Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
•
2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA
71270
Chamber Connection CHAMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS August
Aug. 1 – Business Buffet, 11:30-1 p.m., Chamber/CVB board room Aug. 5 – Shades of Ireland travel presentation for Chamber hosted trip, 5:30 p.m., Chamber/ CVB board room Aug. 8 – Ribbon Cutting/ Open House for new location of Lincoln Parish Public Safety Complex, 2 p.m., 161 Road Camp Rd. Aug. 12 – Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., The HUB Aug. 23-24 – Ruston Gun, Knife, Coin & Boat Show September
Sept. 5 – Business Buffet, 11:30-1 p.m., Chamber/CVB board room Sept. 9 – Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., The OWL Center
A Publication of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
August 2014
Louisiana Peach Festival economic impact hits $2.5 million The economic impact of $2.5 million dollars to the Lincoln Parish economy is attributed to the 64th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival which was held June 27-29, 2014. As you know, there are many factors to the calculations. The dollars indicated represent not only money spent directly at the festival, but also local shopping, taxes collected from vendors, money spent to produce the event, hotel stays and more. Ruston hotel rooms were sold out both Friday and Saturday nights. The data is gathered from random surveys taken throughout the festival weekend, as well as from gate receipts and other sources. This year’s festival attendance was 18,500. While approximately half that number were in downtown Ruston enjoying the parade, carnival, concerts and amusements, and visiting downtown merchants, others attended Louisiana Peach Festival
activities such as the 25th anniversary of the rodeo, 5K and Fun Run, tennis and bass tournaments, kids’ fishing tournament, quilting contest displays, fine arts show, diaper derby and baby photo contest, a concert by Ruston’s own Russtown Band, cookery contest, and the 30 years running Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts show. The weather got a little tricky a few times, in turn giving us slightly cooler evening air. Railroad Park had people shoulder to shoulder, dancing and singing during the concerts. From the country/rock sounds of Louisiana Swamp Donky, the baritone rhythm of upand-coming Dylan Scott, the “Swamp-Funky Zydeco Good Time” with Chubby Carrier, to the sing-along to the best of the 80’s with The Molly Ringwalds, there was definitely a party going on! Children and grownups alike enjoyed a variety of activities downtown on Saturday. As you would expect, there was good
festival food like fried peach cobbler, funnel cakes, turkey legs, sno-cones and about anything else your tummy can think of, including of course, fresh peaches and peach ice cream There was rock wall climbing, paintball target shooting, bungie jumping, and a mechanical bull. Powerhouse Tumble and Cheer, LA Tech cheerleaders, Champ, a clown, and a magician entertained the crowd, and what fun to watch the peach eating contest! In the afternoon Zach O’Neal from Simsboro took the stage and sang to festival goers. “Thank you to every business and individual who sponsored any portion of the festival. Thank you to each volunteer, those who stayed three hours, and those who stayed all day. Thank you to the merchants who participated in the first Peach Stop game and to all who donated prizes for that. Ruston-Lincoln, we will continue to work hard to produce a festival you can always be proud of. Thank you for letting us serve you.” ~ The Chamber staff and board
October
Oct. 21 – Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., NLMC Oct. 23 – Lighten Up Lincoln Community Wellness Expo November
Nov. 13 – Business After Hours co-sponsored with WMWO Chamber, hosted by Landry Vineyards
Deliver to:
Come
with us.
www.bankruston.com
2
CHAMBER CONNECTION
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Chamber Update By Judy Copeland, President, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Your Chamber, here for you We have celebrated our love for peaches this last month with what I hear was the most fun ever experienced at the Louisiana Peach Festival. I’m glad the event was a success, because honestly, I was a little worried about the weather. We were definitely blessed with cooler concerts than I have ever experienced at the festival! We are also blessed to have such a great staff, a great Board of Directors and continually giving volunteers. I’m hearing good things from our member merchants about our first ever Peach Stops. We plan to bring it back next year and hope to have you as a participant. We finish one event and move on to the next. We will be hosting a Special Travel Presentation on August 5th at 5:30 pm, here at our office to promote a group tour to Ireland. This fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce is an opportunity for you to get a group of your friends to travel with you to Ireland on April 20th and returning on April 29, 2015. On August 23 & 24, the Ruston Gun, Knife, Coin, and Boat Show will be hosted at the Ruston Civic Center. Simply put, I did not release our deposit early enough to get back the full amount so our Board voted to stay at the Civic Center instead of moving to the Event Center. This is going to be a great event, with lots of things for everyone to see and do. We hope to add some activities outside, as well as have some boats to see. Come check it out!
Our Business Buffets are still not where I want them to be with attendance. If you’re not coming to these, you are missing out on some great stuff. We are doing this for you, just trying to give you a little more for your membership money. On the first Friday of each month, we host a Business Buffet brown bag seminar (we feed you knowledge, not food) conducted by one of your peers. This month we had Jill Williams of First National Bank speaking about social media, with a more in-depth look at Facebook. If you missed it, we plan to have more seminars on social media since our attendees have expressed they want to know more about online marketing. Speaking of marketing, have you logged in to your member portal and checked it out lately? There is a social media site very similar to Facebook that you can post to and only our members can see. There is also a news tab where you can post information about your business, your employees, or maybe you just want everyone to know you’ve just become a new parent or grand-parent. There are several other tabs available, but these are two of the newest ones. You should take advantage of these perks, they are part of your membership and they are a great way to market your business. Take care and may your day be blessed with customers.
Notes From The Chair Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce – By Aaron Paul, Chairman
Dog Days of Summer
Well another Peach Festival is in the books and as I am writing this the Chamber staff is working on the final official numbers for overall attendance to the festival. So we do not have official numbers yet on attendance but we do know that this has been one of the best attended Peach Festivals in years based on our individual events attendance. The music was phenomenal and the rides were exciting. My family had a blast the whole weekend. Thank
could not do it without you! A special thank you goes out to the Chamber staff who worked overtime to make the festival successful. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in OUR Chamber. Aaron Paul Chairman, Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Aaron Paul you to all the volunteers who helped this year and made the festival a big success. The Chamber
Co-Founder, Business Technology Group, LLC aaron.paul@btgsupport.net 318-251-8993 1609 Industrial Drive, Ruston, LA 71270
A Solid Board Erica Wheelis
Ruston Center Manager Centric Federal Credit Union (318) 340-9656 x4004 What is your area of specialty? Primary experience in banking and finance at Centric Federal Credit Union. How has membership in the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce been of value to you and your professional development? Through my membership with Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce I have made lasting relationships. As a member of Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce my professional growth has been exponential. Through my involvement, I have had the pleasure of working in the community and sharing the values Centric has to offer.
Aaron Paul
Managing Member Business Technology Group, LLC (BTG) (318) 251-8993 aaron.paul@btg-llc.com What is your area of specialty? Business IT Support What initially sparked your interest in working in your field? Briefly describe your career path. I loved working with computers I came to LaTech from Vidalia, LA. Graduated in Computer Information Systems Hired as Network Administrator for a local company Started my own computer consulting company with a partner (BTG) What has been a highlight of your work? Proud of being the trusted provider for IT services for so many of our local businesses, schools and organizations for over 10 years. How has membership in the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce been of value to you and your professional development? The chamber has allowed me to build relationships with great leaders in our community.
Executive Board Chairman Aaron Paul, Business Technology Group Chairman Elect Mike Jones, Argent Financial Vice Chair - Community Development Kathy Crowder, Crowder Concepts Vice Chair, Program Development Lee Denny, Bank of Ruston Vice Chair -Organizational Development Patrick Blanchard LA Methodist Children’s Home Vice Chair, Economic Development Doug Postel, LA Delta Community College Board of Directors Erica Wheelis Centric Federal Credit Union Ex-Officio Board Members Cathi Cox-Boniol Lincoln Parish School Board Kristi Lumpkin City of Ruston Heath Hattaway Law Office of Rick Gallot Courtney Hall Lincoln Parish Police Jury Rodney Manning The Ensure Agency Gregg Phillips Ruston Lincoln Convention & Richard Raue Visitor’s Bureau Hi-Tech Computers Ranaee Thomas-Walley Sharon Shrell Ruston/Lincoln Crime Stopper First National Bank Neal Carter Community Trust Bank
Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Staff
Judy Copeland, President Ivana Flowers, Communications & Special Events Melissa Carpenter, Office Manager
Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff
Travis Napper, Executive Director Amanda Quimby, Marketing Director
Deana Sherrill, Administrative Assistant Deadline for submitting newsletter information is the 15th of the month.
Business After Hours hosted by The HUB Join us Tuesday, Aug. 12 for Business After Hours hosted by The Hub, 5-7 p.m. at 750 Celebrity Dr. "We are so excited to be hosting Business After Hours for this month. There are so many wonderful businesses in our area, and we are looking forward to having everyone come out to the "HUB Tour"!" - Wayne Hunter Theme is “HUB Tour” with putting greens set up throughout the building. There will be plenty of food and entertainment for everyone. BASH Booth Photo Booth will be there. There’ll be a prize for the most creative photo taken! Door prizes include $100 gift card, $100 off mattress, beach bag & towel, and much more.
Thanks to Door Prize & Event Sponsors! America’s Mattress Bash Booth La Capitol Federal Credit Union Maggie Moos Merle Norman Ronny Walker Wingstop
3
Thank You Peach Sponsors! The Louisiana Peach Festival was brought to you by Squire Creek Country Club!
Arts & Crafts Show
Corporate Sponsors
Children's Expo
Beta Sigma Phi
Backus True Value
BlueLine Rental Century Marketing Solutions City of Ruston Community Trust Bank Louisiana Office of Tourism Morrison Companies (Celebrity Theatre) Ruston-Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau JPS Equipment Rental
Festival Parade Produced by Ruston Rotary, sponsored by PetStar Animal Care Antique Car Show BancorpSouth & Hot Rod Bar-B-Q Fabric Art Challenge Quilting Contest
Corporate/Media Sponsors KALB NBC 5, CBS 2 TV KTVE NBC 10, KARD Fox 14 Louisiana Life The News-Star Q-94.1 Radio Ruston Daily Leader Z107.5 Big Z Country, ESPN 97.7, The Peach 99.3
Information Tents Sponsors Bank of Ruston Jim Taylor Ford Lincoln Mercury
Entrance Gates Sponsors Albritton Service Company, LLC Coordinating & Development Corporation Counter Culture Courtesy Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Green Clinic Roseburg Forest Product-Louisiana Particle Board State Farm/Kim Dupree
Quilteroo’s Peach Cookery Contest Townsend House Gifts – Grand prize by LA Life Kid’s Zone & Downtown Food Courts, Blue Bell Tennis Tournament Brennan Dodge Chrysler Jeep & Ram Co-sponsored by Foster Farms and House of Raeford. Gift Sponsors: Celebrity Theatre, Chartreuse Pear, Dominos Pizza, Farmerville Motors, The Fashion of Ruston, Green Clinic Pediatrics, Karen’s Hallmark, Lusiana Tradition-Choudrant, McKinney Outdoor Superstore, National Jewelry, RAW Sushi, Rodeo Boutique, Ruston Tractor, Sonic of Calhoun & Farmerville, Sonic of Ruston (both locations), Super 1 Foods
Utility Vehicle Sponsor Malone Polaris Office Travel Trailer Sponsor Lincoln Builders Website Host Newcomer, Morris & Young Friends of the Festival Sponsors The Arbor & Terrace Assisted Living Business Technology Group Days Inn/Comfort Inn J&K Telecom, LLC La Capitol Federal Credit Union Louisiana Center for the Blind National Jewelry Company Walpole Tire Service, LLC Wendy’s
Held at Home Court, LA Tech University
Diaper Derby
Concerts
Peach Eating Contest
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Ivan Smith Furniture, LA Lottery, Suddenlink & Rocketfast Car Wash and other sponsors, Ponchatoulas, Log Cabin, Hampton Inn, First National Bank, and State Farm/Kim Dupree.
Michael Walsworth/LA State Senator and SciTec’s IDEA Place
Barnes Portraiture
Bass Tournament Farmerville Motors & Wood Marine Peach Stops
Rodeo Brennan Dodge Chrysler Jeep & Ram 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Northern Louisiana Medical Center, co-sponsored by FITRIGHT Active
Beehive Outlet Centric Federal Credit Union Chartreuse Pear Counter Culture The Depot The Fabric Shop The Fashion of Ruston Hampton Inn Hot Rod Bar-B-Q Lagniappe Auto Title Lewis Boutique Mitcham’s Peach Store North Central Louisiana Arts Council Penny Perfect The Pewter Company Ponchatoulas Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy Quilteroo’s RE/MAX Results Realty Rosemary’s Kitchen Russ Place-Enlivant Ruston Animal Clinic Ruston Florist & Boutique Ruston Lincoln CVB Ruston Wellness & Compounding Pharmacy Scott’s Catfish of Ruston Sears Hometown Store State Farm/Kim Dupree Townsend House Gifts Wingstop
Event Sponsors Peach Hunt CenterPoint Energy Peach Invitational Squire Creek Baby Photo Contest
•
Barnes Portraiture
Natural Resource Consultants
Lincoln Parish Park Kids' Fishing Tournament
We specialize in Environmental Due Diligence & Regulatory Compliance for the Energy, Public Transportation, Real Estate and Commercial Construction Sectors. Services include Wetland Delineation, Regulatory Compliance & Permitting, Customized Wetland Mitigation Solutions, Endangered Species Consultation and Mapping GIS & GPS Applications.
La Capitol Federal Credit Union, SciTec’s IDEA Place & Walmart Super Center Fine Arts Show, North Central Louisiana Arts Council
Justin Barnes Melodye Tanner Sr. Project Manager CEO, CFO
Tom Bourland RF, ACF, CWB Director of Operations
Biotech South LLC
Ruston, LA 71270 318-202-3709 www.biotechsouthllc.com
4
CHAMBER CONNECTION
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Chamber Business Spotlight
Ruston Gun, Knife, Coin & Boat Show August 23-24, Ruston Civic Center The Ruston Gun, Knife, Coin and Boat Show will feature vendors from up to four different states. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, knives, antique firearms, ammunition, optics, security systems, coins, boats, jewelry... more than likely you will be able to find a little of all of these types of items during the Gun, Knife, Coin and Boat Show. Do you want to sell or trade a firearm? Well this is the Gun and Knife Show you need to attend to make a deal. Our vendors are always looking for items that folks like you are willing to trade or sell. Bring your pistol, rifle, or shotgun to the show and see what deal you can make. The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. on Saturday, August 23. Then on Sunday, August 24 the doors will open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. The Ruston Gun, Knife, Coin and Boat Show will be held in the Ruston Civic Center, located at 401 North Trenton Street in Ruston, Louisiana. Admission is $7.00 per person The Lincoln Rotary Club will be serving a fundraiser lunch both days to further their programs that benefit Lincoln Parish kids. Not only is it a good cause, these guys are good cooks! If you are a vendor and are interested in setting up a booth at the show, please contact Judy at 255-2031 or jcopeland@rustonlincoln. org. If you would like to donate a door prize please contact Ivana, 232-7985 or iflowers@ rustonlincoln.org.
Tech Support By Matt Orr, Systems Analyst at Hi-Tech Computers in Ruston
Always watch your back No matter how much we might want to go back to the days of being able to simply use a pen and paper for business and everyday life, it’s just not going to happen. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), we ARE the technology age. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Business gets done at a record pace now compared to even just a decade ago. It’s easier now to do simple things like keep your checkbook balanced daily. Just log into to your banks website and make sure the checkbook matches what the bank says you have and you’re ready to get back to your favorite TV show in no time! With all of the technology obviously come risks, but most every good thing in life comes with risks. It doesn’t mean you have run away from it as fast as you can or be drug into it kicking and screaming either. Most of you have heard about the major retail stores that have had data breeches over the last year and even things like the Heartbleed breech back in April that was discovered on sites that were supposed to be secure sites. Unfortunately, this is the age that we live in. When rules are set up, there is ALWAYS someone out there determined to prove they can get past them. This goes all the way from people thinking the speed limit doesn’t apply to them, to people who download music and movies without paying, to people intentionally using software they didn’t pay for on their computer. Now, the question is: What can you do to protect yourself ? The first answer is: Don’t use your children’s name (or your pet’s name) for passwords! Always make sure you have a capital letter, a number and a special character (for example: !,? or *) in there too. Yes it will be harder to remember, but please know that it will be harder for someone else to figure out too. The next easy way to protect yourself: Change
your passwords every 60-90 days! This is the one that most people just don’t want to hear, but it can be the most important!! Yes it makes it little harder because you’ve gotten in a groove with your current password, but the more you stay ahead of the game the safer you are. Next up is: Don’t let your computer automatically remember your password! I know that it is SO much easier to click it and forget it, but if there was ever a time that your computer was hacked or someone got into it somehow, all they have to do is go to your websites and log right in. This doesn’t just apply to bank websites because they can also go to the retail sites that you buy things from and simply click ‘log in’ and they instantly have access to purchase with your credit card because the website thinks it is you. One thing I promise you is the more you type your password in, the more you will remember it. Another thing to remember is: Don’t leave all of your passwords on a sticky note on your computer screen! It’s OK to have your passwords written down, but PLEASE make sure they are stored in a very safe place (not under your keyboard either!) and not out for co-workers to see or have access to. Putting in the effort by taking these few simple steps could end up saving you a world of headaches! Please remember that whether it’s technology, school, work or relationships; ANYTHING in life
worth having always requires effort, and we usually get out of those things exactly what we put in. If you have any questions on how to protect yourself or if there is anything else we can help you with, please call 318-255-1110 Ext. 113 and I will be glad to help. We are Hi-Tech Computers and we are here for you.
Psalm 1:3
McCarter Financial Group, LLC
Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.
S. Greg McCarter, LUTCF 2028 E. Kentucky Ave. Ruston, LA 71270
Coburn’s Supply 602 Woodward Ave 255-6324 For over 35 years Coburn’s Supply Company of Ruston has served the Ruston community and surrounding area in the wholesale plumbing and HVAC industry providing quality name brand products and knowledgeable, qualified support for many of your building and remodeling needs. Coburn’s recently celebrated the opening of its new Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning warehouse and counter sales area. Coburn’s Ruston sales staff has more than 50 years experience in the wholesale supply industry and includes HVAC contractor certification as well as a bachelor of interior design degree. Throughout the
years Coburn’s has played a continual role in the growth of the building industries in Ruston and Lincoln Parish. Coburn’s mission is to be the best distributor of quality products, provide real solutions and never lose sight of the number one reason they are in business, and that is customer satisfaction!
Leadership Lincoln
318-255-1444 FAX 318.255.1480
gmccarter@suddenlinkmail.com mccarterfinancialgroup.com
www.theuncommonbank.com
.
1406 Farmerville Hwy Suite 3 Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-202-5861 Fax: 318-651-7689 M-F 8:30-4:30
LICENSE PLATES • RENEWALS • TITLE WORK All Access Advantage Checking
Earn
• Strategic Planning • Safety • Sales • Team Building • Customer Service • Leadership & Mgmt Development • Succession Development •
Printed by Ruston Newspapers, Inc.
Heritage Realty Group,
LLC
Velissa Rollins, Mary Beth Walsh, Robyn Brown, Kim Brasher, Briley Cotton, & Kenneth Sutton
1231 Farmerville Hwy 318.251.8282
*
DIVIDEND ON UP TO $5,000 EACH MONTH
www.traininglogic.net tevans@traininglogic.net • Exceeds all customers Expections Every time
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Chamber Connection, 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 712704420. All contents copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
Member FDIC
Public Tag Agent
Training that makes Sense! 318/254-7993
The Chamber Connection (023/623) is published monthly for $12 a year by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270. Application to mail at Periodicals postage rates paid at Ruston, LA and additional mailing offices.
5
Federally Insured by NCUA
2000 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston, LA 71270 www.genesisenergy.com
•
Make A Move. Make A Difference.
How is Heritage Realty Group, LLC Different? 1.Professionalphotographyforalllistings 2. Give back program that invests in our community with every sale 3. Online marketing 4. Team approach 5. Automatic email program that will ensure that you are the first to know aboutapropertywhenithitsthemarket.
Robyn Brown, Broker
heritagerealtyruston.com
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. La Cap Checking (Share draft) Accounts are variable rate accounts. La Cap may change the dividend rate for your account as determined by the credit union Board of Directors. Dividends are posted and compounded monthly. No minimum balance required to maintain the account. Applicable fees and conditions could reduce the earnings on your account. Qualification to earn dividends: - 25 or more posted non-ATM debit card transactions per month: - 4.25% APY on balances up to but not exceeding $5,000 - .15% APY on balances exceeding $5,000. If qualification stated is not met: - .15% APY on entire balance. Must meet criteria for opening a checking account. MXH0113-03
2 5 5 – 1111
Leadership Lincoln XXVII Ruthie Evans General Manager II Ruston/Bastrop/Jonesboro 1001 Cooktown Rd Ruston, LA 71270 F 318.251.2711 E ruthie.evans@suddenlink.com
This Leadership Lincoln class now has a greater knowledge about education, healthcare, city, parish and state government, industry, tourism, and much more about Lincoln Parish. Many are already leaders in their business community and can use these tools and the networks created to help become better leaders.
Register now for Leadership Lincoln XXVIII
Contact Heath Hattaway heath.hattaway@gmail.com or Judy Copeland jcopeland@ rustonlincoln.org for more information.
R U S T O N
L I N C O L N
CRIME
STOPPERS •
Rewards up to $2,000
6
CHAMBER CONNECTION
CHAMBER CONNECTION
A Pause at the Podium
Touring Lincoln Parish
By Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln Achieve Coordinator
Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau – By Travis Napper and Amanda Quimby
Tourism seeing a strong start in 2014
Connecting past and present I’ve been revisiting the 1980s regularly for several weeks. Yes, I’ve discovered daily reruns of “Magnum PI” on one of our cable channels. And I must admit that I have loved reliving the often hilarious antics of Thomas Sullivan Magnum, IV, with sidekicks T.C., Rick, and Higgins, on the gorgeous Hawaiian islands. I find an odd sense of comfort in watching the handsome private investigator as he wrestles with a painful past, tries to come to terms with his “little voice,” and makes mistake after mistake while trying to do the right thing. You can’t miss the strong connection between past and present as the different Magnum episodes unfold. But then, maybe that’s not a bad thing. The Hawaiian setting offers another past and present connection of which you may not be aware. One of the reasons for the series being set in Hawaii is that CBS did not want to close its Hawaii production offices when its former smash hit “Hawaii Five-O” ceased production in 1980. In fact, when “Magnum PI” began production that same year, there were occasional references to Steve McGarrett and “Hawaii Five-O” although the iconic Detective Lieutenant never appeared on the new show. However, the union had been forged and the connection between past and present was sealed. CBS was able to seamlessly continue its Hawaiian crime-fighting. In the Lincoln Parish School District, we find ourselves trying to seamlessly continue delivering the most effective education experience possible while connecting the past to the present. This becomes more and more of a juggling act as we work to incorporate continued changes and mandates from Baton Rouge. And unlike Magnum, we don’t have the luxury of making mistake after mistake while trying to do the right thing—so we work feverishly to try and stay ahead of the curve. So what’s ahead for the 2014-15 academic year? Let’s begin with the elementary grades. PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career) testing will begin for grades 3-8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Grades 3-4 testing will be done paper/pencil for 2014-15, while grades 5-8 will be done online. PARCC testing will be given in two parts: phase 1 will be done 75% of the way through the school year, and phase 2 will be given 90% of the way through the school year. For teachers, PARCC assessment guides and sample questions have been released by the LDOE. In addition, the number of teacher leaders at each school has increased to two per school rather than one. Teacher leaders will be trained in June and July in Eureka Math, the state recommended Tier 1 math curriculum, as well as the in-state-developed ELA units based on recommended text sets. Teacher leaders will redeliver training to schools and will serve as curriculum leaders for ongoing professional development throughout the year. Furthermore, elementary students will be required to read, comprehend, and respond to complex texts through narrative, informational, and opinion writing and to cite evidence from the texts to support their thinking and reasoning. These students will also be required to practice and master rigorous mathematical concepts, answer complex math questions correctly, and explain their thinking on how they got their answer. For high school, Jump Start will roll out. Jump Start is the state’s new program for school districts, colleges, and businesses
will take the PARCC test in grades 3 - 8 for to collaborate in providing career courses ELA and math. However, PARCC will not be and workplace experiences to high school adopted for high schools at this time. And students, allowing them to continue their brace yourself, the state has education after high school, put 42 days of standardized and certifying them for the testing in the school career fields most likely to calendar for 2014-15. lead to high-wage jobs. Jump No doubt, there will Start will be an elective be more changes on the path for students pursuing horizon. However, I am a university-preparatory confident that in Lincoln diploma, while it will be a Parish we will continue to required path for students stand firm on the foundation pursuing a Career Diploma. from our past as we strive While in high school, to embrace change and participating Jump Start prepare for the future. In students will be provided his final newsletter of more time in the school day the academic year, our and school year to achieve state superintendent industry certificates or indicates that our schools college credentials in addition and communities have to their high school diplomas. Cathi Cox-Boniol doubtlessly changed lives. These credentials will qualify And that’s what it’s all graduates to continue their about—changing the lives studies after high school or to of our students so that they can benefit from launch a career upon graduating. Jump Start a brighter future. He goes on to share that credentials will be state-approved and valued graduation, literacy, and college entrance rates by Louisiana employers. have increased, we have set national highs And then there are the accountability in Advanced Placement achievement, and changes, probably the most difficult area for more students than ever have achieved TOPS folks to wrap their heads around. Just like (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) this past year, 2014-15 school and district Scholarships. letter grades will be aligned to the 2012-2013 So in choosing new curricula, calling for distribution or better to ensure simplicity, higher order thinking from our students, consistency, and fairness. For example if 20% opening the doors to improve teaching of the schools had an A in 2012-13, the top 20% of the scores will be an A for 2013-14. However, and learning, taking on more challenging assessments, insisting on quality early in 2015-16 we transition to higher standards. childhood education, demanding dignity for Promotional standards for 4th and 8th career education, providing a path to success graders will allow a waiver for students who do not meet the past promotional requirements for all students, and empowering teachers as leaders, we become agents for change. And of minimum of Basic/Approaching Basic in through that change, we invest in a brighter ELA and mathematics. These waivers are to future for us all. be determined by each district. Any student As a community, that’s a connection we considered for the waiver must attend summer must not miss. Furthermore, it’s something remediation and participate in the retest. th we must be willing to revisit again and again. The state will maintain the current 4 grade So listen to your own “little voice” and let policy but allow districts to issue waivers for it show you were you can plug in to support students demonstrating readiness to progress. th the Lincoln Parish District as it continues The state will shift the 8 grade retention standard to be a remedial standard and require working to seamlessly provide “A Quality Education for a Quality Life.” You too can be that remediation take place on the high school an agent for change as we forge our future on campus in a “transitional 9th grade” year. the foundation of our past. As for standardized assessments, students
Find Where You Fit! Dicky Nealy Broker
2406 Kavanaugh Road Ruston, LA 71270 dicky.lri@gmail.com
Office: (318) 255-7480 Mobile: (318) 243-6253 Fax: (318) 254-8077
Hunt, Guillot & Associates •
Lincoln ACHIEVE . . . building partnerships to benefit education, enhance the business environment, and contribute to a quality life in Lincoln Parish.
FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP
Ruston, Louisiana
Schools of Academic Excellence Initiatives Student and Teacher of the Year Adopt-A-School
7
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Leadership And Achievement Initiatives Student Internships Job Shadowing
Contact Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinator ccox@lincolnschools.org, 318-255-1430
The Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce visitation numbers in Lincoln Parish are up for 2014. “One way we measure success is by revenue figures,” says Travis Napper, CVB President/CEO. “We are up over 21 percent from 2013.” While many different factors go into the increase, it ultimately
Member Anniversaries 15 Years
Folk & Company, LLC State Farm Insurance/Gregg Phillips
10+ Years
America First First Guaranty Bank Frame Up, The Jan’s Optical Vector Disease Control, Inc. The Arbor & Terrace of Ruston
5+ Years
Chili’s Grill and Bar Domino’s Pizza/CAm Pizza, LLC Edwards, Wade & Perry, CPA’s Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce iBERIABANK - MONROE Jones, Pam C. Junior Auxiliary of Ruston KRLQ-FM Radio, LLC La Bella Salon Life Choices of North Central Louisiana LifePoint Church of Ruston Louisiana Workforce Commission Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy and Family Vital Care Ruston Eye & Laser Institute Smith Chiropractic, LLC Southern Classic Chicken The Visual Difference 5 Dynamics
in print advertising and put even more of focus on points to the amount of economic activity online advertising than in years past.” throughout Lincoln Parish. Business and leisure “With online advertising, we can monitor groups are making a noticeable recovery in travel our web analytics and see those ads are driving spending. traffic to our website. I think that helps to explain The hotel and motel community agrees. Owner why we have received a considerable amount of of Sleep Inn & Suites of Ruston, Keith Brasuell information requests for the first part of says, “Thankfully, the first half of 2014 the year. And what’s great about those has been strong. I attribute the overall numbers is that they reflect that people are strength of our local economy in interested in visiting Ruston and Lincoln Ruston to the great things happening at Parish. That’s a positive sign for tourism in Louisiana Tech University. LA Tech is our parish for the remainder of the year as our biggest economic driver. GSU has well.” a strong economic impact on the local The CVB won’t stop their efforts to hotels as well. The Oil and Natural Gas attract visitors to Ruston and Lincoln Industry is helping too. There is a lot Parish. “Fall is coming up and there going on around Ruston and Lincoln will be plenty of events for everyone to Parish with respect to oil and natural enjoy. Football season for LA Tech and gas right now.” Amanda Quimby Grambling is always a huge draw. And the Hampton Inn of Ruston has seen Dixie Center for the Arts and the NELA significant growth over last year. This Exhibition Center always have a full calendar,” says can mostly be contributed to a large growth in Napper. industry along with the success of our universities The CVB also targets visitors through social in the area, adds Brandon Sutherland of Hampton media. “We have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Inn of Ruston. profiles to follow. We continuously remind the Leisure tourism is also off to a positive start community and potential visitors about upcoming in Lincoln Parish as well. The CVB has received events and the great places to eat and shop in our 475 request for visitor information since January. area,” says Napper. The CVB also has a blog where Compared to last year, this is a 60 percent increase. they spotlight area attractions and restaurants. “We can relate the increase in leisure tourism You can follow the CVB on Facebook, Twitter, to our marketing and advertising efforts,” says Instagram, Pinterest and Blogger at Experience Amanda Quimby, CVB Marketing Director. “This Ruston or visit experienceruston.com. year we have reduced the amount of dollars spent
Business After Hours Business After Hours hosted by Rosemary’s Kitchen A delightful evening with delicious treats, good stories and lot’s of laughs. Rosemary’s Kitchen 400 South Bonner St. www.simplefreshgood. blogspot.com 202-5951
Other
4-D Contractors, LLC Allegiance Health Center of Ruston Audibel The Hearing Center Blue Ocean Marketing, Inc., A Zija Experience Comcast Spotlight Coordinating & Development Corporation Divine Health Primary Care Clinic Finley, Dr. James S. - Orthopaedic Surgery HML Enterprises, LLC LG Dance Studio LUCJ - The File Depot McGivens, LLC MyWants for Business Petite Paws Pet Hotel Robert E. Shadoin, LLC Ruston Orthopaedics Major E. Blair, M.D. The Hub at Celebrity Center The Travel Company Williams Kherkher
emerson centre
“Helping put the pieces back together...”
(318) 251-91003
•
• 3 Meeting Rooms • Free Breakfast Bar • Fre WiFi Internet Holiday Inn Express & Suites® Ruston 1825 Roberta Ave Ruston, LA 71270 318-513-9777 holidayInnexpress.com/
•
8
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Welcome New Members • Business IT Support
Cary T. Brown - Individual
• Ruston Owned & Operated • Technical Support Plans • Ruston Fiber Internet • APP/SQL/Web Development
318.251.8993
Cheeks AirWorx 710 Stella St., Ste. A, West Monroe 323-9424 www.theairworx.com HVAC & Electrical Contractors
Grambling State University 274-2560 www.gram.edu
• visit us online
• Cloud Services • IT Consulting & Outsourcing
www.btgsupport.net
Heartland
PAY M E N T S Y S T E M S ®
TheHighestStandards|TheMostTrustedTransactions
Angela Chisholm Linda Jordan Relationship Manager Linda.jordan@e-hps.com
Diversity One Staffing 732 Celebrity Dr., Ste. 101, Ruston 232-1822 www.diversityonestaffing.com Employment Agency
Chartreuse Pear 210 West Park Ave., Ruston 255-7327 www.chartreusepear.com Retail-Specialty Shop
318-614-6871
Angela.Barkley@e-hps.com PHONE 318.366.1326 SERVICE 24/7 866.976.7109
260 New House Drive, Calhoun, LA 71225 HeartlandPaymentSystems.com • E3secure.com Card Processing • Gift Marketing • Check Management • Payroll Services
•
Ribbon Cutting
•
RUSTON
(OFF 1-20 BEHIND RAISING CANE’S)
(318) 254-5117 | OPEN 11AM MIDNIGHT | 7 DAYS A WEEK
Ribbon Cutting – Azure Pools & Spas 810 Willow Glen Blvd., Ruston 513-1313 www.azurepoolsofLA.com
Adopt-A-School needs partners for school year Please consider being a partner in the Adopt-ASchool program. Adopt-A-School is a collaboration between the Chamber and Lincoln Parish ACHIEVE. It brings together schools and businesses/organizations that benefit one another. Businesses may offer financial support, volunteers, and learning experiences, while classes may make artwork to display in office/store, perform mini-concerts, write letters of appreciation and give you smiles galore! “ The undeniably vibrant program offers our Chamber partners the opportunity to invest in the future of our community by sharing their expertise as well as a diverse array of resources with our school partners, a process that bolsters the educational process around a solid community vision of success,” ~ Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinator Ruston Glass began partnering with Ruston High School when this program began and has continued its support over the years. “As an alumnus of Ruston High School, I have always felt it was important to stay invested in the school,” said Joey Gulledge of Ruston Glass. “The faculty does a wonderful job with the students of this community and they deserve to be supported in as many ways as possible. The great thing about the Adopt-A-School Program is that I get
a list of needs directly from the teachers so we can have an immediate impact in the classroom. It takes a community to educate our children, and the Adopt-ASchool is one of the best ways to do that.” The members of BancorpSouth, one of the original 40 community partners, will tell you that I.A. Lewis School is as much a blessing to the bank as the bank is to the school. As in most of the partnerships, it isn’t simply the basic monetary needs being met, it’s connecting. From walking together for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, field trips to the bank, to having the band play at the Christmas Open House at the downtown location on Trenton Street, there has been a relationship built. BancorpSouth also co-hosts an annual art display and contest for the 6th graders. And a life skill that will be instilled in the children for a lifetime is what they are taught during American Bankers Association National Teach Children to Save campaign. “The Adopt-A-School program allows our next generation of leaders the opportunity to see firsthand that a community that works together and plays together can succeed together,” said Kenny Galyean, Vice Chair-Organizational Development, BancorpSouth. “It truly is a win win.” Please contact Ivana for more information, 232-7985 or iflowers@rustonlincoln.org.
•
Store your stuff at
Serving Ruston over 30 years! Conveniently located near Tech Campus 821 W. California • (318) 255-8750
www.ensureagency.com
HPY
LISTED
NYSE