Chamber Connection

Deliver to:

Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce • 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270 • (318) 255-2031 • www.rustonlincoln.org

A Publication of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of CommerceCALENDAR April 2019

April 3Ribbon CuttingShopper’s Value

9 a.m.

April 8Ribbon Cutting

Coastal Urgent Care11:30 a.m.

April 9Workshopsee below

April 10Workshopsee below

April 11Leadership Lincoln

Tourism Day

April 11Ribbon Cutting

Cornerstone Surveying2 p.m.

April 23Business After Hours

Centric FCU5-6:30 p.m.

April 24Ambassadors Meeting

12 p.m.

April 30Adopt-A-School End of

Year Celebration11:45 a.m.

Marketing to Government Agencies: Responding

Successfully to Requests for Proposals

Wednesday, April 10

9-11 a.m.

at the Chamber

Free! RSVP at www.nwlaptac.org/events

or call 255-2031.

Customer Service Tuesday, April 9

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

at Lincoln Parish

Library

Free! Register online at lsbdc.org/ulm

I would like to take this time to thank Melissa Carpenter for her time working with us. Melissa’s last day was March 29th. She and her family are mov-ing to Dallas to meet up with her husband, who is already living over there and working at a new job. They won’t be leaving until school lets out, but Melissa chose to leave the Chamber early so we could get new staff in and trained before the festival. We are grateful for her consideration and we wish her all the best.

With Melissa’s departure comes obvious changes, but you won’t see

a new bookkeeper on staff. I have hired a Membership Coordinator, Ashley Smith, so she can focus more on our members and on re-

cruiting new members. If you have questions about billing, you can still call the office and you will be put through to Jamie Dendy, who is handling our bookkeeping services.

In my previous col-umns, I have been sharing excerpts from our Board of Directors minutes in celebration of our 100th

anniversary. I am now up to March 27, 1922. The excerpt is as follows: The Secretary reported that the Milk campaign Committees were

active during the week and took up the principle part of the work. Mr. Price, Chairman of the Agri-culture Committee reported that his Committee had met and took up with Messrs, C.H. Staples, and E.W. Neasham regarding the mat-ter of the letters from the State Board of Health to dairymen and that the Committee had arranged to handle the matter in line with their suggestions and also to visit the dairymen, but the roads were in such condition that it was im-possible for the Committee to go out up to the present time. Mr. Price stated that Mr. Staples and Mr. Neasham wanted to put on a dairy campaign in the Parish in May, which he thought an excel-

lent idea and suggested that Mr. H.G. Van Pelt, a noted speaker on dairying, to speak here on the ques-tion of dairying. After consider-able discussion, on motion of Mr. Keeney, duly seconded and carried, the Board decided to invite Mr. Van Pelt to speak here. Mr. Price stated that the cost would be about $75 to get Mr. Van Pelt here and the Board authorized the payment of such an amount as needed for this purpose. End of excerpt.

I don’t know about you, but as I read these minutes, I realize our Chamber of Commerce has come a long way. We are forever blessed with the groundwork our predeces-sors have taken to create such a wonderful place to live.

Letter from the PresidentBy Judy Copeland, President

Old Friends and New Faces

Judy Copeland

Workshops

Celebrating Milestones2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the Ruston-Lincoln

Chamber of Commerce and the 125th anniversary of Ruston Brick. We couldn’t think of a better way to cel-ebrate than to have a networking party together! Thanks to about 200 people who joined us and to the Ruston Brick team for hosting the event. Photos are on Facebook.com/RustonChamber.

Congratulations to the grand prize winners!Destiny B. from North Village Apartments won a $500

gift card, Jeri Lynn Webb with the LP Police Jury won a fire pit table, Kristi Greer from BancorpSouth won an outdoor fireplace, and Brian Estes won a pallet of river stones! Watch for more celebratory events this year with other Chamber members.

In March, the Chamber held its first quarter Lincoln United event, focusing on non-profits and their roles in the community. Kristi Gustavson, Executive Director, The Community Foundation of NLA presented Community Counts; a report of pertinent information about our area regarding education, healthcare, unemployment, and poverty. Other non-profits followed up by discussing ways that they are addressing some of these topics. Presentations included United Way of NELA - ALICE, Wiggin’ Out, Community Christmas, and The Exchange NLA. Photo album is on Facebook.com/RustonChamber.

In early 2016, the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce developed the idea of Lincoln Parish United:

Where We Stand as a Community. The purpose of Lincoln Parish United is to create opportunities for local leadership to communicate with one another and with the Lincoln Parish citizens. With the busy lives that most lead, it’s easy to find that we’ve lost connection with what’s going on around us. These events are intended to be somewhat of a one-stop-shop where one can get updated on current and future plans for our community. Several times per year the Chamber organizes a specific LPU Town Hall Meeting which includes question/answer time.

Lincoln United is a program of the Chamber and is sponsored by tiered level members. To see a list of sponsors please visit rustonlincoln.org.

Lincoln United Non-Profits: Benefiting the Community

Chair, Earl SmithWells Fargo Advisors

Chair Elect & Community DevelopmentMarisol O’Neal, Origin Bank

Events Planning & DevelopmentJessica Hughes, Southern Grace Events & Blessings

Membership DevelopmentEric McCulloch, Edward Jones

Organizational DevelopmentChad Ginn, HiTech Computers

Immediate Past ChairLee Denny, Century Next Bank

Cathan Brooks, Henderson Financial ServicesJohn Deason, Fairfield Inn & Suites

Summer Hammons, My Happy Place Vintage MarketKristi Hardaway, Princeton Place

Adam Hohlt, Hampton by Hilton of RustonRyan Madden, Napper & MaddenApril McGuirt, First National Bank

Tyler G. Storms, Storms & Storms Law OfficeGrace Tirado, Individual

Michelle Tolar, United Way of NELARon Veitch, Anti Pest & Veitch

Sheila Bordelon, RL Crime Stoppers Andy Durrett, Ruston Lincoln CVB

Dr. Les Guice, LA Tech Univ.Courtney Hall, LP Police Jury

TBD, LP Sheriff’s Office Kristi Lumpkin, Ruston Economic Devt.Marc Newman, Grambling State Univ.

Doug Postel, LA Delta Community College Lindsay Tomlinson, Origin Bank

Ronny Walker, Ruston Mayor

Rachel Cooper, Ruston Leader – Program Co-Mgr.Erika McFarland, GSU – Program Co-Mgr.

Michael Bricker, Lincoln Parish LibraryCallie Bujol, Century Next BankTiandra Gipson, Styled by Grace

Rick Greene, Pelican Trade Network/MoxeyDanielle Horton, Country Inn & SuitesMichelle Landry, Melanie Massey PTDayna Poppen, Holiday Inn ExpressStacy Scheer, The Arbor and Terrace

Victoria Sexton, Centric FCURebecca Smart, 2High Trampoline Park

Mariah Smith, GSU StudentKionna Stewart, Kio’s Photography

Anthony Tchakounte (Nana), Ruston Cleaning ServicesCeleste Traylor, LocalsKnow (The Merlin Co.)

Ron Veitch, Anti Pest & Veitch

Chamber StaffJudy Copeland, President

Ivana Flowers, Communications & Special EventsAshley Smith, Membership CoordinatorVictoria Sexton, S.A.I.L. Program ManagerErika McFarland, Intern Liaison Officer

Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of CommerceEstablished 1919

2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270(318) 255-2031

www.RustonLincoln.org

@RustonChamber

Executive Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Ex-Officio Directors

Ambassadors

Suddenly, spring has sprung, and we are in April. Pollen is everywhere; forcing us all to make weekly trips to Rocketfast carwash. The peculiar pestering of pollen aside, springtime means growth and new life. At the chamber we are de-lighted to see that this is not limited to our botanical friends.

Our community is growing too. The much anticipated Ruston Marketplace on Woodward Avenue is now open, and those freshly washed cars are filling the parking lot. South of town the new sports complex is coming along nicely, and we are all looking forward to the sound of base-balls hitting aluminum and leather, while parents cheer on their children. Certainly these are the most visible, recent projects but there are many others. It seems every other day we see a new lot being developed along 167 or highway 80, and friends continually comment on new buildings that are destined to house new businesses. Growth is good.

This growth impacts us at the Chamber as well. This month we have welcomed on a new staff mem-

ber, Ashley Smith. Ashley will be our Membership Coordinator. We are thrilled to have her on board as we focus on growing our membership, and helping

our current members thrive. Her efforts will pay dividends for us immediately, and we are excited to see the success she is already having in her efforts to recruit new members.

In addition to growth in staff, we have also seen growth in our Ambassadors. As I wrote last month our Ambassadors program is an essential way for us to stay connected to our members and their con-cerns. In the last month 5 individuals have answered the call to get involved to help make the chamber better: Celeste Traylor and Whitney Houston of LocalsKnow,

Rebecca Smart of 2High Trampoline Park, Michelle Landry from Melanie Massey PT, and Michael Bricker of the Lincoln Parish Library. I am sure they will all be great additions to our Ambassadors team.

Spring has sprung, and growth is here. Growth is good.

Letter From The ChairBy Earl Smith, Chamber Chair

Spring and Growth

Earl Smith

Dicky NealyBroker

2406 Kavanaugh RoadRuston, LA 71270dicky.lri@gmail.com

Office: (318) 255-7480Mobile: (318) 243-6253

Fax: (318) 254-8077

2 5 5 – 1 1 1 1R U S T O N L I N C O L N

C R I M ES T O P P E R S

Rewards up to $2,000

2000 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston, LA 71270 www.genesisenergy.com

genesisenergy

Getting to Know Our Board MemberAdam Hohlt

Sales Manager, Hampton Inn by Hilton of RustonOffice (318) 251-3090/Cell (318) 245-8875 | adam.hohlt@hilton.com

What is my personal philosophy?Laughter can cure almost anything.

What does true leadership mean to me?Always doing the right thing even when you think no one is watching.

What would I most like to tell myself at age 13?Stop being a class clown and pay attention.

How do I define success?I define my success by how successful the people are around me.

Something that might surprise you about me?I won a poetry writing contest when I was 14 years old.

Why did I choose Ruston-Lincoln?Being a Rustonite, Ruston fortunately chose me, not the other way around. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How does the Chamber benefit me?I try not to think of this question as “how does it help me” but “how does it help our parish as a whole” question.

Meet Our AmbassadorRick Greene

Pelican Trade Network/Moxey | (318) 545-2450 | www.pelicantrade.net

What is my work role?I am the Director, salesman, marketer, broker, social media director and CSR for Pelican Trade Network.

What is my personal philosophy?My personal philosophy is Learn as if you’ll live forever, Live as though you’ll die tomorrow.

What does true leadership mean to me? Leadership means helping every other person around you get better.

What would I do (for a career) if I weren’t doing this?Coach baseball

If I could do another job for just one day, what would it be?Pilot

What would I most like to tell myself at age 13?Enjoy every single second of this precious gift called life.

How do I define success?I define success on how the people around me are successful.

But if I had to answer, I would say I have always felt that the Chamber was very beneficial by the networking capabilities that it offers. I personally have met and developed more relationships through the Chamber than with any other entity I can remember and I’m sure many others can say the same.

Something that might surprise you about me? It took me 13 years to graduate college. I took 10 years off to pursue a career in baseball. But I did finally get my degree.

How does the chamber benefit me?The Chamber allows me to be surrounded by like-minded people. Because if I’m not getting better, I am getting worse.

2 CHAMBER CONNECTION APRIL 2019

NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com401 E. Vaughn Avenue, Ruston, LA

Store your stuff at

Conveniently located near Tech CampusServing Ruston over 30 years!

821 W. California • (318) 255-8750

Hunt, Guillot & AssociatesRuston, Louisiana

stfran.com

Downtown Campus

309 Jackson Street Monroe, LA

(318) 966-4000

Community Health Center 2600 Tower Drive

Monroe, LA (318) 966-6200

Medical Office Building

1200 Celebrity DriveRuston, LA

(318) 232-1580

I used to love it when groups came to visit my classroom at Choudrant High School. And they came often. The pride I felt in my students and what they were accomplishing prompted me to operate within an “open door” philosophy. Anyone interested in what was happening in science was welcome at any time and we encouraged them to not only observe while there, but sit down and interact with the students. After all, they were the greatest ambassadors for what we were doing and their success was the only success I was interested in. However, I was nonetheless thrilled when visitors raved to me about what they had experienced and how impressed they were with what they saw. They would call us a “model of best practice.” Yet I was never that surprised because my students were spectacular and achieved the most incredible things through our

collaborative efforts. I truly loved being on their team.

There’s nothing like being on a winning team, something I reflected on recently when our community hosted a group from Arkadelphia. Aware of the spectacular growth and innovation that has taken place in Lincoln Parish, the team arranged to come spend some time in our community. And not only did they observe, they sat down with a diverse array of stakeholders over two days

to see just what the secret of our success might be.

I had the pleasure of participating in the visit to discuss our thriving Adopt-A-School program as well as several of the initiatives that were developed and implemented during my tenure in leadership on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. As I walked them through the different

areas they were interested in, it came as no surprise to me that the secret to our success is you—the people of this community. Our Arkadelphia friends were overwhelmed with the level of partnership activities that not only take place throughout Lincoln Parish, but are having such a tremendous impact on everyone from students to business owners. The growth mindset of our citizenry that reflects the leadership efforts at every level throughout the community both stunned and inspired the group.

Furthermore, our efforts to function as a truly united community with all voices welcomed and valued appeared revolutionary. Across the board the same message was shared regardless of station or service among the stakeholders involved. Therefore they recognized that together we were committed to a quality of life that reflected nothing less than excellence and were willing to work together to make it happen. They left raving about the experience, expressing how

impressed they were with what they saw. Talk about a model of best practice.

I love the fact that our community can operate with an “open door” policy that allows not only visitors but citizens to come in and really get down to the nitty gritty of things. As an employee with our public school system, I am proud that we are a part of such a process and practice the same thing within our schools and departments. We welcome folks to come and see what’s taking place within our walls. It is incredibly rewarding to be an ambassador for our students and teachers as well as the greater things we are plugged into throughout our community. I see a spectacular trajectory ahead and anticipate truly incredible things. Yet I know that we are poised for such because of the true collaborative spirit that permeates everything we do. It’s a model of best practice I am proud to showcase not only for visitors but for our young people. And it’s a team I truly love being a part of.

A Pause at the PodiumBy Cathi Cox-Boniol, Coordinator, Lincoln ACHIEVE

A Model of Best Practice

Cathi Cox-Boniol

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 offi ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Chamber Connection, 2111 North

Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270-4420. All contents copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the

publisher.

Printed and produced 2018 by Ruston Newspapers, Inc.

318-255-2222

New Members

Ascent Health, Inc.(318) 654-4245

342 Desiard St., Monroewww.ascentlife.org

Cornerstone Surveying(318) 497-1226

Owner: Joshua StewartRibbon Cutting 4/11/19,

2 p.m.

Gina L. Jones, Attorney at Law(318) 251-3200

307 N. Trenton St., Ste. 102, Ruston

Louisiana Public Health Institute -Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living

(318) 537-50231650 Desiard St., Monroe

www.tobaccofreeliving.org

Ruston Crawfish Shack(337) 580-5222

1300 Farmerville Hwy. Owners: Michael and

Nick ZaunbrecherFind them on Facebook

Ruston Pet Resort(318) 224-2255

5605 Highway 167Owner: Dr. Marion SewellFind them on Facebook

Shopper’s Value #9307 (formerly County Market)(318) 255-2651

101 West Arizona Ave., RustonOwners: Charles Creel & Wayne Creel

General Mgr.: Randy Parkswww.shoppersvaluefoodsla.com

Ribbon Cutting 4/3/19, 9 a.m.

3 CHAMBER CONNECTION APRIL 2019

www.ensureagency.com

McCarter Financial Group, LLC

S. Greg McCarter, LUTCF

Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.Psalm 1:3

2028 E. Kentucky Ave.Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-1444FAX 318.255.1480

gmccarter@suddenlinkmail.commccarterfinancialgroup.com of Ruston

be rememberedCROWDERCONCEPTS

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY

www.crowderconcepts.com318.255.4545

Find Where You Fit!

FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP

Schools of Academic Excellence Initiatives

Student and Teacher of the Year

Adopt-A-School

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESLeadership And Achievement Initiatives

Student Internships

Job Shadowing

Contact Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinatorccox@lincolnschools.org, 318-255-1430

Lincoln ACHIEVE . . . building partnerships to benefit education, enhance the business environment, and contribute to

a quality life in Lincoln Parish.

Happy Anniversary

20+ YearsMary Kay Cosmetics - Ruby Garner

10+ YearsBon Chasse Properties, Inc.Ruston’s Locker Room, Inc.

U.S. Congressman, Ralph Abraham

5+ YearsFine Line Supply Co.

Louisiana Tech University TheatreScott’s Catfish of Ruston

State Farm Insurance - Kim DupreeTextbook Corner

Whataburger

1+ YearsAROS

Board of Aldermen - Ward 1, Carolyn CageBoard of Aldermen - Ward 2, Angela Mayfield

Board of Aldermen - Ward 3, Jedd LewisBoard of Aldermen - Ward 4, Jim Pearce

Board of Aldermen - Ward 5, Bruce SiegmundCrumbs Catering

Gumbeaux ProductionsHanger Clinic

Holiday Inn Express/Sunrise HospitalityImpressions Advertising Specialties, LLC

Rotolo’s Craft and CrustRuston Farmers Market/North LA Farm Fresh

Shear Heaven Salon and SpaSoaring Spirits Zipline

Southern Hospitality Notary Services, LLC

Center for Counseling & Psychological ResourcesOffers counseling for individuals, couples, children and

adolescentsOwner: Jill Waltemate

206 E. Reynolds Dr., Ste. F2 (Chautauqua Suites, Ruston)ccprla.org

(318) 224-7223

Hanger ClinicProsthetics & Orthotics

411 E. Vaughn Ave., Ste. 101 (NLMC Medical Plaza)Clinicians: Ronn Bell, Micah Saterfield, and Rachel Coleman.

hangerclinic.com.(318) 232-3020

Ribbon Cuttings

Lincoln Nova Vital RecoveryA LA detox center for alcohol & drug addiction (inpatient &

outpatient services)Owners: Kit Gamble, Randy Davis, MD, and Chris Salter/COO

4396 Hwy. 80, Rustonlincolnnova.com(318) 251-4659

Dusse’ BoutiqueLadies’ fashion

Owner: Daphne Tolliver-Dorsey108 N. Vienna St., Ruston

shopdusse.com.(318) 278-1285

Hobby LobbyArts & crafts, decor, framing, fabric & more

1208 Woodward Ave., RustonManager: Trevor Rowell

hobbylobby.com(318) 254-1091

LaPaz, LLCOutpatient facility for clients experiencing psychiatric

symptoms1404 S. Vienna St., Ruston

Owner/Director: Lakysha SampsonFacebook.com/lapazllc

(318) 224-9200

Please join us for Business After Hours at Centric Federal Credit Union!

Tuesday, April 23, 20195-6:30 p.m.

1514 Eagle Dr., RustonDoor prizes will include two $50 gift cards!

Attention Adopt-A-School PartnersPlease plan to join us for our End of Year Celebration & Awards

Luncheon sponsored by Newk’s on April 30 at the Ruston Civic Center from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Please RSVP to iflowers@rustonlincoln.org or call 255-2031.

Thanks to Courtyard by Marriott for hosting the February Business After Hours.

1309 Maxwell Blvd., Ruston | (318) 254-0067

Business After Hours(Photo album on Facebook.com/RustonChamber.)

Business After Hours is a well-attended, “end-of-the-workday” networking event designed to help participants make

new business contacts, develop potential new customers, and build exposure for their businesses. The event is

complimentary for members.

Ruston Farmers Market has been serving Ruston and the surrounding areas since 2008. It is a program of the non-profit North Louisiana Farm Fresh, whose mission is to connect North Louisiana agriculture producers to consumers and to promote local sustainable food networks through direct marketing opportunities and educational outreach.

Ruston Farmers Market will be kicking off April 13th with fresh produce, live music, kids’ activities and free Railway Coffee with new hours from 9am to 1pm. Not only are their hours changing but they will be open year-round for the 2020 season! With all the exciting changes taking place they are still consistent with their purpose to continue promoting local agriculture to our region as well as other homemade commodities. Also, with gratitude to a grant from the Lincoln Health Foundation, the Ruston Farmer’s Market will be accepting SNAP (EBT) for qualifying food purchases and is able to double SNAP tokens

Member Spotlight

up to $20. This means $20 dollars of fresh produce for $10 dollars of benefits.

Since its humble beginnings 13 years ago, Ruston Farmers Market has grown quite the following. Their average Saturday attendance is over 600 visitors and last year alone their vendors took in $234,000 dollars. That is money that stays local and is put right back into the community.

If you have never experienced Ruston Farmers Market, please plan to come and join us on April 13th, listen to the music, and shop the local veggies and fruits as well as other homemade goods. Enjoy

a cup of coffee while knowing that you are supporting many different local growers and craftsmen and that your money will stay in our community and continue to grow and prosper our economy.

North Louisiana Farm Fresh is the Non-profit 501c3 umbrella for the Ruston Farmers Market which is a community of like-minded people who believe in the importance of

maintaining and growing local agriculture in Ruston and the North Louisiana region. Online donations are accepted on the Ruston Farmers Market support page (Rustonfarmersmarket.org). Comments and Questions are always welcome: email them at info@rustonfarmersmarket.org or call the Ruston Farmers Market at (318) 957-1305. Let’s make 2020 season of Ruston Farmers Market the best yet.

4 CHAMBER CONNECTION APRIL 2019