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."