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The C4 Report

Posted on 10 April 2012.

 

From the City of Central Chamber of Commerce
 
STAYING IN TOUCH
    One of the goals of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce this year is to find better ways to promote our Chamber, stay in touch with our members, and inform and educate the public about the Chamber.   February 23rd we published our first C4 Report.  The C4 Report is a weekly published article that addresses the Central Chamber.  March 23rd we launched a new website, CityofCentralChamber.com, which provides excellent information about the Chamber, highlights our membership, and increases communication.  The E-newsletter, an email letter, continues to be sent out twice weekly and regular mail outs are still being sent in order to stay in touch with all of our members.  Now we are excited to announce the start of our latest communication effort, “The C4 Power Hour”!
    The past two Tuesday evenings the City of Central Chamber of Commerce has had the privilege of being a part of a new radio show called “The Central Story.”  “The Central Story” airs every weekday from 5:30 to 6:30pm on WPFC 1550AM, Central APP, and JonFineProductions.com.  Each night the show focuses on a different aspect of our community.  Tuesdays the Chamber‘s“C4 Power Hour”, hosted by Matt Price and Ron Erickson, is now on the air!  We are excited to be provided with the opportunity to have another avenue that will help to make everyone aware of what is going on with the Central Chamber and the businesses of our community.  Each week we will interview members, talk about what is going chamber events and developments, discuss trends in the business community, and receive professional tips from chamber business owners.  If you have a topic or question you would like to have answered contact the Chamber and we will try to address it on the air.  Come on out to Café Delphi each Tuesday evening be part of the listening audience and at the same time enjoy some great food!  If you cannot come out, turn your dial to 1550AM and let’s stay in touch.

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Women’s Health Care in Central

Posted on 05 April 2012.

 

 
By Mia Freneaux
 
    Women in Central have a choice when it comes to healthcare.  They can go into Baton Rouge, or they can stay right here in town.  Bayou Regional Women’s Clinic has office hours here at North Point Health every Tuesday and Wednesday morning.  Drs. Joshua Best (top) and Keith Elbourne (bottom) are committed to offering the finest in women’s healthcare at a location that is convenient to their patients.  
    Affiliated with Lane Regional Medical Center, Dr. Elbourne and Dr. Best are both graduates of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.  They are both residency trained in obstetrics and gynecology.  Dr. Elbourne is board certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Dr. Best is board eligible.  Both reside in Zachary, and are active in the community and their churches.  Both understand the importance of community.  “The people of Zachary and Central have a sense of pride in their community,” said Dr. Best, “We love it out here.  We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” 
    Equipped to offer all OB/GYN services in Central, the doctors are happy to be able to spend the time a patient needs to feel comfortable about their treatment and be fully educated about their options.  Routine prenatal care, women’s health preventative care, women’s health problem visits, and minor office procedures can all be done here in Central.   The doctors will write orders for mammograms or other imaging services, which the patient can then have at the facility of their choice.   Lane Regional offers mammography as well as all other imaging needs, while Central Imaging offers many radiologic services, and both leave travel time to a minimum.  “In the past, women in the north part of the parish had to rely on facilities in Baton Rouge for their healthcare.  It’s big news that quality women’s health care is now available right here in their community.  Now the patient has a choice,” Dr. Best said.
    Both doctors expressed how they are not satisfied if a patient walks out of their office with unanswered questions.  They both feel it is a priority that their patients have a thorough understanding of what is going on with their health and what their treatment options are.   Dr. Elbourne stated, “It’s very individualized according to the patient’s needs.”  “It is comforting to our patients to know that they have control over what’s going to happen to their bodies,” affirmed Dr. Best, “There is no other medical relationship like that between an OB/GYN and their patient.  It’s all about trust.”
Lane Regional Medical Center has also made a commitment to the community.   They have just completed a $525,000 renovation of their facility, turning what was once the special procedures suite into a brand-new wing for their state of the art Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Post-Partum unit.  12 rooms, all beautifully and comfortably appointed, offer a woman the chance to labor, deliver, and complete her hospital stay all in the same room.  “Our patients usually have the same nurses taking care of them throughout their stay,” said Julie McLin, Lane Director of Marketing. “Everyone who works at Lane takes as much pride in their hospital as people here do in their community,” Dr. Elbourne said with conviction.  
    Also reassuring to the prospective parents is the news that neonatologists are on call at all times at Lane.  “It’s the benefit of being near a big city,” Dr. Best stated, “NICU is available 24/7.”  The doctors, along with fellow OB/GYN Dr. Lydia Lewis of Zachary OB/GYN Services, delivered about 500 babies last year.   “This is the only hospital we operate out of because we live in this community.  Our patients can rely on the fact that their baby will be delivered by a doctor whom they know and who knows them.  They know they can trust us,” Dr. Elbourne shared.   
    Changes the doctors have seen in women’s health care include minimally invasive management of problems such as those associated with menstruation or menopause.  “Hysterectomies are no longer the only surgical option.  Some procedures used to treat problems require no down-time at all,” Dr. Best informed.  Also innovative is the technology that allows a doctor anywhere to check in on their patient’s labor progression through their laptops.  In a secure system, Drs. Best and Elbourne can monitor their patient’s blood pressure, contractions, and even the baby’s heart rate from anywhere.  As Dr. Best put it, “The more tools we have in our arsenal to treat our patients, the better off our patients are going to be.”  
    Visit the Bayou Regional Women’s Clinic at their North Point location, 18901 Greenwell Springs Rd., at their Zachary location at Suite 2000, 6550 Main St., or look them up at www.bayouwomensclinic.com.  Appointments can be made by calling 658-1303.  Listen in on the doctors on your Central Now App as they appear on “The Central Story”, WPFC, 1550 AM, between 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10!
 
 One of Lane's new LDRP rooms

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The C4 Report

Posted on 03 April 2012.

 

Putting Down Roots

Over the last two years I have had more than one conversation that went like this, “Where exactly is the Chamber Office?”  To that statement I would give an answer usually followed by a response of, “Well didn’t the office used to be located at …?”  Those conversations will soon be over; The City of Central Chamber of Commerce has a new home!  Since the Chamber’s incorporation, we have had several locations but now our moving days will soon be over! 

Last Thursday, March 29th, we signed a purchase agreement on a building that will become the new office location for the City of Central Chamber of Commerce.  Even though we realize that our members and their service to the community are what make up the chamber of commerce, it is going to be exciting and important to have a building that will represent our organizations and its members presence in the community.  Many people say that the Chamber of Commerce is the front door to a community.  For the next several years, people coming into our community will actually have a door to walk through.  Just like the many mighty oak trees in our area, the chamber is putting down its roots and settling in for the long run!  We will keep you informed and when the renovation necessary for moving in are complete we will have a celebration. 

It is an exciting time for the Chamber!  Come on out to our Members, luncheon next Wednesday, April 11, 12 noon at Kristenwood and find out about all that is taking place.  Come join the C4 team!

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Zoe’s Pizza Buffet Holds Ribbon Cutting

Posted on 29 March 2012.

    Zoe’s Pizza Buffet had their ribbon cutting at 14112 Greenwell Springs Rd. with the Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, March 27.  The President and members of the Chamber congratulate owners Blake and Jennie Andrews.  Also present were employees Faye Shaffer and Sharon Deason.

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The C4 Report

Posted on 28 March 2012.

Submitted by the Chamber of Commerce

 

    The City of Central Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce several new endeavors that we are involved with.  They include a new website, a new discount program, a radio show, and a new location.
 This past Friday, March 23, our new website was launched.  Many changes have been made to the website that will help our members in a variety of ways.  Our main goal is to provide the greatest exposure possible, for our members and the Central Community, to people who are searching the web. The ease of promoting events, listing promotions, and finding information will make it possible for chamber members to stay informed, keep up with what is going on in the Central Chamber, highlight their specials, and know what’s happening throughout the community. 
    Discounts, everybody loves discounts!! The Central Chamber Board is constantly looking for ways to add value to our member’s investment.  One of our goals is to establish a member-to-member discount program that will assist our members in publicizing their discounts available to the card holders, and thus encourage shopping among our Central Chamber Membership!  Phase One has already been launched and Phase Two is just about complete.   Watch for further details! 
    On the Air!  The City of Central Chamber will be participating in the newly developed radio program, “The Central Story”.  The Central Story program, produced by Jon Fine Productions, will air weekdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm on WPFC 1550AM.  The Chamber’s show, “The C4 Power Hour” will air on Tuesday evenings and be hosted by President / CEO Ron Erickson and Board Member Matt Price.  The C4 Power Hour will be broadcast live from Café Delphi located at 18564 Magnolia Bridge Rd, Ste. 109.  Come on out, enjoy some food, and listen to the show.
    Finally, they say the third time is a charm.  We will be moving to the third location of the Central Chamber Office since I came on staff.   I promise, I am not just restless!  First, we want to thank Helen Balzli, with Central Physical Therapy, for providing us such great spaces over the last few years!  In the next few weeks we will be moving to a new location at 12416 Hooper Road.  This, at least for the time being, will be a long term location.  Several changes will be taking place with the property and when we move in we will let everyone know and have a celebration!  
 

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The C4 Report

Posted on 23 March 2012.

 

Submitted by the Chamber of Commerce
    I truly like the statement, “Central, a community that cares!”  One of the great things about our chamber membership is that they are also involved in so many other aspects of our community, which are not chamber related.  Many take part in other civic groups, volunteer organizations, church groups, and many other activities and events held in our area.  At almost any event that you attend, you will probably find a chamber member in attendance, working the event, and/or sponsoring the event!  Truly our members and are community are a caring and giving group of citizens!  This weekend, many volunteers from all around our area will be involved in hosting a tremendous event, “Cooking in Central”!
    Cooking in Central will take place Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at the Village at Magnolia Square.  This year’s event is focusing on raising funds to help the Veterans as well as supporting our schools.  Friday night there will be a crawfish boil, live music, and a progressive auction.   Saturday there will be a cook off, more auctions and live entertainment by local schools and groups.  
    From the offices of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the Cooking in Central board, its members, and the many volunteers from around the community who help to make this event such a tremendous success.  You all help our community to shine!  We also extend thanks to all the businesses and organizations who donate their time, monies, and energy to such a worthy cause.  We encourage everyone to come on out and support the efforts to assist our Veterans and schools and help reinforce that Central is, “A community that cares!”
 

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Blue Line Driving Academy Ribbon Cutting Postponed

Posted on 21 March 2012.

Due to inclement weather, Blue Line Driving Academy's Ribbon Cutting scheduled today for 12 noon has been postponed to a later date.  

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The C4 Report

Posted on 13 March 2012.

 

    Good things are going on! “What, don’t you see all that is going on around you?”  So much of life is about perspective.  For instance, I often find myself lamenting the traffic flow in Central. However, this past week I had the privilege of attending the Oklahoma University’s Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence (CCCE) Conference held in Dallas.  You know, after a week in Dallas Central’s traffic doesn’t seem so bad! 
    The purpose of the CCCE conference is to provide chamber executives, from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, the opportunity to hear from highly successful leaders in the chamber industry and to receive information to help improve on their local chamber’s operations.  It was encouraging to find out how many things we are doing right but I was also challenged by hearing of ways we can improve and things we can add to take our chamber to a higher level of excellence.  Much of the conference focused on operations, functions, and activities of the chamber.  Many chambers are focusing on the following three primary areas: Economic Development (Education falling under this category), Governmental Affairs, and Networking.  Thus, back to perspective and good thing going on!
    As I listened to many Chamber Executives talk, I was thankful to live in the community of Central and to be associated with our chamber and its members.  We live in a community that was started for the purpose of making education for future generations a priority, or local government supports the economic growth and prosperity of our local businesses, and we have several opportunities as a chamber membership to network together.  Though we can always find ways to improve, in all these areas, it can also be very easy to take what we have for granted.   While many communities are facing serious struggles, we have a tremendous opportunity to still shape our future.  So for this week’s C4 Report I want to thank our members, our board of directors, and our community for being so fantastic.  We have a lot of good things going on!
 

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PriceCo Open House March 17

Posted on 13 March 2012.

 

PriceCo Open House

March 17

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

PriceCo wants to introduce their new line of teacher supplies as well as arts & crafts supplies

Jambalaya will be served.

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The C4 Report

Posted on 12 March 2012.

From the Central Chamber of Commerce

Submitted by Ron Erickson

    People often ask, “What are the benefits of investing in and having the City of Central Chamber of Commerce?”  “What does the Chamber do, accomplish, and provide?”  “What is the Chamber’s role in our community?”  The answer to these questions range from the tangible to the intangible and shows how the Chamber can affect the business community, the local community, the economy, individual businesses, and so much more.  Over the next several weeks, I am going to provide some answers to these questions.  
    Obviously, most of like to relate to the tangibles.  That is why, in Louisiana, we love our parades.  We don’t just stand along the streets and watch floats, bands, and marchers pass by and get a thrill out of the “atmosphere of the moment” – the intangibles.  Au contraire! We stand along the parade routes yelling, “Throw me something mister!” and thoroughly expect to catch some candy, beads, or trinkets – the tangibles.  So let’s start with some tangibles. 
    Speaking of parades, one of the largest events that takes place in our city every year, is hosted, organized, and sponsored by the City of Central Chamber of Commerce, the Christmas Festival Committee, our member sponsors, and staff.  In 2011, the Christmas Festival celebrated 25 years of operation.  Every year thousands of people take part in the Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Carnival, Crafts Show, Talent Show, and new this year – the “Miss City of Central” pageant.  As spectators line the streets, parade participants not only have a chance to, “Throw us something” but to also expose people to their business or organization.  Banners go up, a community tree is lit, and a nativity scene is put in place as the mood is set in our community for the Christmas season.  All of this is possible because of the support of the Chamber.  Now allow me a moment for a warm fuzzy intangible.
    Every year the Christmas Festival Committee chooses a Grand Marshall to lead the parade.  This year the committee chose Central long time resident Mr. Huey Kinchen.   Little did we know, that a few months later, Mr. Kinchen would pass away.  “Uncle” Huey, as many called him, served our country and our community well!  Mr. Kinchen was a World War II Veteran and was one of the founders of the Central Volunteer Fire Department, serving as its chief for 7 years.  For me, it truly was a high light of the year and the Christmas Festival Season for us to have the privilege to honor  and recognize “Uncle” Huey Kinchen.  Thanks to everyone that helped to make this year’s event so special!

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