CENLA
Blood drive underway in CENLA
Save a Life—Donate blood today! LifeShare Blood Center in Alexandria is sponsoring the "Super Bowl for Life" through February 5 at 2051 N. Mall Drive in Alexandria or to mobile blood drives in the area. Blood donors will be entered to win one of many prizes donated by local sponsors. Full information.
Cenla businesses embrace the power of LSU sports
Being a Louisiana State fan has paid off for some Cenla businesses. Just ask Bo Carter, who figured out how to paint a purple and gold Tiger eye painted on his front lawn. Once he posted it to his facebook page, folks wanted to know how they could get one, and Tiger Tattoos was born. Carter's business is one of a number of businesses large and small that have capitalized on LSU's popularity and its recent success. Full article.
Cenla Mardi Gras season begins Friday, January 6
January 6 is Epiphay, also known as the Twelfth Day -- the day that commemorates the visitation of the Biblical Magi and Jesus Christ's physical manifestation to the gentiles. For carnival lovers in Louisiana, that marks the official start of Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras season in Cenla consists of dozens of masquerade balls that includes a Taste of Mardi Gras, three Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Parades and the annual Fat Tuesday Krewe of Provine Parade. Full information.
CENLA advocates see opportunity
Despite the tough economy, Central Louisiana business leaders are optimistic about CENLA’s future. Jim Clinton, president of Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance:"Like any other region, we're subject to the whims of the global economy. We can be hurt by that, but I think we're soundly positioned from doing some things that were needed to make a difference in the long term…” Full article.
Online shopping important for local businesses
Cenla retailers are looking to draw more business from the Internet. "I think it's a vital part of business today," said Mimi Kirzner, owner of Kitchen Warehouse. "I was a software developer before going into retail, so I know the importance of being online and being able to find your audience in various places." Other local retailers are already utilizing many of the promotional tools available to them through social media outlets. Full article.
Arts Council awards grants in Cenla
The Arts Council of Central LA recently grants for arts and cultural activities in Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon and Winn parishes through the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program. Eligible applicants included non-profit arts organizations, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, colleges and universities, schools and school boards and individuals (with fiscal sponsor). Full article.
LA shifts behavioral health oversight to new CENLA board
The Central Louisiana Human Services District, a new local government organization that will help oversee CENLA behavioral health issues recently held its first public forum. The forum introduced the board members to the public and touched on some of the issues the district will oversee. Full article.
CENLA schools earn national honors
Five Rapides Parish schools and a number of other schools in Central Louisiana recently earned national recognition. The U.S. Department of Education named three schools 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools: Rosenthal Montessori Elementary School in Alexandria, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches and Many Elementary School. Full article.
Rapides program offers financial perk for school-business partnerships
Marjorie Taylor, of The Orchard Foundation, is leading an effort to link businesses and schools. She indicated that there’s a wealth of opportunity in CENAL for new grads, as well as employers. The Cenla Word Ready Network initiative led to the establishment of technical and vocational courses in local high schools that will help students earn industry-based certifications, and companies providing financial support to establish a course in a school can get matching funds of up to $5,000 from The Rapides Foundation. Full article.
National Emergency Training in CENLA
Hundreds of people are at LSUA to take part in emergency training. It's part of National Field Deployment training hosted by the Department of Health and Hospitals. Participants from DHH, the CDC, VA and other organizations will participate in order to help the agencies work together more cohesively during an emergency. Full article.
