It’s another beautiful day in Monroe, Louisiana March 6, 2023
I think this graphic says it all………………………It’s a BEAUTIFUL Day in Monroe, Louisiana, and all over our region. If you are reading this newsletter, then you have a lot to smile about. From Jackson Street to 165 North from Russell Sage to Old Sterlington Road there are so many great things happening. Some are or will be obvious - others are fixing things that need fixing. One thing is for sure - all the work being done will help create the environment where your local businesses THRIVE!
Infrastructure and quality of our life -
If you haven’t visited Oneroe.City you should - get an update on both phases of the Downtown Master plan plus much more. Here is the link.
https://oneroe.city/
Work continues on the Water Treatment Plant at Forsythe Park. When complete it will double its capacity from 12 million gallons a day to 24 million gallons. Kansas Lane extension work should start soon. Work is underway fixing over 9,000 feet of compromised pipe at the Texas/Standifer Trunk line. That is the equivalent of 25 football fields. This will help with flooding all over our great city. The city is also moving the Calypso Pump station that was built on the wrong side of the levy. This will also help relieve flooding in downtown Monroe. Both of those projects got help from Congresswoman Julia Letlow. Mayor Ellis proposed applying for a lighting, sidewalk, and bike paths grant for $25,000,000 for South 2nd street to Calypso and Plum Streets to our city council and it passed unanimously.
This Wednesday at Forsythe Park The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum will unveil its future plans. The event starts at 3:30 at their future home. The Children’s Museum has served our city and region for 25 + years. They serve 50,000 visitors a year. This move will double their size to over 20,000 square feet and we are projecting doubling the number of visitors. This is part of the master plan for Forsythe Park. The city, under Mayor Ellis, has a parks & rec center master plan. 3 Parks have plans for a revival. Forsythe along with Charles Johnson and Chennault.
This work and these projects are critical for our future and for your businesses. Last Wednesday our Leadership Class got an update on these projects and much much more. This group is excited and is diving in to grow our city and region.
A busy few weeks ahead………
Tuesday our Ambassadors will meet at tye ULM Alumni Center to hear community Super STAR and the Director of ULM Alumni, Sarah Siereveld. What an amazing organization and what an amazing group of Alumni. I promise you a great lunch and a great speaker.
Also on Tuesday The Chamber (along with ULM and the WMWO Chamber) will be engaging ULM students and a panel of local business executives including Lyla Cokern (Finding Solace), Jennifer Zimmerman ( Medicare and Healthcare Advocate) Rick Guillot (Origin Bank) and Sarah Heatherly (InterMountain Management) to discuss Corporate Cultures. Wednesday our Governmental Advocacy Group meets with Shane Smiley and Brad Cammack with Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
Next Monday March 13th our Young Professionals will meet at the Lotus Club at 5:30 for a Mixer - it is open to all Young Professionals and those Young at Heart Professionals. Tuesday, March 14th is the Women’s Symposium at ULM.
Thursday March 16th will be a day of Celebration and Fun. It starts at 8:00 at Tower Place with Coffee & Conversation. We will be premiering Monroe Chamber Jeopardy. Please register and make plans to attend - We will be awarding prizes and as always we have great coffee from our sponsor CC’s.
Thursday evening is our Annual Banquet with a return visit of Jimmy Cusano with Your Chamber Connection and a visit from John Robert Smith (Transportation of America and former Mayor of Meridian, Mississippi). Great Music, Great Food, Great Drink, a Great time.
LABI will be here on March 21st - I urge you or someone from your business to be at this luncheon.
LABI”s Impact Statement says it all…………
LABI serves its broad membership by working towards the singular goal of fostering a climate for economic growth through consistently championing the principles of the free enterprise system. LABI sets the standard for advocacy, providing policymakers with the information and perspective necessary to advance sound public policy that supports strong economic growth. LABI is proud to be Louisiana’s official state chapter for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
Have a great week and go climb your mountain……
-Roy
