Independence Day Fireworks scheduled for Saturday, July 4
Event organizers encourage attendees to practice social distancing and wear face masks The public is invited to safely celebrate our nation’s independence at a July 4 fireworks show on Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m. while practice social distancing. The fireworks will be shot from the Endom Bridge over the Ouachita River. Event organizers encourage attendees to view the fireworks within their small family groups and avoid large gatherings. A family viewing area will be set up in downtown West Monroe
LOUISIANA MAIN STREET OFFERS MAIN STREET RESTORATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY TO WEST MONROE
LOUISIANA MAIN STREET OFFERS MAIN STREET RESTORATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY TO WEST MONROE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE NEW DESIGNATION WEST MONROE – West Monroe Main Street is soliciting Main Street Restoration Grant applications from downtown commercial building and/or business owners. The Louisiana Main Street program is able to offer grants for building rehabilitations in the West Monroe historic downtown district from $2,500 to $10,000. Grants are available for either interior or exterior
West Ouachita Senior Center receives grant from BCBSLA Foundation
The West Ouachita Senior Center has received a Disaster Relief Grant from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to aid in its Senior Adult and Community Supportive Services. The West Ouachita Senior Center recently received a grant in the amount of $43,825 from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. Grant funds will be used to address the needs of senior citizens in the West Monroe area who have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds
Broadcast TV - Rescan Day
The Federal Communications Commission would like to remind you that this is the final week before some over-the-air TV channels in your community must have moved to new broadcast frequencies. You have probably seen messages from some local television stations notifying viewers who watch TV over-the-air with an antenna that they will need to rescan their TV’s to continue receiving certain local channels. These changes will not impact cable or satellite subscribers. The TV Channel numbers that viewers see
West Monroe Community Center providing needed assistance to residents
Through the assistance of local partnerships, the West Monroe Community Center is providing much-needed assistance to West Monroe residents. During the months of June and July, the Community Center, in partnership with the Ouachita Parish School System, is presenting the Riverbend Academic Camp “Imagine Your Story.” The Riverbend Academic Camp provides approximately 60 students in grades K – 3 academic activities in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Enrichment activities for 8 weeks in
Phase 3 Reopening Delayed for 28 more days
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana will stay in Phase Two of reopening, as the number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have started to rise in several regions across the state. The Governor will extend his Phase Two order for another 28 days, keeping in place occupancy limits and other restrictions. As of today, Louisiana ranks seventh out of 23 states across the country experiencing an increase in COVID-19 positive cases. Those include the neighboring states of Texas,
Legislative Review June 2020
The Chamber strives to keep all members, companies, and citizens alike informed regarding issues that affect Louisiana’s business climate. In this webinar, legislators from Northeast Louisiana responded to your submitted questions regarding the state’s outlook, response and recovery of CoVid 19 as well as the status of key bills that affect job creation and economic expansion. Guest speakers included Mayor Staci Mitchell, Senator Jay Morris, Senator Katrina Jackson, Senator Stewart Cathey, Representative
City of West Monroe Hosting Food Box Distribution June 18
The City of West Monroe, in partnership with the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, will host a food box distribution on Thursday, June 18. The distribution will be held on June 18 from 10 a.m. until supplies run out, in the parking lot of the Ike Hamilton Expo Center located at 501 Mane Street in West Monroe. The food box distribution is open to all residents who live in the City of West Monroe or in West Ouachita Parish who are in need of food. Food boxes will be distributed on a first come, first
ULM names alumna Valerie Fields as Interim VP of Student Affairs
The University of Louisiana Monroe announces the appointment of Valerie Fields, Ed.D., as the interim Vice President of Student Affairs. Her appointment as vice president will be confirmed at the June 25 meeting of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. She begins July 1. The Winnsboro native is a two-time ULM alumna and served at the university as Director of Student Development from 1996 until 2003 when she was named Assistant Dean for Student Life and Leadership. She served in that
Chamber Announces 2020 Small Business Award Winners
The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the winners of the 2020 Small Business Awards presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare Consultants. Nominations were accepted from Chamber members in the following categories: Emerging Entrepreneur, Micro Business, Small Business, Female Champion, Community Champion and the Silver Plus Award. And the winners are: · Emerging Entrepreneur - Sarah Blackwell owner of Sadie C’s Sarah began with a vision
Atmos Energy Donates to West Monroe Fire Department
Atmos Energy recently donated $2500.00 to the West Monroe Fire Department toward the purchase of safety equipment. The purchased equipment, known as “Particulate Blocking Hoods” help reduce the risks of carcinogenic particulate contamination found in many structural fires while maintaining air permeability and reduced risk of increased core temperature for the firemen. “The risk of developing cancer is a growing concern in the fire service because of the carcinogens firefighters are exposed
Louisiana Launches E-Commerce Initiative For Small Businesses
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development announced an e-commerce initiative to empower the online performance of Louisiana’s small businesses. The goal of LASmallBizOnline.com – with support from Shopify, a leading global commerce company – is making Louisiana firms more competitive during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. “Small businesses are playing a critical role in Louisiana’s recovery from the pandemic, and we’re putting them in position to do even
Chamber Announces Small Business Award Nominees and Ceremony
The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize nominees for the 2020 Small Business Awards presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare Consultants. “The purpose of the WMWO Chamber’s Small Business Awards is to recognize small businesses that for their extraordinary efforts and contribution to our local economy,” said Lila Strode, President of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. “Small Businesses preserve the community’s identity and
City of West Monroe announces facility openings
In response to Governor John Bel Edwards’ recent announcement for Louisiana to enter Phase 2 of coronavirus reopening, the City of West Monroe has made the following changes to its city buildings and facilities: All City of West Monroe playgrounds will open to the public, beginning on Friday, June 5. All other city parks, open spaces and athletic fields will operate from dawn to dusk. Those City of West Monroe playgrounds that will now be open include: • A.C. Facen Memorial Park, 1103 N. 6th Street at
Virtual summer reading challenge kicks off at the Library
Virtual summer reading challenge kicks off at the Library Patrons of all ages can register for the Ouachita Parish Public Library’s summer reading challenge. This year’s theme is Imagine Your Story, and the Library will celebrate literature from the fantasy, folk tale, fairy tale and mythology genres. Participants who reach reading milestones will be rewarded with prizes, while supplies last. Patrons who complete the Imagine Your Story challenges and reach the reading goal (1,500 pages for adults
Get Outside Lines with Discover Monroe-West Monroe
The Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a new destination brand for Ouachita Parish on Thursday, May 28 via a livestream event on Facebook. “We are excited to showcase this new brand for our community,” CVB President/CEO Alana Cooper said. “Through much research and creative development, we, along with our agency, have created a brand that we feel embodies the spirit of the Monroe-West Monroe Community.” Discover Monroe-West Monroe began this project nearly one year ago. Working
ULM College of Arts, Education, and Sciences honors students in virtual Spring Awards Ceremony
The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Arts, Education, and Sciences (CAES) recognized outstanding students in its annual Awards Convocation on April 28, 2020, — pandemic restrictions notwithstanding. Instead of the traditional assembly in Biedenharn Recital Hall, faculty and students gathered in virtual space, joining a Zoom ceremony for each of the four schools in the college. “Celebrating achievement is one of our most important functions,” observed John Pratte, Ph.D., Dean of the college.
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Louisiana Businesses and Residents Affected by Storms
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Louisiana Businesses and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Tornadoes – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Louisiana businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred April 12, 2020, announced Administrator Jovita Carranza of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following the denial of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for individual
Portion of Highland Park named as LED Certified Site
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has notified the City of West Monroe that a portion of its Highland Park property has been designated as an LED Certified Site. Highland Park, formerly known as the Trenton Street Golf Course, is located in the heart of the City of West Monroe. Approximately 15 acres of the property’s west end, known as the Highland Park Mixed-Use Development site, has officially been designated as an LED Certified Site. Highland Park is owned by the City of West Monroe and is the
ORIGIN BANK PARTNERS WITH CHILDREN’S COALITION, NAMES FAMILY GARDEN
Origin Bank is now the proud sponsor of the Origin Bank Family Garden at the Children’s Coalition. The garden, opened in 2018, is located in Downtown Monroe at the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana headquarters at 117 Hall Street. This space is a 32 raised-bed family garden and outdoor learning center to promote healthy eating, positive family interactions and garden-based learning and play. The garden and outdoor learning center support Children’s Coalition programs and the community by growing
West Monroe Police Department Launches Mobile App
The West Monroe Police Department now has a new tool to assist the community. A West Monroe Police Department mobile app is now available to help the public stay up-to-date with information regarding news, alerts, warrants as well as the ability to submit a tip. The free app can be found on either app store (iOS or Android) by searching “West Monroe Police.” The app was developed by Boothkicker Technologies. For more information about the app, please contact the West Monroe Police
UL System announces special flat-rate tuition for Compete LA students
The University of Louisiana System is announcing a special tuition rate for Louisiana adults returning to school to finish their degree though Compete LA. A flat rate of $275 per credit hour will apply to students who qualify through the program. This rate provides an average discount of $450 per course. “This straight-forward pricing model not only offers relief in what it will cost to finish a degree but eases the burden returning adults experience when calculating costs to return to school,” UL System
United Way NELA launches “Food for our Friends” for individuals experiencing COVID-19 income loss
United Way of Northeast Louisiana has launched Food for our Friends, aimed at serving the hard-working individuals in the community who have experienced income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Entergy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, Robertson Produce, Rotary District 6190, and the City of Ruston, United Way NELA will provide direct food assistance to individuals from 12 parishes who are experiencing income loss due to the COVID-19
Fast Pace Health: Antibody Testing For COVID-19 Now Available
Antibody Testing For COVID-19 Now Available Fast Pace Health is now proudly offering antibody testing, in ALL clinic locations, to determine if someone had past exposure to COVID-19. The test is done by analyzing a patient’s blood sample. This test is intended for people who may have had COVID-19 symptoms but are no longer experiencing those symptoms. The test determines the presence of antibodies (your body’s response) to the virus and helps identify people who may have been infected with the COVID-19
The WMWO Chamber of Commerce congratulates the City of West Monroe as it becomes the newest Louisiana Main Street District
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Staci Mitchell and the City of West Monroe for becoming Louisiana’s first Mainstreet Community since 2014. Downtown West Monroe is a community attraction that is an inclusive, place-based and people-focused area that reflects on our historic roots while looking ahead to prosperity and new growth. The attractive buildings and streetscape invite residents and visitors to walk, gather for events and festivals, and shop in a variety of
Responsible Re-Entry What does the new “norm” look like?
Responsible Re-Entry What does the new “norm” look like?(Click Here to Download This Document) Responsible Re-entry for a business should be as personalized as your mission statement. Your culture, your work force and the type or size of your business will be considerations when writing a re-entry plan and when determining when to move on to the next phase. Consider the following before implementing the plan; Safety and Health CostsSanitation and protection of employees/patrons may have a cost
OSHA Issues New Guidance for COVID-19 Recordkeeping
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued new guidance on reporting incidences of COVID-19 infections when employees are known to have contracted the Coronavirus at the workplace. OSHA-covered employers are mandated to record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. COVID-19 infection can be recordable if a worker is infected as a result of work-related duties, but employers are only required to record cases of COVID-19 if all of the following are true:The
Best Practices - Avoiding the Zoom 'Bombs'
As businesses turn to platforms like Zoom to host online meetings, issues in the Zoom software have allowed unwanted individuals to 'crash' or 'bomb' Zoom meetings, often with profanity or pornography. To help minimize the possibility of Zoomboming,, we strongly recommend that anyone scheduling Zoom meetings take following steps to ensure your Zoom meetings are properly secured: · Require passwords for all Zoom meetings· Never post Zoom links over public platforms \ social media · Set
St. Francis Urgent Care- We’re Committed to Caring for OUR COMMUNITY
We’re Committed to Caring for OUR COMMUNITY At St. Francis Urgent Care, we’re here for you for all your minor illnesses and injuries. Your health and safety is, and always has been, our number one priority. Our staff is working hard to take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To help slow the spread, we’re now offering the Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Tests. The new screening can identify patients with the COVID-19 virus in 5 to 13 minutes. To see if you meet the CDC criteria for
Gov. Edwards: State-Led Program to Offer COVID-19 Small Business Help
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a new Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, which will offer loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To help Main Street and rural businesses sustain operations, the loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent. The Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, or LPGP, is a partnership of Louisiana Economic Development, which
UL System, LSU mobilizing healthcare students, graduates, active/retired workers to volunteer during
The University of Louisiana System and LSU are partnering to mobilize healthcare students, graduates or active/retired members of the healthcare workforce to volunteer their time and talents through Louisiana Volunteers by signing up at www.COVID-19LAVolunteers.org. “It is our goal to leverage these volunteers as case managers and care coordinators to remotely and safely work with individuals with COVID-19 positive diagnoses, and to monitor patient conditions while under self-quarantine, said Dr.
Restaurant Listing
The Chamber is proud to highlight these WMWO Chamber Member restaurants available for to-go and (in some cases) drive through and delivery service! Chamber members that are currently closed are not listed. Arby’s – Regular drive though service available and take-out availableBar B-Q West – Take – out with daily specialsBelle’s Ole South Diner - drive thru & take out. Delivery on $50 or more per orderBurger King - Regular drive though service available and take-out availableCaptain D’s Seafood - Regular
Small Business Awards 2020
Small Business Awards Luncheon 2020 The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will once again host their annual Small Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from Noon to 1 p.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center. The WMWO Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon, presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare, is an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to recognize small businesses that play a vital role in the economic vitality of our
