The Slidell Independent - July 8, 2010

Harbor Center in 'Green' program

SLIDELL - The Northshore Harbor Center is one of only eight convention centers nationwide to participate in the Convention Center Benchmarking Project for the EPA Energy Star program. 

Participation in the program is voluntary and just another step that ensures the Harbor Center is an environmentally friendly and energy efficient facility.

The Northshore Harbor Center was designed and built as a facility for the future, with a focus on energy efficiency.  For example, faucets have motion sensors and low flow aerators to conserve water, the restroom lights are on motion sensor and turn off after 10 minutes with no movement and there are high efficiency air conditioning units that have several cooling stages and are zone controlled to save on electricity.

Additionally, the management and staff of the Harbor Center have made a commitment to conserve energy and be conscious of the environment.

Staff members have reduced to minimum lighting when doing setups and breakdowns, purchase recycled bed sheets for cleaning rather than utilizing paper towels and recycle used paper for notepads.

As part of the benchmarking project, the Harbor Center has logged all electric, gas and water usage and associated costs for the facility dating back to January 2006.

While hosting an increasing number of events, the Harbor Center has reduced current source energy intensity by 7.7 and total green house emissions by 23.70 when comparing twelve month periods ending April 2009 and April 2010.

These reductions also reflect a savings of $66,497 in energy costs over this time period.

St. Tammany News - July 6, 2010

Freddy Drennan sworn in as a new Slidell mayor

Erik Sanzenbach, St. Tammany News - Slidell residents packed the Northshore Harbor Center Thursday night to watch history unfold as Freddy Drennan was sworn in as the city's new mayor, Randy Smith became the new chief of police, and a new City Council was sworn in.

WIth lots of applause and cheering, Drennan, standing with his wife, children and grandchildren solemnly took the oath of office from District Court Judge Richard Swartz Jr.

Following the mayor's oath of office, different judges, clergymen and friends swore in all nine members of the City Council, which includes three new members.  Finally St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Walter Reed swore in a smiling Randy Smith as Slidell's new chief of police.

In his inaugural speech, Drennan said he humbled by the experience of becoming mayor, but he said, "I will work to face all challenges in a positive and productive way."

He went on to say that he would do all that he can to bring real flood protection to Slidell.  He also said he wants to follow his vision and develop Bayou Bonfuca as an area of restaurants and shops as a way to make Slidell a destination spot for tourists.

"Slidell is the best kept secret in the South," Drennan told the large crowd.  "But we have to change that and bring business and jobs to the area.  He said, he doesn't want to see his children and grandchildren have to move away to find a better life.

"I'm selfish like that, I want my children to stay here," the new mayor said.  I will humbly serve with honor and dedication.  I thank you for trustin gme with this responsibility."

After Drennan's speech, Councilman Bill Borchert had champagne brought to every table and he toasted the new Slidell government.

"We've all got jobs to do.  We could try it alone, but it is better whne it is done by two," Borchert said.

After the toast and the benediction, the band Witness cranked up and all the new city leaders and their constiuents danced the night away.

The Slidell Independent - July 1, 2010

Northshore Harbor Center

How long in business?  Opened for operation in 2005.

Owners:  The Northshore Harbor Center is a political subdivision of the state, supported by taxes from Wards 8 & 9.

What makes this business special?  Harbor Center manager Kathy Lowrey can point to many amenities that the Slidell facility offers, but the thing that separates the local events center from many others, she said, is the exceptional service from the staff.

"We make service the number one priority for any clients, and I think we have a group here who is second to none," she said.  "Groups or organizations can go to many places that offer a hall or room to hold their event.  But the difference is the outstanding service that our staff provides."

Lowrey said her staff is trained to envision an event start to finish, and consider every possible need an organization might encounter.

"We answer all the questions, but then we know how to ask the questions that clients may not have even thought about," she said.  "That comes from the experience we have, and it makes a huge difference."

What makes this business different?  The Northshore Harbor Center is an excellent facility just on the surface of its 45,000 square foot meeting hall, which can be subdivided into various sizes of smaller rooms.  But they also have features that many smaller facilities don't.

The Harbor Center has wireless Internet throughout the building, power panels every 30 feet in the floor, and a facility that is so versatile it can accommodate 25 to 2,500 people.

In-house catering by Patton's is available if needed, but the Harbor Center allows outside caterers to be used at the events there, unlike many other meeting halls that force clients to use their own food service provider.

The Harbor Center has an impressive record of repeat business, indicating how satisfied its clients have been.  While the center has been virtually 100 percent booked for the last two years on all weekends (excluding holidays), they have had almost 80 percent repeat bookings from groups who have used the facility for the first time.

What makes your service the BEST?  "Our staff is the most qualified, professional and dedicated group anywhere, if you are looking to hold an important event," Lowrey said, now moving into her third year as general manager.  "Our staff is committed to making certain you have the absolute best event you can, and I think most of our clients would attest to the fact we have delivered on that promise."

The facility has been used for an amazing array of events, including such special functions as Mardi Gras balls, high school graduations, special church services, gun and knife shows, a circus and most recently, a women's roller derby event.

The Times-Picayune - June 22, 2010

Slidell set for change of guard
It will install mayor, top cop, councilmen

Kia Hall Hayes - St. Tammany bureau - After attending council meetings for nearly six months, incoming Slidell City Council member Jay Newcomb said he's ready to take office on July 1.

Going from spectator to participant, however, may take some getting used to.

"Issue-wise I think I'm on top - as well as I can be - of all the issues," he said.  "Though it'll take me a while to get used to Robert's Rules of Order."

In an inauguration ceremony scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Northshore Harbor Center on July 1, newly elected Mayor Freddy Drennan and Police Chief Randy Smith will officially take office.

Newcomb, as well as other new Councilmen Buddy Lloyd and Sam Abney will be sworn in.  Former mayor and Councilman Sam Caruso will return to the council after a 32-year absence, and veteran council members Lionel Hicks, Landon Cuismano, Joe Fraught, Kim Harbison and Bill Borchert will also take oaths during the ceremony, which is open to the public.

The new officials will be replacing longtime Mayor Ben Morris and outgoing councilmen Warren Crockett, Raya Canda and Jim Devereux.

The swearing-in ceremony will follow a 4 p.m. service at First Baptist Church in Slidell.

"This is the first time that we have a Protestant mayor, wo we're doing an all-faith service," said Councilman Landon Cusimano, one of the event organizers.

This year's inauguration will differ from previous ceremonies in other ways, he said.

"One, we don't have the (soon-to-be demolished) City Auditorium to fall back on, so we had to find out if we can go outside the city, and (City Attorney) Tim Mathison said yes."

"Two was the changing of the Charter," Cusimano said, referring to a City Charter amendment that calls for elected officials to take office on July 1.  Before the amendment, officials took office on the first Monday in July, and a swearing in ceremony was held on the Saturday before.

A catered reception featuring the band Witness will follow the swearing-in ceremony.

Cusimano, who was elected without opposition in February, said he's ready to take on another term.  "It'll be good," he said.  "We're starting off with a new administration."

The Slidell Independent - May 27, 2010

Harbor Center chairman says board is committed to further millage reductions

Dear Editor:

I read with great interest your editorial titled "Public needs more patience" which, in the first part of the article, referenced the decision of the Northshore Harbor Center's governing board to refinance its general obligation bonds used to finance the construction of the facility.

As Board Chairman of the Northshore Harbor Center, I appaud your opinion that our decision was the right one to make.  However, I would like to set the record straight regarding our millage reduction which is referred to in your editorial as "miniscule."

The Harbor Center had been collecting a total of 7 mills for a long period of time up until 2008.  In 2008, the voters approved a split of our existing 7 mills whereby 4 mills would service the debt on the building and 3 mills for operating the building.

Since 2008, our governing board has elected to reduce our millage to its current level of 5.48 mills, 3.15 mills dedicated to debt service on the building and 2.33 mills for operating the building.

Over the past two years, we have reduced our millage rate by 1.52 mills which represents a 21.7% reduction in our total millage rate during that period.  I see that percentage reduction in our millage rate as being significant.

While I agree that 5.48 mills is a "miniscule" amount in terms of dollars and cents (a house assessed at $150,000.00 with a homestead exemption pays about $42.00/year to keep the Harbor Center open for business), the true test to make an apples-to-apples comparison of what taxing bodies are doing is to look at percentage reductions in their millage rates.

As Board Chairman, I am extremely proud of the work the Harbor Center Board has done, especially as it relates to being financially responsible with taxpayer funds.  Our board is committed to maintaining an appropriate millage rate, and where further reductions can be made, I feel confident that our board will vote to act in that manner.

Kurt M. Bozant
Board Chairman
Northshore Harbor Center

The Picayune - May 16, 2010

Slidell Garden Club launching book project
Camellia City life to be given 'voice'

Times-Picayune - May 12, 2010

Training for fishers continues in Slidell

BP on Tuesday held a 4-hour training course for Vietnamese-speaking fishers interested in helping with the Gulf oil spill response.  The class was at the Mary Queen of Vietnam school in New Orleans.  Two additional upcoming training classes, to be taught in English, are scheduled for today at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Harbor Center in Slidell.  Information about this and other training sessions can be found at www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

St. Tammany News - May 12, 2010

Parish Makes Plans
Oil spill training, prep under way in Slidell

Erik Sanzenbach, St. Tammany News - As British Petroleum tries to cap the gushing well that keeps spewing 210,000 gallons of oil daily into the Gulf of Mexico, St. Tammany Parish is still getting ready for the sickly black onslaught that might get into Lake Pontchartrain.

Even BP is now considering that as a likely scenario.  Starting today, BP and the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command is setting up training for boaters and vessel operators who want to help in the cleanup.  From 1-5 p.m. and again from 6-10 p.m. boaters and fishermen interested in helping with the oil cleanup can go register at the Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell.  The program is called Vessels of Opportunity program and boat owners must take a training course and sign a letter of agreement with BP.

Earlier this week, BP hired a safety contractor, PEC to hold training sessions for people who will help in the cleanup of the oil spill.  PEC holds the classes at the Slidell Factory Outlet Mall off Old Spanish Trail in Slidell.  There are three different classes of modules, depending on what a person will do during the cleanup.  Volunteers and nonprofessionals will go through a safety course for Module 1 and Module 2.  Module 3 is for scientists, veterinarians and engineers who will have direct contact with the oil.

The Module 1 and 2 sessions are required for any volunteer who wants to participate in the cleanup, said Shane Bernard of PEC.  The basic premise of the training sessions is:  If it doesn't look right, feel right, or you are not sure, don't do it.

Bernard said that anybody involved in the cleanup, even volunteers can stop the process if there is something dangerous.  The session also teaches people about the safety gear they will probably wear, how to walk through areas with the oil, and being alert to the wildlife and the environment around you.

The classes will continue for the next two weeks.  For more information, call 1-866-448-5816.

Even though parish officials have not seen any oil coming through Breton Sound into Lake Bornge, Parish President Kevin Davis, along with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu are not standing by waiting for the oil to show up.  Davis said today that over 40,700 feet of oil boom have been deployed for the implementation of the St. Tammany/Orleans plan to keep the oil spill from the April 20 Deepwater Horizon explosion out of Lake Borgne and Lake Pontchartrain.

All navigable channels are open in Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne, but the oil booms are ready to be put in the water in case the slick starts to come toward St. Tammany.

Davis said the U.S. Coast Guard is putting in pilings in the 10-mile mouth of the lake.  Once the pilings are in place, a line of 42-inch boom will be deployed on the site to keep oil out of Lake Bornge.  If any oil gets to the mouth of the lake, skimmer boats will pick up the oil that is captured by the booms.

If the oil does get into Lake Bornge, then the booms that are on standby at the Rigolets, Chef Pass and other entrances to Lake Pontchartrain will be deployed.  Davis said there are also booms in place at the mouths of the East Pearl and Pearl rivers to close off the entrance of the rivers to oil.

If oil gets into Lake Pontchartrain, not only would it ruin the sensitive marshlands along the lake's coast, but also it would put a lot of people out of business, like Capt. Greg Schlumbrecht, who runs a fishing charter business in the lake.  Even though there is no oil in the lake, the spill has put off his business.

"I'm getting cancellations from clients who think the oil is in the lake," Schlumbrecht said.

Even with a clean lake, Schlumbrecht said the oil spill is hindering the spawning of fish like the speckled trout, which lay their eggs offshore.  As the tiny fish swim back to the lake , they will most probably swim through the oil slick and die, depleting the population of speckled trout in Lake Pontchartrain.  Currently, the lake is the one place where it is safe to fish, but as Schlumbrecht said, it is a "double-edged sword."

"Too much fishing is cutting down on the number of fish," he said.

May and June are Schlumbrecht's businest months.  He said 50 percent of his annual business comes from these two months, and right now business is not good.

"It's a drastic loss of income," Schlumbrecht said.  "I think we are in trouble."

He said there are about 18 other fishing charter boats in Lake Pontchartrain, and they are all seeing a downturn in business. 

He said all the fisherman are feeling cautious and scared about the oil spill and it is a wait and see atmosphere.  Still Schlumbrecht said he's not going to let an oil spill ruin his way of life.

"I made it through Katrina, I made it through the opening of the Spillway, and I'm going to make it through this," he said.

Times-Picayune - May 11, 2010

Training session draws 20
It's first in Tammany for BP

Christine Harvey, St. Tammany Bureau - About 20 people attended St. Tammany Parish's first training session Monday to help with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup efforts, though some left feeling less than confident that the course actually would lead to a job working with BP.

Kevin Watkins, a web designer, went to the 8 a.m. session at Trinity's Catering & Reception in Slidell hoping to land a paying position with the oil giant, but he said the training hardly qualifies him to work with hazardous materials, as the session was billed to do.

International Safety Consulting Services, based in Lafayette, conducted the training, which lasts between two and six hours, depending on an individual's skills and the level of direct contact expected with contaminated material.  People must complete one of the training sessions, which focus on safety issues, to become eligible for a job with BP, said Shane Bernard, one of two men conducting Monday's class.

Once applicants are eligible, their names will appear on a list to help with the cleanup efforts, he said.  BP then will call people from the list to ask about their interests and expertise, he said.

Though people might have expected more from the training, it is a necessary first step toward getting a job on a cleanup crew, said Tom Beale, a St. Tammany Parish spokesman.  And he offered hope to those with boats in announcing a second type of training set for Wednesday at Northshore Harbor Center near Slidell.

The Deepwater Horizon Unified Command will offer training for the Vessels of Opportunity program from 1 to 5 p.m. and again from 6 to 10 p.m.  Applicants also must register the vessel for evaluation and sign a contractual letter of agreement.

Fishermen and others should attend the training to receive additional information on the process.  Vessel owners, their captains and crew should participate in the training session together.  The training sessions will include a health, safety and environmental review, and a contract review.  Instructors will issue contracts at the session, but attendees are encouraged to review them with their attorneys and return the signed contracts later.

Leland Hales, who spent four years as an alligator rancher, attended Monday's session hoping to help rescue alligators from the oily mess.  He noted that it is the height of alligator nesting season in the marshes. 

However, the instructors made it clear that no one from the session would be handling wildlife - there are experts available for that - and that attendees should simply report any stressed wildlife to the officials.  In fact, those attending the sessions at Trinity's would be focusing their energies on removing "weathered" oil from the land, with weathered meaning sticky, dense and barely buoyant.

Janet Densmore came to the training session to see what she could do to help.  She lost her home in Waveland, Miss., to Katrina, only recently moving into a new house on the site.

She said she has some medical training and worked for a firm that accounted for every cubic yard of debris in the area after Katrina, so she thinks she might be able to offer some assistance to those involved in the cleanup.  But Densmore isn't above cleaning the "muck" off the beaches near her home, noting that she's "worked in Third World countries and survived malaria, so I can do this."

The free training sessions continue this week - and possibly next - at Trinity's, at 1000 Caruso Blvd.  After some people were unable to register by phone with Deepwater Horizon Response over the weekend, officials are telling people to show up that the training site and register in person.

The training is divided into three modules, and attendees need to attend only one two- or six-hour session. 

Module 1 will be for volunteers assisting in the removal of clean debris.  Module 2 will be for both volunteers and subcontractors paid by BP to assist in laying down boom material.  Module 3 is training for people who will have direct contact with contaminated material, such as scientists taking water samples and veterinarians.  The schedule is as follows:

• Module 3:  8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Module 1 & 2:  3 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Module 1 & 2:  6 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday

In the meantime, crews spent Sunday deploying more than 13,700 feet of boom under the plan to protect Lake Pontchartrain as devised by St. Tammany and Orleans Parish officials, bringing the plan to 90 percent compltee, St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis said Monday.  In addition, boom is in place to close the mouths of the Pearl and East Pearl rivers, he said.

The Coast Guard has begun driving pilings into the 10-mile mouth of Lake Borgne to allow crews to place boom at the site, should it become necessary to keep oil out of Lake Borgne, he said. 

Times-Picayune - April 18, 2010

Harbor center to refinance its bonds
Savings promised due to interest rate

Christine Harvey, St. Tammany Bureau - The governing  board of Northshore Harbor Center voted Friday to refinance a 12-year-old bond issue at a lower interest rate, a move officials said will save more than $260,000 over the next eight years.

The board voted 7-0, with six members absent, to issue and sell to Morgan Keegan & Co. new bonds worth nearly $4.6 million.

The figure reflects the amount that remains on the orginal $10 million the board borrowed in 1998 to build the center, plus almost $42,000 in costs to refinance the bonds, said Kurt Bozant, the board's chairman.

The average interest rate will drop from 4 percent to almost 2.7 percent, with the drop allowing the board to reduce the property tax millage by a modest amount, akin to hundredths of mills, said Jerry Osborne, the board's bond counsel.

The current millage rate is a combined 5.8 mills, used to repay the debt and cover the facility's operations and maintenance, he said.

Before it could refinance the bonds, the board spent five to six months working to improve its credit rating with Standard & Poors, which evaluates a debtor's credit worthiness, said Jerry Osborne, the board's bond counsel.

The board produced many documents and answered questions about the center's finances for Standard & Poor's, which, in turn, bestowed an AA rating on the agency, he said.

Board members said that reissuing the bonds was in the best interest of those living in the parish's 8th and 9th wards. 

"It's inherent that we act on this," Deb Morel said just before the board voted, "on behalf of the taxpayers."

The Slidell Independent - April 1, 2010

Slidell teen honored by Louisiana 'Women of Excellence' award

Slidell - Rachelle Ammond of Pope John Paul High School in Slidell was named the winner of the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation "Women of Excellence" award.

The women's group created the awards to honor business women throughout the state as well as high school and college students.

The honor recognizes extraordinary women of outstanding professional excellence across the state for their achievements and contributions in business, in seven categories.

There was one winner for the Young High School Woman of Excellence Award (ages 14 to 18) and the Young Woman of Excellence Award (ages 18 to 23).

Ammond was the high school award winner.

Slidell also had two businesswomen nominated for some of the seven individual awards, as Northshore Harbor Center Executive Director Kathy Lowrey and East St. Tammany Chamber CEO Dawn Sharp Brackett were among the exclusive group of women across the state who were considered.

The Slidell Independent - February 25, 2010

Brackett, Lowrey are State Nominees

Slidell, Louisiana - Two Slidell businesswomen, and one Slidell teenager, have been nominated for the 2010 Women in Excellence Awards, as given by the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation.

This annual awards program recognizes and honors the professional achievements and contributions of extraordinary women who personify excellence in their area of specialty, integrity, character and community service.

East St. Tammany Chamber CEO Dawn Sharpe Brackett and Northshore Harbor Center General Manager Kathy Lowrey are the only Slidell nominees for the award this year. 

Both women have been nominated in the category of Business.

Other categories for honors are Culinary Arts, Education, Law & Justice, Volunteerism & Civic Involvement, Young Hihg School Women of Excellence (ages 14 to 18) and Young Woman of Excellence (ages 18 to 23). 

Slidell teenager Rachelle Ammond has been nominated in the category of Young High School Woman of Excellence (ages 14 to 18). 

New this year, the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation will award two education scholarships for $1,000 each to the winners of the Young High School Woman of Excellence Award (ages 14 to 18) and the Young Woman of Excellence Award (ages 18 to 23). 

The Women of Excellence Awards' recipients will be announced Friday, March 12.  Awards will be presented at the LLWC Women of Excellence Awards Gala in Baton Rouge on May 19.

St. Tammany News - January 20, 2010

East St. Tammany Chamber Presents Awards

Suzanne Le Breton, St. Tammany News - The East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce held its Commerce's annual awards and membership appreciation night Northshore Harbor Center.

Awards were presented throughout the night in various categories. 

S. Michele Blanchard, attorney with Airey and Blanchard, L.C., was recognized as director of the year, and Brad Dubose, Caitlin Scanlan, Evelyn Snyder and Scott Standiford were honored as ambassadors of the year.

The Northshore Harbor Center was named member of the year.

Geaux for the Gold and Tropical Smoothie were both given awards for being new businesses of the year, and Watch Systems, Inc. was recognized as this year's small business of the year.

The chamber also gave out an award for the large business of the year.  Charter Business was the recipient of that award.

Slidell Memorial Hospital and Lowry-Dunham, Case and Vivien Insurance were both recognized for their community involvement.

The events committee was also presented with the Chairman's Club Choice Award for 2009 for going above and beyond the strategic plan.

The chamber also presented three special awards.  A special collaboration awards were also presented to the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, the city of Slidell and St. Tammany Parish Government.

The theme of the event was Hollywood Nights in the East and no shortcuts were taken in making sure everyone there felt like a celebrity.

The Northshore Conifer - January, 2010

East. St. Tammany Chamber Announces 2010 Leadership

Northshore Conifer- On behalf of the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff, we woud like to thank our members for their continued support in the business community of St. Tammany Parish and region.  2009 was a record-breaking year for our Chamber:  Named Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber of the Year; Awarded Louisiana Culture Award for Economic Development; Provided Value Services to Membership with over 90 events; Membership at an all time high of 851 members; Provided a voice of Business on local, state and federal levels; and we are continuing to build coalitions for a strong business community.  Because of the dedication of our community during economic hard times to the chamber, this year our Board of Directors is excited to offer our members and new members for 2010 their Chamber Investments without an increase in dues.

At our December Holiday Board Breakfast, Slidell Mayor Ben Morris joined us to install our 2010 Board of Directors.  We are proud to present the following Directors:

• Dawn Sharpe Brackett, CEO
• Bill Newton, Geo Vera Insurance, CHAIR 2010
• Jack Francioni, Brian Harris Autoplex, CHAIR 2009
• Alan E. Hodges, Northshore Regional Medical Center, CHAIR 2008
• Danny Schaus, CLECO, Governmental Affairs, CHAIR 2007
• John Smith, CHAIR 2006
• Sam Caruso, Jr., Slidell Memorial Hospital, CHAIR 2011
• Carlos Yingst, Lockheed Martin Space System, Co., TREASURER
• Terry King, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, VICE CHAIR
• S. Michele Blanchard, Airey & Blanchard L.C.
• Peter Cavignac, Whitney National Bank
• Kathy Lowrey, Northshore Harbor Center
• Steve Kernahan, Pinnacle Financial Group
• Joe DiGiovanni, CPA
• Richard Bulot, Silver Slipper Casino
• Patti Young, Lacombe Chamber of Commerce

Advisory Board:

• Virgil R. Phillips, Alderman for Pearl River Town Council
• Rob Cusimano, Oschner Clinic - Slidell
• Chadwick W. Collings, Attorney at Law
• Brad Dubose, First Franklin Financial Corporation
• Mark Baham, STARC
• Cheri Carter, Mental Health Association of St. Tammany
• Lydia Alford, Attorney
• Melissa Richier, Owner - Geaux for the Gold

After a great retreat in October, the new Directors have put together an aggressive Program of Work full of exciting opportunities for our members.  Either through our Public Policy Committee, the Ambassador Program, the Education Committee or Communications, we have a position for you to get involved, promote your business and make St. Tammany Parish a better place to live, work and play.

New and exciting opportunities being presented in 2010 include the partnering with the new Women Business Networking group of East St. Tammany, an Emerging Professionals Group and Speed Networking which allows you to build a rolodex of new contacts in one hour with an accelerated twist!

We hope you have made your reservations at our next event:  Hollywood Nights in the East, a red carpet "Membership Awards and Appreciation" on Friday, January 8, 2010 at the Northshore Harbor Center.  Second Wednesday Luncheon speaker this month is Patricia Schwarz Core, St. Tammany Parish Tax Assessor.  Check our website at www.estchamber.com for more information or call the Chamber at 985-643-5678 to reserve your spot today.

Times-Picayune - January 3, 2010

Harbor Center board gets new member
Two offices make reappointments

Ann Barks, contributing writer - Parish President Kevin Davis has appointed Lisa Clement of Slidell to the Northshore Harbor Center Board of Commissioners.  She fills the position held by Frances "Boogie" Gomila until his death in late October.

In addition, commissioners Andy Prude and Warren Berault recently were reappointed to new terms of office by the Slidell City Council while the Pearl River Board of Aldermen reappointed their representative to the commission, Shirley Crawford.

They join the remaining commissioners:  Chairman Kurt Bozant, appointed by Rep Mike Strain; Arnold "Skinny" King, appointed by Rep. Greg Cromer; Fire Chief Larry Hess, appointed by East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce; Derise "Deb" Morel, appointed by Sen. A.G. Crowe; Michelle Pichon, appointed by Sen. Jack Donahue; Hannah Rucker, appointed by the St. Tammany Parish Council, and Darrell Smith, appointed by former Sen. Walter Boasso, all of Slidell.

In the face of this year's economic conditions, the Harbor Center continued its positive growth in the number of clients it attracts, reported General Manager Kathy Lowrey.

She termed it "a very successful 2009."  Lowrey reported that they are currently booking events through 2013 at the 45,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2005. 

"Additionally, we recently received the results of the economic impact study that the Northshore Harbor Center contracted Southeast Louisiana University's Business Research Center to perform.  It revealed that the Harbor Center contributed $5.7 million to the St. Tammany Parish economy in 2008," Lowrey said.

"We look forward to further increasing our economic impact for the community in 2010."

Slidell Picayune - December 27, 2009

Chamber gets to work on Hollywood Nights awards
It will celebrate 2009 achievements

St. Tammany Bureau - A night of applause and awards awaits guests at the "Hollywood Nights in the East" premier red carpet event Jan. 8 in Slidell.

Coordinated by the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, the awards night celebrating achievement and service throughout the east St. Tammany business community will be held 7 to 11 p.m. at the Northshore Harbor Center near Slidell 

The cost is $50 per person, which includes dinner served by Patton's Catering, and music by The Dominoes.  For tickets or reservations, call Kay Schewe at 643.5678 or send e-mail to kay@estchamber.com. 

Traditionally the Chamber's annual awards program includes an installation of officers.  This year, the latter was handled during a meeting of the Chamber Board of Directors, thereby condensing the Jan. 8 program.

Serving on the 2010 Board of Directors are Dawn Brakett, chief executive officer; Bill Newton, Geo Vera Insurance, chairman; Jack Francioni, Brian Harris Autoplex, 2009 chairman; Alan Hodges, Northshore Regional Medical Center, 2008 chairman; Danny Schaus, CLECO governmental affairs, 2007 chairman; John Smith, 2006 chairman; Sam Caruso Jr., Slidell Memorial Hospital, chairman-elect; Carlos Yingst, Lockheed Martin Space System Company, treasurer; Terry King, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, vice chairman; and the following board members, S. Michele Blanchard, Airey & Blanchard, LLC; Peter Cavignac, Whitney National Bank; Kathy Lowrey, Northshore Harbor Center; Robyn Kline, Iberia Bank; Steve Kernahan, Pinnacle Financial Group; Steve Kernahan, Pinnacle Financial Group; Joe DiGiovanni, CPA; Richard Bulot, Silver Slipper Casino; and Patti Young, Lacombe Chamber of Commerce.  Advisory Board Virgil R. Phillips, alderman for the Pearl River Town Council; Rob Suximano, Ochsner Clinic-Slidell; Chadwick W. Collings, attorney at law; Brad Dubose, First Franklin Financial Corporation; Mark Baham, STARC, Cher Carter, Mental Health Association of St. Tammany, Lydia Alford, attorney; Melissa Richier, owner of Geaux for the Gold, and Michele Avery, St. Tammany Chamber West. 

Also new to the awards program this year will the recognition of a New Business of the Year and a Large Business of the Year, and the presentation of a special Community Involvement award.

Nominees for the awards being presented are:

Member of the Year:  Caitlin Scanlan, East St. Tammany Chamber Habitat for Humanity; Northshore Harbor Center and Patton's; Cross Gates Family Fitness; Scott Standiford, Kentwood Springs Water Company; Slidell Memorial Hospital; Stephanie and Rob Howell, Sunrise on Second; Suzy Potter, The Blood Center; Tammy Abney, Northshore Harbor Center, Kim Bergeron, city of Slidell Cultural Affair; Northshore Broadcasting; Evelyn Snyder, Home Instead Senior Care; and James Stewart, Charter Business.

Ambassador of the Year:  Brad Dubose, First Franklin Financial; Caitlin Scanlin, Habitat; David Kiviaho, Truth 180; Jacqueline H. Baron, Northshore Music Therapy; Lee Cosgrove, Edward Jones; Evelyn Snyder, Home Instead Health Care; Linda Larkin, Property Title; Liz Tarman, Children's Wish Endowment/Hope House; Pinky Bradford, Fish Window Cleaning; Scott Standiford, Kentwood Springs Water Company; Steven McCarter, Ergo Depot; Tammy Abney, Northshore Harbor Center; Tera Sappington, New York Life Insurance Co.; and Yolanda Paz, St. Tammany Tourist Commission.

Director of the Year:  Jack Francioni, Alan Hodges, Danny Schaus, John Smith, Carlos Yingst, Terry King, Bill Newton, S. Michele Blanchard, Peter Cavignac, Sam Caruso Jr., Kathy Lowrey, Steve Kernahan, Robyn Kline, and John Gardner, of the University of New Orleans.

Small Business of the Year:  Edward Jones, Lee Cosgrove; Dependable Home Care; Watch Systems Inc.; Greenbriar Community Care Center; and WelBilt Custom Homes Inc.

Large Business of the Year:  K.B. Kaufmann & Co. Inc.; Charter Business; HMS Architects; Kidney and Hypertension Associates; Standard Materials LLC; and Textron Land and Marine Systems Inc.

New Business of the Year:  Geaux for the Gold; Top Agent Realty; Jill Jones Photography; Tropical Smoothie; and The Work Clinic.

Community Involvement:  Slidell memorial Hospital; Capital One Bank; Whitney Bank; and Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance.

Sponsorships are still available for the event, and may be obtained by contacting Jo Beth Kavanaugh at 643.5678.

The Picayune - December 27, 2009

Adults as jolly as children at annual toy giveaway
Marines proud to serve little ones

Kelly King, Contributing Writer - Though Alexis Vanetten broke her foot while playing on a slide, she did not let that stand in the way of picking out a gift at this year's Marine Toys for Tots Foundation toy giveaway held Dec. 16 at the Northshore Harbor Center near Slidell.

On crutches, Alexis and her aunt, Angel Wiley, maneuvered through the mountain of toys from which to choose.

"We moved to Slidell from New Orleans about a year ago, and this is our first time here," said Wiley.  "This is great for the kids."

The Northshore Harbor Center was overflowing with the holiday spirit as wide-eyed children considered dolls, trucks, games and scooters.

Equally joyful were the volunteers who wanted to be part of the fun.

"I came because I wanted to help spread the Christmas spirit," said Jamie Poke.

Just as giddy with the excitedment of the day was Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Welker who spent the morning buying nearly $9,000 worth of toys for the occasion.

"We do not want to run out of toys," Walker said.

One of the jolliest individuals in the room was Kathy Lowrey, Northshore Harbor Center general maanger, who reported that nearly 4,000 toys were given to more than 1,500 local children.  That number is up from last year's attendance of 1,096. 

The Marines Toys for Tots program began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.  The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campagin.  During the program's 62 years, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation became an operational organization in September of 1991, as an integral part of the overall, nonprofit national charity program, and has been the fundraising and support organization for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program since that date.  During its 18-year span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million.

For Erin Ditmore, the mother of 9-year-old Savannah Corden and 3-year-old Luke Ditmore, the night was a blessing beyond compare.

"Everything they are going to get this year they will get tonight," said Ditmore, who lost her job earlier this month.  "This is so special."

The Slidell Independent - December 24, 2009

Slidell's Northshore Harbor Center beats the odds with success story
Northshore Harbor Center has become popular spot

Kevin Chiri, Slidell news bureau, Slidell - There is a little secret about event centers like Slidell's Northshore Harbor Center.

While big, beautiful auditorium-like facilities always appear to be wonderful things for any community - at least before they ever get built - the general public doesn't realize how absolutely frequent they become failures.

On the surface, and long before construction ever occurs, event centers are touted as fantastic gathering places that will bring conferences, concerts, lots of special events, and especially, economic stimulus to a community.

But the truth about some event centers in smaller communities, like Slidell, is that they struggle to succeed.  Just in the Southeast Louisiana region, there are event centers in several other nearby communities that are not being touted as the success the developers had hoped for.

Step up to the plate, Kathy Lowrey and Slidell's very own Northshore Harbor Center. 

Talked about in Slidell for almost 20 years, and championed by State Sen. Tom Schedler to get Louisiana Legislature support, the local events center finally opened its doors in 2005.

Even though Hurricane Katrina certainly sidetracked the grand beginning of the center, Northshore Harbor Center is now proving to be such a glowing success that Lowrey is quietly starting to talk about expanding the center.  Initial plans called for three phases of the center, eventually to offer 145,000 square feet.

Since Lowrey was named general manager in August, 2008, the center has flourished with so many bookings that they are steadily turning away some clients who are simply too late to secure a weekend in Slidell.

The Harbor Center generates revenue by renting a multitude of amenities.  There are things like tables, chairs, linens, a portable dance floor, stage and a long list of lamps, table decorations and other small details that are usually needed for group gatherings.  Additional charges are made for the labor to set up, or helping operate stage productions or shows.

Lowrey said her goal in everything is to prove what an economic asset the Northshore Harbor Center is to the region. 

"We had Southeastern conduct a survey after 2008, and that's where the $5.7 million of economic impact was discovered," she said.  "Our goal is to bring in as much buesiness as possible, since it always helps the local economy in many different ways." 

Lowrey had worked in various other tourism-related businesses, joining the Harbor Center as their Sales and Marketing Director before being promoted the the General Manager position.

In 2008, the Harbor Center had 64 bookings, bringing an estimated economic impact to St. Tammany Parish of $5.7 million, according to a recent economic analysis conducted by the Southeastern Louisiana University Business Research Center.

In 2009, the center is already over its goal for bookings, and Lowrey said the center only has nine weekends left to book for 2010.

"It's all about service to the clients, and we make sure that every client is happy.  We have great repeat business right now because we follow up with every client to make certain their experience was a good one," she explained.

Lowrey, who heads a full-time staff of only four, added that "there are a lot of buildings these clients could choose, but they are without the level of customer service we provide.  We wouldn't have our level of repeat business if we didn't make certain these clients were very happy."

Bill Joubert, director of the SLU Business Research Center, said that he sees several other reasons the Harbor Center has been successful.

"It was properly sized for the market they could attract there, it is a cost efficient center that is close to New Orleans, and I think they have funded it properly to remain financially successful," he explained.  "Even then, you've got to really get out and hustle for the business which is out there, and clearly they have done that."

Herb Holloway, another SLU consultant on the study, said he also believed the staff was making sure to keep the business once they got it.

"They really meet the needs of the people utilizing their facility," he added.  "And once they come there, the staff has done a good job of keeping them."

The Harbor Center has 18,000 square feet available in its Grand Hall, but the center can be partitioned off into smaller areas to rent.  They offer two-thirds of the hall, one-third of the hall, and individual meeting rooms.

Rental rates range from $2,000 for the Grand Hall on a weekend to as little as $200 for a meeting room during the week.  But the center brings in additional revenue by providing other amenities.

Lowrey has been there from the beginning, filling the sales and marketing position for the Harbor Center in 2005 since "St. Tammany is my home and I was happy to get a job right here."

She remained in that position until former General Manager Kerry Painter resigned in March, 2008.  Even though Lowrey was named the interim manager, the Harbor Center board conducted a nationwide search that took five months to complete.

"Even though it was difficult to wait that long to get named general manager," Lowrey said, "I think it really proved to be good for me since it gave me a chance to show the board what I could do."

During that interim period, Lowrey said that she brought in "significant busienss."  In the end, the board handed the job to Lowrey in August of 2008 and she has been running with it ever since.

Lowrey impresses everyone she meets with her enthusiasm and positive attitude.  It is that kind of leadership that is obviously helping the center to its success.

"This is a place that I am excited to come to work everyday, and it's because you don't usually get to work for someone who motivates you to do your best, the way Kathy does every day," one of her staff members said.  "Every one of us on the staff wants the experience for our clients to be the best it can be."

Lowrey said they are already taking bookings all the way into 2013, but she is also looking into what it would take to bring about an expansion here.

"One thing you can see is that the board really did their homework before building this kind of facility," she said.  "We are the right size to bring in a lot of events here and stay booked up.  But we are not big enough to bring big concerts, or road shows, or things of that nature.  I would love to see us expand so we can go for the bigger shows here as well."

Funding for such a move would have to come in one of several ways.  The Louisiana Legislature could allocate the money, or the board could seek bond approval from the voters.  Lowrey admits the idea of expansion is well down the road, but she is still looking into it. 

"I'm game for it," she said with a big smile.

The Slidell Independent - December 24, 2009

Marines to the Rescue
Annual Toys for Tots event makes sure Christmas is better for 1,512 children

Slidell - Ever since 1947, the Marines of the United States Armed Forces has been making certain that children have toys for Christmas.

Known by everyone as Toys for Tots, the Slidell version of that event went off at Northshore Harbor Center, with a huge crowd of children and adults on hand.  The event served 1,512 children, due largely to the generosity of Slidell businesses and individuals.

Collection boxes were set up at many business locations throughout Slidell in recent weeks, then gathered up and brought to the Harbor Center's recent event.

The line to get toys was winding far outside the doors, even on a night when it was rainly and extremely cold.

Local volunteers stayed until the early hours of the morning, making sure that every child was able to go through the line and pick out their toy.

St. Tammany News - December 20, 2009

Toys for Tots in St. Tammany
Marines bring Christmas cheer to area children

Erik Sanzenbach - The Northshore Harbor Center was filled with the sounds of excited children Wednesday night as the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves played Santa Claus and gave out thousands of toys to needy children in what has become a Christmas tradition known as Toys for Tots.

There was a long line of happy children and their parents waiting to get inside and browse through the stacks of dolls, games, stuffed animals, bikes and anything else a child might want for Christmas.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reservists spend all year going out and getting people to donate either new toys or the money to buy the toys.  Then just before Christmas, all oer the United States, the Marines let the kids go wild and pick the toys.

Toys for Tots have been around for 63 years.  Maj. Bill Hendricks in Los Angeles started the charity in 1947.  His wife wanted to donate hand-made toys to needy kids.  Hendricks could not find such an organization, so he decided to start one with the help of the Marines, and Toys for Tots was born.

Ever since then the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has distributed more than 400 million toys to 188 million children all over the country. 

Marines were on hand to help give the toys out.  As the children walked down the long line of tables piled high with toys, the Marines would suggest certain toys or ask the children if there was anything they wanted.

Along with the toys, was a long line of bicycles.  The children put slips of paper with their names inside a box.

At the end of the evening, names were drawn from the box, and some lucky boys and girls got to take home a bicycle. 

Even if they didn't get a bicycle, the smiles on the children's faces as they carried their gifts from the Northshore Harbor Center was reward enough for the Marines and their helpers.  It is what Christmas is all about.

The Slidell Independent - December 2, 2009

Toys for Tots giveaway Dec. 16
Marine Corps Band concert for free in Slidell Dec. 9 at Harbor Center

Chrissy Smith, Slidell news bureau, Slidell - The 3rd annual Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band concert and Toys for Tots distribution will be held the next two weekends at the Northshore Harbor Center.

The continually growing event will start with the concert on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and last year there was standing room only.

The night will be filled with music as the exceptional U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band will perform everyone's favorite Christmas music.  This is a family event that is free and open to the public, and will also feature Santa and snow.

This event, which is co-sponsored by the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce and the City of Slidell, will hold its second portion of the holiday special on Wednesday, Dec. 16 when the Toys for Tots distribution will take place at 6 p.m.

Last year there were kids lined up around the building to receive their new, unwrapped toy.  Each child will be escorted by a Marine on the distribution night and pick out their own toy for their age group.

There are drop-off locations all over the Slidell area and donations are still being taken.  For a complete list, visit the Harbor Center's website at www.northshoreharborcenter.com or by callig 985-781-3650.

So far, over three full boxes of toys have been collected after just two days fo pickups. 

"We have received some really nice, new toys for the children, and it just shows how giving the people of Slidell are," Tammy Abney of the Northshore Harbor Center said.

The Times-Picayune - December 3, 2009

Marines are making holidays bright
Toy giveaway, concert planned

Carol Wolfram, St. Tammany bureau - The United States Marines are out in force in St. Tammany Parish. 

Evidence of the infiltration can be seen at more than 40 locations throughout the north shroe, where Toys for Tots collection boxes are being filled with toys that on Dec. 16 will be distributed to needy children in the Slidell area.

That may be the highlight of the Marines' visit for the children who flock to the Northshore Harbor Center, starting at 6 p.m. and continuing until the last child in line receives holiday presents, but it will represent only a portion of the Marines' gift to the St. Tammany community.

The Marine Forces Reserve Band will present its third annual Holiday concert on Wednesday at the Northshore Harbor Center.  Though the concert is free, guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift that will be among those distributed on Dec. 16.  On the night of the concert, the doors of Northshore Harbor Center will open at 6:30 p.m.  The concert will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.

According to Kathy Lowrey, general manager of the Northshore Harbor Center, a capacity crowd is expected fro this year's concert as well as the distribution.

Thrilled at the opportunity to have the Marines return to Slidell, Lowrey and her staff are working hard to ensure a successful Toys for Tots collection drive, holiday concert and distribution.

In addition to offering the Northshore Harbor Center facility as a dropoff location for toy donations, Harbor Center staffers are canvassing the established drop sites, making sure that he boxes have been emptied to provide room for more toy donations.

"We have made a commitment to the Marines and we're not going to let them down," Lowrey said.  "With the economy being what it is, there are certainly going to be more kids in need."

For details on this Toys for Tots project, including the toy drive, concert or distribution, visit www.northshoreharborcenter.com or call the center at 985.781.3650.

The Picayune - October 7, 2009

Shoreline

John Sconza - The Northshore Harbor Center Staff and Board of Directors recently announced that Harbor Center General Manager Kathy Lowrey has been chosen as an honoree for CityBusiness 2009 Women of the Year. 

"I am humbled and extremely honored to have been selected for doing what I enjoy the most, using my skills to elevate our community and its residents," Lowrey said.

She is one of 50 women to be recognized for their success and contributions to the community.  Lowrey and the other honorees will be recognized at an award luncheon next month in New Orleans. 

Lowrey was nominated by members of her staff who saw her dedication and leadership to her community and thought she would be the ideal candidate.  IN addition to successfully operating the Northshore Harbor Center, Lowrey's recent achievements include being a 2009 graduate of Leadership Northshore and co-founding chairwoman of Leaders Invested in Suicide Awareness.

Se serves on the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is an active member of the Slidell Women's Civic Club, the International Association of Assembly Managers and the Meeting Professional's International.  She was nominated as one of 2008's Enterprising Women of the Year and among the top three honored.