NEW IBERIA, La. --- The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce (GICC) officially announced the program details of
Positively Iberia! at a gathering of business and community leaders at the GICC offices in New Iberia last week.
Described as an ongoing, multimedia, positive profile-raising community campaign for New Iberia and Iberia Parish, in its inaugural phase the campaign is valued at over $250,000 with the first weekly segment set to premiere on Thurs., Oct. 3.
The initial phase of
Positively Iberia! will include a weekly (Thursday) three-prong multimedia plan featuring the events, activities and personalities that make this part of the Teche region uniquely home, open for business and fun for visitors. The media plan includes:
- a guest news interview segment, aired three times on KADN/KLAF News15 Today (Fox/NBC)
- followed later the same morning with a 30-minute in-depth, round-table discussion with the same guests/same topic on KANE AM1240/107.5FM Teche Matters with question/answer calling capabilities.
- Facebook LIVE (via the Positively Iberia! Facebook page) during the in-studio action from KANE for a “peek behind the curtain” from the live radio show.
Additionally, KADN/KLAF, KANE and the GICC will archive and promote each segment on websites, mobile apps and Facebook pages for replay at viewer/listener convenience.
“As our role in the community has evolved in recent years, we take pride in leading our community in spreading positive news in Iberia Parish,”
explained Ryan Boudoin, GICC chair.
“Along with our role of helping our business community, we want to affect positive change in all of Iberia Parish. Our plan is to start a new dialogue about all the ways that we love and cherish our home.”
After unveiling the initiative logo and viewing a brief video introducing the musical jingle that will tie the program together, The First National Bank of Jeanerette (FNB) was recognized as the program’s underwriter.
“All too often, the public’s perception of Iberia Parish has been molded by news of negative aspects in our community, but at First National Bank we believe there are far more positive aspects that make Iberia Parish an exceptional place in which to live, work, worship and play,” said Damon Migues, president and CEO of FNB. “In our role as a true community bank, we maintain a firm commitment to the well-being of Iberia Parish and the people and businesses that comprise the community. We have long invested in the lives of area families as well as funding business growth because the future of Iberia Parish is bright.
"The nature of the Parish is one that feeds prosperity and success; and in our investment the quality of life we share continues to rise,"
Migues continued. "It is indeed our privilege to serve as the inaugural underwriter of
Positively Iberia!”
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Greater Iberia Chamber on the
Positively Iberia! program because it fits in directly with our motto, ‘Focus on Family and Your Community,’” Sean Trcalek, general manager of KADN/KLAF noted about why the stations stepped-up to participate. “As broadcasters, News15 recognizes that we are Iberia Parish’s local television station, and it’s our responsibility to let all of our viewers know of all the positive things going on in Iberia Parish. We take that responsibility to serve Iberia Parish seriously, and this is a fun and informative way for us to be a greater part of the parish.”
"News organizations often are criticized for reporting only the bad news,” Jeff Boggs,
Teche Matters host and KANE station manager continued. “And I've always suggested, as an example, that you need to know a public official is a crook more so than that they're actually doing their job; however,
Positively Iberia! is a great way to promote all the good things going on in Iberia Parish. We're thrilled to partner with the Chamber and KADN on the project."
The GICC has retained local project specialist Marti Harrell, as Positively Iberia! program coordinator and media producer. Harrell is an award-winning marketing, media and public relations professional with south Louisiana regional emphasis in small business and non-profit marketing/branding, media/public relations and event coordination.
Of the many projects Harrell has been instrumental in successfully bringing to fruition from concept, most notable are the Acadiana Business Hall of Fame (1996) and Delcambre Seafood and Farmers Market (2013).
“We have a unique opportunity in this program, one with the potential to change the thinking of neighbors and visitors alike,” Harrell said. “And as a relative newcomer to New Iberia, I bring a unique perspective to the initiative."
To share a story idea, information on an event or activity, or recommend a personality feature, email or call/text Marti Harrell, Program Coordinator/Media Producer at
positivelyiberia@iberiachamber.org or (337) 352-2892.
Featured guests and activities scheduled for October are:
