І community East St. Tammany Membership is Strong
WRITTEN BY DAWN SHARPE-BRACKETT, EAST ST. TAMMANY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT
ON BEHALF OF the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff, we would like to thank our members for their continued support in the business community of St. Tammany Parish and our region. 2009 was a record-breaking year for our chamber: named Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber of the Year; awarded Louisiana Culture Award for Economic Development; provided value services to membership with over 90 events; membership at an all time high of 851 members; provided a voice of business on local, state and federal levels; and we are continuing to build coalitions for a strong business community. Because of the dedication of our community during economic hard times to the chamber, this year our board of directors
is excited to offer our existing and new members for 2010 their chamber investments without an increase in dues over 2009. Our Program of Work is full of exciting opportunities. Either through our Public Policy Committee, the Ambassador Program, the Education Committee or Communications, we have a position for you to get involved, promote your business and make St. Tammany Parish a better place to live, work and play. We look forward to seeing you at our next event: Hollywood Nights in the East, a red carpet “Membership Awards and Appreciation” event on Friday, January 8, at the Northshore Harbor Center. Check our website at www.estchamber.com for more information or call Kay at 985-643-5678 to reserve your spot today.
…this year our board of directors is excited to offer our existing and new members for 2010 their chamber investments without an increase in dues over 2009.
Covington Made Great Strides in 2009
WRITTEN BY CANDACE WATKINS, MAYOR OF COVINGTON
The Council Chambers at 222 E. Kirkland has been completely restored and enlarged with the addition of a much needed conference room. Renovation of the old City Hall is currently underway to house our growing Police Department. We have literally used closets as office space in the existing facility. The department’s commitment to traffic control has resulted in a 42% decrease in accidents. The department served over 500 children in this year’s Toys for Tots program. The Fire Department recruited and trained six new fire fighters, a much needed expansion that will greatly aid our veteran fire fighters. The department responded to over 1,200 calls this year. The Covington Recreation Complex had its first official baseball season and is now the site of ongoing regional tournaments. This investment is paying off big time in the form of positive play for all ages. Our city parks have seen many improvements as well. Department officials are making plans to add new programs in addition to athletics. As the city grows and prospers we look for more and better ways to serve our constituents. It is a privilege to serve the people of Covington and we look forward to another year of strong service and satisfied customers. Again, it is my pleasure to work with such an outstanding group of dedicated employees.
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Sophisticated Woman | January 2010
AS WE ROUND the corner of another year as stewards of the city of Covington, my staff can look back and be proud of the many accomplishments they have achieved on behalf of our residents and business owners. Allow me to brag. The city’s new sewer treatment plant is completed and operating. We will soon bid out a project to clean the equalization basin which handles overflow during rain events. Hats off to our crew who has worked tirelessly during one of the rainiest autumns on record. Our Public Works Department has done more work this year with fewer crew members than ever before. Our Trailhead has been host to a new concert series, and has added a new dimension to downtown. The city’s museum exhibit is nearly complete and should be installed in the first quarter of 2010. Downtown Development is working closely with the newly energized Covington Area Retailers to maximize activity in downtown. City Hall is officially permanently located in the Greater Covington Center at 317 N. Jefferson. Renovations of the first floor were completed in order to relocate the administration earlier this year. We are gypsies no more. The Bogue Falaya Hall was also spruced up and hosted many civic and social events throughout the year. The administration has completed the water meter retrofit and billing is now down to a science.
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