Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce • 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270 • (318) 255-2031 • www.rustonlincoln.org Chamber Deliver to: Connection

CALENDAR A Publication of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce September 2019

Visit RustonLincoln.org calendar for details.

Each Tuesday “Chamber Update” on Facebook.com/ ThePeach993 You’re Invited 9:10 a.m. to an extra special 3rd Quarter event!

September 3 As we continue to celebrate with friends event. The bulldog will be auctioned off at Ribbon Cutting and partners in this 100th birthday year of our 4th quarter 100 year celebration. Bidding Pearlie Sue & Co. the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, will begin online prior to the events; details Boutique we invite you to join us on September 19th coming soon. 10 a.m. at the Ruston Farmers Market. In addition On the subject of the April 24th tornado, to shopping with the market vendors there what an amazing community we live in! September 3 will be appetizers at the vendor booths and The incredible outpouring of love, kindness, Ribbon Cutting door prizes including $100 cash and $400 gift and hard work in the days and weeks after Extreme Nutrition certificate. Chris “Moose” Garriga will serve the storm was certainly a testament to the 2 p.m. as the celebrity chef, cooking up some command “love thy neighbor!” We decided fresh pork and other items. And there to combine this event with Lincoln September 4 are two other very special elements to United as a celebration of you, every A Taste of Ruston this event. You who had a hand in picking up At Tech Did you see Dayton Scoggins of debris, offering a place to sleep or work, Artistry in Wood at the Louisiana Peach cutting trees off homes and offices, Festival? His amazing talent of chain delivering food, handing out hugs September 12 saw carving made him a hit. It was not and saying prayers. Come and let us Leadership Lincoln only his skills however, that made it so celebrate together! XXXIII perfect; his carvings from the festival Enter to win prizes by 4:30 p.m. Team Building at are made from pieces of trees that the for you chance to win $100 cash. The OWL April tornado tore down in Ruston. Other prizes will be given throughout Certainly pieces of history. Mr. Scoggins the event. Parking available at the September 12 donated two of his creations to the Historic Fire Station. Watch (LP Library Events Chamber; a bear and a bulldog. The bear, this event on Facebook.com/ Center) standing 4 feet tall, will be auctioned RustonChamber for more fun Meet & Greet with and sold to the highest bidder at this details. Sheriff Candidates 6-7:30 p.m.

September 17 Thursday, September 19 S.A.I.L. III 4-6 p.m. Orientation at Ruston Farmers Market September 17 Ribbon Cutting 220 E. Mississippi Ave. University Nutrition 10 a.m.

September 19 Celebrating Milestones with Ruston Farmers Market 4-6 p.m. Call for 2020 Board of September 24 Business After Hours Directors Nominations SciTEC @ Louisiana Tech 5-6:30 p.m. The Chamber is currently seeking nominations for its Board of Directors! September 25 Ambassadors Meeting 12 p.m. The Chamber Board meets monthly for hour-long It is with great excitement that I will get the opportunity board meetings, and they also attend other to continue serving on the Chamber Board as events throughout the year, including Business Board Chairman for 2020. After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Louisiana Peach If you or someone you know are interested Festival, and many more. The mission of the in joining the board, please apply today. Forms Chamber is “to cultivate a healthy business can be downloaded from RustonLincoln.org. environment,” so any potential new board If you have any additional questions member must be ready-and-willing to take this about the time commitment + overall Go to mission + run with it. experience, please do not hesitate to reach out rustonlincoln.org/ As a three-year Board Member, I to me directly! pages/newsletters or can confidently attest to the meaningful scan the code to view Marisol O’Neal Deadline to apply is September 27, 2019, additional items in the experiences I have gotten from this position, at 4:00PM. electronic version of and I am thankful to feel even more integrated this newsletter. into my community as a result of my involvement here. ~ Incoming Chamber Chair, Marisol O’Neal 2 CHAMBER CONNECTION September 2019 Letter from the President Voice Search May not be Best Shared through Better Business Bureau

Tell Alexa to play or point you to an $400 in pre-paid gift Scammers make ads your favorite song. Ask unfamiliar website. cards by insisting the with fake customer Siri about the weather. Turns out, that this airline was running service numbers. Cybersecurity Solutions Use Google Assistant “representative” isn’t a special promotion. Using voice search to turn down the air from the company at all. In another report, a to find a number can conditioner. But don’t Scammers consumer make it harder to tell ask your smart device create fake used Siri to a phony listing from to look up a phone customer call what he the real one. Get your number, because it service thought was information from may accidentally point numbers the support the official company you to a scam. and bump number for website or official How the Scam them to the his printer. correspondence. Works: top of search Instead, Make payments with he found You need the phone results, often your credit card. It’s number for a company, by paying for himself in a easier to dispute a so you ask your home’s ads. When Judy Copeland tech support credit card payment. smart device – such Siri, Alexa, scam. Paying by wire transfer as Google Home, Siri, or another device Tips to Avoid This or pre-paid debit card is or Alexa – to find and does a voice search, Scam: like using cash. There dial it for you. But the algorithm may Be careful when is almost nothing you when the company’s accidentally pick a searching for support “representative” scam number. phone numbers. can do to get the money answers, the One recent victim Rather than doing an back. conversation takes told BBB.org/ online search or letting To learn more about a strange turn. This ScamTracker that she your smart device look scams, go to BBB Dicky Nealy Broker representative has used voice search to up a number, use the Scam Tips (BBB.org/ some odd advice! They find and call customer contact information on ScamTips). If you’ve been targeted by this 2406 Kavanaugh Road Office: (318) 255-7480 may insist on your service for a major the business’s website Ruston, LA 71270 Mobile: (318) 243-6253 paying by wire transfer airline. She wanted to (double check the scam, help others avoid [email protected] Fax: (318) 254-8077 or prepaid debit card. change her seat on an URL), on your bill, or the same problem In other cases, they may upcoming flight, but in your confirmation by reporting your demand remote access the scammer tried to email. experience on BBB. to your computer trick her into paying Beware of fake ads. org/ScamTracker.

Meet Our Ambassador Anthony Tchakounte Ruston Cleaning Services, Owner/Operator | (318) 224-7044 | [email protected]

What does true leadership mean to me? My understanding of true leadership has evolved with time. Today, I understand true leadership as the ability to serve multitudes, the way you served one. Service is a critical aspect of leadership. It implies the leadership of Executive Board of Directors one, demonstrated by an extraordinary ability to care for somebody, giving your best for the person’s satisfaction. Chair, Earl Smith In my case; caring for my employees as well as caring for Wells Fargo Advisors my customers to make sure they receive total satisfaction. Chair Elect & Community Development Marisol O’Neal, Origin Bank What would I most like to tell myself at age 13? At 11, my parents introduced me to “the art of working Events Planning & Development hard” by making sure I was actively involved in all the Jessica Hughes, Southern Grace Events & Blessings manual tasks at home. From yard mowing to car cleaning, Membership Development those were my responsibilities. So, at a younger age, I Eric McCulloch, Edward Jones learned how to use my hands in a productive way. At 12, I had my first internship as a salesperson at Douala Organizational Development pharmacy in Cameroon. The pharmacist, Dr. Fatimatou Chad Ginn, HiTech Computers was amazed to see a little boy eager to work hard and earn Immediate Past Chair some money to help his parents. I am happy she gave me Lee Denny, Century Next Bank a chance. The experiences acquired from that internship left a big impact in my life. Board of Directors

Why did I choose Ruston-Lincoln? Cathan Brooks, Henderson Financial Services John Deason, Fairfield Inn & Suites Ruston is a growing city with lots of potential which Summer Hammons, My Happy Place Vintage Market gives room to many entrepreneurs to successfully start a Kristi Hardaway, Princeton Place business. The city has a good leadership with a wonderful Adam Hohlt, Hampton by Hilton of Ruston mayor, and businesses really support each other by Ryan Madden, Napper & Madden What is my personal philosophy? promoting the “shop local” concept. April McGuirt, First National Bank Tyler G. Storms, Storms & Storms Law Office In 2012, I had this conversation with my mentor My biggest desire is to live a life of integrity, a life of purity and total consecration to the Lord. A selfless life Grace Tirado, Individual Eugene L. Trammell, Sr., about my plans to live in Ruston Michelle Tolar, United Way of NELA after graduating from Louisiana Tech. I remember telling characterized by meekness, with an extraordinary ability Ron Veitch, Anti Pest & Veitch him that in the next 10 years, Ruston will be completely to see only the best in others and serve them. different. I am amazed by the major achievements in This is how I want to be remembered, Ex-Officio Directors Ruston, and I am looking forward to what’s next. That is how I will be remembered. Sheila Bordelon, RL Crime Stoppers Andy Durrett, Ruston Lincoln CVB Dr. Les Guice, LA Tech Univ. Courtney Hall, LP Police Jury TBD, LP Sheriff’s Office Kristi Lumpkin, Ruston Economic Devt. Marc Newman, Grambling State Univ. Nathan Hale, LA Delta Community College Lindsay Tomlinson, Origin Bank Ronny Walker, Ruston Mayor

Ambassadors Content Coordinator: Wesley Harris Rachel Cooper, State Farm-Kim Dupree – Program Co-Mgr. NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com Erika McFarland, GSU – Program Co-Mgr. Tiandra Gipson, Styled by Grace 401 E. Vaughn Avenue, Ruston, LA Rick Greene, Pelican Trade Network/Moxey Michelle Landry, Melanie Massey PT Dayna Poppen, Holiday Inn Express Stacy Scheer, The Arbor and Terrace Victoria Sexton, Centric FCU 255–1111 Rebecca Smart, 2High Trampoline Park R U S T O N L I N C O L N Mariah Smith, GSU Student Kionna Stewart, Kio’s Photography Anthony Tchakounte (Nana), Ruston Cleaning Services CRIME Ron Veitch, Anti Pest & Veitch

Chamber Staff STOPPERS Judy Copeland, President Ivana Flowers, Communications & Special Events Rewards up to $2,000 Ashley Smith, Membership Coordinator Jamie Dendy, (contract) Bookkeeper Victoria Sexton, S.A.I.L. Program Manager

Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Established 1919 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 255-2031 www.RustonLincoln.org genesisenergy @RustonChamber 2000 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston, LA 71270 www.genesisenergy.com 3 CHAMBER CONNECTION september 2019 Have you logged in…..

The Ruston-Lincoln Have you logged in post news releases key Chamber of Commerce yet…. If not, I suggest to your industry, as well boasts an awesome right now you go to as any events that you group of businesses that Rustonlincoln.org and would like to recognize are indeed cultivating sign in with your id and and share with the a healthy business password sent via email community. All of these 5th Annual environment. All our when you first joined. benefits are often under businesses have one thing If you have and it has utilized by our members. in common, they love been a minute, shoot Lincoln Lights Up We hope that you supporting and being a me an email at asmith@ will take advantage of part of our outstanding rustonlincoln.org and I the Pines this chamber resource community. We are will send you a new link so very enthused and to reset. today. If you would like Drive-Thru lucky to have members Ashley Smith Once you sign in, you more information or need assistance with any Christmas Lights who understand chamber. We also want will have the opportunity the importance of to fill out the profile of these, please feel free to ensure that you are Trail in Lincoln community involvement. on your business, offer to email me at Asmith@ We hope that we are using all the tools that hot deals, member to rustonlincoln.org or call Parish Park meeting, if not exceeding, are available to you as member benefits, post and ask for Ashley Smith your expectations as a members. career opportunities, at (318) 255-2031. Decorators Needed! The spaces, measuring approximately 25 yards, Ribbon Cuttings can be reserved to promote your business or organization for $100/ Photo albums from the events can be viewed and shared from Facebook.com/RustonChamber. Chamber members and $150/non- Chamber members. (All fees must be paid prior to the event.) Are you thinking, this all sounds great, but my small staff doesn’t have time to decorate? Our local Boy Scouts are prepared to assist! For an additional, tax-deductible donation of $100 to the troop they will decorate your area, all they Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aids, LLC. Fluffin’ Right (mobile grooming service) need are your decorations and 1503 Goodwin Rd., Suite 205, Ruston (318) 202-2725 (318) 251-1572 [email protected] design concept! Contact richard@ Find them on Facebook. Find them on Facebook. Jerrilyn Frasier, AuD., L-SLP/A Brandy & Skeet Richardson solutionsbyhitech.com to be directed to a coordinator. New Members

318-255-2222 Creekwood Gardens B&B Extreme Nutrition Ruston Pearlie Sue & Co. Boutique 2146 Highway 147, Simsboro 910 S. Vienna St., Ste. 4, Ruston 929 North Trenton St., Ruston (318) 263-2518 (318) 224-9009 (318) 224-0224 Owner: Gary Cathey Owners: Whitney Whorton Owner: LeeAnne McDonald creekwoodgardensvenue.com (Nutrition products and Find them on Facebook. coaching) Find them on Facebook.

Ruston Gameday Grill University Nutrition @ Ruston Sports Complex 933 North Trenton St., Ruston (318) 243-6468 (870) 665-9416 Owners: Doug Postel & Nick Guidroz Owners: Kimberly Bass-Benson & Kerrie Kingrey (Nutrition products and coaching) Find them on Facebook.

Downtown Community Medical Office Campus Health Center Building 309 Jackson Street 2600 Tower Drive 1200 Celebrity Drive Monroe, LA Monroe, LA Ruston, LA (318) 966-4000 (318) 966-6200 (318) 232-1580 Hunt, Guillot & Associates Ruston, Louisiana stfran.com

the Chamber Connection (023/623) is published monthly for $12 a year by the ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, 2111 North trenton St., ruston, LA 71270. Application to mail at periodicals Store your stuff at postage rates paid at ruston, LA and additional mailing offi ces.

pOStmASter: Send address changes to the Chamber Connection, 2111 North trenton St., ruston, LA 71270-4420. All contents copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the Serving Ruston over 30 years! publisher. Conveniently located near Tech Campus printed and produced 2018 by 821 W. California • (318) 255-8750 ruston Newspapers, Inc. 4 CHAMBER CONNECTION september 2019 Getting to Know Our Board Member Happy Anniversary Cathan Brooks Admin Professional, Henderson Financial Services, LLC | [email protected] 75+ Years Louisiana Tech University College of Business What would you do (for a career) If you weren’t doing Pearce Lumber & Hardware this? I would be an entrepreneur, owning a clothing store. I always wanted to be that person that organized 50+ Years and operated a business. I love transforming simple and McKinney Outdoor Superstore different styles into elegant styles. I believe that color and style define one’s personality. 20+ Years How do you define success? HiTech Computers of Ruston, Inc. Success may be defined in many ways. I believe success is being able to accomplish things that you had no Ivan Smith Furniture experience or ability to do. But taking in consideration that wisdom overrides fear and continuing to move forward each time you fall. 15+ Years Bethel Christian School How does the chamber benefit you? Commander Communications The chamber is great for networking and it gives me an opportunity to have personal interaction with people Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.) I wouldn’t normally have access to had I not been a part of Mickey Mays Xerox the Chamber. Not only that, people get a chance to know who I am and more about what I do at Henderson Polaris of Ruston How does the Chamber benefit you? The Chamber is great for networking and it gives me an Scriber Insurance Services What does true leadership mean to me? True leadership is stepping in during times of a crisis and opportunity to have personal interaction with people I Woodard & Clement being able to think and act in a difficult situation. wouldn’t normally have access to had I not been a part of the Chamber. People also get a chance to see who I am and 10+ Years How do you define success? what I do at Henderson Financial Services, LLC Success can be defined in many ways, I believe success is Lincoln Flooring & Acoustical being able to accomplish things that you had no experience What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? Northwood Medical Center, APMC or ability to do. Even in the inability, wisdom overrides fear I would have loved to own a clothing store. My passion has Peregrine Corp. and failure allowing one to move forward each time and always been organizing and operating a business. I believe eventually run into success. that color and style define ones personality. Roseburg Forest Products Travel Inn Wingstop Restaurant

5+ Years Letter From The Chair Allegiance Behavioral Health Center Boys and Girls Clubs of NCL By Earl Smith, Chamber Chair LaSalle Management Co. Louisiana Tech University Support Local Teams this Fall The Health Hut I stepped outside a few 5-6 unsung heroes on each for you team, in person, can to have quite a few days ago, and while it was side of the ball without whom make a world of difference opportunities to support still warm, something had the star players couldn’t do beyond just the admission local teams this fall. Both 1+ Years changed. Something had a thing at all. Trust me I you pay. You can play an Tech and Grambling will B & B Solutions – El Dorado shifted. The first feelings of know, I played active part have several home games this Chase fall and football season had on a team that in helping season, and we have a historic arrived. Football was, is, had a future t o p r o p e l opportunity on September Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers and ever shall be my sport starting NFL your team to 7th to see both teams play GNC of Ruston of choice. As it should be for quarterback. victory. You for the first time in Joe Aillet Joe’s Tire Service of Ruston any “true” American. We didn’t win can go beyond Stadium. I can only imagine While there are other team a single game. being a mere how that stadium will be La Bamba sports, football is the epitome To win at s p e c t a t o r , rocking, like it has never Lincoln Nova Vital Recovery, LLC of what a team sport should football, like life and become, rocked before. be. Baseball and Basketball and business, in a way, a We also have two great My Happy Place Vintage Market, LLC both have dominant players it takes a full participant by high school teams that could New Horizon Counseling Agency LLC that can will their team on to team. There encouraging use your support as well. victory, but with football it’s is a business and motivating Ruston High and Cedar North Village Apartments just not possible. application Earl Smith your team and Creek have well established, Planet Fitness Certainly there are stars, in there distracting the successful high school amazing athletes, and men somewhere… other team. An energetic programs that make Friday Ruston Artisans, LLC whose skill will make your There is one other crowd can be the twelfth man night a real treat. Ruston Cleaning Services, LLC jaw drop in amazement, important group when it on the field that gives their It’s a team sport. Come but not one of them does it comes to team sports, and team a decisive advantage. on out, and be your team’s Speed 88 alone. In fact there at least that is the fans. Being there Our Parish is blessed twelfth man. Southern Skin City

Nomination Opportunities Would you like to receive electronic newsletters to keep you posted on Call 255-2031 or email [email protected] for forms. what’s happening in Ruston-Lincoln? Go to www.rustonlincoln.org and click Nominate 11/29 Deadlines on “Sign Up to Stay In the Know” at the top of the page. Chamber Board of Directors Robert E. Russ Award (deadline 9/27) Business of the Year Everyday Excellence (always open) Young Business Leader of the Year Student Entrepreneur of Year

be remembered Find Where You Fit! Lincoln ACHIEVE . . . building partnerships to benefit education, CROWDERCONCEPTS enhance the business environment, and contribute to PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY a quality life in Lincoln Parish. FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES www.crowderconcepts.com Schools of Academic Excellence Initiatives Leadership And Achievement Initiatives 318.255.4545 Student and Teacher of the Year Student Internships www.ensureagency.com Adopt-A-School Job Shadowing

McCarter Financial Group, LLC Psalm 1:3 Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.

S. Greg McCarter, LUTCF

2028 E. Kentucky Ave. 318-255-1444 Ruston, LA 71270 FAX 318.255.1480

[email protected] Contact Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinator mccarterfinancialgroup.com of Ruston [email protected], 318-255-1430 5 CHAMBER CONNECTION september 2019

What is Ready2Work? Business After Hours The North Louisiana (Photo album on Facebook.com/RustonChamber.) Ready2Work team is a working partnership among Thanks to everyone who joined us and to various economic and Pearce Lumber for hosting august Business workforce development After Hours. We had wonderful door agencies, educational prizes and awesome food! A great time institutions, local was had by all. We hope to see everyone governments, non-profit next month. More event photos can be viewed at Facebook.com/RustonChamber. organizations and employers to increase the number of WorkKeys certificates earned by residents of our region. We are working to increase the number of employers that understand and are adopting the use of WorkKeys in their hiring and promotion practices.

Measuring Success We can measure our progress through www.workreadycommunities.org, and over time we will be able to use that data to talk to employers, policymakers, education leaders and others about building on our regional workforce strengths and identifying how to bolster areas for improvement. The North Louisiana Ready2Work team attended the ACT Work Ready Communities training program in 2017-2018 and are working to meet the criteria to become CERTIFIED Act Work Ready Communities by June 2020. You can learn more about this program and see our progress at www.workreadycommunities.org.

Learn More: www.northlouisianaready2work.org Angie White - [email protected]

Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

By Amanda Carrier, Marketing Director Strong Year Reported for Tourism in Lincoln Parish The Ruston Lincoln Convention Center calculates direct spending, generated by visitors to Lincoln Parish, & Visitors Bureau is pleased to earnings, employment, and direct each household would pay $557 more share that 2018 was a strong year for state and local tax revenue for the in state and local taxes. Napper adds tourism in Lincoln Parish. The latest report, and for four consecutive that in 2018, Lincoln Parish topped information released in years, Lincoln Parish has 1,000 jobs in the tourism industry the Tourism Spending shown growth in all five which is a 9% increase over 2017. in the Parishes Report measurements. 2018 was a great year the state as done by the University “I was pleased to see the well. Louisiana welcomed a record of (UNO) updated tourism impact 51.3 million total visitors, who Please join us Hospitality Research figures for Lincoln Parish,” generated $18.8 billion in tourism for our September Center shows an increase says Travis Napper, CVB spending in 2018. Those visitors in tourism revenue in the President/CEO. “2018 generated a total of $1.9 billion in networking event parish. was another strong year. state and local sales tax revenue Lincoln Parish was up We’re seeing growth that through travel and tourism activities hosted by Louisiana 8.21% in director visitor Amanda Carrier leads to positive impacts in Louisiana in 2018, an increase of spending in 2018 from on our community and our 3.7 percent, which is equivalent to a Tech University’s 2017 and was 22nd in neighborhoods; it leads $1,082 in tax savings per Louisiana Science & Technology percentage growth in all 64 parishes. to more jobs, more public services, household. Tourism supported Over two years, the parish was up and better quality of life for families, 237,200 jobs and added 2,600 new Education Center 16.73% in direct visitor spending students, and all citizens.” tourism-related jobs in 2018 making and Lincoln Parish ranked 4th in in State and local taxes paid by visitors it the 4th largest employer in the state. (SciTEC) in the percentage growth in similar or larger to Lincoln Parish provide a tax relief of Fun fact: $18.8 billion would buy destinations. $557 for local households. This means about 152lbs of Ruston peaches for College of Education. The UNO Hospitality Research if it were not for state and local taxes each Louisiana visitor. A Pause at the Podium Tuesday, Sept. 24 5-6:30 p.m. By Cathi Cox-Boniol, Coordinator, Lincoln ACHIEVE Launched Out of the Blue While I’m sure most people are this column today if it weren’t for As we begin this new school year, expecting my “science nerd self” to Buddy Davis. it is essential that we remember the seed this column with anecdotes about More than two decades ago, Buddy importance of helping young people the recent anniversary of the moon asked me to begin supplying special identify things that they might not landing, I am distracted features for the Leader’s be able to see within themselves. As with a different subject. sports section. I’m talking community leaders, we have the power I’m still reflecting on the BIG articles. That then to help students really find their footing loss of friend and sometime evolved into covering local along a path to future success. colleague, O. K. “Buddy” sporting events as part of We need to be willing to step out Davis. his team. Thinking back there, giving them a chance to flex their The Science and Technology Education I can’t remember a time now, it truly came “out muscles in new arenas they may have Center at Louisiana Tech University when I didn’t know Buddy. of the blue.” I had not never considered simply because they is an active outreach program of the As the “sports guru” for approached the Leader didn’t think they could. Yet we might College of Education organized to serve the Ruston Daily Leader, about writing and to be see that special spark that lets us know the surrounding school systems and Buddy covered my brother, honest, had never given they can and should. Whether through communities. SciTEC was originally Billy, through years of Dixie Cathi Cox-Boniol writing any thought. Yet a shadowing opportunity, internship, Baseball, then both of our Buddy obviously saw part-time job, volunteer experience, or conceived to meet the many challenges prep careers, and went on to cover Billy something in me that I couldn’t other means of professional growth, we facing Louisiana schools in the new in the collegiate and even semi-pro even see myself. As a result of that just need to give them an opportunity environment of accountability and as a ranks. I vividly remember key pieces unexpected start, here I am today not to try. shift in accepted pedagogy requiring the he wrote on each of us, and, ongoing only providing this monthly Chamber Oh, and not to disappoint those development of higher-order thinking discussions about significant events column, but also bi-weekly columns for expecting it . . . when Walter Cronkite skills in students and the incorporation shared through our love of Louisiana the Leader, monthly articles for Ruston wrapped up his comments about man of real-world experiences and hands- Tech University athletics and certain Living magazine, and any number landing on the moon on July 20, 1969, on learning activities that have caused professional athletes. There were of special interest pieces. On top of he had these words to say: “The least of classroom teachers to re-evaluate their always insights to impart, laughs to that, I became a published author, us is improved by the things done by teaching practices. In addition, SciTEC lean into, and encouragement to offer. co-authoring three middle grades the best of us. Armstrong, Aldrin, and strives to address the acute shortage of However, as special as such engineering teaching manuals as well Collins are the best of us, and they’ve memories are, my thoughts have as crafting op-ed pieces for The Science led us further and higher than we ever teachers in the critical areas of math and landed elsewhere. I’m absorbed with Teacher and other periodicals. I sit imagined we were likely to go.” science, the high percentage of uncertified the way Buddy opened doors for my here shaking my head while thinking, I suspect there’s a message in there teachers in Louisiana classrooms, and the professional growth. Yes, this sports “who would have ever thought it?” as we launch this new year. Perhaps we low number of economically disadvantaged writer for the Leader had a profound Well, Buddy Davis obviously did. In can lead someone further and higher and minority students who enter post- impact on my continuing journey. In doing so, he completely changed the than they ever imagined they could secondary education programs. fact, you likely wouldn’t be reading trajectory of my life. go, just like Buddy Davis did for me. 6 CHAMBER CONNECTION september 2019

Congratulation S.A.I.L Participants

Congratulations to the following Lincoln Parish high school Kate Walker - juniors on being selected to participate in the S.A.I.L. (Students Cedar Creek Actively Involved in Leadership) program, Class III! Eli Watson - Choudrant High Anna Ruth Allen - Ruston High Kaitlin Wiley - Ellis Belknap - Ruston High Choudrant High Kyleigh Davis - Cedar Creek Amber Williams - Sydney Hull - Ruston High Choudrant High Elisabeth Hunt - Cedar Creek Jaiden Hunter - Lincoln Preparatory S.A.I.L. is a Leadership Program presented by the Ruston- Austin Jackson - Lincoln Preparatory Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln ACHIEVE. Makhia Mamom - Ruston High Cameron McCarthy - Cedar Creek Special thanks to our sponsors! Autumn Moon - Cedar Creek Centric Federal Credit Union - Title Sponsor Kaiden Morace - Bethel Christian Jones Gina L Attorney At Law - Tshirt Sponsor Ellie Puljak - Ruston High Kim Dupree - State Farm Agent - Transportation Sponsor Sophie Puljak - Ruston High 2High Trampoline Park - Orientation and Lunch Sponsor Cayla Richard - Ruston High Uptown Downtown Ruston - Lunch Sponsor Anna-Katherine Thompson - Ruston High Moxey Nela Trade Network - Lunch Sponsor Carsyn Tolar - Ruston High Aimee Turner - Ruston High #BuildingLeaders #SAILClassIII

Welcome Leadership Lincoln XXXIII

Participants! is coming to Ruston, LA! Leadership Lincoln helps identify and September 16 through September 23, 2019 motivate emerging community leaders, and challenges those leaders to increase their participation in the community. Class will begin Interested in cultural exchange? September 12 with Team Building at the Outdoor Host an Up with People cast member and experience cultural Wilderness Learning Center. exchange that inspires understanding in a unique way. Simply provide a place to sleep, some meals, and limited John Bonner, Range Resources transportation. In return, you will: Ashley Butler, Origin Bank Travel the world without Stephen Butler, Origin Bank leaving home Neal Carter, Origin Bank Ashley Davis, Hampton by Hilton Receive 2 complimentary Devin Davis, Southern AgCredit tickets to the show Layne Davison, Louisiana Insurance Edith DeVilbiss, La Methodist Children’s Home Join a local network of Travis Fontenot, Dixie Center for the Arts global citizens Thomas Graham, The Lincoln Agency Rick Greene, Moxey NeLA Livia Hamilton, Choudrant High School Contact Kaitlin Anderson at Beck Hanes, Argent Financial Group 909.461.0681 or Haley Hogan, LP Assessor’s Office [email protected] Donna Isaacs, City of Ruston/Farmers Market Kevin Klepzig, LP Police Jury Ben LeBlanc, Hunt, Guillot & Assoc. Amanda Meng, Ruston High School Haven Moore, Origin Bank Lisa Post, Montessori School of Ruston Robby Roberson, Range Resources Mark Russell, B & D Service Julie Russell, Life Choices of NCL Arrives with a Volunteers Performs a Lives with Tours 15+ Jessica Slaughter, Century Next Bank cast of 100 from locally 2 hour show host families cities around Ashley Smith, R-L Chamber of Commerce 20 countries the world Nikayla Smith, Durrett Law & Title Amy Stegall, City of Ruston Mary Claire Smith, Town of Dubach UPWITHPEOPLE.ORG/RUSTON Maggie Weaver, Durrett Law & Title Brianna Wimley, Century Next Bank Follow us: