MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT Volume 17, Issue 13 2585854

Monroe Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Report

March 27, 2017

TOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER CALENDAR

Monday, March 27 at 12 noon-The Monroe

Chamber, the West Monroe Chamber and OBA

will host the annual LABI Luncheon. The event

will be held at the Monroe Civic Center. Cost to

attend is $25. Call 323-3461 to RSVP.

Tuesday, March 28 at 12 noon-The Monroe

Chamber will host the State of Higher

Education at the ULM Conference Center. Cost

to attend is $25. Please call 323-3461 to RSVP.

Tuesday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m.-The Monroe

City Council will meet at the Council

Chambers at Monroe City Hall.

Thursday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m.-The

Monroe Chamber will host a ribbon cutting for

Pelican State Credit Union located at 2880

Louisville Avenue in Monroe.

Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00

p.m.-Ouachita Green will host Household

Hazardous Waste Collection at Brown Stadium

at ULM.

Tuesday, April 4 at 12 noon-The

Ambassadors Club will meet at the American

Red Cross. Guest speaker is Missy Fleming

with ARCO. Cost to attend is 15. Please contact

Sarita Daniel at sdaniel@monroe.org to RSVP.

Waguespack and Henderson to Speak At Update Luncheons

On Monday, March 27 at 12:00 a.m., the Monroe Chamber will host the

annual LABI Legislative Issues luncheon at the Monroe Civic Center. The

event features Stephen Waguespack, President of the Louisiana Association

of Business and Industry. He will speak on some of the issues that the 2017

Legislative Fiscal Session will address. One of those issues is the gross

receipts that Governor Edwards has proposed.

On Tuesday, March 28 at 12:00 noon at the ULM Conference Center, Dr. Jim

Henderson, President of the University of Louisiana System, will speak on the

state of higher education in Louisiana. Co-hosting the event are ULM,

Louisiana Tech and Grambling State University.

Come and hear more from Waguespack and Henderson. Call Daphne McClish

at 807-4018 for more information or to RSVP. Tickets are $25 per person.

Last Week, The Monroe Chamber and the City of Monroe hosted a ribbon cutting for First

South Farm Credit located at 1896 Hudson Circle, Suite 7.

SAVE THE DATE!

Northern Exposure

Baton Rouge State Museum

Tuesday, May 2

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 17, Issue 12

Several topics are beginning to surface for the

upcoming legislative session that begins April 10 at the

Louisiana State Capital. Topics being discussed include items

such as raising Louisiana’s gas tax, the gross receipts tax

proposal and criminal justice reform.

The Governor believes by 2019 the state won't be able to afford

to meet its match obligation to draw down federal transportation

funding without raising Louisiana's gas tax, which has remained

at 16 cents per gallon for three decades.

A Task Force on Transportation and Infrastructure was formed

during the 2016 legislative session to make recommendations to

the administration on how to address some of these issues.

Tolling on certain roads and public and private partnerships

have been recommended. The task force recommended an

increase in the sales and use tax on aviation fuel. The state

should establish special permit fees for the commercial trucking

industry and establish new vehicle registration fees. A

recommendation was made to increasing and indexing the

current excise motor fuel tax. The task force also suggested

$700 million should be directed to multimodal transportation

projects.

Fiscal reforms remain to be a huge topic for this session.

Governor Edwards has suggested that the state consider

adopting a new type of business tax in place of the current

corporate income and franchise

taxes paid by companies in Louisiana. The idea - a gross

receipts tax - is modeled on a method used in Ohio and is akin

to the Texas-style margins tax. Whether this concept will be a

formal part of the governor's fiscal reform plan remains to be

seen. He has pledged to flesh out the proposal. The Public

Affairs Research Council of Louisiana released a report that

explains the pros and cons of the tax in a Louisiana context,

notes the experience in Ohio, identifies the greatest challenges,

and reviews the right and wrong ways to implement such a plan.

wwwparlouisiana.org

Criminal Justice Reform seems to be open for discussion this

session. Louisiana has a higher incarceration rate than any state

in the country or any nation in the world. Proposals being look

to lowering 13 percent of Louisiana's prison population and save

the public $150 million over the next 10 years. Reducing

sentences for non-violent crimes, expanding alternative

treatment programs, increasing probation opportunities, and

creating more consistency and equity in sentencing are some

other options.

The Chamber’s Government Advocacy Committee will begin

meeting to discuss items just like these in the next few weeks.

Please contact lreneau@monroe.org if you like more

information.

The 2017 State of Louisiana Regular Session begins April 10

Northern Exposure Slated for May 2

As the 2017 fiscal session of the Louisiana Legislature gets underway on April 10th, our elected officials will be deliberating on everything from a

gross receipts tax, reducing TOPS to investing in higher education, healthcare and infrastructure. As these discussions are held, we know that what

happens in Baton Rouge impacts every citizen in Louisiana. How do we keep our issues in front of legislators, many of whom have never traveled to

Northeast and North Central Louisiana?

Over thirty years ago, the Monroe Chamber began an annual advocacy trip to Baton Rouge. As the years went by, the trip grew to include more

business and community leaders. Eventually, the annual trek was expanded to include communities from throughout northeast and north central

Louisiana. The event, which highlights issues and projects important to our region, was named Northern Exposure and today the annual event draws

over 400 participants to Baton Rouge.

Joining the Monroe Chamber of Commerce in hosting the event are the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, the Ruston Lincoln

Chamber, the Union Parish Chamber, the Bastrop Morehouse Chamber and other regional economic development organizations, chambers of

commerce, institutions of higher education and city and parish governments in northeast and north central Louisiana. The function this year is slated

for Tuesday, May 2nd at the Louisiana State Museum.

The speakers for Northern Exposure 2017 include Governor John “Bel” Edwards, Speaker of the House Taylor Barras; Louisiana Superintendent of

Education John White; Secretary of Economic Development Don Pierson, Secretary of Louisiana Transportation and Development Shawn Wilson,

Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain and others.

The event proves that there is strength in numbers. Through the collective efforts of the communities who support and attend Northern Exposure,

northeast and north central Louisiana have been able to secure funding for key infrastructure projects like Arkansas Road and the Kansas Lane

Extension. Today, the event continues to focus on important infrastructure projects, but is also highlighting the need for adequate funding for area

colleges, universities, health care and infrastructure.

Platinum sponsors for the event are ATMOS Energy, A T & T and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. Gold sponsors are ANGUS Chemical,

CenturyLink, the City of Monroe, D & J Construction, Entergy, Patty Stewart Photography and Progressive Bank. Silver sponsors are DeltaStyle,

Denmon Engineering, Grambling State University, KTVE Fox 14, Lagniappe Broadcasting, Louisiana Tech University, The News-Star, the Radio

People, The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Please join us on Tuesday, May 2 at the

Louisiana State Museum at 660 N. 4th Street in Baton Rouge. The schedule for speakers begins at 12:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at

the Louisiana State Museum Terrazzo. The cost to attend is $75 per person which includes lunch and the reception. To register or for more

information, call Daphne McClish at the Monroe Chamber at 318-807-4018.

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 17, Issue 12

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MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 17, Issue 12

Nominations Now Accepted for the 2017

Thomas H. Scott

Awards of Excellence

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the News Star

and the University of Louisiana at Monroe College of

Business plan to recognize the growth and

development of new and expanding businesses in

Ouachita Parish with an awards ceremony that will be

held on May 25th. The three entities have collaborated

on The Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence. The

awards will be presented to Ouachita Parish businesses

that have demonstrated a commitment to Northeast

Louisiana by creating or retaining jobs, making a

capital investment in machinery, equipment or a new

facility and that participate in worthwhile projects that

make the community a better place to live.

The award is named after Thomas H. Scott, the

founder of Scott Companies, which is headquartered in

Monroe. Scott was raised in Mississippi and attended

Mississippi State University where he received a

degree in agriculture engineering. Following

graduation, he moved to Shreveport where he was

employed with International Harvester. While in

Shreveport, he met Mayme, the woman who was to be

his wife and life-long companion. The couple moved

to Monroe in 1939 to open Scott Truck and Tractor

Company. Over the years, Scott Truck and Tractor

evolved into Scott Companies, which includes Scott

Equipment, Scott Financial Services, Scott Irrigation,

Scott Real Estate and CBS Interests.

Scott summarized his business philosophy in a

company brochure that was published in 2000. In it he

said, “People are important. Our number 1 goal has

always been to serve the customer. Our business has

been built on service to our customer and service to the

communities in which we are located.” Scott continued

to work at the business until his death in 2001 at the

age of 90.

Four awards will be presented: small business category

(businesses that employee 1-10 people); medium

business category (businesses that employee 11-50

people); large business category (businesses that

employee 51 to 100 people); and corporate (businesses

that employee over 100 people). Nominations are open

to any Ouachita Parish business that expanded their

business or made a capital investment in 2016/17;

created or retained jobs; and that participate in

worthwhile causes throughout Ouachita Parish.

Nomination forms are available at the Monroe

Chamber. Area businesses are encouraged to nominate

their own business. The deadline to submit a

nomination is 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 28th. All

completed nominations should be mailed or delivered

to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce at 212 Walnut

Street, Suite 100; Monroe, LA 71201.

The winners will be announced at a reception to be

held on May 25th

at the ULM Conference Center.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person. For more

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 17, Issue 12

Veteran’s Day at the Chennault Museum

The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum invites the

public to Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day at the

museum on Thursday, March 30, 2017 as the community

honors the brave sacrifices of our country's military veterans.

This national recognition day established by the U.S. Senate in

2011, honors Vietnam veterans and offers the “welcome home”

many never received. The Chennault Aviation & Military

Museum will host an open house and ceremony where veterans

are recognized for their service, and are also encouraged to

share their stories with the public.

The museum offers an ideal destination for visitors to not only

show their appreciation to our veterans, but to also learn about

the brave sacrifices our troops made during the Vietnam War.

The museum will have an open house for visitors from 9:00

a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will conduct a ceremony at 11:00 am.

Texas Roadhouse will provide complimentary lunch for

veterans and visitors at 12:00 pm.

On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam.

Unlike past World Wars, there were no ticker-tape parades

honoring veterans, or triumphant marches or speeches.

America’s Vietnam veterans returned home to silence, or

worse, in some cases to denigration for having served their

country during a politically controversial war. More than

58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their

lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam. Now,

communities across the country participate in this special day

to show unified gratitude for our veterans’ service and

sacrifices.

ARCO Raffle

Condo at Gulf Shores

ARCO, A Community has supported babies and adults

with developmental and intellectual disabilities for the

past 60 years.

We are hoping that this raffle will generate money for

the agency for all of their services.

You can purchase your raffle tickets online at

rafflepages.com. So, purchase your $10.00 Raffle

Ticket TODAY!!

Adventures at Gulf Shores are endless – Parasailing,

Paragliding, Zip lining, Kayaking, Canoeing, Fishing,

Golfing, you name it, it is there for you to experience.

5 Day/4Night Stay at the Lighthouse – Direct Gulf

Front Condominium – 15th floor

Raffle winner will be drawn on April 15, 2017. Ticket

sales will end at 3:00p.m. on April 15, 2017 and

drawing will be held at 3:15p.m. You need not be

present to win.

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 17, Issue 12

Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful's Household Hazardous Waste Event

Saturday, April 1, 2017

9:00AM - 1:00PM

In front of ULM Brown Stadium at 518 War Hawk Way for all residents of Ouachita and surrounding Parishes.

ACCEPTING...

Hazardous household products: oil and latex paints, stains, automobile batteries, household

batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters, household cleaners, household chemicals, pesticides,

flammables, corrosives, medications, and electronic wastes (computers, monitors, computer

accessories, printers, scanners, fax machines, speakers, VCRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, TVs, game

consoles, digital cameras, any audio or video equipment, radios, calculators, cellular phones, and

accessories).

Recyclable Materials: office paper, magazines, cardboard, plastics number 1 thru 7 and white

goods/scrap metal (aluminum cans, food cans, appliances, refrigerators, stoves, and hot water heaters,

dishwashers, microwaves, lawn equipment, etc.).

Sharps: needles will be added to this year's collection. The participant will be required to

transfer the needles to the provided container at the collection site.

Shredding Services: document destruction of personal information on site. This service will be

limited to 3 copy paper size boxes per participant.

TIRES WITH UP TO A 20 INCH RIM DIMENSION WILL BE ACCEPTED. LIMITED TO 5 TIRES PER HOUSEHOLD

THIS COLLECTION IS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ONLY. Large quantities from businesses, farms, or commercial operations will not be

accepted.

PROHIBITED Materials: radioactive materials, compressed gas cylinders, ammunition, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and explosives.

For more information: Call Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful at (318) 355-5622. Or “Like” Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful on Facebook for other updates

THIS IS A FREE SERVICE!

Please utilize this opportunity to keep these hazards out of our waterways and natural

environment. Donations to Ouachita Green will be accepted to help pay for the cost of recycling

the hazardous materials. Additional Sponsors are: Keep Monroe Beautiful, Keep West Monroe Beautiful, ULM Toxicology Department, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union, The Home Depot, Central Oil & Supply, Scott Equipment Company, Delta Disposal/Waste Connection, Auto Shred of Louisiana, Sherwin-Williams, and Raising Canes

MONROE CHAMBER WEEKLY REPORT | Volume 17, Issue 12

MONROE CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

212 Walnut Street, Suite 100 Monroe, LA 71201

PHONE: (318) 323-3461

FAX: (318) 812-7594

E-MAIL:

communications@monroe.org

Website: www.monroe.org

THE MONROE CHAMBER’S MISSION

IS TO LEAD IN THE CREATION

OF AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH

OUR BUSINESSES THRIVE.