Monroe Chamber of Commerce - Inside the Chamber 2024

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INSIDE THE

CHAMBER THE DRIVING FORCE FOR BUSINESS

VOLUME 51

Revitalizing Downtown Monroe

University of Louisiana Monroe

A Vision For The Future

Excellence in Education

Live Ouachita Improving Our Parish and Promoting Growth

ISSUE 3

Complete Membership Directory Your Guide to Local Business

MONROE & OUACHITA PARISH

ON THE

MOVE

T

H

E

ONLY

BANK

Large Enough to be Progressive, Small Enough to be Personal

M ESSAG E F ROM TH E C H A IR M AN Roy Heatherly shares with us every time he sees us “What a Beautiful Day” it is in Monroe, Louisiana. Not only do I agree with that statement - I can boldly say “It’s been a BEAUTIFUL year in Monroe, Louisiana and at The Monroe Chamber of Commerce”.

Welcome to the 2023-2024 edition of The “Inside the Chamber” magazine. Each year we publish this magazine to highlight and celebrate The Chamber and our great community.

Everywhere you look great things are happening all around us. I am very proud of The Monroe Chamber’s role in moving our area forward and for all the Chamber accomplishments. What an honor it has been to serve as your 2023 Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. I am overwhelmed by the kindness and support you have shown me and I am overwhelmed by your friendship.

We have an amazing Board of Directors. I am so thankful for each one of them. They are diverse, dedicated and committed to making Monroe the greatest community in the world.

Our board answers the challenge everyday by leading 11 committees that help us fulfill our mission of creating an environment where our local businesses THRIVE. Thank you Aimee Kane, Jasmyne McConnell, Paul Hutcheson, Beverly Lewis, James Miles, Colby Walker, John Jones, Maggie Generoso, Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Kirsten Gladen and Matt Dickerson for chairing those committees.

I want to offer a special thank you to Tania Hilburn for her support and advice as I assumed this position. I also want to thank our amazing Executive Committee (Aimee Kane, Jasmyne McConnell, Beverly Lewis, Paul Hutcheson, Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Jeremy Harrell and Tania Hilburn). I am very excited about next year and beyond. My good friend Jeremy Harrell takes over the Chair position in 2024. I promise you all will be in great hands.

Our membership (all 1100+ strong) is second to none. They are energized and excited about where we are and where we are headed.

Finally, a special thank you and shout out to Roy and the Chamber staff. We are blessed to have Roy lead with energy, enthusiasm and community pride that is unmatched. Daphne, Terri, Mike, Baylee and Ashton are community superstars and game changers On a daily basis they join together to make a difference in this community we call home. Their successes and talents move this chamber forward, I can’t wait to see all the great things they accomplish.

It’s been a great year and it’s going to be a very bright future. Thank you all and GOD Bless each of you.

Jay Mulhern

2023 Chairman Monroe Chamber of Commerce

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

3 Chamber | Message from the Chairman 4 Chamber | Message from the Chamber President and CEO 6 Chamber | Board of Directors 8 City of Monroe: 10 Things to Know 10 OPOTM | Revitalizing Downtown Monroe 12 Chamber | Committees 16 OPOTM | Monroe Parks and Recreation 18 OPOTM | Workforce Development 20 OPOTM | ULM University Facilities Master Plan 22 OPOTM | Live Ouachita 24 OPOTM | Changing Fortunes for Richwood 26 OPOTM | Monroe - West Monroe 28 OPOTM | Louisiana Delta Community College 30 Chamber | Membership Game-Changing Event 33 Chamber | Ribbon Cuttings 36 Chamber | Leadership in the Community 38 Thomas H. Scott Awards 40 OPOTM | Biomedical Research and Innovation Park 42 Chamber | 20 Under 40 44 Chamber | Northern Exposure 45 Chamber | Coffee & Conversations 46 Chamber | Gala and Auction 48 OPOTM | NELA-MAC 50 OPOTM | West Monroe Expanding Tourism 52 Chamber | 102nd Annual Meeting and Banquet 53 Chamber | Kitty DeGree and Rambin Silverstein Awards 54 Chamber | Ambassadors 56 Chamber | Young Professionals 58 OPOTM | VCOM First Graduation 52 Chamber | 102nd Annual Meeting and Banquet 54 OPOTM | New Horizons for the Town of Sterlington 56 10 Things to do in Ouachita Parish 58 OPOTM | Ouachita Green 59 Northeast Louisiana Legislative Delegation Elected Officials 60 Membership Directory 92 Chamber | 2023 Timeline: Year in Review 94 Important Contacts

CONTRIBUTORS

PRESIDENT + CEO Roy Heatherly

PRODUCTION

Amanda Chenevert – Kinetix Sawyer Ryder – Kinetix

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Brice Jones Darian Atkins Daphne Garrett

Terri Arthur Michael DeVault Emily Stogner Great Minds Communications Roy Heatherly Mike Downhour Sheila Snow Virenda Chhikara Baylee Ewing Ashton Mintz Trandon Welch INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 3

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN MONROE Generoso and Matt Dickerson on Education and Workforce. Colby Walker with the help of Emma Herrock is rocking our Community Engagement Committee, Beverly Lewis chairs Healthcare and Aimee Kane chairs our Finance group. Last but not least is Jasmyne McConnell heading up our Small Business and Membership groups and with James Miles chairs our amazing Diversity group. What an amazing group of dedicated volunteers.

I

read a quote once that said “When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy” - I can honestly say I am feeling a positive energy all around the chamber and this community. In fact the energy is so strong we glow at night. You can feel the energy in Monroe, you feel the energy in West Monroe, in Richwood, in Sterlington and all over Ouachita Parish. You feel the energy at Louisiana Delta Community College, at ULM, and at VCOM. You feel the energy at the Zoo, at the Children’s Museum, at the airport and Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. You feel the energy with our local restaurants as they serve the best food in the world. You feel it with our retailers and banks, you feel with our local manufacturers (NELAMAC). You feel it with our Young Professionals, our Ambassadors and our Leadership Class. You feel it at our events and at Coffee & Conversation. The energy is driven by Leadership, by community pride, by Hope in a bright future and it is being driven local people who wake up everyday and say “It is a BEAUTIFUL Day in my hometown” and I am proud to live here. Local People who are writing our story and local people who own that story. We have a unique and special story that only we can tell. Oh my it’s a BEAUTIFUL Day and it’s a BEAUTIFUL Future that awaits us.

THE CHAMBER: We started 2023 with much hope and excitement. 2022 was an amazing year and gave us a great platform to build on. The year started off as we expected, awesome! We finalized our largest Leadership Ouachita Class ever. This is a testimony to the emerging leaders in our community who are saying this is our time! The Chamber joined The City of Monroe and ULM in Washington D.C. for a week of Lobbying and Networking prior to the Washington Mardi Gras. Team Monroe shined brightly, highlighted by a “318” reception we hosted. Almost 100 people showed up to celebrate the great things happening in our area. Special Thanks to Mayor Ellis, Dr. Berry, Lisa Miller, Jamie Hanks, Kelsea McCrary and our city council. We closed out January with an amazing Membership Drive that saw over 200 volunteers join together to grow our Chamber by 363 new or upgraded members. Our legislative luncheon’s remain strong. Our good friend Congresswoman Julia Letlow kicked off the year, followed by Senator Cassidy, Governor Edwards, Mayor Ellis, Mayor Mitchell, Shane Smiley, and our local delegation. Paul Hutcheson heads up our Governmental Advocacy Committee and they do a great job keeping us updated on taxing issues and policies that impact our area.

We have 11 committees focused on helping the Chamber fulfill its mission of “Creating an environment where our LOCAL BUSINESSES THRIVE! Besides GAC, Paul works with John Jones on Technology and Kirsten Gladen on Nonprofits. Dr. Wendi Tostenson (Fabulous) works with Maggie

ROY HEATHERLY

President & CEO

4 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

TERRI ARTHUR

GALA Director Finance Director

A few highlights that stand out.

Our Annual Banquet was tremendous. Jimmy Cusano, with Your Chamber Connection, joined us to keep the Membership Drive excitement going.

John Robert Smith with Transportation of America was our keynote speaker sharing his experiences with revitalized Downtowns and Passenger Rail.

Christina Davis facilitated a LED Grant that saw numerous workshops for small businesses. Our Diversity Committee hosted 3 lunches where Darian Atkins did a marvelous job presenting on D. E. I. Our friends at Kinetix rocked a Social Savvy workshop as well. Our monthly Coffee & Conversations sponsored by Tim Green and our friends at CC’s Coffee have been a blast. I personally think the highlight is our quarterly Jeopardy games. Mike Downhour and Terri Arthur re-energized our Ambassadors.

Meg Keene passes the baton of Leadership to Josh Carroll. Our Young Professionals are growing and moving things forward. They sponsored our 20 Under 40 Awards which saw 88 people nominated. That is an amazing number and reflects the energy of this dynamic group of emerging leaders.

Finally, a special shout out to our staff. 2023 was a year of change for us.

Two faithful servants of our community started new chapters in their lives. Ruthie Wheatley retired in June. Ruthie was our rock - Ruthie was the Chamber. We wish her well and miss her greatly. In May, Sarita Daniel left for new adventures. Sarita was our champion of Membership and our Ambassadors. We miss her as well. In April we added Mike Downhour, Hall of Fame Radio man and Community Champion to help with Membership and retention. He has focused on Member benefits and reaching out to our members. What a GREAT job he is doing! There are no words to describe the impact Daphne Garrett and Terri Arthur continue to make. They are dedicated, creative and passionate about growing the chamber, championing our community and taking care of business. Our board took an innovative and creative move last May when we contracted with Matt Dickerson to develop and implement a collaborative strategy for Workforce. A special Thank You to Matt and the work he is doing and special thanks to Ronnie & Justin Marsh at Pulpmill Services for sharing Matt and understanding we all grow together. Thank you to everyone mentioned above. Finally, thank you to Baylee Ewing and Ashton Mintz - your help in 2023 has been amazing!

THE CITY: We are so proud of our amazing city. Mayor Ellis and his staff continue to fix infrastructure while laying out a vision for the future. They have taken the lead in Economic Development and have led the charge of collaboration. Our community understands we control our own destiny, we own our story and our future is in our hands (and it is very bright). Yes indeed “It’s a BEAUTIFUL Day” In Monroe, Louisiana.

DAPHNE GARRETT

Senior Director of Events and Programming

MIKE DOWNHOUR

Director of Membership and Community Engagement

BOA R D O F D I RECTO RS

ETHAN HUNT VP of Finance NELA Title Company

DR. WENDI TOSTENSON PAUL HUTCHESON VP Workforce Development VP Government/Non-Profit La. Delta Community College Homeland Bank

JASMYNE MCCONNELL VP Membership, Small Business, & Diversity Cajun Title Co.

LEANN BOND VP Health VCOM

COLBY WALKER VP Community Engagement InterMountain Renovations

JEFF LAUDENHEIMER Commercial Capital Bank

SHELVA THOMAS Monroe Housing Authority

JOSH CARROLL SnapMe Creative

ALISHA WOODS Woods Family Estates, LLC

DR. RON BERRY ULM

MATT DICKERSON Pulpmill Services Inc.

MARK SISK ReMax

CHRIS HOLYFIELD Holyfield Construction

KIRSTEN GLADEN Catholic Charities of NELA

MARK KENT ANDERSON Mid-South Extrusion

ALBERTA GREEN ABG Counseling and Career

MARK RANDOLPH Ochsner LSU Health Monroe

CHRISTINA DAVIS LA SBDC

COURTNIE BEACH Century Next Bank

LEAH DOUGAN Robertson Produce

MATT WHITE Drax

JOSH ETHERIDGE Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit

RANDY STONE KTVE/KARD

JAMES MILES Pelican State Credit Union

TAYLOR CAGLE Origin Bank

MICKEY McCARTY Neville High School

LAMONT WINDOM

PASTOR IKE BYRD Mt. Zion Baptist Church

ANGELA CRUMPTON Ouachita Parish Schools

KELSEY MCCRARY City of Monroe

PATIENCE TALLEY LA DCC

JANET DURDEN United Way of NELA

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BRAD BELL ALANA COOPER American National Insurance Discover Monroe-West Monroe

AMANDA EDGE Entergy

THE MONROE CHAMBER IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SELECTION OF OUR 2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

JEREMY HARRELL Chairman 2024 Guaranty Bank

AIMEE KANE Chair Elect 2025 St. Francis Health

JAY MULHERN Immediate Past Chairman Express Employment

T

he Monroe Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce our 2024 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Jeremy Harrell, with Guaranty Bank, will serve as the Chairman of the Board, Jay Mulhern, with Express Employment Professionals, Immediate Past Chair, Aimee Kane, St. Francis Medical Center, Incoming Chair or Chair Elect for 2025.The VP for Finance will be Ethan Hunt*, NELA Title Company, Vice President for Workforce and Education will be Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Louisiana Delta Community College, The VP for Healthcare will be Leann Bond, VCOM, the VP for Government Advocacy, Technology and Nonprofits will be Paul Hutcheson Homeland Bank, and Jasmyne McConnell Cajun Title Agency, Vice President of Membership, Diversity and Small Business.

Serving on the Board of Directors with the Executive Committee listed above are: Dr. Ron Berry, Our University of Louisiana Monroe, Matt Dickerson, Pulpmill Services, Mark Randolph*, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Amanda Edge, Entergy, Matt White, DRAX, Josh Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Jeff Laudenheimer, Commercial Capital Bank, Lamont Windom, Mark Kent Anderson, Mid-South Extrusion, Mark Sisk, ReMax Realty, Chris Holyfield*, Holyfield Construction, Kirsten Gladen, Catholic Charities, Dr. Alberta Green, ABG Consulting, Courtnie Beach*, CenturyNext Bank, Randy Stone, KTVE/KARD TV, Christina Davis, Louisiana Small Business, Taylor Cagle, Origin Bank, James Miles, Pelican State Credit Union, Colby Walker, InterMountain Management, Shelva Thomas*, Monroe Housing Authority, Alisha Woods*, Woods Family Estates LLC., Leah Dougan*, Robertson Produce, Brad Bell*, American National Insurance, Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Mickey McCarty*, Neville High School, Angela Crumpton*, Ouachita Parish Schools, Josh Carroll* (Ambassadors Chair) SnapMe Creative, Patience Talley (Young Professionals Chair), Louisiana Delta Community College, Kelsea McCrary, City of Monroe, Janet Durden*, United Way of Northeast Louisiana, and Reverend Ike Byrd, Mt. Zion Baptist Church. *New to Board in 2024

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 7

TENKNOW

THINGS TO

Check out just a few of the updates coming in the City of Monroe!

15+ small business meetups in the past 2 years have fostered an ongoing feedback loop with local business owners and the City.

Congresswoman Letlow secured $4M to address the nearly entirely clogged Texas-Standifer trunkline, with the City of Monroe, completing Phase 1 and progressing to Phase 2, significantly impacting the City's quality of life and economic development.

The 30-year-long Kansas Lane Extension project in Monroe is now 115 days ahead of schedule, bringing the city closer to improving commutes for both residents traveling North and East for work and truckers using HWY 165 and HWY 80.

Monroe received a $140,000 grant from the USDA's Rural Business Development Grant Program, leading to the development of a Regional Economic Development plan to prioritize projects for the city's economic growth.

Monroe, Louisiana, the sole city in the state to join the Arts and Economic Prosperity study, revealed a statewide economic impact of over $6 billion from arts and culture, with detailed Ouachita Parish data coming this fall.

Mygovernmentonline.org streamlines permitting and inspections for contractors and developers, providing transparency and accountability by consolidating all permit records in one digital platform.

The City has begun construction on the Louisiana Exhibit, honoring native species in the Louisiana Purchase territory, featuring natural habitats for otters, beavers, alligators, and an interactive alligator feeding exhibit. Est. date of completion: 6-9 months.

The City is working to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, including sidewalks and all-inclusive playgrounds like the one at Benoit Community Center, with more under construction, such as at Forsythe Park.

The City of Monroe, in collaboration with Amtrak and the Federal Rail Association (FRA), is building a transformative rail transit terminal in the heart of Monroe, connecting Dallas, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia and serving as a crucial communityoriented transportation hub with integrated retail spaces.

The City of Monroe has secured $872,900 from the EPA's Brownfields Cleanup Grant Program to address contamination at the historically diverse Ouachita Candy Company property, enabling plans for its revitalization.

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Where there’s a dream, there’s a way.

First Horizon is proud to support the work of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Because their members know that business success takes more than a will to make it happen. It takes connection to new ideas, to unexpected opportunities and to the countless ways we’re all better for being part of this community. ©2023 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.

Personal Business Private Banking

Let’s find a way. firsthorizon.com

Ouachita Parish on the Move

Revitalizing Downtown Monroe:

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

In 2021, the City of Monroe embarked on a transformative journey to begin revitalizing Downtown Monroe. This visionary undertaking, known as the Downtown Strategic Plan, was driven by a commitment to comprehensively understand downtown's assets, opportunities, and priorities. At its heart, this initiative relied on data collection and, more importantly, community feedback. Spearheading this ambitious endeavor is Campo Architects, tasked with surveying, studying, and supporting downtown Monroe's growth and uniqueness.

D OWNTOWN MASTE R P LAN

Phase I: Assessing the Landscape The initial phase of this groundbreaking project was dedicated to understanding the current downtown landscape. This involved an analysis of factors such as walkability, building age, vacancy rates, and constituent interactions with downtown. It also sought to identify potential incentives for growth and development. Community engagement was facilitated through an online survey and interactive installations strategically placed around downtown. To delve deeper into the insights and documentation of Phase I, you can explore the dedicated section on the Oneroe.city website, named "Phase I."

Passenger Rail has fostered strong community ties through collaborative efforts with other municipalities and federal partners, including Amtrak and Federal Rail Association (FRA). The initiative entails the construction of a pivotal rail transit terminal, situated at the parking lot between N. 3rd Street, N. 4th Street, and Desiard Street. This project will feature a first-floor passenger terminal with integrated retail spaces, fostering a blend of a transit hub and communityserving flexible areas, positioning Monroe as a vital stop along the CPKC rail line connecting Dallas,Texas to Atlanta, Georgia.

One of the most striking revelations of Phase I was that downtown's footprint extended far beyond historical perceptions.

By expanding the assessment to encompass a 25-block area, from Louisville to the I-20 overpass, the city was better equipped to plan for growth, entice businesses, and connect various clusters, including St. Francis's campus, Main Street (DeSiard), and the city government complex.

During this phase, discussions also prioritized the improvement of pedestrian circulation. Focusing on the routes most traveled by the community, the City is working on creating safer, more enjoyable walking, biking, and running experiences.

By addressing pedestrian concerns and optimizing walkable paths, the downtown area is poised for a remarkable transformation.

Phase II: Engaging the Community Community engagement lay at the heart of Phase II, where events, town hall meetings, city council district meetings, and surveys were organized to collect a wide range of feedback. A consultant workshop assembled experts in landscape architecture, downtown development, community engagement, historic preservation, and economic development. This phase was a collaborative effort involving Campo Architects, Carbo Landscape Architecture, CSRS, and Katrina Branson with Holistic Vibes.

The community engagement in Phase II, led

by Katrina Branson, aimed to directly gather input from city constituents, stakeholder groups, organizations, and more. The result was a well-defined list of priority projects, which can be viewed on the "Phase II" section of the Oneroe.city website.

presented key findings and priority projects.

The number of attendees increased to approximately 500, highlighting the growing interest and support for the revitalization of Downtown Monroe.

Phase III: A Bright Future Beckons

Monroe's roadmap to a re-imagined Downtown spans one to ten years and promises exciting developments. Check out the Riverwalk Overview map, outlining specific parts of the phases: As Monroe takes its place in the spotlight, the City's Downtown Strategic Plan represents not just a blueprint for revitalization but a testament to the power of community engagement and forward-thinking urban development.

The future is indeed bright for Downtown Monroe, and the remarkable transformation will be a beacon of progress for Northeast Louisiana, drawing in residents and visitors alike to experience the city's revitalized and flourishing downtown area.

Rollin' on the Riverfront emerged as an invaluable platform for soliciting feedback during the assessment phase of the Downtown Strategic Plan, with the 2022 event drawing over 350 participants. This annual event is set to become a permanent fixture, giving opportunity for more community feedback during the plan's phased implementation over the next several years.

Phase III recently concluded, and at this year's Rollin' on the Riverfront, the city, in partnership with Campo Architects,

A Multi-Year Plan

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2022 11

committees

In November of 2021 The Monroe Chamber expanded its scope of work to help fulfill its mission of creating an environment where our LOCAL BUSINESS Thrive. The work has continued throughout 2023. Each of our committees are led by a Volunteer Chairperson and a committee of Volunteer Community Champions. Below recaps some of their efforts throughout the past year.

SMALL BUSINESS

JASMYNE MCCONNELL

GOAL:

The Chamber will identify small business needs and work with area providers on bringing additional support and benefit to those businesses.

The backbone of The Monroe Chamber of Commerce is small local business. The Chamber works hard to promote our small businesses and to find ways to help them grow. Each month we host a Coffee & Conversation at Tower Place. Local businesses get a chance to network, learn about our community and to have fun. Christina Davis led a series of small business workshops on a variety of topics throughout 2023 that were free to Chamber members. In September we helped Discover Monroe-West Monroe promote local restaurants during their restaurant week. Also in September, our marketing partners Kinetix, conducted a highly successful social media workshop. We followed that up in October with our second annual Cyber Security and Technology Summit. We also salute members on social media throughout the year and run an aggressive Shop Local / Eat Local campaign during the holidays. The Chamber works with the City of Monroe to promote small business and we use our newsletter and social media to celebrate our members. We also have representatives on the SEDD and DEDD boards.

Our biggest celebration of small business is our T.H. Scott Awards which celebrates new business or business expansion. Read more about our T.H. Scott Banquet & Awards in a separate article in this publication.

MEMBERSHIP

JASMYNE MCCONNELL

JAMES MILES

The Chamber will maintain and grow our role as the advocate for all business and its members.

Our membership got a giant boost in January when our friends at Your Chamber Connection led a tremendously successful membership drive where The Chamber grew 363 new and upgraded members thanks to YCC and over 200 volunteers. We have dedicated a separate article to the membership drive. In January of 2023 we upgraded our membership package and moved from a employee based membership to a value based membership. Each week we are communicating with our membership through our newsletter and other communications. We hired Mike Downhour in April to upgrade our entire membership program.

With the help of Baylee Ewing and Ashton Mintz they are working everyday to touch our members. Mike and Terri Arthur revamped our Ambassador program in the summer of 2023. A special shout out to Meg Keene for leading our Ambassadors in the past. Josh Carroll takes over as Ambassador Chair, with the help of a great Ambassador Executive Committee (Chris Lewis, Shelley Odom, Jenny Pankey, Jay Curtis, and Ricky Robertson). Throughout the year we celebrate our membership with events like our Annual Banquet, Annual GALA and Auction, 20 Under 40 and all of the Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breakings.

DIVERSITY

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GOAL:

GOAL:

The Chamber will take a lead role in being inclusive to all parts of our city, parish and region while being the leading voice for diversity.

Our Diversity Committee is very active and meets monthly. Monroe and Ouachita Parish is unique and diverse. Our Diversity Committee celebrates the special people who call this home. We believe our uniqueness is what makes us strong and celebrating our diversity is good business. The Monroe Chamber held 3 lunches this past year that were free to chamber members on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Darian Atkins, Louisiana Delta Community College, led all three discussions. The lunches were made possible by a generous gift from Chase. This group is also partnering with our Small Business Committee to focus on businesses under 10 employees.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

COLBY WALKER

GOAL:

The Chamber will maintain and grow our role as the chief advocate, voice, and watchdog for local business on governmental matters.

We believe it is critical that our business community has a ongoing and open dialogue with our elected officials, educators and all taxing bodies. They work as a watchdog group for our membership asking tough questions and understanding the goals of those we meet with. Also, under our GAC we bring in elected officials and community representatives to give updates on their service to our community. In 2023 we’ve hosted luncheons for Congresswoman Letlow, Our local delegation in June after session, Mayor Ellis, Shane Smiley, Mayor Brown (Richwood), Mayor Talbert (Sterlington), Governor Edwards, Senator Cassidy, State School Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumely, Dr. Brent Vidrine, Todd Guice, Ashley Ellis and we hosted most of North Louisiana.

TECHNOLOGY

JOHN JONES

To celebrate our community and its assets. Enhance the environment where are our local businesses THRIVE!

We believe we live in the greatest community in the world. We have an unapologetic attitude toward our city and region. Our Community Engagement Committee was created to celebrate us. This year we are tackling 3 projects to accomplish that goal. We launched a weekly series of podcast called “Small Business Stories”.

We are partnering with our good friends at La. Catalyst to produce these informative stories of the great small businesses in Monroe. We will launch a second podcast series in 2024. Our Community Engagement Committee led the effort to help promote Restaurant Week in September and they are also working on a community video.

GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

PAUL HUTCHESON

GOAL:

GOAL:

The Chamber will maintain and grow our role as the chief business advocate by being a champion for the advancement of technology to both home and commercial. Technology influences our businesses, our schools, our healthcare and almost every aspect of our lives. The Chamber recognizes that broadband technology constantly evolves, and that speed, capacity and affordability are key consumer issues in respect to subscribership.

We believe helping our members better understand and better use Technology goes a long way in fulfilling our mission. Our Technology committee meets monthly and supports our other committees. Their two main projects include an Annual Cyber Security and Technology Summit and a Social Media Workshop. The Cyber Security and Technology Summit is an all day event free to chamber members where we bring in experts to discuss latest trends and show our members how they can better protect themselves against costly cyber attacks. Our Social Media Workshop, powered by our marketing partners Kinetix, held in September had over 50 people attend and learn how to better use and utilize their social and digital marketing. The Technology Committee also provides weekly Tech Tips to our membership each week in our newsletter.

NON-PROFIT

GOAL:

The Monroe Chamber will work with area nonprofits to raise them up to help others in our community. The Chamber realizes our business community will only be as strong as our weakest and it is incumbent on us to work with area nonprofits to raise them up.

The Chamber believes as a community we are only as strong as our weakest. If we can those helping others then we believe our membership will THRIVE! Our Non-Profit Committee meets monthly to look at ways to help our Non-Profit community. We hosted a “How Can We Help” session last summer and from that feedback hosted a grant writing class in December. We also are beginning meetings with those in our community helping the homeless.

KIRSTEN GLADEN

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WORKFORCE

DR. WENDI TOSTENSON

MATT DICKERSON

EDUCATION

DR. WENDI TOSTENSON

MAGGIE GENEROSO

HEALTHCARE

BEVERLY LEWIS

LEANN BOND

FINANCE

GOAL:

The Chamber will maintain and grow our role as the facilitator and champion of our workforce in our region. We will work with local business, education, and other partners to recruit, grow, and retain talent.

The Monroe Chamber believes that workforce is the number one issue facing our community. We have a combined Workforce and Education Committee that meets monthly. Our biggest highlight of the year was entering into a Workforce Development contract with C3 Consulting led by Matt Dickerson. There is breakout article on Matt’s work in this magazine. Matt is uniquely qualified to bridge all areas that influence workforce and bring them together building a unified strategy that helps local business and industry and puts local people in jobs. Matt works closely with our Industry partners through NELAMAC (The Northeast Louisiana Manufacturing Alliance and Consortium).

GOAL:

The Chamber will continue to support all ages of education (birth through continuing ed).

Education is the foundation for a trained workforce and quality of life. The Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee focuses on supporting both of our school systems and our higher ed institutions. We partnered with ULM, La. Delta, The City of Monroe and Monroe City Schools to hang banners at each Monroe City Schools. The Banners celebrate each school and is backed with either a ULM banner or Louisiana Delta Banner. We relaunched our Adopt A School program, hosted the State Superintendent, Dr. Cade Brumley, and we are sponsoring a STEM program for Ouachita Parish Elementary Schools that is being facilitated by The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum.

GOAL:

To create a healthcare team that would help the Chamber to address the challenges impacting our medical community. As an actionable item, the Healthcare Advocacy Team (HCA) has been devised. Its diverse representation of medical and specialty organizations will seek to enhance the Chambers healthcare related strategic plans.

The Monroe Chamber believes that our businesses will THRIVE if our population is healthy. Our Healthcare committee has focused on providing Healthcare information and Healthcare events to our membership through Medical Moments, in our newsletter plus social media and other marketing avenues.. The Monroe Chamber also helped sponsor the Medical IRT event that was held in the summer of 2023. Medical personnel from all branches of the military converged on Monroe over two weeks to provide free medical and dental care for our local residents.

GOAL:

Set the standard for good financial responsibilities. Honor member and sponsor investments. Oversees our financials on a monthly basis and finding ways to constantly improve our processes.

Our Finance committee is our financial watchdog. They meet monthly to review The Chamber’s previous month’s financial performance and our year to date performances. They help ensure our financial accuracy.

The Chamber conducts an audit every year. Our past audit was conducted by Cameron & Hines. We are pleased to report a great audit.

AIMEE KANE

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Ouachita Parish on the Move

Growing Quality of Life: PARKS AND RECREATION

Investing in quality of life initiatives such as music, culture, parks, and recreation have a significant impact on the well-being of a city's residents. A city that prioritizes these initiatives creates a sense of community and fosters social connections among its residents. It also attracts tourists and businesses, which lead to economic growth and job opportunities. Additionally, providing access to public parks and recreational facilities improves physical health and mental well-being, which can reduce healthcare costs. By investing in quality of life initiatives, our city is increasing the vibrancy of our community.

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PARKS & REC R EAT I ON The master plan created by Carbo Landscape Architecture reflects the community's vision for the parks. It includes suggestions for improvements such as better signage, additional seating, and better lighting. The City is already working on projects from the plan, including renovating bathrooms, improving parking areas, and adding more walking paths. The plan also includes suggestions for future projects such as a splash pad, a dog park, and a nature center.

Successful Projects that Have Transformed Our City Striking a Chord: Creating a Music Strategy for Region 8 Recently, the City of Monroe hired Sound Diplomacy, an international music policy group that focuses on research for municipalities to understand how their music and night time economy impacts the overall economy. The goal of their work is to help cities create a thriving music ecosystem that contributes to the health of the local economy. During this study, it was decided to expand the research to not only the city, but to all of Ouachita Parish. So many aspects of the local culture come from urban and rural areas, impacting both at varying degrees.

The study conducted by Sound Diplomacy analyzed the entire music ecosystem of Ouachita Parish. The research explored the impact of music on the economy, including the number of jobs and businesses it creates, and the tourism it attracts. The results of the study highlighted the importance of music to the region, both culturally and economically. The study also provided some recommendations for the City and its partners to consider, including the creation of a music office or task force, the development of a music incubator, and the promotion of music tourism.

City and various partners to undertake, to further strengthen music in the region.

Revitalizing Urban Living: A Parks Plan for a Better Quality of Life The City of Monroe worked with Carbo Landscape Architecture on a strategic plan to improve the three most utilized parks in the area: Forsythe, Chennault, and Charles Johnson. The plan was centered around the desire to return dignity to assets that the city has had for many decades. These parks have great amenities, but they need to be organized and improved. Carbo Landscape Architecture held multiple community feedback events, including hosting an installation at Mardi Gras, to gather input from the public. Based on this feedback, they developed a phased approach for improvements based on constituent priorities.

Our community centers are essential to the health and vibrancy of the neighborhoods they serve. The City of Monroe worked with Manning Architects to study and develop a vision for each of the seven community centers in the area. The visioning plan reflects the individual personalities and uses of each center. The City is already executing projects from these visions, including the addition of the inclusive playground and renovation of the parking lot at Harvey H. Benoit Community Center, new pool furniture at Marbles & Johnson Community Centers, a basketball court mural at Powell Rec Center and the addition of the inclusive playground at Forsythe Park.

The visioning plan also includes suggestions for all 7 rec centers, ranging from structural upgrades to quality of life improvements.

These projects are designed to improve the amenities at the community centers and create gathering places for the neighborhoods they serve.

Overall, this study produced very strong results and outcomes for what music contributes to the city and parish economy.

It also provides some areas of focus and suggests improvements and projects for the INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 17

Ouachita Parish on the Move

WORKFORCE DEVELOP ME N T Currently, they are focused on identifying industry leaders who want to invest the time and resources needed to design and build a workforce development model relevant to and effective at creating workready professionals—potential employees who show up prepared for the job on Day One. That may seem like a tall order, but Dickerson thinks the tools and resources are in place for success.

“The ultimate goal of this program is to build a workforce that meets the needs of our current employers and their needs to grow locally, while also building for future companies that will call northeast Louisiana home because of the talented workforce we’ve developed,” Dickerson says.

Strengthening our Workforce, Energizing our Region

W

hether it’s through training and educating a diverse workforce or providing career services, workforce development efforts are a major economic driver. As strategic marketing manager for Pulpmill Services, Inc., Matt Dickerson understands the vital importance of workforce development.

For northeastern Louisiana, workforce development has long been at the forefront of economic development efforts, thanks in part to a diverse economy rich in manufacturing and industry. It has a rich history, which Dickerson says informs efforts on that front today.

“Workforce development is not new to northeast Louisiana,” Dickerson says.

“There have been many people and organizations through the years that have worked hard in strengthening a workforce across the region.”

Today, the efforts of those organizations are being felt in companies like PSI, and new initiatives are cropping up to 18 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

further improve the region’s workforce.

Those efforts include a renewed focus on growing a new generation of manufacturing and industrial workers.

“One of the most exciting developments recently is the amount of industry professionals that are coming to the table to address this issue across all sectors,” Dickerson says. “This collaboration among industry leaders is proving to be a strong example for our community partners and is driving collaboration that we haven’t seen in a long time.”

That collaboration led to the creation of NELAMAC, the Northeast Louisiana Manufacturing Alliance and Consortium, an assemblage of leaders focused on the mutual needs of the manufacturing and industrial community. Dickerson serves on the workforce development steering committee for NELAMAC. “Our goal is simple, and it’s summed up in three words: stay, work, and thrive,” Dickerson says. “We believe when industry takes the lead on growth and expansion, our community will follow.”

Currently, NELAMAC is taking a three-pronged approach to workforce development. The first prong is marketing, getting the message out about the region’s diverse workforce and manufacturing community. The second is a deep dive into education, focusing both on K-12 efforts and the area’s colleges and universities, to ensure that vocational programs in those schools align with the region’s needs. The third component is a children’s initiative in conjunction with the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum.

“We want to partner with them to introduce manufacturing to our children at an early age in a creative and interactive way,” Dickerson says. “This is a great way to start the conversation about manufacturing while giving back to a group that does so much for our children across northeast Louisiana and beyond.”

Wherever they turn, Dickerson says they’re feeling the positive energy and buzz in the community, which is driving the workforce renewal.

“We have a lot of amazing people across northeastern Louisiana that truly want our entire region to rise,” Dickerson says.

“Those people are the fuel that will drive the engine in workforce development, and without them, we will not be successful.”

Ouachita Parish on the Move

Providing Excellence in Education: ULM UNIVERSITY FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

In alignment with and supportive of ULM’s new strategic plan, the campus community embarked on an 18-month process to develop a new University Facilities Master Plan with the goal of ensuring the campus remains inviting, vibrant, modern, safe, and functional.

ULM partnered with Ashe, Broussard, and Weinzettle Architects and Eskew, Dumez, Ripple to develop the comprehensive plan. Over the course of the process, groups of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and community leaders were engaged to help envision the continued evolution of ULM’s campus.

20 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

UL M “We were fortunate to engage a team of professionals who had completed our last campus plan 10 years ago. They were familiar with our campus, mission and goal of changing lives in the region, indicate President Ron Berry. “We are also very thankful to our ULM Facilities Corporation who funded this detailed review and update of our master plan and all of our friends and supporters who participated in this process.”

In addition to dreaming of new developments for the campus, this plan also assessed every facility owned by ULM and provides for efficient utilization and modernization of those facilities, always focusing on our priorities of providing excellent education and our identity as a proactive, student-centered institution.

Campus enhancements identified include additional space to accommodate growing programs, additional green space on campus, improved vehicular travel, safer pedestrian travel, and improved signage, navigation, and security. Some buildings are

proposed for demolition – others could face extensive renovations.

Specifically, the plan calls for four new campus gateways which will provide a clear signal that you are entering the ULM community. Additional buildings to house labs for sciences and health care programs will include the latest layouts and technology, as well as a hospital simulation environment. New greenspace is anticipated across campus, with reduced automobile traffic making the campus safer and more enjoyable. A key aspect imbedded in the plan is to make the campus welcoming and accessible and more engaged with the surrounding community.

plan includes a connection for the east and west sides of Malone stadium and an indoor practice facility.

Dr. Bill Graves, Vice President of Business Affairs, offered, “We are excited about the future opportunities and guidance the plan provides us. We are anxious to begin working with our elected officials, partners, and donors to make these dreams a reality.”

The full plan, including designs of new buildings, green space, and campus layout can be found online at https://www.ulm. edu/president/progress/facility.html or by scanning the bar code below.

The plan also envisions additional public private partnerships to develop a boutique hotel, waterfront retirement housing, a Greek village for our fraternities and sororities, an amphitheater, and significant upgrades to our athletic facilities, including a new one-stop location for athletic fund raising, tickets, retail, and hall of fame displays. Most significantly for athletics, the

Billy Haddad, Sean Nichols, Taylor Cagle, Rick Guillot, Susan Rowland, Harold Book, Rick Siudy, Joey McGinn Lacy Miletello, Carlie Holloway, Carrie Kennedy, Linda O’Neal, Quandrea Allen, Amber Mathews

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www.Origin.bank INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 21

Ouachita Parish on the Move

OP PJ

Live Ouachita!

IMPROVING OUR PARISH & PROMOTING GROWTH

Over the past year, our Police Jury, serving as the cornerstone of our local government, has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of life and infrastructure in our parish. We are committed to the well-being of our 160,000 residents.

One of the Jury's top priorities has been the improvement of our parish's roads. Through extensive repair and maintenance projects, we have significantly enhanced the safety and navigability of our transportation. In addition, acknowledging the challenges posed by natural disasters, the Police Jury has proactively implemented flood prevention initiatives by acquiring portable pumps. These crucial assets are designed to prevent neighborhood flooding, ensuring that our communities remain safe and resilient during adverse weather conditions.

Understanding the diverse needs of our population, the Jury has forged partnerships with various community programs.

These collaborations aim to address a range of needs from health and education to economic development, that

22 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

all serve to enrich the lives of our citizens.

From improvements to Cheniere Lake to an investment in the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo to the partnership with the Northeast LA Manufacturing Alliance & Consortium (NELAMAC). The Police Jury's commitment extends beyond immediate infrastructure needs. We have taken significant steps to enhance our parish's economic climate, creating a more conducive environment for business growth and attracting new opportunities for residents.

Fiscal responsibility is crucial to effective government. The Police Jury has managed our parish's finances with diligence and foresight, leading to sustained growth and stability in our parish's economy. We are proud to share that our audit has again shown no findings - meaning there have been no discrepancies.

The Police Jury has centralized its operations by moving into a new administration building, located near the courthouse on Bry Street in Monroe. This facility now houses all 26 parish offices under one roof, streamlining administrative processes and improving service delivery to the public.

A key aspect of the Jury's success lies in its strong working relationships with other governments within the parish, including Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington, and Richwood. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in fostering a stronger, more unified community.

We are dedicated to bringing about tangible improvements in our parish, making it a better place to live, work, and thrive.

As residents of this parish, we have much to look forward to and you have the jurors' unwavering commitment to making our home a great place to live and work. It's what it means to "Live Ouachita!"

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Ouachita Parish on the Move

TOWN OF RICH WO OD clerks for critical functions. The police department not only has new equipment, it also has four new officers to help patrol the streets.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Brown says.

Richwood is changing from an economic development standpoint, as well. That includes some vital infrastructure developments that will improve the area for both citizens and the businesses that serve them.

Changing Fortunes for Richwood

N

ear the close of his 7th year as Mayor of Richwood, Gerald Brown has a lot to be proud of. The town is in better financial shape than it’s been in for decades, there are infrastructure and economic development projects underway, and the community is more excited than ever before.

Mayor Brown attributes the upswing to hard work and sound fiscal policies.

“We’ve been able to create a lot of different programs that weren’t happening before,” Brown says. That includes a back to school event drawing 500 attendees, which in partnership with a local church was able to provide meals to the attendees for free.

Other events include parades and special functions for the holidays.

“We’re able to pull in the community at large, as well as our business and community partners to build up pride,” Brown says. That’s been a key ingredient to the town’s recent successes.

When Brown took over as mayor in 2016, 24 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Richwood’s finances were in bad shape.

Richwood had just come out from under a state fiscal administration order, and while expenses were under control, the debt load was still crushing.

“Our finances were not great,” Brown says.

“We didn’t have much money in the bank, we had vendors who needed to be paid, and we had some back debt with the IRS and Workers Compensation.”

Additionally, an existing bond was coming due. Brown’s initial goal was to whip those finances into order, which Richwood has succeeded in doing.

Among those projects are a new sidewalk plan along 165 South, which improves foot traffic and makes the businesses along that stretch of highway more accessible to customers. Also, a highway lighting project along four miles of dark road will open both business and residential growth in an underdeveloped part of the town.

And, in conjunction with Greater Ouachita Water, Richwood is working to improve water quality and flow during peak times.

Up next, Brown has an ambitious agenda to continue infrastructure improvements and economic development. That agenda includes using American Rescue Plan dollars to resurface some streets and improve drainage. Those improvements are six months to a year out.

New small businesses are also coming into the town and setting up shop.

Brown hopes one day soon Richwood will attract a major employer, perhaps in manufacturing.

“We’re excited Richwood is on the map,” Brown says. “We’re excited that people are seeing that Richwood is ready to work and they’re ready to work with us.”

“We’ve taken care of a lot of financial issues,” Brown says. “When I took office, we had a little over $100,000 in the general fund. Now, we have a little over $1.8 million in the fund. We thank God for our financial growth. This growth was also in large part due to the hard work of the staff and the Board of Aldermen.”

Sound fiscal policies have afforded Richwood the opportunity to staff up key positions. The town clerk now has deputy

GERALD BROWN MAYOR, Town of Richmond

strategic associations:

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certified public accountants

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 25

Ouachita Parish on the Move

MONROE - WEST MON ROE

Monroe - West Monroe

WHERE YOU'RE WELCOME TO PLAY OUTSIDE THE LINES

G

et ready to play outside the lines! At Discover MonroeWest Monroe, our mission is to attract conventions and tourists to Ouachita parish ensuring each visitor in our destination has a memorable experience. Through our organizational values of teamwork, above & beyond, hospitality, innovation, and a community-mindset, our team works hard to promote Monroe-West Monroe as a destination where you’re welcome to play outside the lines.

In 2022, visitor spending in Ouachita parish totaled over $256 million generating $19.51 million in state sales tax collections and over $10 million in local sale taxes.

The top states of origin included Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and California. With an average trip of 3 days, visitors found themselves at several of our area’s top attractions. Through the efforts of our Convention Sales team, we hosted 175 conventions and events providing an economic impact from conventions, meetings, and sporting events of over $16 million.

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Play ball! In 2023 we hosted two rounds of Team MWM Hospitality Trainings. These fun, one-hour training sessions taught staff at local hotels, attractions, and restaurants how to create a winning experience for their visitors. Attendees learned from the Team MWM playbook and covered tips and tricks for showing hospitality in different scenarios. The program will continue to enhance our front-line tourism industry staff’s knowledge and customers experience.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe strives to host events that create large economic impacts consistently throughout the year.

Development is now underway as we advance our community facility assets with the West Monroe Indoor Sports & Events Complex. Discover MonroeWest Monroe invested into the research and the construction of the venue. The 112,000 square foot multipurpose venue will feature up to 8 basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, along with training rooms, and covered access to an adjoining hotel. Not only is the facility predicted to generate an estimated $21.5 million annually for the community, but it will also create 300 full and part-time jobs.

Forsythe Park will also see updates. Seven new tennis courts with a new center that includes restrooms, and an upper viewing deck will be added to Forsythe Park. With the additional 7 courts, the Forsythe Park tennis courts will be open to host more regional and state tournaments in the area along with the ULM facilities.

Food shouldn’t just be for thought – it should be for sharing, savoring, and celebrating. The first Annual MWM Restaurant Week was held this September.

This week was filled with plenty of good food and deals! 11 local restaurants participated in this year’s inaugural event.

Mark your calendars – MWM Restaurant Week is back September 9-15, 2024!

2023 was a successful year for Discover Monroe-West Monroe. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024!

For more information and to sign up for our email newsletter, please visit monroewestmonroe.org or call 318-387-5691.

DISCOVER MONROE

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 27

Ouachita Parish on the Move

L D CC Workforce programs are good for these communities, too. By producing a wellprepared and job-ready workforce, community colleges directly contribute to economic growth. Graduates entering the workforce contribute to increased productivity, innovation, and overall economic prosperity.

Dr. Wendi Tostenson, vice chancellor of education and student services at LDCC, says, "The impact of short-term workforce training reverberates across all socioeconomic strata, cultivating a landscape where opportunities are accessible to all. This focused education equips individuals with valuable skills and catalyzes economic stability in our region."

Louisiana Delta Community College

DEVELOPING OUR WORKFORCE

C

ommunity colleges are not just educational institutions but vital contributors to workforce development, shaping individuals to meet the demands of today's job market.

Workforce development programs in community colleges are uniquely designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills. These programs are tailored to meet the realworld needs of industries and empower graduates with theoretical knowledge and the hands-on skills essential for immediate employment. This makes them "Day 1" employees.

A distinctive strength of workforce programs in community colleges lies in their versatility. These programs cater to the diverse interests and career goals of a wide array of students and the skills needs of businesses.

Louisiana Delta Community College meets these needs through training courses in Heavy Equipment Operator, CNC Machining, Directional Drilling (Utility 28 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Installation Technician), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Forklift, OSHA 10, Line Locator, Certified Production Technician, Contact Tracer, Electronic Health Records, Environmental Technician Program, Heart Saver Blood Borne Pathogens, Information Technology Fundamentals, Instrumentation & Control System, NRF Customer Service & Hospitality, Public Health Standards and Infection Prevention Certification (with OSHA10), Basic PLC & Advanced PLC, Basic Electrical, CPR, EMT, & Instrumentation & Controls System.

The deliberate inclusion of "community" in the name of these higher education institutions holds profound significance.

"Community" colleges are known for their accessibility, serving as educational hubs within local communities. Louisiana Delta Community College has eight campuses in eight different cities across northeast Louisiana. This accessibility ensures that individuals can access training and skill development opportunities without the constraints of geographic distance or exorbitant tuition fees.

In a rapidly evolving job market, workforce development programs are crucial in staying attuned to industry demands. LDCC has advisory boards for each program offered. These groups provide essential input into curriculum and training needs. These programs are nimble and responsive, adapting their curriculum to align with current and future industry needs. This adaptability and business and industry partnerships are vital in preparing students for emerging industries and technologies.

A significant challenge employers face is the skills gap – the difference between required skills and the skills possessed by the workforce. Community college workforce programs actively contribute to closing this gap by providing targeted training that aligns with industry requirements, producing job-ready and competitive graduates.

"As diverse as the students we serve, this approach acknowledges that the path to success varies, embracing the unique journeys of learners from all walks of life. By empowering individuals with high-value credentials, we fortify personal trajectories and weave a tapestry of economic resilience that uplifts our entire community. In the embrace of short-term workforce training, Louisiana Delta Community College becomes a cornerstone for inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of education extend far and wide, transcending barriers and fostering a robust foundation for the prosperity of our region," says Tostenson.

Utilities Lineman Program 16 week course, LDCC West Monroe

Electrical Lineman Program 16 week course, LDCC Winnsboro

Gas Technician Program

16 week course, LDCC Ruston and LDCC Jonesboro For full Workforce offerings, visit: www.ladelta.edu/workforce/index

Or, you can scan the QR Code INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 29

membership GAME-CHANGING EVENT

THE COMMUNITY-CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE LANDS 363 NEW AND UPGRADED MEMBERS!

Jimmy Cusano with Your Chamber Connection leads an all-star group of community champions during the chamber’s swing for the fences membership event!

O

n a cold and rainy January morning volunteers began to exit their cars at the Monroe Civic Center.

Eyes down as they headed inside. However, before they could make it to the door they were greeted with booming 1980’s rock music and a crazy man in a gold zoot suit (Jimmy Cusano). It was on like Donkey Kong.

Over a 2 day period those volunteers sold or upgraded 363 members. There were 4 - 2 hour sessions with a victory party the evening of the third day. Jimmy was relentless with his message on the impact of the Chamber to Monroe and Ouachita Parish. He inspired everyone to move the community forward.

Team Chairs arrived with their teams dressed in appropriate team colors and costumes. Amanda Edge (THE GODMOTHER) dominated both days with Team Pink. Everywhere you looked you saw Pink - Pink Ballons, Pink Confetti, Pink, Pink, Pink, DJ Fortenberry’s White Team and Josh Etheridge’s Black & Red Team made valiant efforts but fell short. Both were named GODFATHER’s for the event. Bells were ringing, and there were a lot of friendly jabs from all Chairs and their teams including 30 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Jeremy Harrell, Lisa Miller, Randy Stone, Brittany McNamara, and Chap Breard. Paul West and his Lime Green runners were recognized for supporting everyone. Cynthia Nyquist (Team Pink) sold the most new members. Push Ups were given out to people who couldn’t keep up or who were distracted - Unfortunately for Josh Etheridge he became the surrogate push up guy, setting a new record for an event like this. A special shout out to Sawyer Ryder, with Kinetix, and the Chamber Staff. Sawyer posted each new member on FACEBOOK giving an extra touch to the sale.

Below is a list of Community Unsung Heroes who helped make this happen (THANK YOU to each and everyone).

Membership Drive Chairs:

Jeremy Harrell (Guaranty Bank), Amanda Edge (Entergy), Randy Stone & Brittany McNamara (KTVE/KARD), DJ Fortenberry (City of Monroe), Chap Breard (MoeBiz), Lisa Miller (ULM), Josh Etheridge & Lamont Windom (EPC), Paul West (NOVA)

Green & Gold Team (J. Harrell) • • • • •

Ivan Hendricks - Captain, - Mike Fife, Ken January Zack Howse, Jeremy Lowe, Duane Tharp, Shelby McGuffee Ethan Hunt - Captain - Maggie Generoso, Chris Noren, Ashley Kutz, Brenda Finley Alisha Woods - Captain - Lauren Savage, Markita Washington, Jerrilyn Profit, April English Emily Hawthorne - Captain - Michelle Jenkins, Mike Brodman, Drew Simpson Donna Faulkenberry - Captain - Katie McClinton, Tony Spillers, Dana Owens, Cedrick Dorsey, Steve Phillips, Reggie Carroll, Liz Hammett, Susie Dartlon

Blue Team (Chap Breard) • • • • • • • •

Brook Stanley - Captain - Morgan Valery, Melean Jones Robbie Cunningham - Captain Morgan Breard - Captain - Denise Breard, Cynthia Rodriquez, Dawn Landry Krystal Lavigne - Captain - Donna Morrison, Diane Griggs, Alissa Switzer Emily Lowe - Captain Chap Breard - Captain - Ty Sanderson, Albert Paxton, Peyton Farr, Kaleb Williamson Heather Toms - Captain - Hillary Simon, Kerri Taylor Brent Gay - Captain - Shane Free

Purple Team (Randy Stone & Brittany McNamara)

Army Green Team (Lisa Miller)

•

• • • • •

•

• •

Joel Istre - Captain - Brandon Moore, Ashley Smith, Terry Howard, Kaitlin Tarver, Sam Nelson Josh Hampton - Captain - Kimberly Peters, Rita Tucker, Gary Hampton, Tara Ambrose, Shari Barker Harris Bond - Captain - Troy Lizenby, Aundi Brown Michelle Tolar - Captain - Toni Bacon, Leslie Bryan, Jan Daniels, Kay Gray, Kelly Green, Bill Lofton, Heather Moore

Pink Team - (Amanda Edge) • • • • • • •

Cynthia Nyquist - Captain - Wes Martin, Sophie Barksdale, Susie Lefebvre, Louis Luffey, Caroline Scott, Albert Paxton, Brian Ray Alana Cooper - Ramona Martin, Nash Patel, Janie Russ Amanda Lyon - Captain - Matt Lyon, Mike Walsworth Sheila Hatten - Captain - Elizabeth Clark Freeman, Ginger Holton McGrew, Michelle Turrentine, Aleta Eley, Ashley Hubenthal, Jessican Nugent Wilson, Terri Mitchell, Micah Pulliam - Captain - James Michael Stephens, Hannah Livingston, Frank Bennett, Randy Esters - Captain - Kevin Caston, Dan Robertson Rick Greene - Captain - Michael Hildebrand Abigail Handy, Marty French

White Team (DJ Fortenberry) •

•

DJ Fortenberry - Captain - Desmund Lighten, Chelsea Holbron, Bryan Creekmore, Roy Arthur, Mashi Epting- Captain - Kashanti Powell, Willie Goree, Rarecaus Jones, Stephanie Greely, Wayne Williamson, Rickea Minor Valdelrius Wilson, Lashand Ellis Lyla Corkern - Captain

• •

Brice Jones - Captain - Peyton Underwood, VC Chikkara Gina White - Captain - Shameka Simien, Vincent White, Richandra Robinson, Raven Owens, Melissa Kiper Danielle Kelly-Tolbird - Captain - Deano Casola, Ross Slacks Becca Kleinpeter - Captain - Sarah Siereveld, Medria Buford Dylan Jung & Kaitlin Arnett - Captain - Ahmaad Solmone, Kyle Acklin - Captain Anne Marie Sisk - Captain - Lisa Hammett, Josh Sanson,Julie Hansen, Michael Fonsoe, Jennifer Street

Red & Black Team (Josh Etheridge) • • • • • •

Erin Etheridge - Captain - Allie Brasher, Caleb Etheridge, Jessie Arrant Quentin Durr - Captain - Landon Millsap (Durr), Patience Talley, Hannah Givens Asja Jordan, Richard Royal, Douog Harvey, Lauren Creekmore Jasmyne McConnell - Captain Josh Carroll - Captain - Shelley Odom, Amanda Walker, Mitch Reppond, Mack Anderson, Michelli Martin, Kimberly Essex, Josh Fuselier, Rebecca Frye, Michael Durham, Kristy Statham Christina Davis - Captain - Reese Thompson,Nikki Hull, Madison Shidiskis,LaTia Carson Lamont Windom - Captain - Kirsten Gladen, Tyrone Goodin, Kristi Martin

Lime Green (Runners Team) (Paul West) • • • •

Meg Keene - Captain - Jennifer Van Linda O’Neal - Captain - Kara Platt, Sonya Brown, Jenifer McManus, Clay Corley, Brittany Kiner, Catherine Chance, Tyler Baugh Jay Curtis - Captain - Jenny Pankey, Babbette Adcock, Mary Linda McCann, Hunter McFadden, Ross Slacks Bob D’Avigon - Captain - Dani Walker, Rhonda Hutson, Richard Crise, James Miles, Greg Covington, Cody Foster

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32 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

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BEEF & BARREL

ELARA HEALTH

BAYOU KUBOTA GROUNDBREAKING

DIY JOYFUL CREATIONS

MONROE BPW

BAYOU WORSHIP SPACE FIRST UNITED MONROE

ASHTON SMITH SHELTER INSURANCE

MOEBIZ 100TH

BUILDING FUTURE PEDIATRICS

BARAK SHRINE

R IB BO N CUT T IN GS

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

EMPIRE GFX

BENOIT REC CENTER PLAYGROUND

CENTRIC GROUNDBRAKING

ESSENTIAL FAMILY

LDCC DELTA STUDIO

FLEET FEET

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

ST. JUDE DREAM HOME GROUNDBREAKING

HOLTON FLOORING

IN HOUSE INTERIORS

HOTWORX

CHENNAULT NEW PAVILLION

ADVANCED BUILDING

ST. JOSEPH CONTINUING CARE

34 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

NERDS TO GO

ST. FRANCIS PRIMARY CARE

WILSON STREET RENOVATIONS

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES DRIVE KICKOFF

GOIN POSTAL

MUSTARD SEED MANAGEMENT

SNAP ME CREATIVE

TRENTON BEND SUBDIVISION GROUNDBREAKING

CANDOR WEALTH

CHASE 30TH

R IB BO N CUT T IN GS

MOHS SURGERY AND SKIN

LDDS KNIGHTS ESPORTS ROOM

WINDOW WORLD

ST. JUDE DREAM HOME

NORTHEAST IMAGING

RESILIENCE RECOVERY

THE MAC PICKLEBALL COURTS

WOODARD AND ASSOCIATES

THE MUFFLER SHOP

SALAD STATION

TEXAS STANDIFER TRUNK LINE

B1 BANK

HAMMOND, SILLS, ADKINS, GUICE, NOAH & PERKINS

THE RENEWAL CENTER GROUNDBREAKING

SKELETON'S ON TOWER

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 35

ULM STRAUSS BUILDING

REGYMEN FITNESS

UJIMA

MILLER ROY

THE HOTEL MONROE

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

NELA ARTS COUNCIL

CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THE HOPE CENTER

AT&T FIBER EXPANSION

WHIDDON LAW OFFICES

MIND YOUR P'S AND Q'S

THE WASHAM AGENCY

VICTORY PIZZA

DB REAL ESTATE

DAZZLELAND DAYCARE

CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OPEN HOUSE

WALNUT LOFT APARTMENTS

SANCTUARY WELLNESS

FASTA PASTA

FONTENOT'S CAJUN WAY

ANDY SMITH GLOBAL

WOODARD AND ASSOCIATES

AMERICORE

GARDENS OF SOMERSET

GEAUX FAMILY HEALTH

leadership IN THE COMMUNITY

FORTY TWO GRADUATE FROM LEADERSHIP OUACHITA PROGRAM

T

hursday, November 2nd, forty two participants graduated from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Council’s 2023 Leadership Ouachita program at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. This was the Leadership program’s 35th 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. They also join other business leaders from North Louisiana on the annual Northern Exposure trip in May. 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 970 people have graduated from the program.

The 2023 Leadership Ouachita graduates are Charlotte Boyd, Cadence Bank; Kanika Bradley, City of West Monroe; Rebecca Bradley, Alli Management Solutions; Joseph Branson, Drax; Lakeysha Bullock, City of Monroe; Wesley Cirilo, Mid South 36 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Extrusion; Ian Clark, Graphic Packaging International; Justin Cummings, West Monroe Police Department; Dorea ElmadihFlintroy, Monroe Regional Airport; JaCera Francois, Ouachita Parish School Board; Katee Ginn, The Woman’s Clinic; Yumeki Harden, St. Francis Medical Center; Thurner Hayward, Steel Fabricators; Sarah Hoffman, Foodbank of NELA; Chris Holyfield, Holyfield Construction; Kandice Hunter, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe; Debra Hyde, Etheridge Pipeline; Joel Istre, Kinetix; Shelby Kelmell, Drax; DJ LeJeune, Etheridge Pipeline; Lindsey Lowe, Echo Designs; Jenifer Miller, Louisiana National Bank; Shelley Odom, Citizens Progressive Bank; Nirali Patel, City of

Monroe; Jessie Phillips, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union; Chase Regian, VCOM-Louisiana; Levi Reyes, JPMorgan Chase; Sawyer Ryder, Kinetix; Allyson Sager, United Way of NELA; Noah Sampognaro, Lazenby & Associates; Ty Sanderson, Durrett Title; David Smith, Ouachita Parish Assessor’s Office; Keisha Sparks, Acadian Ambulance Service; Claire Stapp, Discover Monroe-West Monroe; Courtney Thomas, BayouLife Magazine; Jody Wallace, Ouachita Parish Assessor’s Office; Elisha Wilkinson, Queens of Tomorrow; Johnny Williams, Cross Keys Bank; Kaleb Williamson, Apple Dental; Chelsea Wyatt, Community Rehabilitation Center; Sarah Zagar, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg Ins; Josh Zeagler, Atmos Energy.

During the ceremony, Cassie Livingston, with BayouLife Magazine, was named the 33rd 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. The Leadership Class paused during their graduation to remember Mr. Shipp’s wife, Kay. Kay Shipp passed away in October of 2023. Kay was a huge community supporter and always presented the award in memory of her late husband.

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, Alan Brockman and Amy Sawyer.

We lost another leader who was close to the Leadership program.

Former Representative Charles “Charlie” McDonald passed away in August. Charlie was a huge Chamber and Community supporter. He was known as the father of the “TOPS” program.

Charlie always wrapped up our final class talking about giving back and going the extra mile. In honor of him each class always voted on a participant who displayed twice as much caring, giving and respect throughout the year.

Sponsors for the 2023 program are: Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Alli Management Solutions, Drax, St Francis Medical Center, City of Monroe, Creed & Creed, First Horizon Bank, Progressive Bank, Strauss Interest, KTVE/KARD, Stephens Media Group, The Radio People.

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 37

Thomas H. Scott Awards

HONORING COMPANIES MAKING SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OUACHITA PARISH ECONOMY

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andor Wealth Partners, The Gardens of Georgia Tucker, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, LLC, University of Louisiana Monroe, and The Center for Children and Families were honored with Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence during a reception held Thursday, May 11 at the Monroe Civic Center.

In addition, eight businesses received special judge’s awards.

The selections came from forty-five nominations for the prestigious awards, which honor companies making significant contributions to the Ouachita parish economy through capital improvements, expansion, job creation, and community involvement during 2022/2023. This year’s nominees collectively created or retained 6,895 jobs in Ouachita parish and made capital investments of over $419 million.

Candor Wealth Partners won the award in the category for small businesses. In 2022, Ivan Hendricks launched Candor Wealth Partners with a $340,000 investment. Ivan has grown his financial advisory company from a zero-at-startup to over $40 Million in assetsunder- care in eight months. In Candor’s eight months of business, CWP has contributed over $10,000 in sponsorships and donations to local organizations from Arco and the Barak Shriners to the Children’s Museum and St. Jude. CWP is located at 2485 Tower Drive in Monroe.

The winner of the medium business category was The Gardens of Georgia Tucker. The Gardens at Georgia Tucker, an assisted living and memory care facility, opened in 2018.

With a $12 Million investment, Phase II of the facility opened in 2022. This doubled their assisted living apartments for a total of 68 residents. Georgia Tucker is involved in CABLE and supports the Children’s Coalition, 38 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Matthew 25: Ministries for Human Aid, the Boys and Girls Clubs of NELA and Pilots for Patients. Paul Coburn and Matt Sanderson’s involvement in 2018 saved Georgia Tucker from demolition. The historical building is remembered by many as Georgia Tucker Elementary School since 1920. The Gardens at Georgia Tucker is located at 405 Stubbs Avenue in Monroe.

Recognized as the large business category winner was Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, LLC. Founded by brothers, Josh and Caleb Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit is a utility construction, directional drilling company focusing in telecommunications.

Etheridge has doubled in size in 2022. The company went from a one room portable metal office building into a 5,000 sq. ft. office and multi acre yard on Camp Rd in West Monroe. Etheridge has donated to ULM, La Purchase Gardens and Zoo, the Cancer Foundation League, and many others. Their focus is to provide a good living wage career for anyone willing to work in North Louisiana.

The corporate business of the year award was presented to University of Louisiana Monroe.

Founded in 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College, ULM is now a comprehensive, state funded institution of higher learning. ULM employs nearly 900 employees and has an annual enrollment of about 8,500 students. In 2022, ULM completed its $11.6 Million, state of the art, student union building- The HUB. The HUB features food vendors like Bento Sushi, Subway, and others. The second floor of The HUB has a large meeting space with white boards, decks and other amenities. Dr. Ronald Berry, ULM’s President, is heavily involved in organizations throughout are area. ULM is also providing a ten acre site of land for BRIP’s infrastructural development. ULM encourages its students to volunteer as well.

The nonprofit organization award was presented to The Center for Children and Families. The Center for Children and Families is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education and prevention services.

The agency started as Court Appointed Special Advocates aka CASA in 1999. Other programs were added over the years for instance the Medication Management program and the Brokers of Hope program. This year, the Hope Center opened at 105 Regency Place in West Monroe. The Hope Center offers psychological services, medication management and counseling to meet the mental health needs of children. Their employees volunteer at various organizations throughout our region.

The Spirit of Restoration Award was presented to Miller Roy Development. Developed and renovated by Ben Marshall and Rep. Michael Echols, The Miller-Roy Development is a mixed use development of sixty-six units of affordable housing and one stop community service center. The development includes partnerships with the United Way of NELA, Ouachita Parish Police Jury, Homeless Coalition, and other agencies. Located at 1001 DeSiard Street in Downtown Monroe, The Miller-Roy building once was the home of African American owned businesses in the early 1930s. The building was originally developed by Dr. JC Roy and Dr. JT Miller.

When the historical building featured the Savoy Ballroom, such greats came to perform like Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Louis Armstrong. The $15 Million development was funded through the Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program.

The Spirit of Lightening Award was presented Fit4Life Nutrition and Energy. - Owned and operated by Desmund Lighten, Fit4Life has

BayouLife Magazine, Candor Wealth Partners, CMN Title and Acquisitions LLC, Fasta Pasta, Fit4Life Nutrition and Energy, Geaux Family Health, Holton Flooring, Miller/Roy Development, QuesTECH, Regymen Fitness, Rhyan Emery Photography DBA Albritton Photography, Serenity’s Cake Bar, The Neighborhood Vet, LLC, The Ujima Center, The Washam Agency Inc. and Twin City Chiropractic.

The Ten nominees in the medium category are: The Ten nominees in the medium category are: Checkers, Citizens Progressive Bank, Delta Biscuit Company, Delta Fiber, Fox Realty Group, Gardens of Somerset Senior Living, HiTech Computers, Kinetix, The Digital People, and The Gardens of Georgia Tucker.

partnered with a global nutrition company to serve plan-based meal replacement smoothies and herbal energy teas. Fit4Life has expand opened a second location and is also a training hub for their sister nutrition clubs in the area. Fit4Life is now one of the top Herbalife markets in the country per capita. Desmund currently serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity and is an active Monroe Chamber member.

The I of the Tiger Award was presented to Andy Smith Global Enterprises In 2021, Andy Smith founded three newspapers: I Connect, Bastrop Community Voice-the only newspaper in Morehouse Parish, and Winnsboro Connect. Andy also founded three magazine publications: I Worship, Woman of Rise and I Create Magazine. Andy is the Pastor of Life City Church in Monroe. Andy Smith Global Enterprises give scholarships to local students and recently launched a new nonprofit, Andy Smith Wellness Initiative.

The Golden Years Award went to Gardens of Somerset Senior Living. The Gardens of Somerset is a retirement community that strives to offer their residents the means to remain active and enjoy life in a safe environment. With a $30 Million investment, The Gardens of Somerset officially opened in July 2022. It features several amenities for example, a movie theatre and green house.

Having over forty employees and sixty plus residents, several events have been hosted on the grounds from Fall Festivals to inaugural ceremonies for the Mayor of Sterlington.

Many of Somerset’s residents lived, served our surrounding cities, and helped to build and establish our community. The Gardens of Somerset’s Executive Director is Ashley Kirk.

The Delta Slam Award was awarded to Delta Biscuit Co. Delta Biscuit Co is a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant featuring food made from scratch using the finest ingredients possible. Owned and operated by Glen Lewellyan, the restaurant opened in March of 2022 with a $400,000 investment. Delta Biscuit has donated food to multiple agencies for example the United Way of NELA, and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and this year will partner with the NELA Food Bank to provide meals for the needy. Delta Biscuit’s goal is to be hospitality driven with extreme efficiency.

The MOE Business Award was presented

to MOEbiz. Monroe Office Equipment was founded in 1923 by Armand Breard. Currently owned by Chap Breard and Ann Breard, MOEbiz now provides records management, and network support. In 2022, MOEbiz added eight jobs for a total of 55 employees. MOEbiz continues to upgrade. For example, a 3,000 sq. ft. audio visual showroom has just been completed. Chap is a Leadership Ouachita graduate and has recently participated in the Monroe Chamber’s membership campaign. To say the least, Chap also volunteers for Pilots for Patients and has donated to the Children’s Coalition and many others.

The Spirit of Resilience Award was presented to The Wellspring Alliance for Families, Inc. Since 1931, The Wellspring has been an umbrella organization focused on leading our community by serving people in need. The Wellspring currently owns seven properties and operates ten service sites in Ouachita Parish. Five Wellspring properties were damaged during the Easter Sunday tornadoes of 2020. More than $1.1 Million was spent on restorations. In 2022, The Wellspring’s historic administration building, located at 1515 Jackson Street, was completed. The Wellspring employees lend their time and talent engaging with local and state groups. Now led by Executive Director, Caroline Cascio, The Wellspring is a member of the Monroe Chamber and its employees serve on a vast array of boards, committee and organizations.

In the large business category, the four nominees are: Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, LLC, Golden Corral, MOEbiz, and Wendy's / Carlisle.

The four finalists for the corporate category are: Entergy Louisiana, Ochsner LSU Monroe Rehabilitation Services, Pulpmill Services, Inc., St. Francis Medical Center, and the University of Louisiana Monroe.

The finalists for the nonprofit organizations category are Barak Shrine Temple, Life Choices Pregnancy Resources Center, Monroe City Schools, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, and Ouachita Parish School Board, The Center for Children and Families, and The Wellspring Alliance for Families, Inc. The Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence Reception is hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Presenting sponsors for the event are Origin Bank, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg, and Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc. Additional sponsors for the reception are BayouLife Magazine, First Horizon Bank, Mid South Extrusion, Inc., Monroe Housing Authority, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Progressive Bank, and Scott Powerline & Equipment Company.

The Spirit of Life Award was presented to Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center.

Founded in 1979 by Dr. Meade O’Boyle, Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center offers help for one of life’s toughest circumstancesunplanned pregnancy. Currently, Sikes serves as Executive Director. They offer variety assistance from ultrasounds to birth mom support. Due to the 2022 Supreme Court decision, Life Choices has experienced tremendous growth in staff and clients. A new Director of Operations and an Outreach Coordinator were added. Processes and procedures have been updated and outreach efforts will now go into under-served areas.

Life Choices sponsors the Angels Gala along with I Will Carry You- a local nonprofit that helps families with infant loss. Life Choices is located at 2007 Roselawn Avenue.

The nineteen nominees in the small business category are: 318 LABZ, Andy Smith Global Enterprises, Banks-Miley Law Firm LLC, INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 39

Ouachita Parish on the Move

BRIP

Biomedical Research and Innovation Park (BRIP) POWERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

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n a visionary collaboration, the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), the cities of Monroe and West Monroe, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC), and the regional business community have joined forces to establish the Biomedical Research and Innovation Park (BRIP). This ambitious project will propel economic development in the region by fostering the growth and commercialization of biomedical and spinout technologies in pharmaceuticals and other cutting-edge disciplines.

The BRIP initiative is not just a response to current economic challenges in the region but a strategic move towards building economic diversity and resilience in northeast Louisiana. By creating a robust life science economy in northeast Louisiana, BRIP seeks to leverage existing investments in universities, research institutions, and clinical operations to cultivate a knowledgebased economy that will fortify the region against future economic uncertainties.

One of BRIP's key objectives is to facilitate technology transfer and research commercialization by providing a supportive environment for regional researchers. Through its status as a 501c3 non-profit corporation, BRIP is wellpositioned to drive innovation with a diverse Board of Directors comprised of individuals with entrepreneurial and technology expertise, representatives from key economic development organizations, 40 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

university leaders, and individuals with legal and financial acumen.

The strategic location of BRIP on an eighteen-acre site adjacent to the ULM College of Pharmacy, leased from ULM and the City of Monroe, underscores the commitment to creating a hub for biotechnology and compatible businesses.

What sets BRIP apart is not only its physical infrastructure but the collaborative spirit driving it. BRIP, university, and community partners are already engaged in early-stage discussions with out-of-state companies. These companies recognize the immense potential of partnering with the ULM School of Pharmacy and the ULM Ag Center to develop pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and biotech products and processes.

The $33 million project should be underway in early 2024 with the construction of the road and infrastructure. The BRIP team is currently working with an architect on the design and layout of the building.

Construction on the new facility will begin in late 2024 and is expected to take eighteen months to complete.

The BRIP project aligns seamlessly with the Louisiana Economic Development's mission to create jobs and economic opportunity.

By diversifying the economy of northeast Louisiana, BRIP is poised to become a catalyst for transformative change.

In the words of the Chairman of the Board, Joe Holyfield, "BRIP represents a bold

vision for the future of northeast Louisiana.

This initiative is not just about creating jobs; it's about laying the foundation for a knowledge-based economy that will endure and thrive. We are already seeing interest from companies outside our state, a testament to the potential impact of BRIP on the biomedical landscape."

As BRIP takes shape, it signals a new era for economic development in northeast Louisiana—one where collaboration, innovation, and strategic vision converge to create a lasting impact. The Biomedical Research and Innovation Park is not just a facility; it's a testament to the region's commitment to shaping its destiny in the realms of biotechnology and beyond. to closing this gap by providing targeted training that aligns with industry requirements, producing job-ready and competitive graduates.

"As diverse as the students we serve, this approach acknowledges that the path to success varies, embracing the unique journeys of learners from all walks of life.

By empowering individuals with highvalue credentials, we fortify personal trajectories and weave a tapestry of economic resilience that uplifts our entire community. In the embrace of shortterm workforce training, Louisiana Delta Community College becomes a cornerstone for inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of education extend far and wide, transcending barriers and fostering a robust foundation for the prosperity of our region," says Tostenson.

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THIS YEAR’S GROUP OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IS HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

42 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

T

he Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the NELA Young Professionals and BayouLife Magazine named the 2023 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Young Professional Awards, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at The Monroe Civic Center. There were 88 nominations this year.

This was the largest nominated group The Chamber has ever had. This group of amazing and awesome emerging leaders are energizing a renewed excitement about our city and region.

The winners were: Sophie Barksdale, Cummins & Fitts; Marissa Dorris, IBM; Josh Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; DJ Fortenberry, City of Monroe; Scott Franklin, Holly Ridge Rice & Grain Terminal, Attorney; Latetao Hutchinson, JPMorgan Chase bank; Meghan Jones, United Way of NELA; Shelby Kelmell, Drax; Amber Marshall, Berry Global; Melanie Moffett, Centric Federal Credit Union; Cynthia Nyquist, Senator Stewart Cathey's Office; Monohn Prud'homme, NOVA Workforce; Alicia Rollins, Louisiana Delta Community College; Sarah O'Connor Siereveld, ULM; Mark Sisk, Remax Realty; James Stephens, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg; Dr. Alana Stevenson, ULM; Nicholas Trappey, Pelican Wealth Management; Brandon Welch, Brookshires Grocery; Trandon Welch, WELCHinc.

Congratulations to all of those nominated. Those nominations include: Joseph Armstrong, Delta Fiber; Kellie Ballard, Mac's Fresh Market; Jessica Bostic, Food Bank of NELA; Cameron Brister, SquarePlan IT; Lakeysha Bullock, City of Monroe; Philip Carpenter, Robertson Produce; Whitney Carpenter, Grace Episcopal Church; Josh Carroll, SnapMe Creative; Kevin Carroll, Underscore; Bucky Chandler, Sterlington HS/ OPSB; Ian Clark, Graphic Packaging/Caldwell Banker; Lyla Corkern, Finding Solace; Lauren Creekmore, The Harrison Lilly Team; Breshatta Davis, The B Law Firm; Matthew Debnam, Lumen Technology; Julie Dickson, Alli Management Solutions; Ryan Dickson, River Oaks School; Ashley Dowling, WMWO Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Duncan, The Woman's Clinic; Landon Durr, Landon Taylor Designs & High Tide Rise; Jana Elkins, Northeast Imaging; Mashi Epting, Mashi Epting LLC; Lee Michael Estes, Homeland Bank; Josh Faciane, Eagle Bank Mortgage; Ryan Felder, Rayville Recovery; Jessica Fortune, J & Fortune Consulting; Lisa Govan, Govan 1 Enterprise; April Hammett, McNew, King Landry; Michael Hildebrand,

M3 Physio; Harmony Hixon, Origin Bank; Taylor Hoffman, Cross Keys Bank; Haley Holley, Junior League of Monroe; Mya Hudgins, KARD; Latetao Hutchinson, JPMorgan Chase bank; Caleb Johnson, New York Life Insurance Co; Jude Johnston, Edwards Jones; Landon Joiner, Cross Keys Bank; Devin Jones, E Orum Young Law; Emily Jones, The Center for Children & Families; Lindsay Lanclos, The Woman's Clinic; Brittany Liner, Origin Bank; Kayleigh Mailhes, Newcomer, Morris & Young; Anna Martin, Bank of Oak Ridge; Keith McFarland, GiGi's Kountry Kitchen; Nirali Patel, City of Monroe; Quanishian Pendleton, Coast Professional; Jessie Phillips, Ouachita Valley FCU; MaKray Phillips, Curly's Top Dog; Henry "Hank" Pipes, Guaranty Bank and Trust; Megan Proffer, Monroe Overhead Door; Meghan Risinger, City of Monroe; Sawyer Ryder, Kinetix; Allyson Sager, United Way of NELA; Ty Sanderson, Durrett Title; Steven Schwab, Geaux Physical Therapy; ULM; Shelby Sims, Thomas and Farr; Whitney Sivils-Sawyer, Louisiana Tech University; Jessica Smith, Neville High School; Keisha Sparks, Acadian Ambulance; Tyler Sparrow, IBM; Abby Tingle, Discover Monroe West Monroe; Desirae Trappey, Desirae Gooding Photography; Rachel Verucchi, Keller Williams Parishwide Partners; Jonathan Washam, The Washam Agency; Daniel Wheat, Cross Keys Bank; Elisha Wilkinson, Queens of Tomorrow; Johnny Williams, Cross Keys Bank; Chelsea Wyatt, Community Rehab Center; Joshua Zeagler, Atmos Energy.

Our future is very, very bright. These 88 Community Rock Stars are the foundation of our future. Each of these individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work. We all need sunglasses as we gaze and imagine how bright our future can be.

Presenting sponsors is Origin Bank, Thomas & Farr, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg and BayouLife Magazine. Additional sponsors are City of Monroe, Drax, Etheridge Pipeline, NAI Faulk and Foster, Progressive Bank, KTVE, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 43

northern exposure O

n May 2, 2023 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 2023. Daphne Garrett heads up a super team of volunteers from across Northern Louisiana that coordinate and plan Northern Exposure.

Sponsors include Drax, Chase, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Atmos Entergy, City of Monroe, D&J Construction, Entergy, Grambling State University, LA Delta Community College, LA Tech University, NLEP, Progressive Bank, St. Francis Medical Center, ULM, KTVE/KARD, The Radio People, & Stephens Media Group.

Northern Exposure is an annual event sponsored by The Monroe

Drinks and treats were provided by a variety of North Louisiana’s best including Miros, Monroe Coca Cola, King Springs Water, Community Coffee, LA Pecan Shelling Company, Thurman’s Food Factory, Indian Village Harvest Farm, Butter A Louisiana Bakery, and BeauJax Crafthouse.

Chamber of Commerce to bring North Louisiana to the state capital during session to meet with elected officials and the administration. We believe in Northern Louisiana and we believe in our delegations. We also believe we are stronger together. There are numerous goals with Northern Exposure. The first is to show our local delegations that we support them. Each of our communities work hand in hand with our elected officials to secure funding and pass legislation that makes our communities better. The second goal is to meet with local elected officials and other elected officials from all over the state to share the vision, passion and future of our part of the state. Out of site out of mind is so true. The more they see us the more opportunities we have for funding and positive legislation. The third goal is to give our leaders a chance to hear directly from the administration and give them a chance to discuss the policies and programs that impact all of us.

Those who spoke included Governor Edwards, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, Dr. Eric Kalivoda, Secretary of LADOTD, Dr. Cade Brumley, State Superintendent, LA Department of Education, Dr. Jim Henderson, President of the UL System, Sec. Thomas Harris with LA Dept of Natural Resources, Secretary Ave Cates with LA Workforce Commission, plus many others.

Some the Chamber partners there included Ruston Lincoln Chamber, Richland Chamber, WMWO Chamber, Union Parish Chamber, Bossier Parish Chamber, and Winnsboro Chamber.

44 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Earlier in the day Joe Holyfield, Virenda Chhirka, Sue Nicholson, Melissa Saye and Dawn Landry made presentations to the Northeast Louisiana delegation and special South Louisiana delegation guest on the new Bio Medical Research & Innovation Park and the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum move to Forsythe Park. Our awesome Leadership Ouachita Class was treated to a special tour of the Capital by Marie Centanni.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Connecting, Networking, and Having Fun!

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he third Thursday of each month you will see and hear a group of business leaders engaged in fun, celebration, networking, laughter, and learning at Tower Place on Tower Drive. Everyone is always welcome.

Thanks to our sponsors (CC’s Coffee and Allen, Green & Williamson) The Monroe Chamber is able to host this monthly get together. The goal of Coffee & Conversation is growing relationships within our business community and learning more about the city and this community we call home.

One of our favorite sessions of the year was when Dr. Alberta Green led a professional development meeting on “How to deal with difficult people”. Watching Alberta and Mayor Ellis role play was unforgettable.

There are so may great things happening in Monroe and our area right now.

Some Sessions are straight networking, other sessions are dedicated to Monroe through games like Monroe Jeopardy, some are professional development & help, and others are informational where Mayor Friday Ellis gives us updates on the great things happening in Monroe.

We’ve had a blast this year playing Monroe Jeopardy. We enjoyed straight Monroe Jeopardy, we enjoyed Higher Ed Monroe Jeopardy, featuring guest host Lisa Miller, ULM, and Dr. Wendi Tostenson, LDDC. We also enjoyed Monroe Museum Jeopardy, with guest host, Melissa Saye, The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, Ralph Calhoun, The Biedenharn Museum, and Nell Calloway & Hollie Boudreaux from The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 45

Holiday Gala and Auction

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Ringing in the Holiday with Style!

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go……

No event says Monroe and the Christmas holidays more than the Chamber’s annual Holiday GALA and Auction. Terri Arthur led an amazing group of Santa’s helpers as they transformed the Bayou DeSiard Country Club into a winter wonderland of Holiday fun. The Monroe Chamber’s Holiday GALA and Auction celebrates our city, our region and everyone that makes us unique and special.

Karen Brewton and the fantastic Bayou DeSiard Country Club staff held nothing back as they pampered our guests with top notch customer service and Christmas Cheer. The food was amazing and so were the refreshments. Mark Kent Anderson and Mid-South Extrusion created and toasted everyone with a special Chamber Holiday GALA and Auction Signature drink. Roy’s Reindeer Reserve was a smashing hit as was a second Signature Drink (French 75) from some of Uncle Roy’s favorites. Our guest began arriving at 6:00 amazingly dressed.

The ladies were dazzling and the men were dapper.

Special thanks to Origin Bank, Thomas & Farr Agency and Reeves, Coon and Funderburg for being our Title sponsors. Other VIP Sponsors include Banner Ford, Care Solutions, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Manpower Staffing, Ochsner LSU Health (Monroe), Paramount Healthcare Consultants, Scott Powerline, Century Next Bank, Entergy, St. Francis Medical Center, Graphic Packaging, Acadian Ambulance Service, Kinetix, ULM, Homeland Bank, Progressive Bank, Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Holyfield Construction, D & J Construction, Bayou DeSiard Title Company, Monroe Housing Authority, Citizens Progressive Bank, Architecture Associates, and Assurance Financial Group. Media Sponsors include KTVE/KARD, Stephens Media Group & The Radio People.

Entertainment was provided by The Robert Wright Band. An extremely talented community champion Robert brought a special blend of everyone’s favorite tunes and people danced the night away.

Some of the guest even joined Robert leading the singing. A newly remodeled Bayou DeSiard Country Club set the mood with a beautiful holiday display. Special just for the GALA is our popular Wine Pull sponsored by Green Qube. Greg Pritchard and Hunter McFadden love supporting the wine pull and doing things for our community. Our

friends Ashley Garner and Ashley Johnson brought back the “Mystery Boxes”. They were such hit they sold out in less than 15 minutes.

Billy Justice was the perfect auctioneer. His engaging and entertaining style made for a great live auction. The business community really came through this year with wonderful auction items (both silent and live).

The Live Auction was kicked off with a special guest (Mayor Friday Ellis) who donated a box of Pappy Van Winkle Cigars and a bottle of Pin Hook Bourbon.

No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit from the Old Fat Man with the long white beard. Santa arrived to rousing cheers and Chamber Bells. A perfect way to wrap up the night and ring in the Christmas holidays.

Special Shout Out to Terri Arthur and Terri’s Team – an amazing committee of community champions who threw the year’s best party.

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Ouachita Parish on the Move

N E LAMAC of Mid South Extrusion. Mason visited with the graduating class of one area high school, where he saw first-hand the opportunity NELAMAC represents. “Last year, as high schoolers were preparing for graduation, in one area school someone gathered the data on post-high school plans of the graduating class. The numbers that were shared floored me.”

Out of roughly 270 graduates of this one high school, very few of them had definitive plans for what came next. Most who indicated college was on the horizon hadn’t applied to a single school. Many had not seriously considered specific majors. For Mason, that means NELAMAC has a window to change the trajectory of those students’ lives, and maybe the future of manufacturing in Northeast Louisiana.

NELAMAC Aims to Change Manufacturing Sector

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xpect to see a lot about manufacturing jobs in the coming months and years. That’s thanks to a mall, dedicated group of manufacturing leaders who have banded together to get the word out about highpaying careers in a host of local industries.

Their organization is called the Northeast Louisiana Manufacturing Alliance and Consortium—NELAMAC for short. They hit the ground running in 2023 with a number of educational and outreach initiatives, all aimed at spreading a single, unified message: “In our community, we want to awaken both the youth and our existing workforce to the manufacturing community and educate them about the opportunities they have right here for high-paying careers— without having to go to college or move away,” says Debbie Sawyer, a NELAMAC founder and owner and president of Sawyer Industrial Plastics.

From the get-go, Sawyer says NELAMAC identified more than 1,000 open manufacturing positions across dozens of employers across the region, with salaries 48 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

ranging from $15 an hour to $80,000 a year. That’s a message that resonated with Marty Herlevic, vice president and general manager at James Machine Works.

“Post-COVID, there has been a noticeable decrease in the availability of a skilled workforce, as well as some of the soft crafts,” Herlevic says. “That shortage isn’t just in manufacturing jobs such as welders.

It includes positions like administrative work, invoicing, and bookkeeping.”

With NELAMAC, though, there is a renewed effort to stem the flow of skilled labor through direct outreach to junior high and high school students, most of whom are just beginning to consider their career options. NELAMAC chairman Ron Mason thinks the community of educators, manufacturers, and parents can reverse what he calls a “disservice to our younger people.” That disservice: not letting kids know much sooner about the well-paying and rewarding manufacturing careers— most of which don’t require a four-year degree.

“Higher education isn’t necessary to do most jobs in manufacturing,” says Mason, president and chief operating officer

“What really surprised me was how many of that graduating class was going to walk across that stage, get their diploma, and the very next day, get lost in the system with very little plan for what’s next,” Mason says. “If we can connect those students with the manufacturing sector and show them the opportunities there, we can help many of them find rewarding, full lives in the region.”

That’s a message that NELAMAC’s Matt Dickerson echoes any time he speaks of the opportunities in the region. As the strategic marketing manager for Pulp Mill Services, Dickerson sees in his own company both the need and the opportunity.

“If we, as a group of industrial partners, are able to move the needle when it comes to workforce development, our community as a whole is going to benefit from it,” says Dickerson. “Not only will we benefit at the industry level as employers, but also the region will grow through our ability to raise the quality of life of citizens across Northeast Louisiana.”

For NELAMAC, keeping our kids here at home is the mission. That means reaching out when they are very young to let them know what manufacturing jobs mean—both in terms of a career and the opportunity to remain in the region, working hard, playing hard at sports and entertainment, and raising a family.

“This could be a game-changer for our community to help them that manufacturing could be a way of life,” Sawyer says.

COMING TOGETHER TO BUILD A BETTER NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

Business-forward, Action-based, Community-focused Manufacturers joining forces to ensure companies and people in our communities stay NELA MAC serves as a hub for information, bringing here, work here, together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and community thrive here.

A CENTRAL LOCATION FOR ALL THINGS MANUFACTURING

members to exchange ideas, best practices, and technological advancements. By fostering a collaborative environment, the consortium seeks to stimulate innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the Northeast Louisiana manufacturing sector.

NELAMAC.COM INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 49

Ouachita Parish on the Move

WEST MON ROE

West Monroe Expanding Tourism

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS

A

new indoor sports facility in West Monroe is set to become a major economic driver for the region. City of West Monroe’s Courtney Hornsby expects the new West Monroe Sports and Events Center to become the centerpiece of the area’s sports tourism efforts.

“Our community is already a sports destination,” says West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell. “There is already a great number of outdoor destinations at ULM, as well as throughout Monroe and West Monroe.

What was missing was an indoor facility.”

The new sports complex is massive, with space for eight basketball courts that can convert into 16 volleyball courts, as well as multiple pickleball courts. The facility includes ample seating, as well as a mezzanine that affords a position where spectators can view all the games simultaneously. Plans call for a new hotel adjacent to the complex, which will be connected by an open-air corridor.

The West Monroe Sports and Events Center is owned by the City of West Monroe with Discover Monroe-West Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury serving as financial partners. The first scheduled events are in early 2024.

Sports tourism isn’t the only factor driving economic growth and renewal in West Monroe. Courtney Hornsby, who serves as the Chief of Staff to Mayor Mitchell, points to several projects currently under way and 50 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

in development throughout the community.

Many of these projects are centered on improving and growing the thriving downtown community.

Recently, West Monroe commissioned a downtown streetscape and citywide master plan, soliciting community feedback to determine the most important projects. One feature stood out as particularly needed.

engineers to determine the cost. Hornsby said the grant will cover the cost of repaving the trails, as well as resurface the park’s tennis courts and fund the construction of a new court that can be used for tennis and pickleball.

“We determined access to the Ouachita River was one of the key things lacking in downtown,” Hornsby says. “We responded with a plan to change that.”

In addition to improved parks and recreation spaces, West Monroe is looking to expand another popular service.

Currently, West Monroe’s recycling efforts are limited to a single, drive-up and dropoff location with limited parking and space.

That’s going to change thanks to an EPA SWIFR grant totaling almost $1 million.

The city purchased property for a complimentary marina for boats to dock.

That marina, Campbell’s Landing, opened in 2023. The next phase of improving river access is the construction of a free fishing pier, set to open in 2024. The fishing pier is funded by a Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries grant.

“This grant will allow us to expand recycling efforts, probably with a new facility, and it will allow us to accept new items such as tires,” Hornsby says. “We’ll still have our existing facility, but adding the new location will allow us to tackle the kinds of items that are illegally dumped around our community.”

Outside of downtown, West Monroe is continuing to improve its ample community spaces. One major project slated for 2024 will transform Kiroli Park, thanks to a $770,000 grant from the Louisiana Office of State Parks—Land Water Conservation Fund.

Overall, Mayor Mitchell and her team are more than optimistic about developments throughout West Monroe and beyond.

Mitchell is encouraged that people are taking pride in the community and getting involved.

“The trails in Kiroli Park have deteriorated over the years, and this grant will pay to repave every foot of those trails,” Hornsby said. There are over four miles of hiking trails in the park, and repaving them is a specialized job. The city worked with

“There’s definitely a buzz,” Mitchell says.

“People are pleased with the leadership, that things are moving forward. They’re seeing proactive local leadership, and they are taking an interest in the things in our community that affect quality of life.”

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 51

Monroe Chamber 102nd Annual

MEETING & BANQUET

Our 102nd Annual Meeting and Banquet hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce was held Thursday, March 16, 2023 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. Jimmy Cusano, Your Chamber Connection, was back in town to greet guests as they arrived just like he did during the Membership Drive, Zoot Suit and all. Jimmy and Jay Mulhern, with a host of others made their way to each table for predinner Champagne toast. Jimmy kicked off the evening discussing the importance of the Chamber and the role we play.

Tania Hilburn, Site Manager for Chase Home Finance and the 2022 Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, thanked the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for embracing the expanded strategic plan for the Chamber through a video presentation. Under Hilburn, The Chamber rolled out 10 committees (Health, Diversity, Small Business, Membership, Government Advocacy, Technology, Non-Profits, Workforce, Education and Finance). She especially thanked each of our committee chairs and reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to Diversity and Small Business. Jay Mulhern, owner of Express Employment Professionals and the 2023 Chairman of the Board, provided a vision for the year via a video presentation and personal comments. Mulhern highlighted 52 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

the importance of the Chamber and the role of the Chamber in Monroe. Mulhern noted that we added a Community Engagement Committee in 2023. Mulhern also spoke about the membership drive that netted 363 new or upgraded members. Both Hilburn and Mulhern discussed the Chamber’s marketing strategies and the role our marketing partner Kinetix plays. Mulhern also recognized the Chamber staff: Ruthie Wheatley, Daphne Garrett, Sarita Daniel, and Terri Arthur for the great job they do.

Mayor Friday Ellis spoke about new projects going on in the city, passenger rail and about the excitement across our region. The mayor thanked the Chamber for helping create positive dialogues about the city and energizing our Young Professionals. Ellis also mentioned the collaboration between the cities, the parish, and the chambers. The keynote address was given by John Robert Smith, Chairman for Transportation of America. Mr. Smith, the former Mayor of Meridian, Mississippi, delighted the crowd with his presentation on the revitalization of Downtown Meridian as well as the impact passenger rail will have on Monroe and the region. Smith praised Mayor Ellis for spearheading a two-state consortium of cities that finally delivered passenger rail to the region. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 58th Rambin-Silverstein Memorial Civic Award to John L. Luffey Jr., owner of the Law Offices of John l. Luffey Jr. The award was presented by Aimee Kane, St. Francis Medical Center. Luffey received several nominations and was praised for both his professional and charitable work.

Luffey has served on numerous boards, is a member of the Monroe Kiwanis /Club and was a USGA Rules official for 27 years.

Long time Hotel Owner, Executive and Civic Leader Nash Patel won the Kitty DeGree Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in Business. Discover Monroe – West Monroe President & CEO and good friend Alana Cooper presented Patel with the award.

Patel’s hotel career began in 1994 and has grown into 3 different states.

Special Recognition was given to Paul West, Ambassador of the Year. Paul is an amazing community servant.

The evening concluded with Jimmy Cusano back on stage with the Chamber leadership.

Baseballs were given to the Chairs of the “Swing for the Fences” membership drive ( Chairs that were recognized included Lisa Miller, Josh “Push Up King” Etheridge, DJ Fortenberry, Paul West, Jeremy Harrell, Randy Stone & Brittany McNamara, Chap Breard, and Amanda Edge. Edge was named the God Mother of the event because of her Pink team’s relentless quest for new members. Etheridge and Fortenberry were named Co-God Father’s. Cynthia Nyquist, member of the Pink Team, sold the most new memberships.

Cusano then had every table raise a glass to toast the Chamber and the great things happening in our community.

A special thank you to our Annual Banquet sponsors: Atmos Energy, Chase, City of Monroe, Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit, Entergy, Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Holyfield Construction, KTVE/KARD, Mid South Extrusion, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Progressive Bank, Regions Bank, St. Francis Medical Center, Stephens Media Group, Steel Fabricators, ULM and Vantage Health Plan.

Kitty DeGree and Rambin Silverstein Awards HONORING PAST LEADERS BY RECOGNIZING LIFETIME ACHIEVERS

T

here are so many GREAT things going on in our community. When we look around and we see the energy and excitement we reflect on a quote we once read that says “If we have seen further it's because we are standing on the shoulders of giants.” Looking back on the history of Monroe we honor our local giants through the Rambin/Silverstein and Kitty Degree Awards.

David Silverstein, Melvin Rambin and Kitty Degree were game changing leaders that earned these awards to be named after them. We present these awards annually to individuals who had demonstrated outstanding achievements as a business leader throughout their career. This year Nash Patel was awarded the 2023 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. John L. Luffey was named the winner of the Rambin-Silverstein award for outstanding leadership and service to the Community.

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, James Moore Jr., and Malcolm Maddox.

TOP: NASH PATEL, KITTY DEGREE WINNER

BOTTOM: JOHN L. LUFFEY, RAMBIN-SILVERSTEIN WINNER

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, Susan Hoffman, and Sue Nicholson.

The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for both awards.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 53

Ambassadors

DIFFERENCE-MAKERS AND GAME-CHANGERS! The Ambassadors created an Executive Committee to oversee the direction of the group. Josh Carroll, SnapMe Creative, is now the chair of the Ambassadors. Also serving on the Executive Committee is Jenny Pankey, ULM Athletics, Chris Lewis, Coney Island Connections, Rickey Robertson, Neville Jr. High School & Macaroni Kid, and Shelley Odom, Citizen’s Progressive Bank.

Our Ambassadors meet monthly for lunch and to fulfill the goals of the Ambassadors.

You may find them playing Monroe Jeopardy at Tower Place or at City Hall learning how our local government works.

B

y definition, an Ambassador is the chief representative of his or her own organization. The Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassadors are exactly that. You will find our Ambassadors everywhere. They are the FACE of the Chamber!

They are the front line of goodwill and member interaction. They are our Chief Celebraters. Our Ambassadors, as much as any organization under the Chamber umbrella, help us to fulfill our mission to create an environment where our LOCAL businesses thrive.

You will find our Ambassadors at all Chamber events, especially ribbon cuttings and luncheon meetings. They have an unapologetic love for the Chamber and they aggressively try to help all our members be successful. Our Ambassadors help us with member interaction. Our Ambassadors help deliver our “Inside the Chamber” magazine and make courtesy calls on members to thank members, survey members and update profiles.

Our Ambassador’s represent a variety of different businesses and are as diverse as this great community we live in. In the summer of 2023, we held a series of brainstorming sessions with current members and new business leaders who want to move our city forward. These sessions were led by Mike Downhour with help from Terri Arthur. From those sessions our Ambassadors were reenergized and established goals for themselves.

1. Our Ambassadors want to celebrate our community and our businesses.

2. Our Ambassadors want to learn more about community and our businesses.

3. Our Ambassadors want to grow professionally.

4. Our Ambassadors want to have fun.

54 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Professionally, being an Ambassador is a great way to further your career.

Tremendous networking opportunities with other Ambassadors and with local businesses.

A special shout out to Meg Keene, Trailhead Media, for leading our Ambassadors over the last couple of years. Meg is a true Community Unsung Hero and appreciate her leadership and continued support of the Chamber.

Paul West, Executive Director of NOVA, was named Ambassador of the Year at our Annual Banquet and Meeting last March.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana envisions a community where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives.

S C A N

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UNITEDIN PURPOSE GET INVOLVED AT UNITEDWAYNELA.ORG

UnitedWayNELA.org | unitedway@unitedwaynela.org VOLUNTEER! UnitedWayNELA.org/volunteer

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 55

Young Professionals A BRIGHT FUTURE - A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

who are passionate about the communities we serve.

The Young Professionals of NELA is an ever-growing group of committed adults who are dedicated to keeping Monroe and West Monroe a great place to live.

O

UR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ARE ON FIRE. They are engaged, excited and stepping up into leadership roles across the community. Originally launched as a networking organization, The Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals has evolved into so much more .It is 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. Thank you to our Young Professionals 2023 program sponsor Drax!

The NELA Young Professionals Chairperson, Patience Talley, has led the group since the Fall of 2021 and is so proud to lead the organization as it impacts lives and creates community impact. “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.

Diane Tabulog, VACO: I'm a "Young Professional at Heart" who attends the YP meetings regularly primarily for the content. While the networking is also valuable, there has not been one YP meeting where I left without learning new information, ideas, or a new skill that I can use in my business life. YP has a knack for bringing in speakers with relevant content for today's workforce. I see the YP meetings as a monthly investment in my own professional development with the added bonus of networking.

Markeaya Eaton, Chase: Being a member of the Young Professionals has exposed me to so many things. From the people, the networking, learning of the job opportunities available in Monroe, attending Monroe Chamber of Commerce sponsored events, and so much more! I am so grateful to be connected to this group. I look forward to attending the luncheons each month and to receive the awesome information that is presented along with making new connections.”

Leah Huddleston, Progressive Bank: Young Professionals of NELA has opened so many doors for me as a young adult. It has allowed me to grow in my professional career and has also benefited me in my personal life. I have made positive life-long connections with others 56 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Nicholas Trappey, Pelican Wealth Management: The meetings are a great way to meet other like-minded professionals in our area that have an interest in seeing our community grow and thrive. I enjoy hearing about upcoming events, projects around the city and overall success stories of other local businesses.

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.

Members of Young Professionals represent the region’s diverse workforce; all aren’t under the age of 40. The diversity of the group allows for a true sharing of ideas and innovation for northeast Louisiana.

Additionally, we would like to send a special thank you to all of our speakers in 2023:

• Monroe- A look ahead with Mayor Friday Ellis • Healthy Relationships at Home & Work with Lyla Corkern, Finding Solace • Lotus Mix & Mingle • Charting your own course with Justin Underwood, Origin Bank • Small Business Month with Quentin Durr & DeRon Talley with Louisiana Catalyst • What you didn’t know about your Zoo with Tom Pearson • Tourism and the Impact on your Community with Alana Cooper & Abby Tingle with Discover MWM • Nothing but Networking with Bliss Jung • Meet Emily Stogner, Media Relations Coordinator for the City of Monroe • It’s a Wonderful World with Dawn Landry, NELA Children’s Museum • Meet your Holiday Helper - Using AI to get through the holidays and beyond, sponsored by Kinetix • Ugly Sweater Lunch Social, sponsored by Etheridge

The NELA Young Professionals also sponsors the annual NELA Top 20 Under 40 Awards. For 2023, the winners were: Sophie Barksdale, Cummins & Fitts; Marissa Dorris, IBM; Josh Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; DJ Fortenberry, City of Monroe; Scott Franklin, Holly Ridge Rice & Grain Terminal, Attorney; Latetao Hutchinson, JPMorgan Chase bank; Meghan Jones, United Way of NELA; Shelby Kelmell, Drax; Amber Marshall, Berry Global; Melanie Moffett, Centric Federal Credit Union; Cynthia Nyquist, Senator Stewart Cathey's Office; Monohn Prud'homme, NOVA Workforce; Alicia Rollins, Louisiana Delta Community College; Sarah O'Connor Siereveld, ULM; Mark Sisk, Remax Realty; James Stephens, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg; Dr. Alana Stevenson, ULM; Nicholas Trappey, Pelican Wealth Management; Brandon Welch, Brookshires Grocery; Trandon Welch, WELCHinc.

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 57

Ouachita Parish on the Move

VCO M

VCOM FIRST GRADUATION

ANTICIPATING POSITIVE IMPACTS ON HEALTHCARE IN STATE, REGION

A

s they ceremoniously scooped soil from the site of the newest campus of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine on a typical hot and humid September day in 2018, the hardworking people who brought about this historic event for Monroe and the state of Louisiana had one goal in mind: training physicians to meet the needs of rural and underserved populations in Louisiana and the Delta Region. Five short years later, VCOM-Louisiana, the state’s first and only osteopathic medical college, is making that goal a reality with the graduation of its first class of physicians in May 2024.

in Blacksburg, Virginia, VCOM-Louisiana utilizes the same curriculum that has been used successfully for the past 20 years.

Across its four campuses –– VCOMVirginia, VCOM-Carolinas, VCOM-Auburn or VCOM-Louisiana –– VCOM students achieved a 98% first-time pass rate on their Level 2 licensing exams, which is higher than the national average. Additionally, 100% of students who participated in the residency match program in 2023 were placed in a residency. Of those, 93% matched on their first attempt.

Over the past four years, VCOM-Louisiana and its students have faced significant challenges. In addition to facing the same trials that any new campus faces – establishing an identity within the community, building partnerships and developing a campus culture – VCOMLouisiana has also faced catastrophic weather conditions and a global pandemic.

These statistics clearly show the success of VCOM students, but VCOM’s real success is found in the number of physicians who return to rural and underserved communities to live out VCOM’s mission and vision. VCOM ranks among the top schools in the country for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas, with 66% of VCOM graduates practicing in states with medically underserved counties and parishes where primary care is most needed.

As a branch of the College’s main campus

There are notable economic benefits for

communities where VCOM graduates choose to practice. According to the National Center for Rural Health Works in 2016, a rural primary care physician practicing in a community with a local hospital creates 26.3 local jobs and nearly $1.4 million in income.

To help ensure that those healthcare and economic benefits are seen in rural and underserved communities, VCOM’s recruitment strategy centers around recruiting students who are not only wellprepared for the rigors of medical school, but who also have strong ties to the very communities who are most in need of better access to primary care in Louisiana and the Delta Region.

More than 140 students in the VCOMLouisiana Class of 2024 are preparing for their upcoming graduation, and the event marks the first step in the realization of the goal that VCOM had back in 2018. The future of healthcare in Louisiana and the Delta Region is bright and the Monroe community has a front-row seat for what’s still to come.

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58 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 59

Ouachita Parish on the Move

TOWN OF STERL I N GTON Beautiful afforded the purchase of a dump trailer to speed cleaning of streets and ditches.

A new middle school will join Sterlington Elementary and Sterlington High School, providing a seamless educational experience for students in the district. And, a major infrastructure initiative includes a new road, which will open 13 acres of commercial property to development.

“There are developers already prepared to develop the property,” Talbert says.

It's a major turnaround for the town of Sterlington, which for several years labored under a fiscal administrator to get its finances in order. Talbert says the administrator taught the town best practices in managing its finances, and he brought years of small business experience with him to the mayor’s office.

New Horizons for the Town of Sterlington

W

hen Matt Talbert became Mayor of Sterlington, he set out to address the needs of the town as expressed by its residents. Though the citizens of Sterlington take pride in their community, Talbert knew there was work to be done.

town.

“Our Number One complaint was we didn’t have batting cages at the sports complex,” Talbert says. “So we got a grant to make that happen.”

To that end, Talbert says the town has had conversations with developers about building a hotel, they don’t have anything to announce—yet. “We hope to see it happen sooner rather than later,” Talbert says.

Additionally, the town has completed a signage project on U.S. 165 to direct visitors to the complex. That’s an important step, because youth sports play a big role in the town’s culture and economy. Each year, hundreds of athletes come to Sterlington to compete in games and tournaments. That’s driving a spate of economic development projects in the 60 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

“We’ve got more restaurants coming in, and we have a business interested in building cabins for visitors near the sports complex,” Talbert says. “We’ve got a lot of good things going on, but something like a hotel would just set the place on fire right now.”

In addition to improvements at the sports complex, Talbert highlights beautification and infrastructure projects that are driving growth in the community. A Senate appropriation provided funds for beautifying several areas of the town, while a grant from Keep Louisiana

“In a lot of ways, a small town and a small business are exactly the same,” Talbert says. “We felt like we knew the direction we needed to go, and we’ve set about doing that.”

To that end, Talbert has pursued grants and appropriations to help the town grow and thrive. He sees it as his mission to multiply every dollar that comes into Sterlington and use those resources to pay down debt and improve the infrastructure.

That takes the burden off the citizens, according to Talbert, and that’s driving a new wave of community engagement and excitement.

“I can see the potential of Sterlington right now, and I’m excited to see that potential come to realization and be built out,” Talbert says. “The best thing we’ve got going for us is our people.”

MATT TALBERT MAYOR, Town of Sterlington

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9

ENJOY LIVE

Ouachita Parish is home to several museums, each of which illuminates the rich cultural heritage of our region.

Whether you’re into fine art or want to take a walk through history, there is a museum program for you.

10 SPORTING EVENT ATTEND A

Ouachita Parish has no shortage of sporting events. From high school football to little league baseball to college basketball, you can find a game just about every night of the week. Here are some great resources for sports fans to check out to find the perfect game:

Monroe is home to a symphony, as well as a major regional university. You can hear live classical music throughout the year.

• Monroe Symphony Orchestra (mymso.org) • ULM Music (ulm.edu/vapa) • Bayou Masterworks Chorale

• Masur Museum of Art (masurmuseum.org) • Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum (africanmuseummonroe. com) • Chennault Aviation and Military Museum (chennaultmuseum.org) • Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum (nelcm.org) • Biedenharn Museum and Gardens (bmuseum.org

• College: ULM Warhawks Athletics (ulmwarhawks.com) • High School: MaxPreps (maxpreps.com)

1

8 CLASSICAL MUSIC

VISIT A MUSEUM

CATCH A

WATCH A

7 THEATRE PERFORMANCE

LIVE CONCERT

Live theater has played a huge role in the local arts scene for more than 80 years.

Whether it’s a Broadway musical or a Tennessee Williams drama, you’ll find it on a stage near you.

There are literally dozens of live music venues in Ouachita Parish. You can hear a concert every night of the week, with musicians performing in cafes, breweries, and restaurants. Here are just a few of the venues to check out:

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN OUACHITA PARISH

• Enoch’s Irish Pub and Café – 507 Louisville Ave., Monroe • The Jazz Key Club – 800 Washington St., Monroe • Flying Tiger Brewery – 506 N. 2nd St., Monroe

2 CRAWLGALLERY 4 DO A

(downtowngallerycrawl.com) Downtown Monroe is home to almost a dozen art galleries, in addition to restaurants, nightclubs, and bars that show art from local artists. Gallery crawls are held the first Thursday of every other month, beginning in February.

3

6

GO TO A FESTIVAL

• NELA CelticFest: October • Black Bayou Fall Celebration: Late September/ Early October • Woofstock: Held in partnership with BrewFest • Ark-La-Miss Fair: September

CULINARY EVENT

The unique cuisine of Ouachita Parish is on display with several food-centric events each year.

• NELA BrewFest • Empty Bowls: Benefitting the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana

GO FOR A HIKE

Life outdoors is synonymous with northeast Louisiana. It makes sense to get back to nature every once in a while, so go for a hike.

Ouachita Parish is home to more than a few festivals every year. Celebrating the rich cultural heritage, arts, and music are just in our DNA. Here are a few to check out:

ATTEND A

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• Strauss Theatre Center (strausstc.com) • ULM Theatre (ulm.edu/vapa) • Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts (syaaonline.com)

• Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge (Monroe) • Kiroli Park (West Monroe) • Restoration Park (West Monroe)

5

SEE THE BALLET

Ouachita Parish is home to not one, but two full-time ballet companies that perform a rich cycle of classic and contemporary compositions.

• Louisiana Delta Ballet (louisianadeltaballet.com) • Twin City Ballet (twincityballet.org)

Invested in growing our community,

Invested in growing your legacy.

Whether it’s planning for retirement or simply having the time to enjoy friends and family It’s the things that matter most to our clients, that matter most to us.

INVESTMENTS

|

INSURANCE

|

RETIREMENT

Meet R. Andrew Yarbrough Jr., Senior Wealth Manager & CEO Andrew has over 23 years of leadership experience, 18 years of financial experience, and international business experience. Now retired from the military, he leads a successful Financial Advising practice with clients across the Nation. Andrew is married to Catherine and together they have 2 boys, Mason and Bryce, and a daughter, Harper. Together they work to serve their communities and to make this world better, even if it is just one person at a time.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 318.415.6830 | andrew@ryarbrough.com | ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 63

Ouachita Parish on the Move

W

ith a goal of keeping Ouachita Parish clean and preserving its natural beauty, Ouachita Green has a big job.

The umbrella organization united the efforts of Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful, Keep Monroe Beautiful, and Keep West Monroe Beautiful—the efforts of three organizations—all of which had the same mission: to encourage citizens of the area to clean up litter and take better care of the beautiful natural environment the area enjoys.

“People are coming in for ball games and other sporting events,” says Ouachita Green Executive Director Sheila Downhour.

“There’s a lot going on downtown in both cities. A clean region encourages people to visit and spend and hopefully return again.”

Research shows areas that are clean and litter-free perform at a higher economic rate than those that are dirty or littered. That makes the mission of Ouachita Green as much about economic health as it is about environmental preservation.

“We want our businesses to stay here and thrive,” Downhour says. “We want us and our neighbors to do well economically.

That’s one of the reasons we want people to come and help clean up the area. We want to leave a better world for our children.”

64 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Ouachita Green BEAUTIFYING OUR PARISH

With just under a year on the job, Downhour is excited with the vibe she’s seeing from virtually every corner of the parish. People from all walks of life are taking note of their surroundings and getting involved. So far, Downhour has been impressed with the community’s involvement.

OUAC H ITA GR E E N

“Not only does it look terrible, but it does horrible things to the wildlife,” Downhour says. “It also makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico, which creates a new set of problems when it gets there.”

In conjunction with the Monroe and West Monroe Chambers of Commerce, Ouachita Green is part of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Clean Biz Initiative. Participating businesses ensure their parking lots and sidewalks are clean, their dumpsters are orderly, and there is a public trash can by the door. Statistics show that when a trash can is nearby, litter numbers go down.

Throughout the year, Ouachita Green staff and volunteers hold smaller cleanup events, educational outreach to local businesses and schools, and an internship program for students from 8th grade through high school. Additionally, Ouachita Green hosts several signature events each year, such as Household Hazardous Waste in March and America Recycles day in November.

“When a business makes an effort to make sure these things are done, it’s better for their business and for our community,” Downhour says.

Another signature annual event is the Water Sweep, held each September. Volunteers gather in boats and along the banks of area waterways, including the Ouachita River and the various bayous and tributaries that flow into it. Removing that trash is important.

“This is one of those jobs that I hope I work myself out of a job,” Downhour says. “When individuals, businesses, and organizations are educated and doing their part, we may not be around.”

Downhour says more volunteers are always needed. The more people who get involved and get educated, the more the community will be a better place to live and work.

Northeast Louisiana Legislative Delegation

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPRESENTATIVES Adrian Fisher - hse016@legis.la.gov Rep. C. Travis Johnson - hse021@legis.la.gov Rep. Chris Turner - hse012@legis.la.gov Rep. Foy Gadberry - hse015@legis.la.gov Rep. Francis Thompson - thompsonof@legis.la.gov Rep. Jack McFarland - mcfarlandj@legis.la.gov Rep. Michael Echols - hse014@legis.la.gov Rep. Neil Riser - risern@legis.la.gov Rep. Pat Moore - hse017@legis.la.gov

SENATORS

OUACHITA PARISH POLICE JURY

Jay Morris - morrisjc@legis.la.gov Sen. Glen Womack - sen32@legis.la.gov Sen. Katrina Jackson - jacksonk@legis.la.gov Sen. Stewart Cathey, Jr. - sen33@legis.la.gov

Shane Smiley - President Larry Bratton | Michael Thompson Lonnie Hudson | Toni Bacon Jimmy Tyson

CITY OF MONROE

CITY OF WEST MONROE

TOWN OF STERLINGTON

TOWN OF RICHWOOD

Mayor Friday Ellis

Mayor Staci Mitchell

Mayor Matt Talbert

Mayor Gerald Brown

CITY COUNCIL

BOARD OF ALDERMAN

BOARD OF ALDERMAN

BOARD OF ALDERMAN

Gretchen Ezernack - Chair

James “Polk” Brian

Barry Bonner - Police Chief

Doug Harvey

Morgan Lowe Buxton

Billy Clarkson

Wilbert Reed Jr. Mayor Pro Tem

Kema Dawson

Thom Hamilton

Ashton Courson

Carday Marshall

Rodney Welch

Erica Gross

Juanita Woods

Ben Westerburg

Charles Hodnett Zack Howse

Simeon Profit Leola Keys Janice Fleming Wysinger Cleveland

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M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Advertising Agencies/Ad and Marketing Specialist Bayou Life 1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Dazzle Land Daycare LLC 3514 Harrison Street Monroe , LA 71203 (318) 541-8144 Key Marketing Solutions, LLC 196 Sussex Drive Monroe , Louisiana 71203 (318) 460-0654 Lamar Outdoor Advertising 2200 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-2970 http://www.lamar.com Newcomer, Morris & Young, Inc. 1220 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-1544 http://www.nmy.com Plugged-In Creative 306 Pine Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-5384 http://www.pluggedincreative.com The Advocate | North Louisiana 108 Luke Dr Monoe, LA 71203 (318) 393-9176 The Digital People 1109 Hudson Lane, Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1914 http://www.yourdigitalpeople.com Trailhead Media 401 Central Avenue Laurel, MS 39440 (251) 716-4217 http://trailheadmedia.com Better Business Bureau of Northeast La. Inc. 1900 North 18th St., Ste. 411 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 797-1330 ext. 300 http://www.bbbnela.org

Empire Graphics 403 N 6th st. Suite 7 West Monroe , LA 71291 (318) 977-9727

First Impression Graphics, LLC 898 Thomas Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 397-4430 http://www.firstimpressiongraphics. com KMVX MIX 101.9 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 www.mix1019.net The News Star - Scott Yoshonis 217 DeSiard Street Monore, LA 71201

Appliances/GasPropane & Natural Daniel Appliance and Furniture 913 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4455 http://www.danielappl-furn@colla.com Skent N Dent Appliances 200 N 4th St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3000

Appraisals

Air Freight/ Mail/ Delivery Packaging & Shipping

Given Appraisals LLC 1137 Ole Hwy 15 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 355-1001

Goin' Postal Monroe 1800 Forsythe Ave. Suite 2 Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 570-2132

Architects Architecture Associates, Inc. 1904 Stubbs Avenue ste A B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-7158 http://www.architectureassociatesinc. com

Airlines JPS Aviation, LLC 5410 Operations Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 387-0222 http://www.jpsaviation.com

Land 3 Architect, Inc. 1900 Stubbs Avenue, Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201-5786 (318) 322-2694 http://www.LANDAIA.com

Ambulance/ Ambulatory Services Acadian Ambulance Service 607 N 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-3781 http://www.AcadianAmbulance.com

Apartments/ Apartment Locators/House Rentals BH Management 2642 Founders Point Dr., Unit 152 Monroe, NC 28110 (980) 313-4222 Morrison Place Apts.

3800 Morrison Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-4500 The Reserve on Bayou DeSiard 6568 Hwy 165 North Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 388-2492 http://www.reservemonroe.com

TBA Studio Architecture 103 Cypress St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 340-1550 http://www.tbastudio.com

ATM Machines Money Man ATM's, LLC Crossett, AR 71635-5042 (318) 351-0186 http://www.moneymanatmsla.com

Attorneys/ Legal Assistance Ace of Spade Solutions 5900 Balcones Dr., Ste. 100 Austin, TX 78731 (318) 791-8397 Amado and Mario Leija Law Firm 1203 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-6111 Anzelmo Law 200 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-3785 http://www.anzelmolaw.com

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys 2700 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 716-3888 http://www.getgordon.com

Boles Law Firm 1818 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4050

Brian Moore Enterprises 1910 Auburn Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-4000

Music City Studios 1511 N 7th St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 324-9251

Guerriero & Guerriero 2200 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4306 http://www.theinjuryattorney.com Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins 1881 Hudson Circle Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 324-0101 http://www.hamsil.com Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, LLP 1800 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4400 http://www.hpblaw.com

Bruscato Law Firm 603 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 323-4070 http://www.bruscatolaw.com Campbell, House & Company 1815 Roselawn Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-0285

Ouachita African American Hist. Soc. 1051 Chenault Park Road Monroe, LA 71203

Invested in building your legacy.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

66 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Ellington Law LLC 6658 Kinloch St Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 387-0799

Bobby R. Manning Law Office 320 Pine Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 324-1411 http://www.bobbymanning.com

Artists

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Cummins & Fitts Law Firm 401 Walnut St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-4640

Erase My Arrest 609 N. 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (601) 317-3001 http://www.erasemyarrest.com

Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP 300 Washington Street, Ste. 210 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-4330 http://www.bswllp.com

DIY Joyful Creations, LLC 2221 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-1856 https://www.diyjoyfulcreations.com/

Crews Grady PLLC 401 North Cedar Street Tallulah, LA 71282 (318) 417-7450 https://www.crewsgrady.com/

Banks-Miley Law Firm LLC 1900 N. 18th Street, Suite 505 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-5165 http://www.banksmileylaw.com

S.E. Huey Co. 1111 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201-5735 (318) 325-1791 http://www.sehuey.com

Art by Francois, LLC 187 Kingfisher Lane Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 237-3201 http://www.jacerafrancois.com

Creed & Creed Attorneys at Law 1805 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-5800 http://www.creedlaw.com

John Luffey, Jr. Attorney at Law 2485 Tower Drive Suite 11 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3800 Judge C. Wendell Manning 300 St. John St., Suite 400 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-2270 http://www.4jdc.com Knight Law Firm 1896 Hudson Circle Ste. 1 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2213

On Wednesday, July 26, 2023 Chase Home Lending celebrated 30 years in Monroe! A ribbon cutting ceremony took place to celebrate this momentous occasion that featured community partners, city officials, and Chase employees.

Thirty years ago, Chase Manhattan Mortgage acquired the Monroe business – then called Troy & Nichols – from First Gibraltar Mortgage Holdings. The business was originally founded in 1982 and the purchase was completed on July 6, 1993. Chase immediately expanded the operation, adding $10 billion of residential mortgage loans to the center’s existing servicing portfolio of $48 billion. The following year, Chase changed the name of the Monroe operation to Chase Manhattan Mortgage, which later evolved into the name it goes by today – Chase Home Lending.

In addition to serving customers, Chase is an active community partner in Northeast Louisiana and supports various local organizations working to drive inclusive growth throughout the region. To showcase Chase’s philanthropy efforts and to mark this 30-year milestone, Brady Middleton, Director of Buisness Development at Ascent Health Inc. was presented with a $40,000 grant to help local students in Monroe pay for job training certification fees.

“I’m so proud of this partnership with Ascent and its impact of removing barriers to career opportunities for young people in our region,” said Tania Hilburn, Managing Director & Site Lead for Chase in Monroe. “We’re dedicated to driving economic growth that lifts up everyone in our communities. Our employees in Monroe share a passion for supporting their customers, their communities and each other.”

Special guests in attendance: · · · · ·

Friday Ellis, Mayor of Monroe Staci Albritton Mitchell, Mayor of West Monroe Shane Smiley, Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Roy Heatherly, President & CEO, Monroe Chamber of Commerce Juanita Woods, Councilwoman of District 3

Did you know?    

There are more than 1,100 dedicated local employees at the Monroe campus supporting Chase customers across the country.

Chase is the third-largest non-governmental employer in Northest Louisiana and is proud to continue to grow a diverse workforce.

More than half of Chase’s Monroe employee base is female.

Nearly half of all JPMorgan Chase employees in Louisisana are headquartered in Monroe, making it the firm’s largest employee base in the state.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 67

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Law Office of Katrina R. Jackson, LLC 4106 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 537-9759 http://www.kjacksonlegal.com

Cajun Title Agency, LLC 102 Bres Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 516-3182 https://www.facebook.com/cajuntitle/

Jim Taylor Auto Group 139 Grimshaw Street Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 728-6550 http://www.jimtaylorautogroup.com

Matherne & Davis Attorneys at Law 3006 Armand Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 807-9030

Durrett Law & Title 1900 Auburn Ave Suite A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-4236 https://www.facebook.com/DLTMonroe/

Lee Edwards Mazda & Used Car Super Store 2218 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3540 http://www.leeedwardsauto.com

Katy Balsamo Attorney 2120 Cypress St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 805-8180

Northeast Suspension & Performance 700 Breard St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 914-0398

Mixon, Carroll & Frazier, PLLC DBA North Louisiana Land & Title , LLC 2551 Tower Drive, Unit 2 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-8770 http://www.mixoncarroll.com

Parker Collision 3331 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-3991

McNew, King & Landry, LLP 2400 Forsythe Ave., #2 Monroe, LA 71201-2939 (318) 361-3140 http://www.mkmblaw.com Niswanger Law, LLC 3820 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 953-0071 http://www.niswangerlaw.com North Delta Title Co 1100 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-1100 http://www.northdeltatitle.com Paul Loy Hurd, APLC 1896 Hudson Circle Ste 5 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3838 Phillip E. McQueen-APLC 1869 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4176 http://www.northlouisianalawyers.com Senator Jay Morris 1408 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 362-4270 Stewart Law Group 1869 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-1981 The B Law Firm 200 Hudson Lane, Ste. 5 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-0048 http://www.theblawfirm.com Whiddon Criminal Defense 601 N 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-7049

Attorneys/Title Companies All Star Title Llc 807 Stubbs Ave - A Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 600-3097 Bayou Desiard Title Co. 401 Walnut Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-8800 http://www..bayoutitle.net

Automobile Rentals Hertz Rent-A-Car Licensee 1824 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-1493

Automobile Dealers/Parts & Services/Body Shop

Banner Ford of Monroe 6300 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 570-6212 http://www.bannerfordofmonroe.com Bayou PowerSports 6100 Frontage Rd Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 345-0500 https://www.bayouhondayamaha. com/

Car Town Inc. 319 North 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-6385 https://www.cartownmonroe.com/ GiveMeTheVin.com 315 N 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201 Interstate Dodge, Inc. 701 Constitution Boulevard West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 387-2665 http://www.interstatedodge.com

Redeemed Auto Body 907 N 29th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-6675 https://www.facebook.com/redeemedautobody/

Ryan Chevrolet, Inc. 1101 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2222 http://www.ryanchevy.com Sparks Nissan-Kia 1100 Auto Mall Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-1800 http://www.drivesparks.com

Van Trow Toyota 2015 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2020

Automobile Parts/ Parts Delivery/ Manufacturing Battery Pros, LLC 1710 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 816-5144

LKQ 208 Franklin Dr West Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-8244

Automobile Repairs & Service/Parts Delivery Brown Radiator & Alignment 3007 DeSiard St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1166 Frank Nettles Automotive 2009 Roselawn Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-2522 The Muffler Shop 2603 Washington Street Monroe, LA, LA 71201 (318) 322-1853

Bakeries Bestz Donuts 2218 Forsythe Ave. Ste. 2 Monroe, LA 71201 (317) 600-6491 Butter A Louisiana Bakery 2001 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-3774 http://www.facebook.com/BUTTERLABAKERY/ DOXA Ignatz LLC dba Nothing Bundt Cakes 1819 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 460-5194 http://nothingbundtcakes.com Thurman's Food Factory 1608 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7848 http://www.thurmansfoodfactory.info/ Tina's Tasty Treats, LLC 4311 Beale Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 789-4250

Banks & Banking Association b1 Bank 2271 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 699-8412 http://www.b1bank.com b1 Bank West Monroe Branch 2500 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 322-8338 http://www.b1bank.com

Invested in planning your retirement.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

68 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Bank of Oak Ridge 2360 Tower Drive, Ste. 107 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-3787 http://www.bankofoakridge.bank Business Alliance Financial Services, LLC 1500 North 19th Street, Ste. 600 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-1132 http://www.bafsllc.com

Cadence Bank 909 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3990 http://www.cadencebank.com

Cadence Bank Bankers Mortgage Center 1594 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 410-5500

Cadence Bank - Sterlington Road Branch 909 North 18th Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 338-3630

Cadence Bank - Bastrop E. Madison Branch 1503 East Madison Bastrop, LA 71220 (318) 283-5570

Cadence Bank - Claiborne Branch 5122 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 410-5390

Cadence Bank - Cypress Street Branch 3501 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-6400

Cadence Bank - Lakeshore Branch 7950 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 338-3760

Cadence Bank - North 18th Branch 909 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 338-3014

Cadence Bank - North 7th Street 2002 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 338-3050 http://www.oibank.com

Cadence Bank - Ruston 300 North Trenton Street Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-3974

Caldwell Bank & Trust 202 Main St Columbia, LA 71418 (318) 649-2351

Capital One 18th Street Branch 1808 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-2700 http://www.capitalonebank.com

Capital One-North 7th Branch 1905 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 329-2082 http://www.hibernia.com

Capital One-Thomas Rd. Branch 200 Thomas Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 329-2075 http://www.capitalonebank.com Century Next Bank 505 North Vienna Street Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 812-2265 http://www.bankruston.com Century Next Bank - Monroe Branch 2450 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-2265 Chase P. O. Box 1412 Monroe, LA 71211 (318) 362-7336 http://www.chase.com Chase - I-20 Office Banking Center 117 N. I-20 Service Rd. E. Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-4590 http://www.chase.com

Chase-4th Street Banking Center 700 North 4th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-4420 http://www.chase.com Chase-Eastgate Banking Center 111 Old Bastrop Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 345-8456 http://www.chase.com

A new church.

A fresh start.

A renewed hope.

Worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10 am!

111 Cotton Street, Downtown West Monroe

Chase-Forsythe Banking Center 2211 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 345-8320 http://www.chase.com Chase-Highland Banking Center 131 Thomas Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 345-8380 http://www.chase.com

Connecting people to God, each other, and our Twin Cities.

www.ouachitapres.org

Chase-Ruston Main Office Banking Center 400 N. Trenton St. Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-4612 http://www.chase.com Chase-Southeast MLK Banking Center 1800 Martin Luther King Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 345-8480 http://www.chase.com Chase-Stubbs & 18th Street Banking Center 1101 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 345-8360 http://www.chase.com

For more information, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or email info@ouachitapres.org.

Your local agent for home & auto Call me for a quote today

Chase-University Banking Center 1200 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 345-8450 http://www.chase.com Chase-West Monroe Banking Center 400 Natchitoches Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 362-4430 http://www.chase.com Citizens Progressive Bank 4370 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 594-1663 http://cpbonline.com

P Sullivan Ins and Fin Svc Inc

Peggy Sullivan, Agent 1810 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201-6117

Bus: 318-807-2886 www.peggy807auto.com peggy@peggy807auto.com

Commercial Capital Bank 2126 E. Madison Bastrop, LA 71220 (318) 281-6000 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL

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M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Cross Keys Bank-Hudson Lane 1401 Hudson Lane, Ste. 100 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-3118 http://www.ckbonline.com Cross Keys Bank-Sterlington Br. 167 Keystone Road Monroe, LA 71203-8936 (318) 665-4511 http://www.ckbonline.com

Homeland Bank 2591 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 570-6700 http://www.homelandbank.com

Origin Bank- Choudrant 3921 Elm Street Choudrant, LA 71227 (318) 768-3048 http://www.Origin.Bank

Origin Bank-Ruston 301 West Alabama Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 254-2003 http://www.Origin.Bank

Woodforest National Bank 2701 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-7399 http://www.woodforest.com

Homeland Bank - West Monroe 2103 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 460-3990 http://www.homelandfsbank.com

Origin Bank-Cypress Banking Center 5084 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-4997

Origin Bank-Ruston 2010 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 254-2020 http://www.Origin.Bank

Barber and Beauty Shops

Homeland Bank - Heath Heisler 2103 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 460-6259 http://www.homelandfsbank.com

Cross Keys Bank-W Monroe 400 McMillan Road West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 362-0023 http://www.ckbonline.com

Homeland Bank - Jessie P. Arant 2103 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 460-6260 http://www.homelandfsbank.com

Financial Institution Service Corp.

500 Pavilion Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 387-0691 http://www.fiscdp.com

Homeland Bank - Lee Michael Estes 2591 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 570-6681 http://www.homelandfsbank.com

First Guaranty Bank 117 E. Hico Street Dubach, LA 71235 (318) 777-3461 https://www.fgb.net/

Homeland Bank - Vicki R. Fletcher 2591 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 570-6691 http://www.homelandfsbank.com

First Horizon - Lakeshore Branch 8019 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 327-7820 http://www.iberiabank.com First Horizon - N. Vienna 400 North Vienna Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 232-1001 First Horizon - Oliver Rd. Branch 1300 Oliver Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-3320 http://www.iberiabank.com First Horizon - Oliver Rd. Branch 1300 Oliver Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-3320 http://www.iberiabank.com Guaranty Bank & Trust 7458 HWY 165 North Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 570-6500 http://www.gbankla.com

Louisiana Land Bank 2413 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201-5762 (318) 387-7535 http://www.farmcreditbank.com Louisiana National Bank 3510 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-8482 http://www.theuncommonbank.com Louisiana National Bank - Monroe 1001 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-8482

Marion State Bank 9032 Highway 165 North Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 665-4571 http://www.marionstatebank.com Origin Bank 1800 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201-5743 (318) 998-4650 http://www.Origin.Bank

Origin Bank- Farmerville 211 North Main Street Farmerville, LA 71241 (318) 368-9791 http://www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank - Forsythe Banking Center 2400 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 807-4520 www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank- West Monroe Financial Center 2211 North 7th St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 410-4744 http://www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank-165 Banking Center 1500 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-2422 http://www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank-Bernice 418 Cherry Street Bernice, LA 71222 (318) 285-9077 http://www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank-Calhoun Banking Center 2995 Hwy. 80 West Calhoun, LA 71225 (318) 644-2220 http://www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank-Carrie Kennedy 1800 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 998-4609 http://www.origin.bank Origin Bank-Justin Underwood 1800 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 805-2811 http://www.origin.bank Origin Bank-Ruston 1511 North Trenton Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 232-7464 http://www.Origin.Bank Origin Bank-Ruston 1011 Cooktown Road Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 254-7436 http://www.Origin.Bank

Pelican State Credit Union 4864 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 324-8320 http://www.pelicanstatecu.com Progressive Bank Accounts Payable P. O. Box 4053 Monroe, LA 71211-4053 (318) 651-5000 http://www.progressivebank.com Progressive Bank-Cypress St. 3421 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 387-6750 http://www.progressivebank.com Progressive Bank-Franklin Parish Division 301 Fair Avenue Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 435-7581 http://www.progressivebank.com Regions Bank of Louisiana 1900 North 18th Street,Suite 100 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-8890 http://www.regionsbank.com Regions Bank-Cypress 3204 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 362-8200 http://www.regionsbank.com Regions Bank-N 7th 2103 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 362-8200 http://www.regionsbank.com Regions Bank-University 601 Sterlington Rd. Hwy. 165S Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-8200 http://www.regionsbank.com

Invested in insuring for the unexpected.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

70 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Knot's Master Kuttz & Beauty Salon 2511 Burg Jones Lane Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 855-4716 MK Hair 1308 N. 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-9543

Beauty Schools Cloyd's Beauty Schools 2514 Ferrand St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-5465 http://www.cloydsbeautyschools.edu

Beauty/Cosmetics ADE BRIGHT EYES LLC dba Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio 2122 Forsythe Avenue, Ste. 1 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1382 BeauTay Hair Co. 1011 N.9th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (972) 971-7978 http://www.beautayhairco.com Charme: A Lux Beauty Bar Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-4290 GlaMarieous Looks 2107 Honor St, Suite E Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 503-1575 Merle Norman Cosmetics of West Monroe 4900 Cypress Street, Ste. 4 West Monroe, LA 71291 Serenity's Cake Bar: A Beauty Bakerie 1705 Washington Street, Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 680-4448 XTND 424 Desiard Street Monroe, Louisiana 71201 (318) 557-9693

Blood Banks/ Blood Centers Lifeshare Blood Centers 2909 Kilpatrick Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 651-4415 http://www.lifeshare.org

Talecris Plasma Resources 3511A DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-0051

Boat Dealers & Marine Supplies B & L Marine 110 Old Bastrop Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-1250 http://www.bandlmarine.com

Bottlers & Beverage Companies Flying Tiger Brewery 506 N 2nd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 547-1738 http://flyingtigerbeer.com King Springs 2487 Britton Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 396-1047 http://www.kingspringsla.com Monroe Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED 1300 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 388-4900 http://cocacolaunited.com/locations/ monroe/

Water Tree Monroe 3152 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-8945 http://www.dreamfamily.com

Boutiques & Speciality Shops Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Monroe 2332 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 669-2818 Elegant Boutique LLC 1610 Winnsboro Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-2031 https://www.facebook.com/latoya. gibson.14 Haven 1127 Forsythe Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-3298

Herringstone's Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2680 http://www.herringstonesboutique. com Own It Boutique 2803 Westminister Avenue Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 953-0344

Palette House & Plume 1901 N. 3rd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 654-4879

Building/ Construction Material

NELA-SHRM P.O. Box 4582 Monroe, LA 71211 (318) 348-9375

Party Time Supplies 2330 Sterlington Road, Ste. C Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 362-1338 http://www.partytimellc.com

Allied Building Stores, Inc. 850 Kansas Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 699-9100 http://www.alliedbuildingstores.com

Business Currency/ Trade

Sharlaski's Boutique 2217 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 503-9053

Metal Mart 5930 Frontage Rd Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 343-3900

The Muffin Tin 1904 Glenmar Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3753 https://www.facebook.com/people/ The-Muffin-Tin/100059272257291/

Sherwin Williams Paint Store 2310 Sterlington Rd. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-5166 http://www.sherwin-williams.com

Business & Professional Adam Greene Monroe, LA 71201

Walsworth & Company 311 Trenton West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 323-1454 WRLDINVSN 100 W. Arizona, Ste. 3 Ruston, LA 71270 (803) 626-2747

Advanced Security Technologies, LLC 505 North 18th Street, Suite C Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-4111 www.astsecuritytech.com Chambers of Commerce Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 368-3947 Dotray & Winfield Enterprises, LLC 101 Longleaf Circle Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 417-6730

Moxey NELA 1800 Forsythe Avenue, Ste. 2 ,Box 110 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 545-2450 http://www.moxeynela.com Trust Acadiana 110 Travis Street Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 356-3480

Business/ Management Assistance Export-Import Bank of the United States 1650 W. Virginia St., Ste 110 McKenney, TX 75069 (214) 551-4959 http://www.exim.gov

Mashi Epting LLC 1011 N. 9th St Monroe , LA 71201 (972) 971-7978 http://www.whoismashi.com

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M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY NELA Business Incubator & Community Development Center ULM-Stubbs 204 Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 342-1143

Kona Ice of NELA, LLC 267 Jim Finley Road Calhoun, LA 71225 (318) 600-5662 http://www.kona-ice.com

Ouachita Presbyterian Church 1802 Emerson Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 487-2730

Stop Claims Corp.

2828 Colby Ave, Suite 102 Everett, Snohomish, WA 98201 (425) 530-5075

Thurman's Food Factory 1608 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7848 http://www.thurmansfoodfactory.info/

Williamson Consulting Group 601 North 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-3201 http://www.willconsultgroup.com

Chemicals

Car Wash

ANGUS Chemical Company 350 Hwy. 2 Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 665-0010 http://www.dow.com

Dream Wash Express 2220 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-6971 http://www.facebook.com/dreamwashexpress RocketFast Car Wash 2811 Louisvile Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 350-6727 http://www.rocketfast.com

Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning Custom Design Center 1001 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-6094

Casinos-Riverboat/ Land Based Riverwalk Casino Hotel 1046 Warren Road Vicksburg, MS 39182 (866) 615-9125 http://www.riverwalkvicksburg.com

Caterers Aramark - ULM 601 Bayou Drive, Room 118 Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 342-1980 http://www.aramark.net Chef Hopkins Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-0387 GiGi's Kountry Kitchen and Katering 107 Dillingham Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (225) 223-4335 http://www.facebook.com/gigiskountrykitchen

Chiropractors Chiropractic Health Services 811 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 410-9919 Coleman Chiropractic Clinic 2501 Ferrand St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2215 Monroe Chiropractic Clinic 1212 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-6685 https://www.monroechiroclinic.com/ Shell Family Chiropractic 3219 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-5388 Twin City Chiropractic 1117 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-5029

Churches BKB Ministries, LLC 700 University Ave, Ste. 211 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 680-3595 First United Methodist Church 3900 Loop Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-7335 http://firstmethodistmonroe.com/ Mount Zion Baptist Church 211 Mt. Zion Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1041 North Monroe Baptist Church 210 Finks Hideaway Rd. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-4730

The Renewal Center of Northeast Louisiana 722 Adams Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 680-5981 Woods and Anita Watson 3808 Woodside Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 237-3330

Clinics & Medical Groups

Go Care 1801 N 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 325-1092 Monroe Cardiovascular Associates 3601 Pecanland Mall Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 699-0505 http://www.monroecardiology.com

Northeast Delta Human Services Authority 2513 Ferrand Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-3270 Nedeltahsa.org

Northeast LA Cancer Institute 411 Calypso Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 966-1900 http://www.cancerinstitute.com Resilience Recovery 801 Stubbs Ave, Suite C Monroe, LA 71269 (318) 654-4075 SouthStar Urgent Care 4015 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71203 St. Francis PHC Urgent Care 1400 Rowland Road Monroe, LA 71203 The Woman's Clinic 312 Grammont St., Ste. 300 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4030 http://www.thewomansclinic.net

Coffee/ Coffee Houses

Community College

CC's Coffee House 2350 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 737-7954 http://www.ccscoffee.com/

McCann School of Business and Technology 2319 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2889 http://www.mccann.edu

Ken's Coffee Service 1009 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 361-0035

Collection Agencies Coast Professional, Inc. 214 Expo Circle, Ste. 7 West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 807-4500 http://www.coastprofessional.com

Communications/ Telecommunications/ Consultants DD Drilling LLC 506 Bella Vista Drive West monroe , LA 71291 (412) 773-1010 Lumen 100 CenturyLink Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 388-9000 http://www.centuryLink.com Martin Communications, Inc. 507 Stella Street West Monroe, LA 71291-4137 (318) 325-1212 http://www.martincommunications.net Monroe Communications, Inc. 1909 Auburn Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-6441 http://www.shrevecomm.net Northeast Tel 6402 Howell Street Collinston, LA 71229 (318) 874-7011 http://www.ne-tel.com

Sparklight 4121 Old Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 423-9737 http://www.sparklight.com T-mobile 2880 Louisville Ave., Suite 3 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 459-6620 Technology for Rural America (TFRA) 2725 Bayou Lane Monroe, LA 71201

Invested in protecting your future.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

72 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Computer & Internet Services/ Training/ Networking Cathey Group, LLC 8 Angelina Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 791-9708 Green Qube, Inc. 1500 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 410-9768 http://www.greenqube.com

HiTech Computers 1908 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-1800 https://www.solutionsbyhitech.com/

Nettech 1851 Hudson Circle Monroe, LA 71201-3537 (318) 387-0001 https://www.nettech.net/ Tees Technology Services 221 E Ironwood Dr West Monroe, LA 71291 (817) 874-1906 Uniti Fiber 363 Venable Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 340-0750 http://uniti.com

Computer Products/ Software Design

IBM 201 Century Boulevard Monroe, LA 71203 http://www.ibm.com

Computer Repair A Plus Computer Specialists 112 Bell Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-7331

Computer Security/ Cybersecurity Nerds To Go 2332 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 252-2764

Computer Technology/Social Media Services Kinetix 400 Murray Street Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 487-8200 http://kbisp.com

Concrete Mixing/ Supplies Century Ready-Mix, LLC 3250 Armand Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-4444 http://www.centuryreadymix.com Louisiana Rebar and Concrete Supply 8135 Cypress St West Monroe , LA 71291 (318) 366-3936 https://www.larebar.com/

River City Ready Mix, LLC 602 Well Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 388-2764 http://www.rivercityrm.com

Construction Companies

318 Construction LLC 825 Stone Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 538-1014 Absolute Painting and Renovations 704 Wilmuth St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 692-9086 Amethyst Construction, Inc. 215 Industrial Parkway West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-9909 http://www.amethystconstruction.com Armstrong Builders 214 Balboa Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-0667

Bentz Construction Group 5045 Whites Ferry Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 372-9458

McGuire Construction 2311 Briarmoor Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-3921

Bing Bishop Construction Co., Inc. 1701 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-6635

Nelson Builders, LLC 117 Sadie Lane West Monroe, LA 71291

Brownstone Affordable Housing 1000 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-5215 http://www.thebrownstonegroup.net Crest Construction 2214 Liberty St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-0202

Ranger Steel Erectors 602 Grantham Avenue West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 387-9882 http://www.ranger-steel.com Shane Mock Construction 396 Springhill Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 816-1886 Southern Construction 2008 Roselawn Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 953-5011

D&J Construction 602 Well Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 388-2764 http://www.djcon.com

Standard Enterprises, Inc. 3104 Breard St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2662 http://www.standardenterprises.com

Durwood Construction, LLC 301 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 351-6677

Stewart's Helping Hands 330 Auburn Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-7838 https://www.facebook. com/people/Stewarts-Helping-Hands/100075928346898/

Grindstone Construction LLC 3200 Armand Connector Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-5689

Traxler Construction Co. 3650 Hadley Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 388-0616 http://www.traxlerconstruction.com

Holyfield Construction 2371 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2492 http://www.holyfield-inc.com JT Construction and Maintenance Services LLC 56 Elysian Fields Rd. Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 801-9011 Kre8tive Flooring 1900 N 18th St , Ste 404 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-7872

WL Bass Construction 420 Hwy 80 E Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 355-3901 Woodridge Construction Group LLC 10664 Woodland Oaks Dr Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 325-1919

Construction Equipment

Lincoln Builders 1809 North Point Ln Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 255-3822 http://www.lincolnbuilders.com

Advanced Building Products 2100 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 209-7227

Consulting Services Cayco Effex LLC 700 University Avenue Stubbs Hall Ste.120-G Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 348-9269 http://www.caycoeffex.com Edwin H. Adams 2915 Deborah Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 237-1707 Finding Focus 403 N. 6th Street , Ste. 2 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 737-7201 J & Fortune Consulting LLC 1900 N 18th St., Ste 220 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 243-4292 Katalyst LLC 806 N. 31st Street, Suite D Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 341-1620 Mondrian's Consulting 5513 Long Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 791-3689 Walsworth Consulting 312 Arlington Pl West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 614-0336

PEBB Services LLC. 2407 West Ark Lane Pantego, TX 76013 (214) 715-2611 WYE Electric, Inc. 201 New Natchitoches Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 322-0145

Cosmetic Dentistry

Arrow Dental Center 1561 Bienville Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-0381 http://www.arrowdentalcenter.com

Counseling ABG Professional Development Solutions 401 Bayou Drive Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 503-0183 http://www.abgcounselingcc.com Antwine Counseling Clinic 288 Connie Lynne Drive Monroe , LA 71203 (318) 680-2506

Consumer Loans

Finding Light Therapy 1300 Hudson Lane Suite 15 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 732-0060

Friendly Finance Service Main Office 1225 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-0465

Finding Solace, LLC 403 N. 6th St., Suite 2 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 737-7201

Containerboard/ Paper/Pulp

Horizon Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 2911 Cameron Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 651-9363

Graphic Packaging Int'l P. O. Box 35800, Station 71 West Monroe, LA 71294-5800 (318) 362-2000 http://www.graphicpkg.com

ContractorsElectrical/Plumbing/ Mechanical

Delta Specialty Contractors 203 Main Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 816-2601

Louisiana Love Home for Children 1500 N. 19th Street, Ste. 13 Monroe, LA 71201 (614) 256-7544 https://www.louisianalove.net/ Moving Mountains Counseling 1300 Hudson lane, Suite 15 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 309-1862 Northeast Counseling, LLC 343 North Washington Bastrop, LA 71220 (318) 974-5075 http://www.northeastcounselingllc. com PAW COUNSELING SERVICES 1656 Highway 594 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 307-9071

Invested in building your legacy.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 73

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Wellness Initiatives, LLC 2485 Tower Drive, Ste. 10 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 410-1555

Country ClubsSocial/Golf/Tennis

Bayou DeSiard Country Club 3501 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-5136 http://www.bayoudesiardcc.com Frenchman's Bend Golf 1484 Frenchman's Bend Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 387-2363 http://www.frenchmansbend.com

CPA/Accountants/Tax Services/ Financial Planning Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP 2441 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4422 Aulds, Duschense and Griggs 401 Walnut St., Ste. B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-5731 http://www.adg.cpa Cameron, Hines & Company 104 Regency West Monroe, LA 71291-4452 (318) 323-1717 Carroll & Johnston CPA's, LLC 810 Walnut Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3880 Complete Tax and Training Software 1101 N. 9th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (855) 485-4446 http://www.CompleteTaxandTrainingSoftware.com Complete Taxes LLC 1101 N. 9th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-6005 http://www.completetaxes.net DeWitt Giger, LLP 1871 Hudson Circle Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-8975 http://www.dewittgiger.cpa

Francois' Accounting and Tax Service, LLC 513 Sunny Side Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 737-1377 http://www.monroeaccountant.com

Heard McElroy & Vestal LLP 1900 North 18th Street, Ste. 300 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3108 http://www.hmvcpa.com Hill Consulting Services (318) 348-8208 Hulsey, Harwood, & Sheridan, LLC 1900 Roselawn Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-6500 http://www.hhcpa.net JC Accounting, LLC Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-5862 http://www.jc-acct.com

Credit Unions

Centric Federal Credit Union 213 Expo Circle West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 340-9656 http://www.mycentric.org

Centric Federal Credit Union University 710 Hwy 165N Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 340-9656 http://www.mycentric.org

Centric Federal Credit Union Arkansas Road 2353 Arkansas Road WestMonroe, LA 71291 (318) 340-9656 http://www.mycentric.org

Little and Associates 805 North 31st Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-9600 MJSC Professional Services LLC 1818 Hwy 134 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 341-9880 Payroll Plus Inc. 1900 Lamy Lane, Suite L Monroe, LA 71207 (318) 324-8814 http://www.paipayroll.com

Centric Federal Credit Union Mortgage Center 3711 Cypress Street | Suite 1 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 340-9656 http://www.mycentric.org

Centric Federal Credit Union Pecanland Mall 1100 Pecanland Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 340-9656 www.mycentric.org

Silas Simmons, LLP 2120 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-4481 http://www.silassimmons.com Sumit Credits LLC 330 Veterans Denham Springs, LA 70726 (225) 664-2160

Woodard & Associates (APAC) 1904 Stubbs Avenue, Suite B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2672 http://woodard.cpa

Monroe Telco Federal Credit Union 4705 Cypress St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-4243 http://www.monroetelcofcu.org Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union 2831 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-0015 http://www.ouachitavalleyfcu.org Pelican State Credit Union 2880 Louisville Avenue, Ste. 1 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 410-4333

Custom Framing & Gifts/Art Artistic Designs 1201 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 512-4233

Dance Studios/Dance Halls Missy Crain School of Dance Studios 710 HWY 139 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-1155 http://www.missycraindance.com

Daycare Centers/ Nursery Schools A New Vision, LLC 207 West Mississippi Ave Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 267-5885 Cub House on the Bayou, LLC 902 Finks Hideaway Rd. Monroe, Louisiana 71203 (318) 343-7768 Dazzle Land Daycare LLC 3514 Harrison Street Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 732-1169

Dentists/Dental Labs/ Dental Care Centric Federal Credit Union Thomas Road 1091 Thomas Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 340-9656 www.mycentric.org Kraftman Federal Credit Union 8737 Highway 165 N Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 538-0400 https://www.kraftmanfcu.com/

Apple Dental 3301 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 351-2292 Arrow Dental Center 1561 Bienville Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-0381 http://www.arrowdentalcenter.com

Invested in planning your retirement.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

74 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Bayou Dental 2501 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-9303 http://www.smile-creator.com Caples & Robinson Orthodontics 2210 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-9655 http://www.caplesrobinsonortho.com District Dental 129 Commerce St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 350-6873 http://www.districtdentalontheouachita.com Jan T. Bagwell, DDS 189 Keystone Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 665-4423 http://jantbagwelldds.community Justin E. Tarver, DDS 92 Lincoln Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-6006 http://www.tarverdental.com Kellceram Dental Lab 1023 N 6th St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3802 Koga Orthodontics 2124 Forsythe Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4209 http://www.kogaortho.com Lane Eddleman, DDS 2511 Broadmoor Blvd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-2013 Louisiana Dental Institute 2204 Forsythe Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-9340 Monroe Endodontics 2005 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-0432 http://www.monroeendo.com Monroe Family Dental 2406 Duval Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 699-0101 http://www.monroefamilydds.com NELA Dental of Monroe 2016 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-5732 http://www.neladental.com Patrick L. McGee, DDS 3050 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-0828 http://www.patrickmcgeedds.com

No matter what life brings

From traumatic injuries to the common cold, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe has you covered.

With primary care locations and Northeast Louisiana’s first designated Level 3 Trauma Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality, comprehensive healthcare services to the region.

Celebrating more than five years as your partner in health and wellness, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe is here for you and here to stay.

ochsnerlsuhs.org INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 75

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Peach Tree Dental 2204 Forsythe Ave. Monroe, LA 71201-3613 (318) 325-4220 http://www.peachtreedental.com Southern Roots Dental of Louisiana 1401 North 18th St. Suite E Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-2015 http://www.southernrootsdental.com The Denture Center: Dr. Jeetendra Patel, DDS 1655 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 460-8663 Williams Orthodontics 1912 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-3040 http://www.kwilliamsortho.com

Department Stores Wal Mart Super Center 2701 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 324-0016 http://www.walmart.com

Educator/ Consultant 7 Brothers Boyz Outreach Center, LLC 313 Haynes Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 503-5717 GEMS, LLC 8 Live Oak Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (678) 447-3354 Ouachita Parish School Board 1600 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 432-5000 http://www.opsb.net Power Tools For At Risk Youth Inc. 111 N Stanley Ave Suite B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 737-1356 http://powertools4youth.org Valerie S. Fields 109 Eagle Ridge Cove West Monroe, LA 71291 (225) 262-9696

Elected Officials

Distributors

Legislative and Congressional Staff 806 Louisa Street, Ste B Rayville, LA 71269

Marsala Beverage 2059 Old Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-8871

Mike Walsworth 4007 White's Ferry Road, Ste. A West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 340-6453

Music Mountain Water 5928 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202-4001 (318) 345-5023

Rep. Andy Anders - NELA State Rep. 200 Advocate Row, Suite D Vidalia, LA 71373 (318) 336-5865

Tech Assurance 206 Texas Avenue Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 324-8977 http://www.cartridgeonwheels.com

Rep. Christopher Turner 111 N. Trenton Street, Suite A Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-5038

Dry Cleaners/ Laundry Dixie Cleaners 1802 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 235-5320

Education Biomedical Research & Innovation Park (BRIP) ULM - Stubbs Hall 204 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 235-3765 McCann School of Business and Technology 2319 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2889 http://www.mccann.edu

Rep. Foy Gadberry - NELA State Rep. 4920 Cypress St., Suite 3C West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-8080 Rep. Francis Thompson - NELA State Representative P.O. Box 68 Delhi, LA 71232 (318) 878-9408 Rep. Jack G. McFarland - NELA State Representative P.O. Box 143 Jonesboro, LA 71251 (318) 259-4275 Rep. Neil Riser - NELA State Representative 297 Hearn Island Drive Columbia, LA 71418 (318) 649-0977

Rep. Pat Moore - NELA State Rep. 300 Washington Street, Ste. 404 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-3014

I.S.T. Electrical Heating & Air 705 Desiard St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-3331

Employment/ Employment Agencies

Rep. Patrick Jefferson - NELA State Rep. 619 South Main Street Homer, LA 71040 (318) 927-2519

IBEW Local Union No. 446 805 North 30th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3350

Senator Gerald Long - NELA State Senator P.O. Box 151 Winnfield, LA 71483 (318) 628-5799

Patrick Electric Service LLC 320 North 5th St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3879

Advantage Staffing 1500 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-6090 http://www.willstaff.net

Senator Jim Fannin - NELA State Senator 320 Sixth Street Jonesboro, LA 71251 (318) 259-6620 Sen. John Kennedy 516 Hart Senate Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4623 www.vitter.senate.gov Senator Katrina Jackson - NELA State Senate 4106 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-5123 State Senator Jay Morris 1408 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 362-4270 Stephanie Smith, Ouachita Parish Assessor 300 St. John Street, Room 103 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-1300

Electrical/Heating/ Industrial

Southern Spirit Transmission 235 DeSiard Street, Ste. 2 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-0787 https://patternenergy.com/projects/ southern-spirit-transmission/ Twin City Electric 115 Franklin Drive West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 323-9039

Electronics Pelican Defense Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 497-0659 Sharp Electronics 100 Paragon Dr Montrale, NJ 07645 (800) 237-4277 http://www.sharpusa.com

Employee Benefits

AgCo Electric LLC 6462 Federal 80 Hwy Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 355-2221

Jweinland Group Benefits 806 Brook Hollow Drive Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 230-7138

Ben Jones Electric, LLC 4129 Hwy 133 Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 237-6886

Employee/ Management/ Sales-Training/ Consulting

Copeland Electric 186 Venable Ln Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-9865 D. Scott Electric 1368 Hwy 139 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 614-9133 http://www.dscottelectric.com

Above & Beyond Contractors LLC 14 Camellia Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 789-1377 Bullmoore Inc. 201 Century Village Blvd, Suite 252 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 737-0673

GridSource Baton Rouge, LA 70884 (225) 752-2253

Invested in insuring for the unexpected.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

76 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Express Employment Professionals 2289 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-9399 JobSquad Staffing Solutions 207 Blanchard St. #5 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 812-0228 Manpower Staffing 1669 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201-6027 (318) 323-4475 http://www.us.manpower.com Spherion Staffing Services 3101 Cypress St Suite 4 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 340-0005 http://www.spherion.com VACO, LLC 1500 North 19th Street, Suite 15 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-5627 http://www.vaco.com Will Source Staffing and Recruiting 1600 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-5151 http://www.willsourcestaffing.com Workforce Investment Board Area 81 24 Accent Drive, Suite 151 Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 362-3058

Engineers/ Engineering Counsultants/ Construction

CSRS 8555 United Plaza Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (833) 523-2526 https://www.csrsinc.com/ EGen, LLC 4565 Cypress West Monroe, LA 71291 (870) 510-9908 RCH Company, Inc. 1566 Hwy 80 E Calhoun, LA 71225 (318) 387-5335

S.E. Huey Co. 1111 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201-5735 (318) 325-1791 http://www.sehuey.com

Engineers/ Surveyors Lazenby & Associates, Inc. 2000 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 387-2710 http://www.lazenbyengr.com

Enviromental

Fences/Gate Operating Entry Systems OATIS & SONS ENTERPRISES LLC 4313 Foch Street Monroe , LA 71202 (318) 512-8122

Fiberoptic Communications Conterra Networks 336 Lea Drive West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 789-2855 http://www.conterra.com Delta Fiber 212 Walnut Street, Ste. 100 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-7439 SkyRider Communications 308 Pine St West Monroe, LA 71291 (800) 536-7035

Event Planning/ Event Center

Financial Planning/ Advisors

Layton Properties 1133 South Grand St #5 Monroe, LA 71202 (435) 691-3271

Farms Armstrong Cricket Farm 1127 Wood Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 387-6000 http://www.armstrongcrickets.com H2Greaux 2821 Hwy 134 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 547-5665 Indian Village Harvest Farm 1976 Guyton Swamp Rd Calhoun, LA 71225 (318) 235-3228 https://www.facebook.com/Indianvillagehf/ Riverview Farm & Land Company 538 Seals Place Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 366-4740 Shipp Farms, Inc. 105 Sioux Drive West Monroe, LA 71291-8176 (318) 343-7297 http://kshipp49@gmail.com

Lewis and Miller Personal Wealth Advisors 1888 Hudson Circle Ste. 3 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-8150 http://www.lewismillerllc.com Merrill Lynch - Emily Morris 1809 Glenmar Avenue Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 329-3062 https://fa.ml.com/louisiana/monroe/ prestridge_sunsin_group/ Mustard Seed Wealth Management 1900 Roselawn Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 692-6796 http://www.msfwm.com NELA Equity Group LLC 1220 N. 18th St, Ste. 200 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 801-4344

PPM Consultants, Inc. 1600 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201-3736 (318) 323-7270 http://www.ppmco.com

Belle Chateaux 1730 William Harris Rd West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 732-5854 http://www.bellechateaux.com

H Investments 1819 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201

Argent Advisor, Inc. 1609 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201-5629 (318) 324-8000 Bezou Financial Planning Group 1818 Avenue of America Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 381-2201 https://www.bezoufinancial.com/ Booth Wealth Management 1861 Hudson Circle Monroe, LA 71201-3537 (318) 812-1078 http://www.lpl.com/bfg Booth Wealth Management Kendall Thamm 1861 Hudson Circle Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-1078

Candor Wealth Partners 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 7 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-2590 http://www.candorwealth.com Graham, Bordelon, Golson & Gilbert, Inc 2401 Tower Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-7157

Oglesby Financial Group-Money Concepts 2443 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1366 http://www.moneyconcepts.com/ doglesby Pelican Wealth Management 1900 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-3010 http://www.pecanwealth.org Raymond James & Associates 1900 North 18th Street, Ste. 700 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-1120 http://www.raymondjames.com RiverLink Advisors 1896 Hudson Circle, Ste. 6 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 805-0195 Summit Financial Wealth Advisors 1890 Hudson Circle, Suite 1 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3752 http://www.summit-financial.com Wells Fargo Advisors 2407 Broadmoor Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-6575 http://www.wellsfargoadvisors.com Yarbrough Financial Group 310 Wood St., Ste. B West Monroe , LA 71291 (318) 415-6830

Fire Safety Services

Food Delivery

Fire Tech Systems Inc. 921 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 807-2230 http://www.firetechsystems.com

Food Cravings LLC 23 Elmwood Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 372-6741

Moore Fire Extinguisher Service 2400 S. Grand St Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 323-8039

Flea Markets/Swap Meets/Trade Bayou Trade Days 7980 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 805-2022 http://www.bayoutradedays.com

Flooring-Acoustical Ceilings-Coverings Bayou State Commercial Services 2399 Ferrand Ste. F Monroe, LA 71201 Dupuy Flooring & Acoustical Inc. 108 Melvyn Dr. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-1737 http://www.jedupuy.com Holton Flooring & Interiors LLC 2806 Kilpatrick Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-8384 http://www.Holton-Flooring.com North Delta Floor 243 Thatcher Ridge Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 374-4604 Otwell Flooring 610 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 242-1003 Twisted Roots Flooring and Construction 71 Trail Ridge Dr Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 812-4467

Florist/Supplies Brooks Florist 5320 DeSiard St. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-3025 http://www.brooksfloral.com Petals & Pearls 3181 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 605-3503 http://monroepetalsandpearls.com Sanders Wholesale Florist Inc. of Monroe 217 South 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-6841

Food-Stores/ Vending/Retail Brookshire Grocery Co. 4701 Central Avenue Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 324-5200 http://www.brookshires.com Cali CafÈ LLC 2107 Honor St, Suite A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-8790 Freeze Dried Bayou Bites 5500 Cypress St Suite 1 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 372-0547 http://freezedriedbayoubites.com Kenrice Pac, LLC 610 Wilmot Hwy Mer Rouge, LA 71261 (318) 647-5744 Louisiana Tom's Vending 3211 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-0390 Mac's Fresh Market 3300 Forsythe Avenue, Ste. B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 324-9232 http://www.macsfreshmarket.com Super One Foods 2810 Louisville Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-2237 Walmart Neighborhood Market-N. 18th St. 1840 McKeen Place Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 267-3616 http://www.walmart.com Walmart Neighborhood Market-ULM 4430 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 267-3608 http://www.walmart.com

Funeral Homes Kilpatrick Funeral Home 1200 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-9611 http://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com

Invested in protecting your future.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 77

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY

Mulhearn Funeral Homes, LLC. 2308 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71210-0077 (318) 323-0505 http://www.mulhearfuneralhome.com Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery 623 Highway 80 East Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-1511 Tennant Funeral Home 1014 Harrison Street Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 334-4002

Furniture Skent N Dent Furniture 200 N 4th St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3000 Sleepy Hollow Furniture 900 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4520 http://www.sleepyhollowmonroe.com Well Rested LLC dba Mattress By Appointment Monroe 1008 W Roosevelt Blvd, Unit H MONROE, NC 28110 (704) 765-6595 Woodstock 1806 N. 3rd St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 340-9830 http://www,woodstockmonroe.com

Furniture/ Appliances Ivan Smith Furniture & Appliance Louisville 2932 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1900 Ivan Smith Furniture & Appliance-Pecanland 3591 Pecanland Mall Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 410-9122

Glass

Acme Glass & Mirror Co., Inc. 1312 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-0777 http://www.acmeglassandmirror.com Port City Glass/Paint Company 607 North 17th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-8227 http://www.portcityglassmonroe.com/

Twin City Tint & Accessories 602 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-2100

Government/ Government Affairs City of Bastrop P.O. Box 431 Bastrop, LA 71221 (318) 283-0250

Ouachita Parish Assessor's Office 300 St John Street, Room 103 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-1300

City of Monroe P. O. Box 123 Monroe, LA 71210 (318) 329-2310 http://www.ci.monroe.la.us City of Ruston Office of the Mayor P.O. Box 2069 Ruston, LA 71273 (318) 251-8621 City of Tallulah 204 N. Cedar Street Tallulah, LA 71282 (318) 574-0964 http://www.tallulah-la.gov City of West Monroe 2305 N. Seventh Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-2600 http://www.westmonroe.la.gov Clahec 10816 Momosa Dr. Bastrop , LA 71220 (318) 267-6946

Ouachita Parish Clerk Of Court 301 South Grand, Room 104 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-1444 Ouachita Parish Police Jury 300 St. John St., 2nd Floor Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-1340 http://www.oppj.org

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office 400 St. John St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-1238 http://www.opso.net Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr 7268 Highway 165 North, Suite 209 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 582-5524

Department of the Treasury 626 Main Street Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 342-0010 http://www.latreasury.com

The Picard Group 309 Settlers Trace Blvd Suite 200 Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 298-6024

Dept of Wildlife & Fisheries 2000 Quail Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 765-2800 Dept. of Transporation & Devel P. O. Box 94245 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245 (225) 379-1200 http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov

Kay Kellogg Katz 2905 Lamy Circle Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7728

Monroe City Council P.O. Box 123 Monroe, LA 71210 (318) 329-2252 Monroe Housing Authority 300 Harrison Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-1500 http://www.monroehousing.com

City of Grambling P. O. Box 109 Grambling, LA 71245 (318) 247-6120

FBI 300 Washington Street Monroe, LA 71201

LA Workforce Commission 24 Accent Dr Suite 151 Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 362-3414 http://www.laworks.net

Town of Downsville P.O. Box 42 Downsville, LA 71234 (318) 982-5344 Town of Farmerville P.O. Box 427 Farmerville, LA 71241 (318) 368-9242 Town of Olla P. O. Box 223 Olla, LA 71465 (318) 495-5151 Town of Richwood 2710 Martin Luther King Drive Richwood, LA 71202 (318) 325-4328

Town of Sterlington 503 Hwy 2 Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 665-2712 Town of Winnsboro 3814 Front Street Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 435-9087 WDB - 83 Monroe, LA 71201

Grocery Stores Now Save #7 Tiger Market 1800 Forsythe Avenue, Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-0788

Hardware Tyner-Petrus Co. Inc. 3000 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3788

Health & Fitness Clubs/Nutritional Products/Personal Trainers Body Goals Studio Inc. 1501 Arkansas Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 538-4761 http://www.bodygoalsstudioinc.com Drip Therapy Health Beauty Wellness LLC 614 Frances Ave Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 884-8757 Fiesta On Eighteenth 1211 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-8446 http://www.fiestanutritionctr.com Fit for Life 2399 Ferrand St. Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 267-8029 http://www.fit4life318.com Haddad Fitness 2106 Bienville Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 331-8396 HOTWORX 1306 N 18th Street, Ste. A Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 737-7051 https://www.hotworx.net/studio/ monroe Monroe Athletic Club 3801 Chauvin Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2352 http://www.monroeathleticclub.com

Invested in building your legacy.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

78 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Phil Fit 1820 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 Pure Drip Wellness 2503 N 7th St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 816-4133 https://www.facebook.com/puredripwellness/ Regymen Fitness 1840 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 516-2188 http://www.regymenfitness.com Righteous Wellness 1510 South 2nd Street Monroe, LA 71202 (225) 773-5617 The UJIMA Center 3825 Old Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 1-318-816-5663 http://www.ujimainstitute.com

Health & Natural Foods Fiesta On Eighteenth 1211 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-8446 http://www.fiestanutritionctr.com Randalls Captain Avery 2607 Ferrand Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-7877 http://www.randallsfinemeats@ comcast.net

Health-Maintenance/ Diagnostics Alli Management Solutions 101 Catalpa Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 998-7600 https://www.allimso.com Audibel-The Hearing Center 2200 Justice Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-2363 http://www.audibelthehearingcenter. com Care Solutions 509 North 2nd St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 362-0036 http://www.angelministriesinc.org Complete Cardiovascular Center 1100 North 18th Street, Ste. 100 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-9900 Dr. Marshall A. Cain 2807 Mark Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-4555

Geaux Family Health 2900 Forsythe Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-4364 http://www.geauxfamilyhealth. com Geaux Physical Therapy 3801 Chauvin Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-9708 Healthpoint Center, LLC 1818 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 998-2700 Helping Hands Pediatric Day Health Center, LLC 409 Washington Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1930 http://www.helpinghandspdhc.net Lawrence Danna MD 108 Contempo Avenue West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 388-4994 Louisiana Accident & Injury Care 410 N 7th St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 303-6142 M3 Physio 1401 N 18th St STE D Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 512-1887 http://m3physio.com Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center 1500 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (888) 616-4687 http://www.marybird.com Monroe Pediatrics 1825 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-7999 http://www.monroepeds.com Northeast Imaging 1703 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-8362 Paraclete Health Solutions 1401 Hudson Lane ste. 205 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-9055 Premier Health Urgent Care 1201 Oliver Road, Ste. 100 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 998-0700 http://www.UrgentCareOpportunities.com Read Eye Center 2600 Tower Drive, Ste. 111 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-3881 http://www.readeyecenter.com

JTB Rentals Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 506-1753 Reliant Healthcare 1004 N 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (877) 354-2688 Snell's Orthotics & Prosthetic 211 Hall Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3126 http://www.snellsoandp.com TNT Stem Cell 505 N. 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-1688 http://tntstemcell.com Triumphant! LLC dba Victory!

Military Surplus 7913 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 307-1117

Heating/AC 318 Heat & Air 825 Stone Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-2881 Gilley's Heating & Cooling, LLC 2100 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 325-3250 http://www.gilleysac.com

Premier Air Services Inc. 2065 Hwy 139 Swartz, LA 71281 (318) 343-5530 http://www.premierairservice. com Shive Co 5510 DeSiard St Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 398-9450

Louisiana Machinery 2201 Ticheli Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 323-1345

Scott Equipment Company, L.L.C 1000 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 387-4160 Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment 3018 Harvester Dr. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 388-9269 http://www.scottpowerline. com

Bayou Kubota 2110 Center Street Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 388-4750 http://kubotaofmonroe.com Hill Top Equipment 371 Green Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 376-3495

St. Francis Medical Center Home Health 1107 Hudson Lane, Suite A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-4500 http://www.lahealthcaregroup. com

Home Improvements Monroe Overhead Doors 315 Horseshoe Lake Rd Monroe , LA 71203 (318) 322-6139

Hospice Care

HMO/PPO/ Managed Care

Elara Caring Hospice 300 Washington Street, Ste. 401 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-0049 https://elara.com/

Northeast LA Physician Hospital Organization 1900 North 18th St., Ste 703 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7358 http://www.nelapho.com

Heart of Hospice 1816 Glenmar Avenue Ste. 2 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-9300 http://lhcgroup.com/locations/ heart-of-hospice-monroe/

Home Health/ Home Care AlphaCare Home Health, Inc. 1859 Avenue of America, # 5 Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-7097

Americare Home Care Services 1812 Glenmar Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-1101

Southern Air 708 North 30th Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-6723

Heavy Equipment/Sales & Rental

Renewed Care LLC 2908 Cameron St, Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (240) 291-4566

Gardens of Georgia Tucker 405 Stubbs Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 538-0040 http://www.thegardenssatgeorgiatucker.com Precision Care Givers 1401 Hudson Ln , Ste. 139 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 651-0086 http://www.precisioncaregivers.com

Hospitals Cornerstone Hospital of West Monroe 6198 Cypress St. West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 396-5600 http://www.chghospitals.com Freedom Behavioral Hospital 4402 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 966-4686 G.B. Cooley Services 211 North 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 396-6300

Glenwood Regional Medical Center 503 McMillan Road West Monroe, LA 71291-5327 (318) 329-4200 http://www.glenwoodregional. org

Monroe Surgical Hospital, LLC 2408 Broadmoor Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 410-0002

Ochsner LSU Health Monroe 4864 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 330-7000 http://www.uhsystem.com

St. Francis Medical Center 309 Jackson St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 966-4000 http://www.stfran.com St. Francis North Hospital 3421 Medical Park Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 966-4370 http://www.stpatrickshospital. net

Hotels/Motels/ Bed & Breakfast Best Western Monroe 1475 Garrett Rd Monroe, LA 7120171203 (318) 547-7033

InterMountain Renovations 2440 Tower Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-7700 Quality Inn 1407 Martin Luther King Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 361-9944 http://www.hamptoninnmonroe.com Red Roof Inn 927 Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 388-8868 Southern Hospitality Services 2440 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 512-7241 Studio 6 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 537-8993 Super 8 by Wyndham Monroe 1601 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 537-3771

Comfort Suites 1401 Martin Luther King Dr. Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 410-1005 http://www.comfortsuitesmonroe.com Days Inn 5650 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 345-2220 Fairfield Inn & Suites 606 Mane Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 582-1160 Hampton Inn and Suites of Monroe 5100 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 343-6910 http://www.hamptoninn.com Hampton Inn West Monroe 601 Mane Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 938-2800 http://www.hamptin-inn-westmonroe-mluwe Home2 Suites - West Monroe 500 Mane Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 322-8000 http://www.home2suitesmonroe@home2suitesbyhilton. com

TownePlace Suites 4919 Pecanland Mall Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 387-7277 http://www.www,marriott. com/mluts

WaterView Casino & Hotel 3990 Washington Street Vicksburg, MS 39180 (601) 630-4308 http://www.waterviewcasino. com Wingate Inn 228 Blanchard Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 387-7395 WoodSpring Suites 230 Blanchard Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 582-1610 http://www.woodspring.com

Individuals Allen Lenard Monroe, LA 71201 Allie Brasher 788 Slocum Rd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-6309

Invested in planning your retirement.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 79

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Barbara Thomas 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-5551

Kitty DeGree Foundation 2410 Trenton Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 325-1224

Bernard Sager P.O. Box 14796 Monroe, LA 71207 (318) 340-9817

LaCharlesia Edwards 17475 Winnsboro Road Ste. B Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 914-6310

Brice Jones Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 334-4460 http://www.northdeltawoodworks. com

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency 68190 Hwy 190 Service Road Covington, LA 70433 (337) 207-1396

James Machine Works 1521 Adams Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-6104 http://www.jmwinc.net/

Carl A. Stanitzky 106 Lost Lakes Bend West Monroe, LA 71291 (337) 257-9918 http://www.cstanitzky@gmail.com

Norene Smith Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 914-1883

Insurance

Chandra Maze (All Things Amazing) Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 267-9143 Chastity Butler Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-7309 Christian Specks 700 University Ave Stubbs Hall 207 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 807-8430 Dante Ferrand Sr. & Dr. Lula Johnson-Ferrand 425 East Frenchman Bend Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 350-9841

Custom Equipment Design, Inc. 1057 Hwy 80 East Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-2222

Aetna Better Health of Louisiana 205 Holly Ridge Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 282-3779

Pat Regan 119 Gretchens Walk West Monroe, LA 71291 Ray Armstrong P.O. Box 4043 Monroe, LA 71211 (318) 387-8730

Alex Simm-Higginbotham Insurance 201 Entergy Pkwy Ste. 402 Layayette, LA 70508 (337) 349-0265 http://www.higginbotham.com

Reynaldo Yatco Monroe, LA 71201

American National - Cody Stone 401 Walnut Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-4355

Rodney Alexander Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 243-7810 Sue Nicholson 2907 Bramble Drive Monroe, Louisiana 71201 (318) 807-4015

American National Insurance - Brad Bell 401 Walnut St Suite 4 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 614-4638

Deborah and William Mahan 3005 West Deborah Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 512-1364

Tremen II 2907 Bramble Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2000

Dilcie Green 2705 Magellan Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-9888

U.S. Senator John Kennedy-Hanna Livingston 1651 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201

Eugenia White Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 803-7175

Wayne Creel Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-8724

Joyce L. Powell Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-6097

Industrial Cleaning/ Laundry/Supplies

Judge Frederick D. Jones 301 S Grand Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-4344 Kandle Supply 1701 Mckeen Place Apt. 62 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 267-9929 Kay Kellogg Katz 2905 Lamy Circle Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7728

SERVPRO of Monroe and West Monroe 825 Stone Avenue Monroe, Louisiana 71201 (318) 345-5121

Industrial Manufacturing Construction Bolts 2201 Booth St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2012

Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management 2003 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-2999 http://www.ajg.com Ashton Smith Insurance Agency LLC 205 Old Bastrop Rd Monroe , LA 71203 (318) 537-0530 https://www.shelterinsurance.com/ CA/agent/ASHTONSMITH Associated Resources Management, Inc. 1101 North 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-1650 Blue Ark Insurance 2571 Tower Dr ste 10 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 327-3113 Business Benefits Consultants, LLC 2483 Tower Drive, Suite 5 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 680-6535 http://www.bbcbenefits.com

CHUBB | Combined Insurance 201 Century Village Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 955-9924

Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC 2201 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3904 http://www.communityfinancialinsurance.com Farm Bureau 2100 Forsythe Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1344

New York Life Insurance-Tom Deal 300 Washington St., Suite 300 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-2455 http://www.newyorklife.com Ouachita Parish Farm Bureau Insurance 2100 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1344 Peoples Health 3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 2200 Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 849-4500 http://www.peopleshealth.com

Farm Bureau - Tyler Starks 2100 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201

Reeves, Coon & Funderburg 2301 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-0030

Galligan Insurance 1605 Lamy Ln Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-2184

Reliable Life 2932 Renwick St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-9082

Goosehead Insurance - Tommie Boatner 201 Century Village Ste. 235 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 516-8690

State - Farm Peggy Sullivan 1810 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 807-2886

Goosehead Insurance-Neill Roshto 201 Century Village Blvd Ste. 200 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 680-1852 Insurance Solutions 1413 Frenchman's Bend Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 381-1584 Juana ''Jo'' Forbes Corporate Benefit Plans 1150 Hwy 2 Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 388-4870

State Farm - Josh Fuselier 2204 N. 7th Street, ste. A West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 436-2886 State Farm - Jeff Leaumont 4161 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-8471 State Farm - Ron Bush 8815 Hwy 165 North Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 388-4663 https://www.facebook.com/RonBushCares/ State Farm Greg Manley 3000 Armand Connector Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-0521

LA Insurance Services 2814 Trenton Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-1711 http://www.louins.com Lovie and Stoney Enterprises LLC Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 737-8768 McGriff Insurance Services 1900 N 18th Street ste 210 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-3063

Invested in insuring for the unexpected.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

80 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Medicare Healthcare WE CARE 506 Wood Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 680-0853 http://www.medicarehealthcarewecare.com

State Farm-Paulen Luttgeharm 2116 Forsythe Suite A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2450 http://www.statefarm.com The Capstone Group 1500 North 19th Street Suite 14 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 460-1634

A Funeral

IS A

Lifetime Day IN A

WE WILL HELP YOU HONOR THE ONES YOU LOVE

seated: Zachary “Zak” Marchelos Licensed Funeral Director, Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos President & Licensed Funeral Director standing: Jason McKee Licensed Funeral Director, Pam Lavender Grief Counselor, John Cunningham, Robert “Bob” Hearn, Steve Lanigan, Jerry Roark, Mike Roark Licensed Funeral Directors, Marvin Dearman General Manager Cemeteries

Kilpatrick Funeral Home’s commitment to serving families has been recognized nationally.

Licensed, caring, and knowledgable Funeral Directors.

Lovely, comfortable, serene surroundings.

Beautiful Chapels.

Fully hosted, spacious reception areas.

Full time grief counselor.

Affordability: We respect your budget.

Personalized services based on your desires: Visitations, Funerals, Cremation, Burial, Receptions, Monuments.

Perpetual care cemeteries: Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens featuring an Open-Air Chapel in West Monroe and Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens in Ruston.

Our Promise: Our team will work with you to design the perfect farewell. ~ Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos

Choose Wisely. Choose Kilpatrick.

kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com Monroe (318) 323-9611

KILPATRICK’S

KILPATRICK’S

MEMORIAL GARDENS

SERENITY GARDENS

West Monroe (318) 323-9614

Ruston (318) 255-2832

Farmerville (318) 368-3025 INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 81

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY The Washam Agency Inc 2225 Justice St, Ste D Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-4068 https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100088853763597

Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc. 2200 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-1472 http://www.tfins.com

Vantage Health Plan, Inc. 130 DeSiard Street, Suite 300 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-0900 http://www.vhpla.com WoodmenLife Insurance - Paul Turner Monroe, LA 71201 (360) 990-0503 https://www.woodmenlife.org/reps/ paulturner/

Interior Decorators/ Designers Functional Designs 3017 Deborah Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 614-3998

Janitorial Bailey's Cleaning Service 710 Matthew Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-0464 http://baileyscleaningservice. net/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

RB's Lawn Service 2310 Pinehurst Drive Monroe, Louisiana 71201 (318) 355-7744

Jani-King Of Monroe 300 Washington St. Suite 304 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 538-0090

Twin City Outdoor Equipment 1425 Glenwood Dr West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 325-0854

Kelsey Klean, LLC 504 Finks Hideaway Road, Ste. 1 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 665-4719 http://www.kelseyklean.com

Legislators

Pristine Commercial Cleaning, LLC 126 Garden Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 557-7262

LA State Representative 204 North 3rd St. Suite A West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 362-4130 LA State Senator P. O. Box 2122 Monroe, LA 71201 (800) 508-5572 Michael Echols State Representative 8823 Hwy 165 N. Ste. 1 Monroe, LA 71203

ServiceMaster Action Cleaning 2000 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201-6343 (318) 325-6400

Representative Adrian Fisher 4951 Central Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 556-7001

Spotless LLP By LaTasha and DeAndre 83 Colonial Dr. Apt A Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 791-9172

Sen. John Kennedy 516 Hart Senate Bldg.

Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4623 http://www.vitter.senate.gov

Jewelers

In House Interiors 2108 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 570-2163 http://www.inhouse-interiors.com

Randy Smith Jewelers 2108 Justice Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-6032 http://randysmithjewelers.com

Magnolia James Interiors 2903 Hwy 134 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 680-4915

Landfills

Strickland Interiors 249 Davis Lake Dr. Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 282-0911

Premier Land Services LLC 4 Malone Rd Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 680-7020

State Senator Glen Womack 119 Pine Street Suite B Harrisonburg, LA 71340 (318) 452-0481

Liquor/Wine Shops

Pursuit Dumpster Rental 7254 Eastlake Rd Sterlington, LA 71280

Tonore's Wine Cellar 801 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4100 http://www.tonorewine.com

Landscaping

Loan Services

Irrigation/Sprinkler Systems

Chandler Land & Site Service Inc 219 Austin Oaks Circle West Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-6008

Petey Griggs Irrigation 141 Dandy Lane West Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-2511

G.S.M. Construction Services P.L.L.C. 309 Azalea Dr Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 816-4141 Griffin's Lawn Care 418 Harn Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-7525

First South Farm Credit 1896 Hudson Circle, Ste. 7 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 574-0822 http://www.firstsouthland.com

Locksmith/Lock Shops A-1 Key & Lock, LLC 901 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 325-2259 http://www.a1keyandlock.net Jack's Lock Shop 601 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-4180

Lumber Russell-Moore Lumber Company 3116 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-3164

Malls/Shopping Centers

Pecanland Mall 4700 Millhaven Road, Suite 2000 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-4794 https://www.pecanlandmall.com/ en.html West Side Plaza LLC 239 Davis Lake Dr Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 503-4543

Manufacturing

Drax 1500 North 19th, Suite 501 Monroe, LA 71201 http://www.draxbiomass.com Euroboard Enterprises, Inc. 2909 Cameron Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-5780 http://www.boxboardsupply.com

Graphic Packaging-Monroe Operations 430 Hwy 594 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 582-4654 http://www.graphicpkg.com Louisiana Fluid Power Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-0850

Luv n' Care 3030 Aurora Avenue 2nd Floor Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 338-3100

Mid South Extrusion 2015 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 322-7239 https://www.msefilms.com

Invested in protecting your future.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

82 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Neighbors, LLC 131 Frost Commercial Drive West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 397-1124 http://www.neighborscookies.com Pulpmill Services, Inc. 357 Fontana Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 325-4351 Sol's Pipe & Steel Yard, Inc. 4951 Transport Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 387-2242

Marketing/Marketing Research Bayou Branded Marketing West Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 789-7475 Cerene Stone Marketing Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-6358 High Tide Rise 1209 Fairfield Dr Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 608-0958 Host Marketing P.O. Box 1493 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 953-1518 https://host.marketing/ SnapMe Creative Agency 311 Natchitoches St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 547-6193 https://snapmecreative.com Underscore LLC 543 Moss Rd Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 333-0491 http://www.underscoreusa.com

Medical Management Services Allegiance Health Management 2400 Forsythe Ave. ste. 3 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 503-8036 http://www.ahmgt.com

Medical-Equipment/ Prosthesis/Sales/ Waste Disposal Transportation

Midsouth Medical Inc. 3209 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-0411 http://www.midsouthmedinc.com

Snell's Orthotics & Prosthetic 211 Hall Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3126 http://www.snellsoandp.com Storm Medical 1007 Norris Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-4319

Men's Clothing Ron Alexander, Inc. 1615 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-4409

Mini Storage Facilities Dixie Self Storage 203 Blazier Estate Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 325-8789

Mortgage Loan Companies Assurance Financial Group 1215 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 812-0022 http://www.lendtheway.com Chase Home Finance 780 Kansas Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 432-6587 https://www.chase.com/personal/ mortgage Eagle Bank Mortgage 2020 Tower Drive, Ste. 102 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 460-7727 http://www.eaglebank.com Movement Mortgage, LLC 2485 Tower Drive, Ste 9 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 321-3025 http://www.movement.com/

Moving and Storage Bayou Portable Buildings 8798 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-8045 bayouportablebuildings.us/ America Moves 504 Old Sterlington Road Sterlington, LA 71280 (318) 608-5510 Will Stor, LLC 405 Pine Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-3201

Museums/Arts/Zoo

Emy-Lou Biedenharn Foundation/ Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2000 Riverside Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 807-3202 http://bmuseum.org NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum 1051 Chenault Park Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 342-8889 Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum 323 Walnut Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-9611 http://www.nelcm.org The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum 701 Kansas Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 362-5540 http://www.chennaultmuseum.org

Music Entertainment First And Last Group LLC 3615 Curry Street Monroe , LA 71203 (318) 235-5139 Matt's Music, Inc. 3235 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-3628 http://www.mattsmusic4u.com

Musical Instrument Retail Sales Matt's Music, Inc. 3235 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-3628 http://www.mattsmusic4u.com

Network Services, Copiers, Printers, Document Mgmt.

Newspapers/ Magazines/Trade Papers Andy Smith Monroe, LLC 2805 Evangeline St. Ste. B Monroe, LA 71201 (903) 470-0523 http://www.iconnectnewspaper.com The Ouachita Citizen 1400 North 7th St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 322-3161 http://www.ouachitacitizen.com

Non-Profit Organizations/ Associations Colfax C of C Grant Parish P. O. Box 32 Colfax, LA 71417 (318) 627-2211 http://www.grantcoc.com Colfax C of C Grant Parish P. O. Box 32 Colfax, LA 71417 (318) 627-2211 http://www.grantcoc.com Lincoln Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1383 Ruston, LA 71273-0150 (318) 255-2031 http://www.rustonlincoln.org Monroe Chamber of Commerce 1811 Auburn Avenue, Suite 01 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-3461 http://www.monroe.org Union Parish Chamber of Com. P. O. Box 67 Farmerville, LA 71241 (318) 368-3947 http://www.unionparish.org Vidalia C of C Concordia Parish 1401 Carter Street Vidalia, LA 71373 (318) 336-8223 http://www.vidaliala.com/chamber

Monroe Dispatch 830 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 325-2858

Paramount Healthcare Consultants 1905 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 812-2140 http://paramounthcla.com St. Joseph's Continuing Care Center 2301 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-3426 http://www.cantexcc.com

Office Space Rental Avery Suites, LLC 601 North 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-3201

Office Supplies/ Office Equipment & Furniture Mickey Mays Xerox 600 Monrovia Drive Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 255-9154 OfficeLinx 107 Melvyn Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-1951 http://www.shopofficelinx.com Peregrine Corporation 504 North 17th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4788 http://www.peregrinesolutions.com RJ Young Company 105 Pine Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 538-8614

Oil & Gas

Notary Public Needful Things, LLC 815 N 35th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 450-0430

Nursing Homes/ Assisted Living

Moebiz 2318 Armand Connector Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4600 http://www.moebiz.biz

Ouachita Healthcare Nursing & Rehabilitation 7950 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 737-1117

Gardens of Somerset 340 Lonewa Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 329-4000 https://www.gardensofsomerset.com/

Central Oil & Supply Corp.

2300 Booth Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2602 Ergon Exploration Co., Inc. 2461 Tower Dr. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1414 Evans Oil Co., Inc. 8450 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-1502 http://www.citgo.com

Lions Stop LLC 1490 Hwy 594 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 450-5867 Love's Travel Stops 335 Hwy 594 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 816-7101 http://www.loves.com Perry & Sons 2506 Ticheli Rd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7162 http://www.perryandsonsinc.com

Optical/Optometrist Louisiana Eye and Laser 1310 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 487-2020 http://www.louisianaeyeandlaser.com

Organizations/ Associations ACE Development of NELA 3109 Fort Miro Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 732-9704 Alzheimer's Association LA Chapter 831 Kings Highway Suite 120 Shreveport, LA 71104 (318) 209-7382 http://www.alz.org/la Arco - A Community Resource 901 North 4th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7817 http://www.arcomonroe.org Ascent 502 North 2nd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 654-4245 http://www.thewraparound.org Barak Shrine Temple 6620 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 345-2511 https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064691646489 CASA of Northeast Louisiana 622 Riverside Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-0945 Catholic Charities of North Louisiana 3208 Concordia Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-5198 http://www.ccnla.org Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center (CLAHEC) 1500 North 19th ST., Suite 17 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 443-2855

Invested in building your legacy.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 83

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana 117 Hall Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-8775 http://www.childrenscoalition.org Christopher Youth Center 205 Smith Avenue Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-5556 http://www.teen-help.net Current Phenomenon Inc. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-0601 http://www.currentphenomenon.org Dream Big LLC Monroe, LA 71201 (512) 558-7839 Elizabeth Sharp Ministries 4207 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 235-7709 Foodbank of Northeast LA 4600 Central Ave P. O. Box 5048 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-3567 http://www.fbnela.org Girl Scouts of Louisiana Pines To The Gulf Council 1900 N. 19th Street, Ste. 11 & 12 Monroe,, LA 71201 (318) 325-2691 http://www.gslpg.org Goodwill Industries of N. LA 801 N. 31st Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 343-4933 http://www.nelagoodwill.org

Northeast Louisiana Arts Council 2305 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 397-6754 http://www.nelaarts.org LA Cotton and Grain Association 1900 N. 18th Street Ste. 702 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-0727

NOVA 1900 North 18th Street, Ste. 201 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-1923 http://www.novanela.org

Life Choices 2007 Roselawn Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2200

Ouachita Green 700 Downing Pines Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 355-5622 http://www.ouachitagreen.org

Louisiana Purchase Council Boy Scouts of America 2405 Oliver Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4634 http://www.louisianapurchasecouncil. org Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe 1500 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-2582 http://MonroeLA.MacaroniKid.com May She Outreach 1011 N. 9th St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 538-4761 http://www.maysheoutreach.org Monroe West Monroe Business & Professional Women P. O. Box 15046 Monroe, LA 71207 (318) 348-1681 http://www.bpwmonroewestmonroe. org

Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana 2816 Deborah Drive

Mt. Pleasant CDC, Inc. 105 Bernice Dr. Monroe, LA 71201-7621 (318) 323-3632 http://www.mtpleasantcdc.org

St. Alban's Church Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-8003 http://hfhnl.org

NELA Economic Alliance 113 Don Lane Pineville, LA 71360 (318) 348-0826

Home Builders Association of Northeast Louisiana 3105 DeSoto St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-6795 http://www.hbanela.com

Never Alone Initiative 700 University Avenue, Stubbs Hall Stubbs Hall Room 202 Monroe, LA 71209 (886) 502-5663 https://www.neveraloneinitiative.org/

Ivy Elite 100 Old Bastrop Road Monroe , LA 71203 (225) 250-5212

North Delta Regional Planning & Development 3000 Kilpatrick Blvd Ste. 100 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-2572

Junior League of Monroe 2811 Cameron Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-3236 http://www.jrleaguemonroe.com

North LA Economic Partnership 1900 North 18th St., Ste. 501 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-0787 http://www.nlep.org

Ouachita Parish Port Commission 101 Valley Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 998-1271 Ouachita River Valley Asso.

PO Box 913 Camden, AR 71711 Progressive Community Economic Development Corporation 2700 Rosedale Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-3629 Renewal, Inc. 513 Sunnyside Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 387-2999 http://www.renewalinc.org Rolling Hills Ministries 5339 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-8500 http://www.rollinghillsministries.com Sparks Foundation Monroe, LA 71201 The Advertising Club of NELA 6508 Moss Wood Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-4111 http://www.adclubnela.com The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana 500 Evergreen Street West Monroe, Louisiana 71292 (318) 323-5368 https://www.bgcofnl.org/

The Center for Children & Families, Inc. 622 Riverside Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-0945 http://standforhope.org The Salvation Army 105 Hart Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-1755 http://www.salvationarmyalm.org/ monroe

Trials Global Inc. Monroe, LA 71201 (501) 339-3339 http://www.trialsbook.com ULM Foundation 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209-3200 (318) 342-3600

United Way of Northeast Louisiana 1201 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201-6005 (318) 325-3869 http://unitedwaynela.org Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1809 1499 Hwy 594 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 345-4185 https://www.facebook.com/VFWPost1809/ WELCHinc LLC 304 Pershing Ave Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 381-6330 Wellspring Alliance for Families 1515 Jackson St. Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 651-9314 http://www.wellspringalliance.org

Painting Contractors Brown's Painting, LLC 2107 Jasmine Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 805-4624 Bum's Paint N Body 326 Wood Ridge Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 366-1760

Aurora Behavior Analysis 208 McMillan Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 523-1141 www.auroraba.com Creating New Horizons 114 Oakdale Drive West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 680-9677 Jay Symone Designs 6801 Cypress Point Drive Monroe , LA 71203 (504) 432-1511 Ruth’s House Resource Center 2905 Cameron Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 953-0133 The Vine of Northeast Louisiana 2904 Evangeline St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 512-4174

Pest Control Services J & J Exterminating Co. 910 North 29th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 267-7310 http://www.jjext.com Orkin Pest Control 709 North 32nd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-9450 http://www.orkin.com Redd Pest Control of Monroe, LLC 1009 North 6th St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-6073

Pet Grooming

Lagniappe Painting, LLC Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 331-5554

Paper

Bancroft Bag, Inc. 425 Bancroft Blvd.

West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 387-2550 http://www.bancroftbag.com Bayou State Packaging 800 Pine Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-0430

Invested in planning your retirement.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

84 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Personal Services & Care

Curlys Top Dog 110 Kings Ln West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 977-2087 https://www.curlystopdog.com/ Fluffie Puppie Mobile Grooming 104 N. 4th St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 333-0052

Pets/Pet Supplies/Tropical Fish/Aquariums

Curlys Top Dog 110 Kings Ln West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 977-2087 https://www.curlystopdog.com/

Sit, Stay and Play 2410 Duval Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 512-4153 https://www.facebook.com/sitstayandplaymonroe/ SOS Pets of Ouachita P.O. Box 2991 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 436-4767 http://www.sospetsofouachita.org Wags To Whiskers 2004 Roselawn Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-2399

Pharmacies Parkway Pharmacy South 1666 Richwood Rd #1, Ste. 2 Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 734-0046 https://www.parkway-pharmacy.com/

Photography Clicks 'n Giggles P.O. Box 9492 Monroe , LA 71211 (318) 884-5273 Patty Stewart Photography 2025 Hicks Street West Monroe, LA 71291-7421 (318) 396-5312 http://www.pattystewartphoto.com Strickly Us Media 130 Art Alley Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 433-2924 https://www.stricklyusfilms.com/

FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CTRS 5000 Forsythe Bypass Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-7050 Gastroenterology Clinic, APMC 611 Grammont St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-3105 http://www.gastromds.com Health Care Solutions 1401 Hudson Lane, Ste. 205 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-9055 drbobcalhoun.com Louisiana MOHS Skin & Surgery Center 2408 Duval Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 516-2611 http://www.lamohs.com

Pipeline Services

Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, LLC 444 Mountain Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 680-9227 https://epcunderground.com/

Plants-Sales/ Maintenance Grown By The Best 87 Charmingdale Drive North Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 608-1081

Plastic Manufacturing

Berry Plastics 4611 Central Ave. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 855-1053 https://www.berryglobal.com/en/ Sawyer Industrial Plastics, Inc. 100 Enterprise Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 325-4376 http://www.sawyerplastics.com

Plumbing

Wonderboy Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 620-9258 http://www.wndrby.com

All Plumbing 24/7, Inc. 605 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 322-6970 http://www.allservice247.com

Physicians & Surgeons/Medical Clinics

Coburn's Supply 1300 Natchitoches Street West Monroe, LA 71291-3749 (318) 323-5454 http://www.coburns.com

David L. Barnes, M.D. 3400 Medical Park Dr., Ste.C Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 325-6078 Derma MediQ 1705 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 807-1060 http://www.dermamediq.com Essential Family Medicine 1902 Stubbs Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 367-2236

Kelly Plumbing, Inc. 809 North 8th St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-5116 http://www.kplumbing.com

Serving Northeast Louisiana and South Arkansas Personal and Business Banking Full-Service Mortage Department

MYCENTRIC.ORG 318.340.9656 NMLS ID# 506916. Federally insured by NCUA. INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 85

M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Printers/Advertising Specialties/Mailings Associated Business Printing, Inc. 1118 Natchitoches Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 325-2664 Cooley Printers, LLC 1100 Stubbs Ave., Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-7541 http://www.cooleyprinters.com Emprint Moran Printing 2830 Breard Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-1725 http://www.emprint.com Peregrine Corporation 504 North 17th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4788 http://www.peregrinesolutions.com Sir Speedy 1825 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2679 http://www.sirspeedy.com

Property Management Tower Place of Monroe 1500 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2492 http://www.towerplacemonroe.com Copeland Powerwashing Pros LLC 614 McCain Drive Monroe , LA 71203 (318) 450-8128 Egret Landing 6899 Egret Landing Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 388-2492 http://www.egretlandingmonroe.com

InterMountain Management 2390 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 325-5561 http://www.intermountainhotels.com J & R Ventures 516 Breard St Monroe, LA 71201 318235153 Muey Property Management 66 W. Elmwood Drive Unit A Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 914-2556

Premier Plaza 1900 North 18th St., Ste.400 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 361-0347

Caroline Scott - John Rea Realty 2406 Destrehan Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-1429

Ileta Rutherford - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-6091

Lily Mann, Realtor-Century 21 United 325 Northwood Drive West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 366-6377

Sunquest Properties, Inc. 2812 Armand Connector Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-3735 http://www.sunquestproperties.com

Charleston Industrial Park 810 Mansfield Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 376-9221

Isaac White Realty Inc. 317 Latham Lane Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 651-0609 http://www.isaacwhiterealty.com

Lisa Govan Realtor 5103 Reddix Lane Monroe, LA 71202 (870) 315-9742 http://lisagovan.viewmonroehomes. com

Public Relations & Communications Great Minds Communication 2700 Herbert Cole Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 791-2048 http://greatmindscommunication. com Image Associates 103 Oak Drive West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 914-0942

Publishers Davis Publishing 271 Sugar Creek Road Quitman, LA 71268 (318) 259-9677 http://www.helpingbooks.com

Radio StationPublicity & Advertising Z1075-Sportstalk977-Peach993 500 North Monroe Street Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 255-5000 http://www.z1075fm.com

Real Estate Aleta Eley - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 805-1695 Ashley Hubenthal - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 807-8282 Bayou Portable Buildings 8798 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-8045 bayouportablebuildings.us/ Brian Bendily @ John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-2077 http://www.exploremonroe.com Cara Sampognaro - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 381-0385

Chris Rux - THLT Realty 200 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-1567 Coldwell Banker 2120 Cypress St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 376-7545 DB Real Estate - Julie Hansen 1501 N 19th St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-7301 DB Real Estate, Inc. 1501 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-8351 http://www.dbrealestate@realtor.com Delta Landmark Realty, LLC 1900 North 18th Street, Ste. 803 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-5555 http://www.paddyblackard.com District Rentals 2211 Paugoud Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-3624 Duvall & Company LLC 1900 North 19th Street, Ste. 405 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-5642 http://soldbyduvall.com Elizabeth Freeman Realty - John Rea Realty 1901 Lamy Ln Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-1941 Fox Realty Group 1810 Glenmar Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 680-9851 http://www.foxrealtygroup.homes Hannah Williams Realty-John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (972) 998-0141 http://hannahwilliams.johnrearealty. com Howard Properties, LP 102 Yellowood Drive West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 680-9141

J Ranch Properties 2702 Winnfield Rd West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 599-1444 J. Graham Gault Real Estate Appraiser & Consultant 2210 Justice Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 324-8574 http://www.grahamgault.com

John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-0941 http://www.johnrearealty.com Judy Bennett - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-1528 Justin Bell, Realtor - Coldwell Banker Group One Realty 2009 Hicks St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 680-4135 Kathy Patrick Real Estate Group 1300 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-4665 https://www.facebook.com/KathyPatrickRealEstateGroup/

Liz McQueen - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-5343 Mark Phelps - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 237-5153 Mike A Graham Real Estate 1300 Hudson Ln Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-9092 Moore Investments of LA., LLC P. O. Box 4947 Monroe, LA 71211

NAI Faulk & Foster Real Estate 1811 Auburn Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-4666 http://www.naifaulkandfoster.com NELA Association of Realtors 1010 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-6800 http://www.nelarealtors.com

Keller Williams - Rachel Verucchi 1390 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 235-5602

NELA Economic Alliance 113 Don Lane Pineville, LA 71360 (318) 348-0826

Keller Williams Parishwide Partners 1390 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-7653

Oaklawn Realty Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-5343

Kelley Oakley - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 373-8277 Lauren Creekmore, Realtor 200 Breard St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 217-1111 Leslie Thomas - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 3-187-267-6371

Invested in insuring for the unexpected.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

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Liz Hammett Realtor Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-5044

Real Family Properties Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 547-8969 ReMax Premier Realty 1220 North 18th Street, Ste. 200 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 801-4344 Rhodes Realty 1900 Auburn Avenue Suite H Monroe, La 71201 (318) 663-5943

Richco Capital 1813 Townhouse Dr. Unit B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-0742

Vanguard Realty - Jackie Guillot 218 Vanguard Realty West Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-2925

Rispoli Properties 211 S 1st Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 388-3123

Real Estate Developer

Rona Stapleton - John Rea Realty 1901 Royal Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-0914 Royal Plaza 1819 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-3846 Strauss Interests 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 104 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2000 Taylor Family Properties Monroe, LA 71201 The Taylor'd Experience, LLC 49 West elmwood dr Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 537-6934 Tri State Properties, LLC 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 407 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 348-5813 http://www.MonroeCommercial.com

Benefield Properties LLC 1458 Hwy 139 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 381-0177 Echo Build LLC 1203 DeSiard St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-7370

Recreation Vehicles/ Equipment

3B Outdoor Equipment, Inc. 2528 Ferrand St. Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 855-3219 Clay's RV Center, Inc 207 Franklin Drive West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 329-9201 http://www.claysrv.com

J & M Properties 2551 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2420

Warhawk Harley-Davidson 6200 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 343-1650 https://www.warhawkhd.com/

Jax Development, Inc. 2613 Horseshoe Lake Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 355-9999

Recreation/ Amusement/ Entertainment

Sampco PO Box 69 Calhoun, LA 71225 (318) 366-3717

Catalyst Gymnastics 7595 Hwy 165 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 680-8905

Switzer Land & Realty 101 Bluff Drive West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 791-3836

Downtown Billards 524 DeSiard St Monroe, LA 71201

Woods Family Estates 1412 South 2nd Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 405-3278

Evil Visions Haunted House 2670 Garrett Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 355-1751

La Purchase Gardens and Zoo P. O. Box 155 Monroe, LA 71210-0155 (318) 329-2400 http://www.ci.monroe.la.us/departments/zoo Mojoy Studio 106 Summer Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 884-8334 http://www.mojoystudio.com North Delta Ramble 2812 Armand Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 376-0753 Paddle and Provisions, LLC 2814 Desoto St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 732-9533 http://www.h2gopaddle.com

Spartan Adventure Park 2257 Louisiville Ave Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 460-8160 https://www.spartanadventurepark. com/ Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-6681 http://www.strausstheatrecenter.com

Strauss Youth Academy of the Arts 1300 Lamy Ln Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-7922 Surge Entertainment Center 220 Mane Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 737-7841 http://www.surgefun.com West Monroe Sports & Events 875 Constitution Dr West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 381-6358

Recycling Lagniappe Grease Recycling 134 Keller St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 538-3074 https://www.lagreaserecycling.com/

Rehabilitation Clinics/Hospitals/ Sports Rehab

Building Futures Pediatric Therapy 1605 Stubbs Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-8414 Milestone Recovery, LLC 1805 Martin Luther King Jr Dr Monroe , LA 71202 (318) 737-2020 https://www.milestone-recovery.com/

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M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY

Premier Chiropractic & Sports Rehab 1112 Oliver Rd Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 623-8157 Rayville Recovery 307 Hayes Street Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 728-5488 Second Chances Addiction Recovery Center 161 Comeaux Rd Rayville, LA 71269 (318) 303-5500

Remodeling & Renovations Key Millwork & Supply Co, LLC 4200 Jackson St Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 387-9995 http://www.keymillwork.com River Ridge Renovations, LLC 1900 North 18th Street, ste. 601 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 600-3139 http://www.riverridgerenos.com

Rentals-Party/ Equipment Dansby's Taylor Rental Center L.L.C. 2102 Forsythe Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-0600 http://www.taylorrental.com Once Upon A Party Rental 901 Orleans Dr Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 381-2285 Ram Rent-All, Inc. 3117 Concordia Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1310 http://www.rampartyrentals.com

Restaurants/Clubs Azteca Grill 3610 Desiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 605-3673 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ category/Mexican-Restaurant/Azteca-Grill-102797598170939/ BBQ Pit 8825 Hwy 165 N Suite 4 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 598-8017 Beef & Barrel 1030 North 6th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-5067

Bojangles Monroe 2305 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 254-8470 https://locations.bojangles.com/la/ monroe/2401-louisville-ave.html Cahee Creole Shack 4331 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (346) 719-4884

El Paso Mexican Grill 3211 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 329-1044 http://www.elpasomex.com Fasta Pasta 1191 Lamy Lane #5 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-5383 Fieldhouse 1510 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 342-9662 Flying Heart Brewing 2 Pub - West Monroe 204 Commerce Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 367-0888 http://flyingheartbrewing.com

Captain D's 1800 North 18th Street Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 325-6391 Catahoula's 5321 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-5500 http://catahoulas318.com

Fontenot's Cajun Way/Monroe 436 Desiard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-4928

Catfish Cabin 1400 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7353 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ category/Seafood-Restaurant/Catfish-Cabin-108267169215212/ Chatauqua's Lane dba Southern Charm Lounge 1207 Desiard Street 1st Floor Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-4096 Chicken Salad Chick Monroe 1191 Lamy Lane Suite 7 monroe , LA 71201 (318) 322-4425 Coney Island Connection 2635 N 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 789-8729 https://www.facebook.com/coneyislandconnection/

Genusa's Italian Restaurant 815 Park Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-3083 https://m.facebook.com/genusas/ Jae Express Foods LLC 2500 Arkansas Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 791-3540 Jay Pappa's 2538 Riverlanding Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 582-5333

Miro's 201 Walnut Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-2760 NELA Dining, LLC dba Newk's Eatery 2320 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-8484 http://www.newks.com Parlor 5 428 Desiard street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 732-4399 POUR by Char 19 201 Century Village Blvd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 812-0224 https://www.facebook.com/pourbychar19/ Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers 2761 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (225) 383-7400 http://www.raisingcanes.com Rebel Dining dba Newk's Eatery 811 Splane Drive West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 512-0225 http://www.newks.com

Johnny's Pizza 809 Warren Dr. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-1346 Johnny's Pizza House, Inc. 100 Arkansas Road West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 323-0518 http://www.johnnys-pizza.com

Cormier's Inc. 1205 Forsythe Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-0414

Kravins Restaurant 705 Winnsboro Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 801-9911

Danken Trail Bar-B-Q, Inc. 7712 Desiard St. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-0773

Little Caesars 1800 Forsythe, Ste. B Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1212

Delta Biscuit Company 2252 Tower Drive, Ste. 101 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 692-3300 http://www.deltabuscuit.com

Lotus Club 130 DeSiard Street, Suite 901 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-8550

Doe's Eat Place of Monroe 300 Washington Street, Ste. 108 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 737-7169 https://doesmonroe.com/

McDonald's Restaurant 455 Industrial Pkwy West Monroe, LA 71291-9185 (318) 396-4846

Revival Pizza Co 8707 Hwy 165 N. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 245-5135 http://www.revivalpizzacompany.com Salad Station 1827 Avenue of America Monroe, Louisiana 71201 (318) 407-2535 http://thesaladstation.com SLB Venture dba Swamp Powder 2808 Hwy 865 Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 557-5661

Magic Grill II 1210 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 605-3246

Invested in protecting your future.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

88 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

Sonic Drive-In 1541 N 18th St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-7704 Sonic Drive-In 520 Lincoln Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-5738 Sonic Drive-In Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-6259 Taco Bandido 2127 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 547-2500 Taste of India 1809 Roselawn Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 651-8999 http://www.tasteofindiamonroe.com The Cookout 5120 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 855-8224 https://www.facebook.com/thecookout318/ The Fat Pelican 1810 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-9030 Thirsty Farmer 531 LA Hwy 144 Calhoun, LA 71225 (318) 599-0076 thirstyfarmerwines.com

Trapp's Restaurant 113 S. Riverfront St West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 267-4947 Turkey Legs on The Run 207 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 787-3305 https://www.facebook. com/Turkey-Legs-On-TheRun-103274911766922/ Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant 1 Olive Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 322-1340 http://www.warehousen01restaurant. com WaterFront Grill 5201 DeSiard Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-0064 http://www.waterfrontgrill.com

Wendy's 1013 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-8695 http://www.wendys.com

ONYX Advertising, LLC Serving Monroe Regional Airport Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 459-9586 http://www.onyxmediaworks.com

Wendy's - DeSiard St. 7818 DeSiard Street Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 342-9150 http://www.wendys.com

Your Chamber Connections

Wendy's - MLK Jr. Dr. 1700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 323-7485 http://www.wendys.com Wendy's - Sterlington Rd. 1004 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-6108 http://www.wendys.com Whiskey Row 207 Olive Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 372-2307

Retail Sporting Goods Blessed Sports Gear LLC 2936 Barrington Drive - A Monroe , LA 71201 (318) 376-8011 Tyner-Petrus Co. Inc. 3000 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-3788

Roofing Contractors Adam Hansen - Golden Roofing Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-7300

Brown's Roofing 2107 Jasmine St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 235-7299 Golden Roofing 4208 Sterlington Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 355-6300 Harness Roofing Inc 102 Enterprise St West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 376-3826

Lilly Roofing Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 366-5732 NELA Roofing 901 North 4th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 737-1999

Sales Allegiance Ag & Turf LLC 2787 NEW MONROE RD BASTROP, LA 71220 (318) 282-9247

Salons and Spas Arlette Aveda Concept Salon 1603 North 18th Street Monroe, LA 71201 https://www.facebook.com/arletteconcepts Faces Aesthetic Boutique 2106 Justice St. Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 Massage Envy Spa 4429 Pecanland Mall Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 651-9902 http://www.massageenvy.com Serenity's Cake Bar: A Beauty Bakerie 1705 Washington Street, Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 680-4448 Spa Nouvelle, LLC 1801 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-4949

Schools/Universities/ Colleges Grambling State University P.O. Drawer 607 Grambling, LA 71245 (318) 247-3811 http://www.gram.edu INK - Innovative Network of Knowledge 420 Wheelis St. West Monroe, LA 71929 (855) 742-5010 http://www.exploreink.org

Jesus the Good Shepherd School 900 Good Shepherd Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-8569 http://www.jesusgoodshepherd.org LA Delta Community College - SGA 7510 Millhaven Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-9000 http://www.ladelta.edu Louisiana Delta Community College 7500 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-9000 http://www.ladelta.edu McCann School of Business and Technology 2319 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2889 http://www.mccann.edu

Monroe City Schools 2006 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-0601 http://www.mcschools.net

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M E M B E RS H IP DI RECTORY Ouachita Parish School Board 1600 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 432-5000 http://www.opsb.net

Self Storage

B & S Memorials, Inc. 303 N. Franklin St. Bastrop, LA 71220 (318) 239-2404 www.bandsmemorials.com

Once Upon A Child 1110 Pecanland Road, Ste. 107 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 362-8040 http://www.onceuponachildmonroela. com

Sewing/Alterations/ Upholstery

Baskin Robbins 2400 North 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (850) 368-9477

Trucking Transportation Academy 601 N. 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (804) 868-5518

Black Hundo LLC 311 Nevada Drive Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 460-0949

Battery Pros, LLC 1710 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 816-5144

QuesTECH Spectrum 2123 Justice Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-4922 http://www.daystarspectrum.com

ULM College of Business & Social Sciences 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 342-1100 http://www.ulm.edu

Shoe Sales/Shoe & Boot Repair

Bayou Chocolate Inc. 223 Trenton St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 398-0036 https://www.facebook.com/BayouChocolate/

St. Frederick High School 3300 Westminster Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-9636 http://www.stfrederickhigh.org

Unitech Training Academy 111 Crosley St., Suite 4 West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 651-8001 http://www.unitechtrainingacademy. com

University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Ave. Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 342-1010 http://www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana-Monroe Athletic Department Malone Stadium Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 342-5360 http://www.ulm.edu/athletics

Hideaway Self Storage 4130 Old Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-8055 http://www.hideawayselfstorage.com

Fleet Feet Monroe 1866 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-3146 http://www.fleetfeetmonroe.com

Signs/Banners Agnew Sign & Awning, Inc. 351 Exchange St. West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 323-2202 http://www.agnew-signs.com Rapid Signs 120 West Railroad Avenue Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-2133 Signs Now 1512 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 398-8990 https://www.signsnow.com/monroela

Social Media Miss-Lou Champions Spotlight 419 Main St Natchez, MS 39120 (225) 247-1043

Solar Companies VCOM-Louisiana 4408 Bon Aire Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 342-7101 http://VCOM.edu

Security Systems/ Retail Security Sales Automated Alarm Co 210 Kansas Lane Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-2378 http://www.automatedalarm.com Storm Security 1007 Norris Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-0084

Solar Air & Supply 3100 Breard Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-7777

Specialty Shops

318 Labz 3009 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 379-3200 https://318labz.com/ American Mattress Outlet LLC 2200 N 7th St. Ste A West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 366-5565

Rhea Lana's 154 Pine Crest Rd West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 355-4805 Sign Gypsies Twin Cities 1819 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 547-6949 http://www.signgypsies.com

Eureka Wellness MD 1300 Finks Hideaway Monroe , LA 71201 (805) 689-8024 https://thesanctuarymd.com/

The Good Daze 401 Walnut Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 732-9248 http://www.thegooddaze.com

Hydrinity Skin Science 1818 Avenue of America Monroe, LA 71201 (800) 627-1082 http://www.hydrinity.com

Sporting Goods/ Sports Training/ Sports Teams

Knifeworks 7009 Hwy 165 Columbia, LA 71418 (318) 649-8401 Louisiana Pecan Shelling Co 1077 US 80 East Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-0077 https://louisianapecanshelling.com/

H. Mickel Sports 2106 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2375 Honeyhole Habitats 3200 Armand Connector Monroe, LA 71201 (256) 684-1645 ULM - Athletic Department 308 Warhawk Way Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 325-1961

LoveLit Candles Co., LLC 2231 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 214-3222 http://www.lovelitcandle.com

Steel-Fabricators & Shelving

Lucky 7 Tatoo Studio 2 Louisville Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 537-9149

Lexicon Inc. dba Steel Fabricators of Monroe, LLC 2101 Booth Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-9426 http://www.lexicon-inc.com

Mind Your P's and Q's: Pens and Quills 113 Trenton Street Ste. B West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 334-9232 Omerta Cigar 1104 North 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 654-7129

Nexus For Fin Success, LLC 2441 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4422 Wells Fargo Advisors 2407 Broadmoor Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-6575 http://www.wellsfargoadvisors.com

Surveying Mini Things 1302 Auburn Ave Monroe, LA 71202 (917) 753-5004 S.E. Huey Co. 1111 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201-5735 (318) 325-1791 http://www.sehuey.com

Swimming Pool Contractors Azure Pools & Spas 4330 Hwy 165 N Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-2525 http://www.azurepoolsofla.com

TelephoneServices & Equipment

AT&T 3115 Dee Street, Room 100 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 670-5001 http://www.att.com

Television-Cable

Stock Brokers/ Investment Counselors Conquest Investment Ventures, LLC 2306 Rosedale Dr Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 547-8619

Invested in building your legacy.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

90 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

New York Life - Wynn Lawrence 300 Washington Street, Ste. 300 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-2402

90.3 KEDM Public Radio 700 University Avenue Sandel Hall 319 Monroe, LA 71209-8214 (318) 342-5556 http://www.kedm.org

KNOE/KAQY/KNOE Television 1400 Oliver Road Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-8888 http://www.knoe.com

KTVE/KARD 200 Pavilion Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 323-1972 http://www.myarklamiss.com

Television/Radio Stations KJLO K-104 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 http://www.kjlo.com KJMG MAJIC 97 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 http://www.majic97.com KLIP LA105-FM 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 http://www.la105.com KMLB-AM 540 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 http://www.kmlb.com KRVV 100.1 The Beat 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 Stephens Media Group 1500 North 19th Street, Ste. 403 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-3922 http://www.monroeradio.com The Radio People 1109 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2323 http://www.radiopeople.com Z1075-Sportstalk977Peach993 500 North Monroe Street Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 255-5000 http://www.z1075fm.com

Monroe Auto Tag & Title, LLC 1612 Garrett Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 355-3899 NELA Title Company 2551 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-4304 North Delta Title Co 1100 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-1100 http://www.northdeltatitle.com Partners Title 200 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-3735 http://www.partnerstitlela.com

Tourist Attractions Bayou Bowl 100 Horseshoe Lake Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 325-2062 http://www.bayoubowl.com

Discover Monroe-West Monroe 601 Constitution Drive West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 387-5691 http://www.monroe-westmonroe.org

Transportation/ Trucking Companies/ Towing Services Amazing Transport, LLC 1801 Auburn Avenue, Ste. 2 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 460-0254 http://www.amazingtransportllc.com

Title Companies CMN Title and Acquisitions LLC 2003 Roselawn Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 805-4824 http://www.cmnlandservices. com

Consolidated Grain & Barge 1900 N. 19th Street Ste. 612 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 816-7000 https://www.cgbgrain.com/

Express OMV, LLC 2831 Louisville Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 (225) 416-0686 http://www.expressomv.com

Mayo Tours, Inc. 516 Martin Street West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 325-4581 http://www.mayotours.com

Ouachita Terminals, Inc. 101 Valley Road West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 998-1271 http://www.ouachitaterminals. com Will Eerog, LLC 2111 Burg Jones Lane Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 605-6005

Travel Agencies Annie Prewitt with Dream Vacations 76 Quail Ridge Dr Monroe, LA 71203 (501) 304-4076

Tree Service 5K Industries LLC 404 Prairie Rd Monroe, LA 71202 (225) 505-7339 Kirkland Kutters 1900 N. 19th Street, Ste 404 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 732-0273

Trophies & Plaques Unique Trophies & Awards, Inc. 1000 Cypress Street West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 322-2444 https://uniquetrophies.net/

Truck Dealers Dobbs Peterbilt - Monroe 7410 Frontage Road Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 855-2593 http://www.DobbsPeterbilt. com

Utilities

Atmos Energy-Louisiana 800 Delta Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (888) 286-6700 http://www.atmosenergy.com

Entergy Incorporated 2901 Cypress West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 329-5503 http://www.entergy.com

O'Nealgas, Inc. 703 North 5th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 768-2511 http://www.onealgas.com Town & Country Service Co. 4315 Sterlington Rd. Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 323-3183

Veterinarians Lefebvre Veterinary Medical Center 2412 Duval Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-9395 http://www.lvmcmonroe.net McClendon Veterinary Clinic 1806 Roselawn Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-1825

Warehouses/ Storage Facilities

Wagner Logistics 432 Hwy 594 Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 582-4652 http://www.wagnerlogistics. com

Waste Hauling & Disposal Junkyard Dogs Junk Removal LLC 298 Defreese Rd West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 538-1050 http://www.jydjunk.com

Wealth Management Vines Capital Management, LLC 1896 Hudson Circle, Ste. 3 Monroe, Louisiana 71201 (318) 450-4664 https://www.vinescapital.com/

Wholesalers Ed's Supply Company 1327 East Block Street El Dorado, AR 71201 (870) 863-0370 http://www.edssupply.com Southern Beverage Company 2400 Newcombe Street, Suite A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 355-9595

Window World of Monroe 2103 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 969-1243 http://www.windowworldmonroe.com

Women's Clothing/Lingerie The Tee Boutique Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 737-8768

Wholesalers/ Retailers BINS ON BINS 2348 Sterlington Rd Ste C Monroe, LA 71203-3044 (308) 746-2655

Carlstedt's LLC 1507 Siddon St Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-0080 Choice Brands Inc. 310 Powell Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-0432 Pulpmill Services, Inc. 357 Fontana Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 325-4351

Premier Dumpster Rental and Hauling Serving Northeast Louisiana, LA (318) 418-4556 http://www.premierdumpsterrentalandhauling.com Waste Connections Monroe Hauling and White Oaks Landfill 632 Meadowlark Drive Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 343-4628 http://www.wasteconnectionsofla.com

Robertson Produce, Inc. 101 Horseshoe Lake Rd Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 387-5647 http://www.RobertsonProduce. net

Windows, Cabinets, & Appliances Smith Blind & Awning 411 Hudson Lane Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-2640

Invested in planning your retirement.

2485 Tower Drive, Unit 8, Monroe, LA 71201 - 318.415.6830 - ryarbrough.com Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA I SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 91

2023 in Review February

LEADERSHIP OUACHITA KICK OFF

January

CONGRESSWOMAN LETLOW LUNCHEON

January

THE MONROE CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

March

DIVERSITY LUNCH #1

March

102ND ANNUAL BANQUET

May

T.H. SCOTT AWARDS

April

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION

April

DR. CADE BRUMLEY TO J.S. CLARK LUNCHEON

May

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

June

NELA DELEGATION LUNCHEON

92 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

June

RUTHIE’S RETIREMENT

November

December

HOLIDAY GALA AND AUCTION

NONPROFIT GRANT WRITING SYMPOSIUM

December COMMISSIONER MIKE STRAIN LUNCHEON

November LEADERSHIP GRADUATION RECEPTION

November

ACCENT ON EXCELLENCE EDUCATION RECEPTION

October

CYBER-SECURITY SUMMIT

October

October

PAST CHAIR'S RECEPTION

VISION ON THE FUTURE EDUCATION LUNCHEON

September

THE MONROE CHAMBER ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

August

TOP 20 UNDER 40

July

STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT LUNCHEON

August

SENATOR CASSIDY BREAKFAST

August

GOVERNOR EDWARDS LUNCHEON INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 93

IMPORTANT CONTACTS If you’re starting a business or expanding your operation, chances are you’ll need to tap into many local resources and services. To help make it easier, we’ve compiled this handy list of contacts to make your job just a little bit easier. Here are the contacts you need to know:

PERMITS

Building, electrical, gas, and plumbing permits

City of Monroe Monroe Planning and Urban Development City Hall Annex 3901 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71210 Phone: 318-329-2231 / Fax: 318-329-2845 City of West Monroe Building Permits City Hall 2305 N. 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 Phone: 318-396-2600 / Fax: 318-397-2382

(attn: Building and Development)

Town of Richwood City Hall 2710 Martin Luther King Drive Richwood, LA 71202 Contact: Luther Sanson / Phone: 318-387-7764 Town of Sterlington Town Hall 503 LA-2 Sterlington, LA 71280 Contact: Natalie Penrose / Phone: (318) 665-2157 Ouachita Parish Ouachita Parish Health Unit 1650 Desiard Street, Suite 202 Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-398-9780

LICENSING AND TAXATION

Note: Sales tax registration throughout Ouachita Parish is managed by the City of Monroe

Occupational License and Sales Tax Registration Monroe Taxation and Revenue Department City Hall Annex Building 316 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-329-2220 / Fax: 318-329-2362

City of West Monroe Business Licenses West Monroe City Hall 2305 N. 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 Phone: 318-397-6706

City of Monroe Monroe Certificate of Occupancy Monroe Planning and Urban Development City Hall Annex 3901 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71210 Phone: 318-329-2231

Town of Sterlington Occupational License Town Hall 503 LA-2 Sterlington, LA 71280 Contact: Lunar New 318-665-2157

Occupational License Monroe Taxation and Revenue Department City Hall Annex Building 316 Breard Street Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-329-2220 / Fax: 318-329-2362

Town of Richwood Occupational License and Certificate of Occupancy City Hall 2710 Martin Luther King Drive Richwood, LA 71202 Contact: Bettina Woods, Clerk Phone: 318-325-4328

94 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

UTILITIES Entergy Louisiana Service and Billing: 800-368-3749 Outages and Emergencies: 800-968-8243 Web: entergy-louisiana.com ATMOS Service and Billing: 888-286-6700 Web: atmosenergy.com Comcast Business New Service and Billing: 855-408-5419 Customer Support: (800) 391-3000 Web: business.comcast.com AT&T Small Business Support Sales and Service: 855-409-6081 Web: business.att.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT City of Monroe Economic Department Phone: 318-329-2310 City of West Monroe Economic Development Phone: 318-397-6706 Monroe Chamber of Commerce Phone: 318-323-3461 West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Phone: 318-326-1961 Louisiana Economic Development North Louisiana Representative Business Expansion and Retention Contact: Dean Baugh Phone: 318-547-0941 Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance (NELEA) Contact: Fred Eubanks, Project Coordinator Phone: 318-341-7402 Main Street Monroe Contact: Nirali Patel Phone: 318-329-2200 Main Street West Monroe Contact: Adrienne LaFrance-Wells Phone: 318-396-2600 Louisiana Workforce Commission 24 Accent Drive Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-362-3058

DRAX

INSIDE THE CHAMBER 2023 95

19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio Study, learn, and research under passionate professors in small classroom settings.

90 + Programs of Study Your dream job starts with your dream major.

17

D-I Collegiate Sports Since 2006, ULM has competed as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

100 +

Student Organizations Joining a student-led organization is a great way to get involved, foster personal and professional development, and meet new people from diverse backgrounds.

Take a Virtual Tour

Discover what makes ULM so special and unique.

2024-25 FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Making the university experience more affordable!

GPA 3.5-4.0 Scholarship

Academic

Housing Award**

TOPS***

Total Award (ULM & TOPS)

GPA 3.0-3.49 Scholarship

Housing Award**

TOPS***

Total Award

President’s Distiguished *

ACT 30-36

$6000

$7550

$6588

$20138

President’s Distiguished *

ACT 30-36

$6000

$3500

$6588

$16088

President’s Distiguished *

ACT 30-32

$6000

$5000

$6588

$17588

Academic Excellence

ACT 27-29

$4000

$3000

$6588

$13588

Academic Excellence

ACT 27-29

$4000

$3500

$6588

$14088

ACT 23-26

Academic Merit

$2000

$2000

$6188

$10188

Academic Merit

$2000

$2500

$6188

$10688

Ace’s Award

$1500

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$5788

$7288

$1500

--------

$5788

$7288

ACT 23-26 Ace’s Award

ACT 20-22

Academic

ACT 20-22

*Students with a 30-32 will be awarded a laptop, and students with scholarship program for Louisiana Residents. The TOPS amounts a 33-36 will be awarded a laptop and a study abroad stipend (up to listed are estimates based on prior academic year. Students that $4,500) sponsored by the President’s Top Hawks Fund. apply prior to January 31, 2024 are automatically considered for **Students must live on campus to be eligible for the housing award. academic scholarships. ***TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) is a state-funded Amounts posted are awarded annually.

96 INSIDE THE CHAMBER

T H E B E S T IS ON T H E B AY O U

(ULM & TOPS)

6th semester GPA will be used to determine scholarship eligibility.

Students can continue to take the ACT through April 2024 to further improve scholarship eligibility.

Housing awards will not roll over into a refund, it will only be used to cover residence hall and meal plan.

Money Matters