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The C4 Report

Posted on 02 May 2012.

 

From the Central City Chamber of Commerce
 
Thankful for Small Business Owners
    The U.S. Dept. of Commerce describes a “Small Business” as having 500 employees or less.  “According to the economic census, there are close to 6 million businesses in our country which fit into this category and represents 99% of all employer firms.  These firms have generated over 65% of net new jobs over the past 17 years and pay over 44% of the total U.S. private payroll. Of the Small Business group, over 5.4 million fall into the category of 0-19 employees and employ about 21.4 million people.” (1)  
    Small businesses are vitally important to the economic growth and stability of our nation and of the City of Central! The City of Central Chamber of Commerce has over 300 members that all fall into the small business category and of those members, over 90% are in the 0-19 employees’ category. In 2011, The City of Central had over 700 businesses registered and they were all in the small business category.  
    With increasing governmental regulations and a volatile economy, many of the local businesses have taken a hit over the last 3 years.  However, as some of the dust begins to settles, you will find that many of these businesses continue to survive and provide jobs, services, and products to our community! This is a testament to our businesses’ tenacity and creativity and to the faithfulness of our local consumers.  The Chamber continues to look for ways to promote these businesses and to encourage our citizens to shop, eat, and get their services with Chamber businesses.
    The next time you walk into one of our local establishments, stop at a construction site, etc. take a moment to pause, look around, and see all that is being done, what is being provided, and the number of people busy at work.  If you get a chance, find the owner and thank them for being willing to take the risk, stand against all odds, and provide jobs and revenue for our community!   Let’s all be thankful for our Small Business Owners!
    (1)Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau and Intl. Trade Admin.; Advocacy-funded research by Kathryn Kobe, 2007 (www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs299.pdf) and CHI Research, 2003 (www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs225.pdf);U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Edward Jones Holds Open House

Posted on 01 May 2012.

 

Photo by Beth Fussell
    Lance Moulin, pictured above with receptionist Lisa Hatfield, celebrated the move to his new facility last week with an open house.  The new office is located at the corner of Hooper and Joor at 10954 Joor Road, Suite D, right in front of Winn Dixie.  Lance Moulin is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones.  He is an eight-year resident of Central, and he is very excited to be opening this new office right here in his home town.  You can contact his office by calling 261-2539.

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Central McDonald’s Holds Ribbon Cutting

Posted on 01 May 2012.

Photo from the Central Chamber of Commerce
    The Central McDonald’s at the corner of Hooper and Joor held their ribbon cutting with the Central Chamber of Commerce this past Saturday.  McDonald’s recently completed a major renovation of their restaurant, with new features like a two-lane drive through ordering system.  The Hamburglar was also in attendance to celebrate the new and improved facility.
 

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Pro Power – One Stop Shopping for Outdoor Power Equipment

Posted on 27 April 2012.

 

    Pro Power has been known for years as the go-to place for commercial landscapers in the Baton Rouge area.  It is that reputation for customer service that the new owners Pat Byrne and Charles Hebert strive to maintain.  The main store located at 12519 Airline Highway boasts a 30,000 square foot facility and an extensive selection of inventory. Our Central store, located at 8326 Hooper Road, opened in 2011 and quickly grew based on our reputation for customer service and quality inventory. 
    Pro Power realized that our clientele wanted a one-stop shop for all of their outdoor power products.  We offer a complete line of mowers, including Scag, Hustler, Toro, Ferris, Dixie Chopper and our latest addition Bad Boy Mowers.  Bad Boy is known for quality mowers at the lowest price available.  Parts are available for Kawasaki, Kohler, Honda and Briggs and Stratton engines. We also carry a complete line of handheld equipment that includes Stihl and Redmax. Pro Power recently added to our inventory Pro Pull and Aluma Trailers, Bad Boy MTV 4X4 electric low speed vehicles, Ezgo Golf Carts, Trailmaster Go Karts, and pressure washers.  We provide a complete line of landscaping chemicals including herbicides and insecticides.
    The Central community has welcomed us with open arms. We have been blown away by the customers’ support in the area. We are glad to have the opportunity to fill the need in the Central community. Stop by and visit and you will be greeted by a friendly customer service representative who will help you with your needs.

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The C4 Report

Posted on 27 April 2012.

 

From the City of Central Chamber of Commerce
    AMBASSADOR: An official representative.  In February, The City of Central Chamber of Commerce kicked off the Ambassador Program for 2012.  Those who participate in this program make up our Ambassador’s Council.  The Ambassador’s Council is a select committee of volunteer professionals who support the development and growth of the Chamber by enhancing public relations and communication endeavors, retaining membership, attracting new membership, and serving as business liaisons to members of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce.
    Ambassadors are individuals who are self-motivated, are enthusiastic about their involvement with the Chamber and its activities, and are also knowledgeable about the Chamber’s services, programs, and activities.  These volunteers willingly devote time and expertise to the growth and development of the membership of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce.  You will find these individuals showing up at Ribbon Cuttings, Open House Events, Grand Openings, Membership Luncheons, Chamber events, community businesses, and a variety of other Central Community activities.
    Ambassadors, through their involvement, heighten their visibility in Central business community, have face to face networking opportunities with Chamber members, expand their circle of influence, develop stronger community relations, and gain recognition in the Chamber’s publications and on the Chamber’s new website.  In addition to this, they really get to experience a good time!
    The Ambassador’s Council is led by Committee Chair, Juanita Ross of Ross Tire and Services, and is comprised of the following volunteers: Sandy Antoon of Covers Unlimited, Betsy Barnes of Walton Barnes APLC, Nick Carmena of Carmena’s Collision, Melissa Guilbeau of Central Speaks, Christine Guilaume of NAPA J&C Auto Parts, and John Kovalcik of Greater Baton Rouge Signs.  On behalf of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce, I want to personally thank our Ambassadors for doing such a fantastic job!  
    If you would like a visit from an Ambassador or would like to see about joining this tremendous group, please feel free to call the Chamber Office at 261-5818 and we will be glad to talk with you.
 

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NAPA Open House Held Last Friday

Posted on 27 April 2012.

NAPA Auto Parts held an open house last Friday to thank loyal customers for their business.  A free lunch was served to everyone who attended.  Along with regular customers, Chamber members and employees of nearby businesses stopped by for a visit.  NAPA is located at 9344A Joor Road.  Photo by Beth Fussell

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Pretty N Paint & Central Cheer Athletics Hold Ribbon Cutting at New Location

Posted on 20 April 2012.

 

Photo by Beth Fussell
    Central Cheer Athletics and Pretty N Paint held their ribbon cutting with the Central Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.  The ribbon cutting gave attendees the opportunity to see the new location at 13521 Hooper Road in the shopping center with Central Drug Store.  Central Cheer Athletics offers cheer classes to young girls.  They most recently performed at Cooking in Central.  Pretty N Paint hosts painting nights where guests create and take home their own paintings.  For more information, visit CentralCheerAthletics.com or PrettyNPaint.com.  You can also reach them by phone at 341-2401.

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Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings

Posted on 18 April 2012.

There are several ribbon cuttings and grand openings happening at Central businesses over the next few days.  You are invited to stop by and support our local businesses.

Today at noon, Central Cheer Athletics and Pretty N Paint will hold their ribbon cutting at 13521 Hooper Road.

On Thursday beginning at 11:30 AM, Edward Jones will hold their grand opening at their new office at 10954 Joor Road.

Friday from 11 AM until 1 PM, NAPA will hold an open house at their 9344a Joor Road location.  Come by for food and giveaways.

On Saturday, the Central McDonald's at the corner of Hooper and Joor will hold their ribbon cutting event from 11 AM until 1 PM.

Rebel Electric (6464 Joor Road) will hold their ribbon cutting next Wednesday, April 25 at noon.

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The C4 Report

Posted on 17 April 2012.

 

From the City of Central Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, April 11 we had our monthly membership luncheon.  Every month, on the second Wednesday, we have the opportunity for our members to network, enjoy lunch, find out what is going on at the chamber and in the community, and hear from a guest speaker.  This month we heard from Tasha Amar, Executive Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging (EBRCOA).

The mission of the Eats Baton Rouge Council on the Aging is Supporting Independence – Serving Seniors.

Since 1973, the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging has served the senior citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish through nutritional and social services and helping them maintain their personal independence.

Tasha Amar informed our members of a variety of services that are provided by EBRCOA and revealed how they could be a benefit to the seniors and other members of our community.  Some of their services include meals on wheels, congregate meals, information and assistance, personal care/homemaker, family caregiver support, and health screens.

As The City of Central continues to move forward, it is important to remember, honor, and value members of our community that have helped to give us such a great heritage.  Part of what makes our community so special, is our abundant population of senior citizens that have blazed a trail for others to follow.  For instance, the City of Central Chamber of Commerce was established seven years ago but many people are unaware that prior to the chamber’s incorporation another group existed.  For over 20 years a group called the Central Area Business Association forged the way for our chamber and community.   Many of those business owners helped to make our community’s commerce and quality of life what it is today and are even still members of the Central Chamber.  The City of Central Chamber of Commerce looks forward to EBRCOA services coming to our community and providing assistance to those who provided so much for us! If you have questions or would like to be in touch with EBRCOA, contact the office and we will get information to you.

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Sales Tax Collections on Dirt Hauling

Posted on 12 April 2012.

 

   It has been brought to the city’s attention by some local dirt hauling companies that there may be some other dirt-hauling businesses that are not properly licensed and not collecting sales tax on deliveries of dirt to property owners in Central.  This includes companies that dig ponds or excavate dirt.  Some local business owners are stating that these unregistered businesses are providing cheaper prices due to the fact that sales taxes are not collected and reported, and this is producing an unfair advantage.

   In checking with the City-Parish, it is confirmed that any dirt-hauling or excavating business must collect and report sales taxes on each load that they deliver or job that they perform.   Failure to do so is a violation of the law.

    If you have any dirt delivered to or excavated from your property, please make sure that the company is registered with an occupational license and that they are charging and collecting sales tax on each load.  Violations can be reported to our Municipal Service Center at 262-5000.

 

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