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LEADERS
І community
Covington is Open for Business
WRITTEN BY CANDACE WATKINS, MAYOR OF COVINGTON
SO MUCH OF OUR TIME is taken up lately with talk about the economy and the negative factors surrounding it. Well, I’m here to say that my glass is still half full and I’m bullish on Covington. Pam Keller, our Downtown Development Director, is planning a gathering under the auspices of the Southern Growth Policies Board for input from prominent members of the business community, elected officials and community organizations. We will discuss how the Covington economy has been affected by national and regional trends and what we can do to prepare for opportunities. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation, and we intend to get lucky. The city is also applying to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development to become a certified Louisiana
Development Ready Community. Our participation in this program would yield an economic development component to the city’s comprehensive plan and act as the basis for strategic planning. Economic development is the foundation of historic preservation. It is a symbiotic relationship that balances the two. With the right perspective and careful preparation, Covington will maintain its place as a center of commerce and professional services on the Northshore. As always, Covington is open for business. For information on the Covington Downtown Development low interest loan program for businesses, as well as other incentives, visit www.cityofcovingtonla.com or call Pam Keller at 985-898-1873.
Chamber Provides Vital Support to Local Businesses
WRITTEN BY MICHELE AVERY, WEST ST. TAMMANY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
SO FAR IT HAS been a busy Chamber year with our leadership focused on providing vital services to our members. Since late 2008 the Chamber has witnessed the national recession take its toll. In response, we have placed a strong focus on the support services we offer to our small business members. Through our partnership with SCORE and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southeastern Louisiana University, we offer comprehensive business education programs and provide business counseling for our members. Our education programs include seminars human resources, financial management, legal aspects of running a business and marketing techniques. We also offer members an array of networking and promotional opportunities including B2B, which is a
business to business promotional experience, Speed Dating for Business, which is a quick pace and intense promotional opportunity; our annual business EXPO, monthly Business After Hours, which provides a casual networking experience; and monthly luncheons. We provide members exposure for their business through our online and printed Membership Guide & Directory, distributed parish-wide, the member happenings page of our website, our ongoing referral program and the “Think Chamber First” campaign. In addition, the Chamber serves our members by advocating the interests of business on the local, state and federal levels. With almost half of 2010 behind us, the Chamber board looks forward to continuing to provide services that support our business community.
Slidell Chosen for Program on Economic Development
EAST ST. TAMMANY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO
Slidell residents enjoy a high quality of life with a very low crime rate, recreational opportunities and an award-winning public school system. There are numerous healthcare facilities and unemployment is low. The population is growing and local government is engaged in numerous efforts to improve infrastructure. In addition, the business community and local government understand the importance of establishing private-public partnerships to ensure the success of economic development. To learn more information about the program and private-public partnerships, join the East St. Tammany Chamber for our Second Wednesday Lunch on May 12 for a special presentation. For reservations call Kay at 985-643-5678.
Sophisticated Woman | May 2010
WRITTEN BY DAWN SHARPE-BRACKETT,
THE CITY OF SLIDELL is honored to be selected to participate in the Louisiana Economic Development “Louisiana Development Ready Communities Pilot Program.” The citizens and city officials are excited because Slidell is focused on planned growth for the future. Volunteers have dedicated countless hours during the process, including project chairs, Brenda Case and Jack Francioni. Slidell has numerous strengths, primarily market access and quality of life. Located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, between Interstates-10, 12 and 59, access is easy. Slidell has rail service from New Orleans to New York City, and water access via Lake Pontchartrain. The airport has adequate facilities that have the potential for expansion.
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