A Publication of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce September 2014

www.bankruston.com

with us.Come

SeptemberLabor Day

Sept.1Chamber / CVB

closed

Sept. 5 – Business Buffet,

11:30-1 p.m., CVB/Chamber

board room

Sept. 9 – Business After Hours,

5-7 p.m., The OWL Center

Sept. 18 – Ribbon Cutting at Chartreuse Pear,

10 a.m, 210 West Park Ave.

Sept. 30 - Ribbon Cutting with

WMWO Chamber for Evil Visions Haunted House, 4 p.m., 501

Desiard St., Monroe

OctoberOct. 21 –

Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., NLMC

Oct. 23 – Lighten Up! Lincoln

Community Wellness Expo,

Library Events Center

NovemberNov. 13 –

Business After Hours co-sponsored with WMWO

Chamber, hosted by Landry Vineyards

DecemberDecember – Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m.,

Fairfield Inn

CHAMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Chamber Connection

Deliver to:Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce • 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270

Ruston has a new face - Agent Kim Dupree took over the State Farm office of now retired agent Jean Washam Hollis on April 1. The office is located at 1001 N. Trenton St. A ribbon cutting was held with the Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on May 8.

“I absolutely love Ruston,” Dupree said. “I’ve felt so welcome from the time I’ve been here. The people of Ruston have been very accepting of me and I’ve felt at home from the beginning!”

Originally from Monroe, Kim has a versatile background in financial services and sales and has lived in several states in

support of her husband, Charles, who was called into the pastorate at a young age. She graduated with a double major of Individual and Family Development and Family Resource Management and Consumer Studies from the University of Kentucky. The degree program included insurance, family finance and retirement planning.

She and Charles eventually made their way back to Louisiana. In 1996, Dupree began working as an investment consultant and in 1998, she began working as a Marketing Coordinator at CenturyLink. She received two Marketing Excellence

Awards while at CenturyLink and eventually worked her way to Director of Partner Products.

Kim decided to fulfill her dream of being a State Farm agent last year after being contacted by State Farm. She began the State Farm internship and training in July of 2013 and graduated in January of 2014.

“I’ve have three of the same team from the prior office and they are truly a joy to work with,” Dupree said. “We have a warm, family-oriented environment and

although we love our jobs and have fun, we are also serious about putting our customers first.”

Kim has already been involved with the community and plans to become more and more involved over the next several months.

The office participated at the Louisiana Peach Festival by sponsoring the gate and media and is participating in the Adopt-A-School program in support of Ruston High School. Kim plans to rally high school students in

See State Farm Page 5

Dupree new State Farm agent

Congrats to the ‘Best of the Delta” Chamber members

Best Pizza - Johnny's Pizza House

Best Wine Selection and Best Venue to Have an Event -

Landry Vineyards

Best Local Furniture Store - Ivan Smith Furniture

Best Pool Builder & Service - Azure Pools

Best Auto Dealer - Jim Taylor

Best Bank - Community Trust Bank

Best Car Wash - RocketFast

Best Local Shoe Store - Beehive

Best Dental Clinic - Peachtree

Best Home Health Provider -

United

Best Place to Work - CenturyLink

Best Golf Course - Squire Creek

Best Health Club/Exercise Facility -

Anytime Fitness

A Solid Board

Chamber UpdateBy Judy Copeland, President, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

2 CHAMBER CONNECTION

Notes From The ChairRuston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce – By Aaron Paul, Chairman

Aaron Paul

Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Staff

Judy Copeland, PresidentIvana Flowers, Communications & Special Events

Melissa Carpenter, Office Manager

Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff

Travis Napper, Executive DirectorAmanda Quimby, Marketing Director

Deana Sherrill, Administrative AssistantDeadline for submitting newsletter information

is the 15th of the month.

Executive BoardChairman

Aaron Paul, Business Technology Group

Chairman ElectMike Jones, Argent Financial

Vice Chair, Community DevelopmentKathy Crowder, Crowder Concepts

Vice Chair, Program DevelopmentLee Denny, Bank of Ruston

Vice Chair, Organizational DevelopmentPatrick Blanchard

LA Methodist Children’s Home

Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentDoug Postel, LA Delta Community College

Board of Directors

Neal Carter Community Trust Bank

Cathi Cox-BoniolLincoln Parish School Board

Heath HattawayLaw Office of Rick Gallot

Rodney Manning The Ensure Agency

Richard Raue

Hi-Tech Computers

Sharon ShrellFirst National Bank

Erica WheelisCentric Federal Credit Union

Ex-Officio Board Members

Kristi LumpkinCity of Ruston

Courtney HallLincoln Parish Police Jury

Gregg Phillips

Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Ranaee Thomas-WalleyRuston/Lincoln Crime Stopper

Michael R. Jones

Managing Director, InvestmentsArgent Advisors, Incmjones@argentadvisors.com318-251-5844

What is your area of

specialty? I design and implement investment portfolio strategies for individuals who are interested in outsourcing this aspect of their financial life to a trusted professional.

What has been a highlight of your

work? Perhaps you and your staff are proud of a certain project or accomplishment. As an

active manager there have been multiple occasions where decisions I made for my clients averted significant draw downs of capital. As I look back over the years that has been more significant to me than chasing the latest “fad” in the investment world.

How has membership

in the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce been of value to you and your professional development? I believe that associating with

the chamber has elevated my status among business men and women. It has created unique opportunities to learn from others and apply business principles that have had direct impact on my professional success.

The Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth in our community. Every week the Chamber hosts business events that give you the opportunity to network with other business decision makers. These experiences give you the perfect chance to discuss your products and services in a professional environment. The more relationships you build the better chance you will have to increase your sales. Our company has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years and we have received direct and indirect sales opportunities from these

types of events. Contact me at aaron.paul@btgsupport.net or 318-251-8993 and I will get you a list of ribbon cuttings, business after hours, business buffets and

other opportunities to connect with potential customers.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in OUR Chamber.

Aaron PaulChairman, Ruston Lincoln

Chamber of CommerceCo-Founder, Business Technology Group, LLC aaron.paul@btgsupport.net 318-251-89931609 Industrial Drive, Ruston, LA 71270

Grow Your Business

Happy Anniversary!!Happy Anniversary to the Chamber Staff! Hard to believe it's been a year since this team joined up. We are blessed to serve this wonderful community!

CHAMBER CONNECTION 3

•

Justin BarnesSr. Project Manager

Melodye TannerCEO, CFO

Tom BourlandRF, ACF, CWB

Director of Operations

Natural Resource ConsultantsWe specialize in Environmental Due Diligence & Regulatory

Compliance for the Energy, Public Transportation, Real Estateand Commercial Construction Sectors.

Services include Wetland Delineation, Regulatory Compliance& Permitting, Customized Wetland Mitigation Solutions,

Endangered Species Consultation and Mapping GIS & GPS Applications.

Ruston, LA 71270318-202-3709www.biotechsouthllc.comBiotech South LLCBiotech South LLC

Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breaking

Cheeks AirWorxHeating, cooling & electrical. 24/7 emergency service. Locally owned, family business for over 60 years. They offer up-front pricing, and no overtime fees. Owned by Tommy Smith. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Chamber/CVB office. • 710 Stella St., Ste. A, West Monroe • (318) 323-9424www.theairworx.com

Wingstop MobileOwned by Alana Belton, this is the first Wingstop Mobile in the nation! Mrs. Belton also owns the Wingstop Restaurant in Ruston.Wingstop Mobile(318) 254-5117

Ruston Locker RoomLong time, Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, was the guest of honor at the celebration. There were back-to-school sales and the jambalaya, compliments of Ken, Kathy & Rusty of Brennan Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram SRT of Ruston.

Mike and Yvonne Craft opened the business 9 years ago.1913 East Kentucky Ave., Ruston(318) 255-4003Screen Printing, Team Uniforms, Local P.E. Uniforms, School Uniforms, Tuxedo Rental

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is doubling their size! They’ll be offering more cardio, small group exercise classes, and they have a multifunctional room that will include olympic power racks, battle ropes, pull up bar, additional free weights and heavy and speed punching bag.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held July 29 at the new site on Goodwin Road off the north service road beside Huddle House. Expected completion date is mid-October.‘‘Helping Ruston get and stay fit!Brent Bernard - OwnerHeath Parks - Regional ManagerDani Pendarvis - General ManagerForrest Hummel – Assistant ManagerDavid Welch - Personal Training MangerEric Ebarb - Personal Trainer Justin McClain - Intern(318) 255-1200www. Anytimefitness.com

Ribbon Cuttings continued on Page 8

Ruthie EvansGeneral Manager IIRuston/Bastrop/Jonesboro

1001 Cooktown RdRuston, LA 71270

F 318.251.2711E ruthie.evans@suddenlink.com

2000 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston, LA 71270 www.genesisenergy.com•

Mary Beth Walsh, Robyn Brown, Velissa Rollins, Charlette Favors, Kenneth Sutton

HeritageRealty Group, LLC

Make A Move.Make A Di� erence.

1231 Farmerville Hwy318.251.8282

How is Heritage Realty Group, LLC Different?1. Professional photography for all listings2. Give back program that invests in our

community with every sale3. Online marketing4. Team approach5. Automatic email program that will

ensure that you are the fi rst to know about a property when it hits the market.

heritagerealtyruston.comRobyn Brown, Broker

4 CHAMBER CONNECTION

McCarter Financial Group, LLC

S. Greg McCarter, LUTCF

Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.Psalm 1:3

2028 E. Kentucky Ave.Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-1444FAX 318.255.1480

gmccarter@suddenlinkmail.commccarterfi nancialgroup.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 postage rates paid at Ruston, LA and additional mailing offices.

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 publisher.

Printed by Ruston Newspapers, Inc.

.

Training that makes Sense!318/254-7993www.traininglogic.net

tevans@traininglogic.net

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The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours was hosted by Princeton Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on July 15 at 1405 White Street in Ruston.

This special Summer Fun event was open not only to individual employees of Chamber member businesses, but to their spouses and children. Princeton Place staff created a festive atmosphere with a face-painting clown, Kona Ice sno-cones, picnic food, and a petting zoo. There was also live music by Paul Ford of Hospice of Caring Hearts and of course there were many door prizes.

“Although this was not the typical style for a business after hours events, it was an excellent way to celebrate the summer with our members and their families,” Judy Copeland, chamber president said. “It was also a good chance for us to say thank you, face to face, to so many who helped with the peach festival.”

"We were so excited to have the opportunity to share such a fun evening with the children, families, and chamber members in our Ruston community. Thanks to the many businesses that helped make the evening possible. Princeton Place is a proud Ruston-Lincoln Chamber member and we look forward to many more successful events and opportunities to connect with others in our community," the Princeton Place Staff said.

Business After Hours hosted by Princeton Place

BAH is the premier networking event of the Chamber. In a two hour span, one can chat, exchange cards, make new connections, have a bite to eat and more, in a less hurried and strict environment than can often be done in an 8-5 work day. If you are a Chamber member and have not

been attending these events, we hope to see you there soon. BAH is a monthly event hosted by its members, for its members.

September Business After Hours will be hosted

by The OWL Center. We will tour the facilities, sample salsas and jellies, and learn about the equestrian therapy for residents of the LA Methodist Children’s Home. There’ll be plenty of prizes, and you could win a birthday party on the high ropes or a team building group adventure on the low ropes!

BAH – Still to Come in 2014October 21 – Northern Louisiana Medical CenterNovember 13 – Landry Vineyards, in partnership

with West Monroe West Ouachita ChamberDecember – Fairfield Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn has received the 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. This honor is awarded to establishments that achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. Our staff takes great pride in consistently offering an exceptional experience to our guests.

TripAdvisor Certificate of

Excellence

Argent Financial Group, a wealth and financial services firm, is making a big push into the Atlanta market.

The Ruston, LA based company announced June 30 the firm bought a fiduciary services line of business from Atlanta-based Reliance Trust Co. and opened an Atlanta office. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Atlanta-based team generally serves as trustee for employee stock ownership plans.

The acquisition adds more than $2 billion of client assets to the group's portfolio.

"An Atlanta office provides us the ability to further serve our growing client base both in the Southeast and the rest of the country," Kyle McDonald, CEO of Argent Financial Group, said in a statement.

The company reported the new Atlanta team will operate under the leadership of David Williams and Steve Martin, and will work under the Argent Trust Co. banner. Over time, the company anticipates the office will add wealth management services to complement existing trust services.

Argent Financial Group manages more than $8 billion in assets.

Story by: Phil W. Hudson Staff Writer- Atlanta Business Chronicle

Argent opens Atlanta office

CHAMBER CONNECTION 5

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October to join a “Celebrate My Drive” event sponsored by State Farm in order to promote safe driving habits among teens and put an end to the fad of texting while driving.

Kim and her team members Lynne Davis, Sunny Castine, Stephanie Knight, Sonja Provost and Ben Carlisle want to accommodate current and new customers and believe the public should be aware of the many services their company has to offer.

“A lot of people don’t realize we are more than an insurance company — we’re a bank as well,” Kim said.

In addition to offering vehicle, home, and life and health insurance, Kim’s State Farm office offers many banking options such as vehicle loans, home mortgage financing, retirement planning, credit cards, savings and checking accounts and much more.

Kim has two children that are now married and has 2 small grandchildren. To learn more about the services offered by Kim, her staff and the State Farm Agency call 255-6301, visit www.kimdupree.net or email kim@kimdupree.net.

From Page 1State Farm

Tech Support By Nick Bracey, System Engineer at Business Technology Group

Tablet PCs have become a standpoint in today’s technological world. In order to understand about tablet PC’s, one must ask the question: What is a tablet PC? A tablet PC, or tablet for short, is a mobile computer where all of the components of a computer are housed in a smaller, portable unit. I am going to touch on the three major types of tablets: Android-based, Apple (iOS) based, and Windows-based.

Let’s start with the Android-based tablets. Android-based tablets come in many different varieties and specifications. Some of the more well-known brands include Samsung, Amazon, and Asus. Generally, most Android-based tablets come with higher specifications than the Apple-based iPad or the Windows-based tablets because of the much lower cost to use the Android operating system on tablets. Most of the newer Android tablets also take advantage of the micro USB charging cable, which is also found on most new phones. However, there are a few disadvantages to using an Android-based tablet. With most of the tablets produced before 2014, there were issues with major slowness after about three months of usage, but that has been since fixed on the newer tablets. The other main complaint of Android-based tablets is the time it takes to learn the tablet as Android-based tablets do have a learning curve.

The next type of tablet I will discuss is the Apple tablet. Apple has done a lot of things right with the iPad. Since both the hardware and software are produced by Apple, you do not have the issues of slowness like you would experience with Android-based tablets. You will also find that most accessories for the different iPad’s are universal.

The biggest feature of the iPad is it is user friendly. You only have a power button, volume buttons, and the home

button. In terms of disadvantages for iPads, they are limited on space. Where most Android-based and Windows-based tablets can have additional memory added to them, iPads can’t. Another disadvantage of the iPad is the type of charger. Leave it to Apple to be different, even with the type of charger that they use for their devices.

Finally, I will discuss the Windows-based tablets. Most people will feel more at home with these tablets. They are based on Windows 8’s Metro interface, which is designed for a touch interface. Also, with

most Windows-based tablets, users will be able to use the applications that they are more familiar with, such as the Microsoft Office suite of programs. With that being said, there are disadvantages to them as well. Most Windows-based tablets do not take advantage of the universal chargers that the Android-based tablets (micro USB) or the iPad’s (30-pin or lightning) use. Also, the Windows application store has a much smaller offering of apps than found on Android or Apple.

If you would like further advice and/or help finding the right technology for you, contact me at Business Technology Group (BTG) office – 318-251-8993 or e-mail me at support@btgsupport.net and I will be glad to assist you.

Nick Bracey is a Systems Engineer at Business Technology Group (BTG), an IT Services company in Ruston.

Understanding tablet PCs

CVB/Chamber News!Congratulations to Deana!

She welcomed Kenlyn Joy into the world August 21. Ms. Erica Clark will be with us at the front desk until Deana returns from maternity leave. Erica is majoring in Music Education at LA Tech.

Sept. 9 from 5-7 p.m.

September Business After Hours will be hosted by The Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center - home of Leadership Lincoln's Teambuilding Classes!

In addition to sampling Screamin' OWL Salsa & Jelly, we will tour the Bunkhouse, Ropes Course, Conference Center and Covered Riding Arena and learn about the fun recreational therapies including the powerful Equine Assisted Therapy.

There will be plenty of prizes! You could win a Birthday Party Package on the High Ropes or a Team Building adventure on the Low Ropes or even $100 Visa gift card!

www.owlcenter.com

Announcements and Member News

Business After Hoursat The OWL!

Facebook Continued...During the last Business Buffett, we

discussed digital marketing as a whole as well as the importance of optimizing your Facebook platform. This month we will dive deeper into Facebook and learn ways to better manage the King of Social Media.

Some of the topics we will discuss are:

- Paid -vs- Organic Reach

- Creating a Content Calendar- Properly using the scheduling feature

in Facebook- Introduction to Hootsuite as a possible

management toolFacilitated by Jill Williams, Vice

President of Uncommon Service, First National Bank

September 5., 11:30-1:00 p.m., @ the Chamber office. Reserve your seat and bring your lunch!!

Business Buffet

Dicky NealyBroker

2406 Kavanaugh RoadRuston, LA 71270dicky.lri@gmail.com

Office: (318) 255-7480Mobile: (318) 243-6253

Fax: (318) 254-8077

Hunt, Guillot & AssociatesRuston, Louisiana•

A Pause at the Podium

Cathi Cox-Boniol

By Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln Achieve Coordinator

Find Where You Fit!

FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP

Schools of Academic Excellence Initiatives

Student and Teacher of the Year

Adopt-A-School

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESLeadership And Achievement Initiatives

Student Internships

Job Shadowing

Contact Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinatorccox@lincolnschools.org, 318-255-1430

Lincoln ACHIEVE . . . building partnerships to benefi t education, enhance the business environment, and contribute to

a quality life in Lincoln Parish.

6 CHAMBER CONNECTION

It seems that every day this past week, I’ve encountered someone who remembered me from my days at Marbury Rexall Drugs. It was fun reminiscing about those days when we were all much younger and life really was simpler. However, there was nothing simple about how those day-to-day interactions helped to shape my life’s path and who I would become.

I was seventeen when I began my eight-year tenure with the drugstore. Carroll Biggs hired me right out of high school as a sales clerk, but I quickly found myself moving from the cash register into the pharmacy where I worked side-by-side with an array of pharmacists over the years. When I think about that experience now, it’s amazing to me the level of work I was challenged with and allowed to do while working at Marbury Drugs. And it’s staggering to think of just how young and green I was while immersed in such significantly complex tasks.

That job was invaluable to me. Certainly being able to work around my schedule of classes at Louisiana Tech University was critical—Mr. Biggs offered me the chance to work whenever I wasn’t in class or engaged in other university responsibilities and for that I will be forever grateful. However, beyond that is the fact that within that little drugstore is where I truly discovered how to spread my wings and fly.

I think of the incredible networking I was open to with professionals from all walks of life as I served them through a myriad of opportunities. Relationships were established that I still value to this day, many that have extended into my own professional life. I was challenged to stretch farther and farther, something that equipped me to prove myself again and again as I was assigned greater responsibilities through the years. This in turn allowed me to learn more and more about myself. And that’s probably the greatest gift that experience gave me.

I’ve always been a “people person” so it was no surprise that the daily interaction with the customers was something I loved. Yet I discovered that I truly loved serving them. I felt incredibly happy and fulfilled when I was able to help them solve whatever problem they came through the doors with. To feel like I had a hand in making their day better meant the world to me.

Beyond that, I unearthed something else that would be a life-changing realization. You see, I absolutely loved the science I found myself engrossed with. Helping customers analyze their symptoms and then determine the best over-the-counter remedy, compounding medicines for the pharmacists, listening to the drug reps as they talked about new treatments, assisting with any and every thing at the pharmacy counter—I could go on and on. However,

there was one thing that I didn’t love. Being confined behind the pharmacy counter was almost claustrophobic to me and feeling like I couldn’t get out and about could literally kill my passion for the science.

This “on the job education” was a game-changer for me. Realizing my passion for science but also my aversion for a confined work environment enabled me to make more informed decisions as I prepared for my life’s work. I was better prepared to determine

what paths to take based on the experiences I had during my years at the drugstore. This not only saved me time and money but also years wasted in a job that would ultimately be unsatisfying. I became a science teacher instead of a pharmacist. And to say that I have been satisfied is an understatement and a half.

One of the most satisfying experiences I had as a science teacher came through a School-to-Work Grant I received while at Choudrant High School. The innovative grant provided the opportunity for

my 24 Biology II students to be placed at Lincoln General Hospital for a week-long “internship.” The students worked in small teams, rotating through five different departments throughout the week—radiology, physical therapy, laboratory, ER, and medical records. During the mornings they shadowed the professionals as they worked in whatever authentic situation arose; they also took breaks and dined in the cafeteria with them, along with whatever the day-to-day schedule provided. Then in the afternoon the student teams worked together to reflect on the morning’s experiences through debriefing, journaling, and development of a professional portfolio.

It was a powerful experience then and for me, even more powerful now.

Why? Because as I think of those different students, I am aware of the impact that experience had on them. The majority of those students went on to become physical therapists, radiology technicians, dental hygienists, nurses, lab technicians, EMTs, and other health-related professionals. But even better, one student who was planning to be a doctor discovered during that week that perhaps dealing with patients wasn’t the best environment for her—her constant fainting was a pretty good indicator. Initially she felt like a failure because she loved health care and knew now she would never be a doctor. But I encouraged her to complete the week, sharing my own experience from the drugstore where my passion collided with reality and I knew I had to find another path. And she did just that. By the end of the week she had discovered medical records and knew she would love that. It would satisfy her passion for health care yet provide her with an environment that was a better fit. She had found her path.

That’s what it’s all about—helping young people find the path that fulfills their passion through a satisfying career. I know I’m grateful for the experiences at Marbury Rexall Drugs that helped me do just that. And I’m even more grateful that I can have even a small part in continuing opening (or closing) the doors that can be game-changers for our students.

We all have the opportunity to be a part of that game-changing process in different forms of “on the job education.” Consider how you can open the doors of your business to a young person in need of a job-shadowing or internship experience. I’m thrilled that in recent days two new community leaders have contacted me about becoming involved. I anticipate what it will be like for students to be placed with these outstanding professionals. And I smile thinking about the impact it will have. Who knows, decades from now they could be the ones reminiscing about the day-to-day interactions through their education on the job that helped shape their life’s path and who they would become. And who better to entrust the future.

On the job education

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Ruston1825 Roberta AveRuston, LA 71270

318-513-9777holidayInnexpress.com/

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Touring Lincoln ParishRuston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau – By Travis Napper and Amanda Quimby

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Member Anniversaries

CHAMBER CONNECTION 7

Ambassador SpotlightBrandon Sutherland

Director of SalesHampton Inn Ruston, LA

Office: 318-251-3090Cell: 318-278-9207Fax: 318-251-3315

What initially sparked your interest in working in your field? I’ve always loved being around people, and being able to help them if they were ever in need. I found that being in the hospitality business you get all of that in one setting. It’s such a blessing to hear someone say “thank you for making our weekend”, or call us their “home away from home”.

What has been a highlight of your work? Our

hotel recently received the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, which is a huge compliment in the hospitality field. We were also named in the top 20 out of all 1,964 Hampton Inns for over all service, and earlier this year I received the Spirit of Hampton award.

How has membership in the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce been of value to you and your professional development? Networking with other businesses in our community is vital to our everyday work at Hampton Inn. As host to guests from literally around the world, I see our hotel as being an ambassador for the community. Being able to welcome new businesses at ribbon cuttings or meeting other business leaders at the Business Buffets gives us an excellent opportunity to put a face to a name for businesses that we are constantly referring our customers to.

Who is your favorite role model—and why?

This may sound corny or a little played out, but it would have to definitely be my parents Dennis and Becky Sutherland. They are the perfect example of what a parent should be. They are both loving, kind, merciful (needed that more than anything on occasion), and more caring than anyone than I know. They instilled in me the love for people, and an honest hard work ethic.

15+ YearsLouisiana Tech University

College of Business

McKinney Outdoor Superstore

Ivan Smith Furniture

10+ YearsMickey Mays Xerox

Pearce Lumber & Hardware

Bethel Christian School

Ruston Credit Plan, Inc.

Woodard & Clement

D.A.R.T.

Commander Communications

Malone Polaris

Scriber Insurance Services

Training Logic, Inc.

5+ YearsTravel Inn

J. Roman Farrar, D.D.S.

Community Trust Bank - Choudrant Office

Wingstop Restaurant

Lincoln Flooring & Acoustical

Northwood Medical Center, APMC

Roseburg Forest Products

OfficeLinx

Greater Choudrant Association

Dual State Fire Protection

OtherWalgreens - North

LaSalle Management Co.

Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish

Boys and Girls Clubs of NCL

Hertz

Montessori School of Ruston

Little Helpers Pediatric Day Health Center

There is no need to stay inside this fall with so many exciting events to enjoy in Lincoln Parish! The fall offers visitors and residents alike a chance to enjoy football, theatre, live music, festivals, and so much more!

Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University will play a combined eight home games this fall with only one occurring on the

same weekend. Bulldog and Tiger fans don’t want to miss any of this football action! Louisiana Tech will have their first home game on September 20 against Northwestern State University. GSU will play their first home game on October 11 against Alcorn State University.

During the 2014 season, the Bulldogs will play at Joe Alliet Stadium five times. Opponents include UTEP, UTSA, Western Kentucky for their Homecoming game and Rice University. The Tigers will host three games at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium in Grambling, LA. Their Homecoming challenger will be University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff followed by Alabama State University November 15.

Fall is also an exciting time for the Dixie Center for the Arts! Mark your calendars for the Chinese Acrobats on September 27 and Jason Coleman and the Piano Magic of Floyd Cramer on November 15. You also don’t want to miss Troupe Dixie’s Annual Spooktacular Night at the Dixie featuring Tom Hanks’s 1989 comedy and suspense film The ‘Burbs.

It’s never too early to think about Christmas gifts. Downtown Ruston will be alive with the holiday spirit November 20-22 for the Holiday Arts Tour. Join us for a weekend of art, music and shopping as downtown shops display the works of local artists.

The Louisiana Chicken Festival will take place September 26-27 in Downtown Dubach, LA. Come out and celebrate the festival’s 26th year! Activities include a parade, carnival rides, cooking contests, craft booths, live music and much more!

The festival is planned by the Dubach Restoration & Beautification Restoration Organization (DRABO). Check them out on Facebook!

Lincoln Parish Library is also hosting several events that are free and open to the public. October 21 the library is celebrating Motown artists, and their music and lifestyles with a performance from the Masters of Soul! You won’t want to miss the stylish costumes, choreographed tributes and of course, the dynamic vocals of these incredible musicians. If a Western shindig is more your speed, put on your faded blue jeans and dust off your cowboy

boots for their Country Western Boot Skoot Boogie Night on October 25!

“Ruston and Lincoln Parish are fortunate to have such wonderful events for the community to enjoy,” says CVB President & CEO Travis Napper. “We also encourage everyone to reach out to your out of town friends and family and invite them to experience everything our community has to offer.”

For more information on these events and more, visit www.experienceruston.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Plenty to enjoy this fall

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Adam & Kelli Harris bought the Ruston Sears Hometown Store in January 2014. The couple has been in the entertainment business in Springhill for 9 years, owning and operating theatres and bowling alleys. They celebrated the opening of Sears with a grand opening sale August 15-16, with 10% off almost everything in the store.

Adam and Kelli Harris: OwnersSavannah Dwairi: Store ManagerJared King: Interim Store Manager Paul Cagle: Assistant ManagerJennifer Shultz: Sales ConsultantJody D'Angelo: Sales ConsultantVanessa Gray: AccountingSeth Melancon: Delivery Driver1701 Commerce St. (318) 255-2194

Lincoln Parish Safety ComplexThe ribbon cutting and dedication of the new law enforcement facility was celebrated by many. In attendance were Sen. Landrieu, Rick Gallot, Bob Kostelka, Vance McAllister and many others. The new facility will house Sheriff Stone and his staff, homeland security, and fire personnel. 161 Road Camp Rd.

Sears Hometown Store

Elisha Ministries, Inc.

608 South Trenton St., Ruston (318) 251-1233 www.elishaministriesnela.org

EM offers permanent supportive housing options for individuals in need of home placement. Each home offers individualized or shared bedroom accommodations that promote privacy and security. EM case managers daily individualize care to assist in achieving goals of self determination.

WPI South, LLC

2312 McDonald Ave., Ruston (318) 232-1307 www.westernp.com

Western Pneumatics, Inc. (WPI) and WPI-South designs, manufactures and installs wood and fiber material handling systems. Four groups working together focus their expertise for the biomass, renewable energy and clean air markets.

Evil Visions Haunted House

501 Desiard St., Monroe (318) 680-4494 www.evilvisionsmonroe.com

*Ribbon cutting with WMWO Chamber, 4 p.m., Sept. 30) Evil Visions is an intense haunted house located on the corner of 5th st and DeSiard st downtown Monroe, LA.

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