, Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos, Ashley West, Jeff Laudenheimer, James Moore, III, Matt West, Alberta Green, Jeremy Harrell, Damon Marsala and Alan Brockman.

Mitch Reppond, with Lexicon dba Steel Fabricators, was given the Charlie Mac “Twice as Much” Award. Mitch was selected by fellow classmates as the participant who displayed twice as much caring, giving and respect throughout the year. Previous winners were Stephanie Rivers, Staci Albritton, Christie Messinger, Andrew Osakue, Terry Blakeney, Jake Wilson, Donald Johnson, DeRon Talley, Kelli Green, Brady Middleton and Maggie Generoso.

Sponsors for the 2022 program are: Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Specialty Management Services of Ouachita, St Francis Medical Center, City of Monroe, First Horizon Bank, Progressive Bank, Strauss Interest, KTVE/KARD, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

EXPERIENCE RELATI NSHIP BANKING

Your relationship with your banker is more important now than ever. Origin has been proud to support our customers and communities through everyday business and unexpected challenges for more than 100 years.

OUACHITA PARISH TEAM

Billy Haddad, Justin Higdon, Harold Book, Rick Guillot, Taylor Cagle, Rick Siudy, Joey McGinn Linda O’Neal, Tricia Burden, Susan Rowland, Quandrea Allen, Amber Mathews

Thomas H. Scott Awards

HONORING COMPANIES MAKING SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OUACHITA PARISH ECONOMY

Derma MediQ, Citizens Progressive Bank, Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, Centric Federal Credit Union and Marsala Beverage, LP were honored with Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence during a reception held Thursday, May 19, 2022 at The Monroe Civic Center. In addition, seven businesses received special judge’s awards.

The selections came from fortysix nominations for the prestigious awards, which honors companies making significant contributions to the Ouachita parish economy through capital improvements, expansion, job creation, and community involvement during 2021/2022. This year’s nominees collectively created or retained 2,189 jobs in Ouachita parish and made capital investments of over $31 million.

Derma MediQ won the award in the

So Many Reasons

category for small businesses (10 employees or less). Dr. Saidi SowmaFakhre, owner of Derma MediQ, invested $1 million in her new state of the art building. Derma MediQ has donated its services to Jesus the Good Shepard School, Lifeshare Blood Bank, Poor Man’s Supper, and Autism Society.

The winner of the medium business category (11-50 employees) was Citizens Progressive Bank. In 2021/2022, Citizens Progressive Bank opened a new branch in Ouachita Parish located at 4370 Sterlington Road. They also opened a new Loan Production Office located AT 1804 North 18th Street.

Recognized as the large business winner (51 to 100 employees) was Flying Heart Brewing and Pub was established in Bossier City. The business grew and they decided to expand in Ouachita Parish. Flying Heart Brewing and Pub located in West Monroe in July of 2021 employing

over sixty people. They believe giving back to the community is paramount.

The corporate business of the year award (Over 100 employees) was presented to Centric Federal Credit Union. In 2021, Centric’s membership grew by 18%. Centric Federal Credit Union hosted over fifty financial education workshops, free of charge for over 1,500 attendees.

The Thomas H. Scott Award was presented Marsala Beverage, LP. In 1992 Charles Marsala entered a limited partnership with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. to purchase Budco Distributing. Charles, Brenda, Mandy and Damon Marsala purchased Marsala Beverage in 2000. Marsala Beverage purchased a 10-acre site in January of 2020. With a $10M investment, Marsala completely renovated an 84,000 sq ft of space which doubled their facility size. Marsala Beverage serves on multiple boards and supports numerous charities throughout NELA.

CHOOSE LDCC

The Spirit of Community Awards were presented to Parkway Pharmacy South and to Whitney’s Entertainment Multipurpose Center. Parkway Pharmacy South and to Whittney’s Entertainment Multipurpose Center serve South Monroe in a very impactful way.

The Spirit of Thanksgiving Award was presented to Turkey Legs on the Run. Through selling smoked and stuffed turkey legs, Edwin Burkes, the owner of turkey Legs on the Run was able to give back to the people in need by feeding them.

The Spirit of Enterprise Awards were presented to Cub House on the Bayou, LLC and to Delta Fiber. Starting off as small businesses, both Cub House on the Bayou’s, LLC and Delta Fiber’s exponential growth in their individual companies have made them models other small businesses can imitate.

The Spirit of Humanitarian Awards were presented to WoodSpring Suites and to Ochsner LSU-Monroe. Both entities have gone above and beyond their job descriptions and nature of businesses for the sake the people through the region.

The thirty-one nominees in the small business category are: 1st Fadez, Alexis Cherrell Holistic Wellness Spa, Beauty Inspired by Mimi, CAKE, Cruise Planners, Derma MediQ, DOMO Nutrition, Dr. Jan T. Bagwell / Dr. Jessica Johnston, Edward Jones Angela Benson-Doyle, Expert Pest Control, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, Herbal’s 4Play, Hips Curves Faces Kouture, Knots Master Kuttz & Beauty Salon, Kyles Postal & Print, Medicare Healthcare WE CARE, Millennial Cookie LLC, Movement Mortgage – Katie Hodge, Newcomer, Morris & Young, Inc., Ouachita Antique Woods (OA Woods), Parkway Pharmacy South, Pure Drip Wellness, Qualls Detail Shop, LLC, Sitting Pretty Lash Den, SnapMe Creative, The Denture Center, The Fat Doctor, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, Turkey Legs on the Run, Whittney’s Multi-Purpose Entertainment Center, and Yarbrough Financial Group.

The Nine nominees in the medium category are: Citizens Progressive Bank, Cub House on the Bayou, LLC, Delta Fiber, Duke’s Bar and Grill Co, Fiesta On Eighteenth, and WoodSpring Suites.

In the large business (51-100 employees) category, the three nominees are: Ascent Health, Denny’s, Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, Marsala Beverage, LD, and Melanie Massey Physical Therapy.

The finalists for the Corporate category are: Brookshire Grocery Company l Spring Market, Centric Federal Credit Union, Ochsner LSU – Community Health Center, and Wendelta DBA Wendy’s.

The Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence Reception is hosted by the Monroe Chamber, Scott Powerline and Utility Equipment, Origin Bank, Reeves Coon & Funderburg, Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc. and BayouLife Magazine. It is sponsored by ULM College of Business, Monroe Housing Authority, Ochsner LSU Monroe, Progressive Bank, Strauss Interests, First Horizon Bank, The City of Monroe, Stephens Media Group, KTVE/KARD, and the Radio People.

March LABI

March ANNUAL BANQUET

April CABL-PAR

2022 in Review

September MONROE CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

November ACCENT ON EXCELLENCE

November LEADERSHIP OUACHITA GRADUATION

March SENATOR KENNEDY LUNCHEON

April SENATOR CASSIDY LUNCHEON

May NORTHERN EXPOSURE

June NELA DELEGATION LUNCHEON

August VISION FOR THE FUTURE

July STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

June JACKSON, TENNESSEE CITY TO CITY TRIP

November GOVERNOR EDWARDS LUNCHEON

December

ANNUAL GALA AND AUCTION

December LT. BILLY NUNGESSER LUNCHEON

THIS YEAR’S GROUP OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IS HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Louisiana

Young Professionals and BayouLife Magazine named the 2022 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Young Professional Awards, on Thursday, August 11th at the Monroe Civic Center. With over 60 nominations our community has some amazing young leaders that make a future very, very BRIGHT!

The winners are: Mark Kent Anderson, Mid South Extrusion; James Doughty, First Monroe; Dorea Elmadih-Flintroy, Monroe Regional Airport; Caleb Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; Tyler Flemister, Marsala Beverage; Alisha Holland, McCann School of Business & Technology; Dr. Brice Jones, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Morgan Livingston, Hudson, Potts & Bernstein; Michelli Martin, City of Monroe; Katie Masters, Camp Quality Louisiana; Kelsea McCrary, City of Monroe; Ashley McTurner, Newcomer, Morris & Young, James Miles, Pelican State Credit Union; Brittany Myers, Drax; Lateef Odeyemi, Parkway Pharmacy & Parkway Pharmacy South; Tiffany Rials O’Neal, Sterlington Elementary; Tavaris Sanders, Amazing Transport; Lee Thomason, Cochran, Clark & Thomason; Dr. Lindsey Vincent, LA Tech University and Dr. Dani Walker, VCOM-Louisiana.

These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work.

Congratulations to all the nominees: Mark Kent Anderson, Mid South Extrusion; Joseph Armstrong, Delta Fiber; Brandon Baker, Lifeshare Blood Center; Sophie Barksdale, Cummins & Fitts; Allie Brasher, Atmos Energy; Josh Carroll, SnapMe Creative; Darius Cooper, KickzThrone; Nicole Davis, State Farm; James Doughty, First Monroe; Markeaya Eaton, JPMorgan Chase; Amanda Elias, ULM; Dorea Elmadih-Flintroy, Monroe Regional Airport; Kimberly Essex, City of Monroe; Caleb Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; Tyler Flemister, Marsala Beverage; DJ Fortenberry, City of Monroe; Brooke Foy, ULM; Taylor Gaines, High Klass Hair; Anna Grimmett, The Center for Children

& Families; Alisha Holland, McCann School of Business & Technology; Dr. Brice Jones, ULM; Dylan Jung, NE Delta Human Services Authority; Corbin Legg, SERVPRO of Monroe & 318 Construction; Adicia Lewis, LA Department of Revenue; Harrison Lilly, THLT Realty; Morgan Livingston, Hudson, Potts & Bernstein; Michael Lofton, Reason & Theology; Anna Martin, Bank of Oak Ridge; Michelli Martin, City of Monroe; Katie Masters, Camp Quality Louisiana; Jamie Mayes, Jamie Mayes Educational Consulting; Kelsea McCrary, City of Monroe; Ashley McDonald, Heard, McElroy & Vestal; Riley McEacharn, Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center; Ashley McTurner, Newcomer, Morris & Young; Diamond Melton, Origin Bank; James Miles, Pelican State Credit Union; Chaniquel Miller, United Way of NELA; Brittany Myers, Drax; Hannah O’Briant, Atmos Energy; Lateef Odeyemi, Parkway Pharmacy & Parkway Pharmacy South; Tiffany Rials O’Neal, Sterlington Elementary; Gregory Pritchard, Green Qube; Charles Regian, VCOM-Louisiana; Bruce Rushing; Origin Bank; Tavaris Sanders, Amazing Transport; Kristen Shambro, Centric Federal Credit Union; Walt Silmon, Redeemed Auto Body; Shelby Sims, Thomas & Farr; Anne Marie Sisk, ULM; James Stephens, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg; Katy Temple, St. Francis Medical Center; Lee Thomason, Cochran, Clark & Thomason; Jessica Tico, Food Bank of NELA; Lyndsay Turner, Pure Drip Wellness; Dr. Lindsey Vincent, LA Tech University; Lezlee Vincent, Legacy Mobile Dysphagia Diagnostics; Dr. Dani Walker, VCOM-Louisiana; Marlon Watts & Nick Clark, WRLDINVSN; and CeCe Whitfield, Legal Aid of North Louisiana.

Presenting sponsors are Origin Bank, Thomas & Farr, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg and BayouLife Magazine. Additional sponsors are City of Monroe, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Heard, McElroy and Vestal, Mid South Extrusion, NAI Faulk and Foster, Progressive Bank, Strauss Interests, KTVE, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

Chamber Committees 10 AREAS TO BUILD UP OUR COMMUNITY

At the 2021 Monroe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Strategic Planning Retreat, the Board decided The Chamber would focus on 10 areas to build up the community and fulfill its mission to create an environment where our local businesses would thrive. The 10 areas would be grouped under 5 larger disciplines. Those 5 Primary Disciplines are Chaired by our Volunteer Vice Presidents. Paul Hutcheson, Homeland Bank, chaired our Government Advocacy Group. Also under the Government umbrella is our Non-Profit (Chaired by Kirsten Gladen, Catholic Charities, and Technology (Chaired by John Jones, Retired CenturyLink). Beverly Lewis, Ochsners LSU Health/Monroe chairs our Healthcare Committee. Jasmyne McConnell, Cajun Title, Chairs our Member Value Community.Also Under the Member Value Committee is Diversity (Chaired by James Miles, Pelican State Credit Union) and Small Business, (Chaired by Jeff Laudenheimer, Progressive Bank). Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Louisiana Delta Community College, Chairs our Workforce and Education committees. Our Education Committee is chaired my (Maggie Generoso, Monroe City Schools). Jeremy Harrell (Guaranty Bank) and Jessica Hale (JC Accounting) chair our Finance Committee.

Each committee had numerous successes highlighted by the launching of Medical Moments in our monthly

newsletter, a Cyber Security Summit, A STEM Music and School Banner pride and pathway project, partnering on the formation of a Manufacturing Council, a diversity training session, working with the city of Monroe meeting with small business and real estate groups, meeting with elected officials and the launching of Coffee & Conversations network events.

Miro’s is the home of great burgers, pizza, gumbo, outstanding drinks, the world famous train shots, mufflettas, chicken parm and more…...

Located in downtown Monroe on Walnut at the railroad tracks overlooking the historic Ouachita River. -- Open Tuesday through Sunday --

DRAX

Since 2006, ULM has competed as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

Joining a

organization is a great way to get involved, foster personal and professional development, and meet new people from diverse backgrounds.

Discover your Top 10 Majors based on your natural strengths, passions, and talents.

Making the university experience more affordable!

*Students with a 30-32 will be awarded a laptop, and students with a 33-36 will be awarded a laptop and a study abroad stipend (up to $4,500) sponsored by the President’s Top Hawks Fund.

**Students must live on campus to be eligible for the housing award.

***TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) is a statefunded scholarship program for Louisiana Residents. The TOPS amounts listed are estimates based on prior academic year. Students that apply prior to January 31, 2023 are automatically considered for academic scholarships.

Amounts posted are awarded annually. 6th semester GPA will be used to determine scholarship eligibility.

Students can continue to take the ACT through December 2023 to further improve scholarship eligibility.