Grant Writing 101

Anissa Starnes, YGM Total Resource Campaigns

In this webinar, Anissa will provide you with the basic knowledge and understanding of how to find potential grants to apply for, how to reach out to build relationships with Grantmakers, and ultimately craft a grant application that will be successful in securing funding. We will walk through the basic best practices of these three steps in the grant life cycle: research, relationships, and writing. We hope this will help you feel more confident as you seek grant revenue for your chamber. During this webinar you will learn:

• The key elements of the grant life cycle;
• Why some grants do not receive funding;
• How to determine which Grantmakers are a strong fit for your organization;
• How to best tell “your story” on why you need the funding; and
• How to use your research and relationship efforts to customize your grant applications.

CLICK HERE to register for the hour-long session. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the full membership after the session if you aren't able to join us that day.

After a months-long nationwide search, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is pleased to announce that Will Green has been named LABI President and CEO. Since 2016, Green has served as the President and CEO of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association, the full-service trade association for the roughly 350 new motor vehicle car and heavy truck dealers in Louisiana. “Will represents the best of a new generation of leadership at a time when their involvement has never been more essential,” said Jude Melville, LABI Board Chair and CEO of b1BANK. “As our state’s primary advocate for the uplifting power of free enterprise, LABI has been a decades-long force for good—this choice ensures we can continue to positively impact the lives of Louisianans for years to come.” “I’m honored by the confidence LABI’s officers have in my ability to lead this organization,” said Green. “LABI is a powerful voice for the Louisiana business community, and I am committed to honoring its past while focusing on its future. Our state is at a pivotal point in its history, and LABI is ready to advance the positive policies Louisiana desperately needs. I’m ready to get to work.”

SSBCI is a $10 billion federal program that helps states support small businesses and startups that are creditworthy but unable to access the capital they need to grow or establish their businesses and create jobs. SSBCI is not a government grant program. It is an economic stimulus program that uses federal dollars to leverage private investment in existing and start-up businesses through loan and equity programs. Click here for more information.

How to Leverage the Right vCISO Services for Your Organization

A vCISO, or virtual Chief Information Security Officer, is a cybersecurity professional who provides strategic guidance and leadership in the realm of information security on a virtual or part-time basis. Unlike a traditional full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who holds a permanent executive position within an organization, a vCISO offers their services remotely, typically through a consulting or advisory arrangement. At Ingalls, we offer vCISO services in two different ways: vCISO Structured and vCISO Retainer. Both of these services are designed to enhance our clients' cybersecurity posture, but they cater to different needs and circumstances. This blog post breaks down the specific scope of each service and key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision when it comes to a vCISO solution. Click here to read the full blog.

Learn About KLB Litter Study Results in a Public Webinar on December 6

This fall, Keep Louisiana Beautiful released the 2023 Louisiana Litter Study including the annual cost of litter abatement, roadside litter assessment statistics, and data on the public’s attitude toward litter. Learn the results of the study and ask questions in a public webinar on December 6 at 10 a.m. Registration is required. Visit the KLB website to read the full study and download fact sheets. Click here to register for the webinar.

LACCE is pleased to welcome a new Associate Member:

Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance 

Avon Knowlton, IOM, CCE - Executive Director / CEO

337-378-2088

avon@armedforcesalliance.com

Find out more below:

https://louisianaarmedforcesalliance.wildapricot.org/

We will schedule a Zoom meeting soon for Avon to share their service information with everyone.  

Thank you for joining us in October for our introductory webinar on how to get started with advocacy at your chamber. If you missed the training, click here to watch the recording. We are honored to be an associate member of LACCE and look forward to providing you valuable tools and education to help you build and grow your advocacy program.

Prosper Acadia is back with new programming! Join us on November 30 at Main Street Patio as we kick off the series with Small Business 101! It is important that business owners and aspiring business owners have the tools necessary to succeed and grow! Come have breakfast with UL Lafayette's LEED Center, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Small Business Services Division and the Small Business Development Center of Lafayette as they speak on the resources they offer and what it takes to start and maintain a small business.

Adam Knapp has announced his departure as president and CEO of the Chamber to be the new CEO of the Committee of 100. Knapp officially starts his new role November 1. Ann Trappey has been named the Interim CEO.

The Chamber is hosting two AI workshops in November. The first will be held November 11 with the title of AI Basics to Grow Your Business. The second will be held November 18 with the title of AI Business Accelerator. Both will be facilitated by Wiley Brazier, CEO of We Greaux People.

The Chamber welcomed nearly 400 guests to its second annual banquet on October 26^th, where they celebrated accomplishments, unveiled new programming set to begin in 2024, and recognized the 2023 Business of the Year and 2023 Gertrude Boudreaux Community Impact award winners.

On November 2, the Chamber will host Music on Main at Arceneaux Park, a family-friendly outdoor concert. There will be food, kids’ activities, local vendors, and live music provided by The Chee Weez. Click here for more details.

After 14 years, Ron Erickson, Sr., President/CEO, has announced his resignation from his position with the Chamber. He has formed his own consulting firm, and effective November 1, his firm will sign a contract with the City of Central to work on economic development.

The Chamber will host the 18th Annual Miracle on Washington Street Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 2 from 9:00am to 7:00pm. The event will feature the Lighted Christmas Parade and the Extreme Light Show at DeRidder City Hall that will run nightly until New Year's.

On Thursday, October 12, the Chamber enjoyed an incredible turnout for its 24th Annual Golf Classic at TPC Louisiana.

On Wednesday, October 25, the Chamber co-hosted a sold-out Prosper Jefferson at the JEDCO Conference Center in Avondale. The educational and professional development seminar included a social media workshop where a panel of experts shared knowledge about new and emerging social media practices to help businesses grow.

The Chamber conducted its annual State of Jefferson on Thursday, October 26 at The Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. The premier business luncheon featured a presentation on current activities and developments in Jefferson Parish featuring Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, Council Chairman Scott Walker, and Jefferson Parish Public Schools Superintendent Dr. James Gray. Selling out since its creation, each year’s attendance includes a “who’s who” roster of local business leaders and politicians.

The 17th annual Tour de Jefferson bike ride will roll through the Westbank of Jefferson Parish on Sunday, November 12 with the start and finish line at Estelle Playground in Marrero. This fun, safe, and family-friendly event is a unique way to experience the scenery of Louisiana’s heartland for cycling enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Four cycling routes are available (11 miles, 19.7 miles, 31 miles, and 50 miles), as the goal of this ride is to continually enhance the awareness of quality-of-life amenities, recreational venues, and the Bicycle Master Plan in Jefferson Parish. 

Friday, November 3 will be Adam Miller's last day with the Chamber. He served as the Chamber's Director of Communications, and he has accepted a job in the sports industry.

The Chamber is now accepting runners and walkers for the Light the Way 5K and Fun Run, a nighttime race under the Christmas lights of historic downtown Natchitoches. The event will take place on Sunday, November 19^th starting at 5:00 pm. In addition to the 5K, there will be a one-mile Fun Run, for those who wish to walk and enjoy the lights, as well as a holiday costume contest. Admission is $35 for the 5K and $30 for the Fun Run. To register now or learn more information about the event click here.

SAVE THE DATE for the Chamber’s Annual Meeting scheduled for December 8 at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans! Newell Normand with WWL Radio will be broadcasting LIVE and we will be raffling off a 7-day cruise from Carnival Cruise Lines – benefitting New Orleans Chamber Foundation. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Delta Community College has decided to build a new college campus in Farmerville along the shores of beautiful Lake D'Arbonne. Click here for more information.

Did you know ACCE has a Non-Dues Revenue resource section on their website? They also have a Revenue Models Resource Guide, which is a white paper showcasing chamber of commerce dues structures and non-dues revenue streams, highlighting the latest trends, sharing relevant case studies and providing practical tools to help you explore revenue opportunities at your chamber. Click here for more information!

The Power of Storytelling

Joseph B. Henning, IOM, ACE, CAE - President & CEO, Henry County (GA) Chamber

Before podcasts and TikTok, before newspapers and broadcast media, storytelling was key to sharing information and passing down history. Stories celebrate achievements, share insights, and create meaningful connections. Unlock the storytelling potential of your membership organization. This webinar will touch on sharing compelling stories to highlight your organization’s strengths and benefits. Click here to watch the webinar.