Winners - October 14, 2023 Election - Livingston ParishGovernor Jeff Landry - Broussard - RLieutenant GovernorWilliam "Billy" Nungesser - Metairie - R (incumbent)Secretary of State - (Run off) "Gwen" Collins-Greenup - Baton Rouge - DNancy Landry - Baton Rouge - RAttorney General - (Run off)Lindsey Cheek - New Orleans - D"Liz" Baker Murrill - Baton Rouge - RState TreasurerJohn Fleming - Minden - RDustin Granger - Lake Charles - DMember, BESE - District 6"Ronnie" Morris - Baton Rouge - R (Incumbent)State
Leadership Group Completes "Outdoor Oasis" Project at the Livingston Council on AgingFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Chamber Office Phone: 225-665-8155 Email: office@livingstonparishchamber.org Date: October 5, 2023Leadership Group Completes "Outdoor Oasis" Project at the Livingston Council on AgingDenham Springs, LA - On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Chamber of Commerce community project, "Outdoor Oasis," was unveiled. This project was chosen by members of the Leadership Livingston Project Group after
Lauren “Fleurty Girl” Haydel Presents Keynote at Women’s Leadership Conference On Friday, September 15, the Livingston Parish Chamber held its Women’s Leadership Conference & Expo with Lauren Haydel of Fleurty Girl as the keynote speaker. The event was held in Denham Springs at Abundant Life Church with close to 300 in attendance. The event began with networking, and an Expo with almost 20 vendors exhibiting products and services such as boutiques, women’s health, finance, beauty & aesthetics and more.
Leadership Livingston Class of 2024 Announced On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the Leadership Livingston Class of 2024 was announced. The class was presented to over 200 attendees at the Annual State of Livingston Parish Address. Prior to the luncheon event, the class was introduced to each other through a meet and greet type event and program orientation. “We are looking forward to this 12th cohort of the Leadership Livingston Program. It is always an exciting time as the new class begins with
Leadership Livingston Graduates Class of 2023 The Leadership Livingston Class of 2023 graduated on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Leadership Livingston, a program of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, has been in place since 2012 and the class of 2023 is the eleventh year of graduates. This latest graduating class, with 25 graduates, brings the total graduates to 262. The graduation event was held at Suma Hall Community Center. Class participants, sponsors, project supporters, Leadership
Therapeutic Wellness LLC now Open in Denham Springs Therapeutic Wellness LLC celebrated their recent opening with an official ribbon cutting with Livingston Parish Chamber officials, staff, local dignitaries, Chamber Ambassadors, members, clients, and guests. Owner Dr. Cheryl Jeane, PT, DPT’s journey into Physical Therapy started in the early 90’s when she was first introduced to John Barne’s Myofascial Release Approach during physical therapy school. In 2019, she started her own journey. Jeane has over
Auto Title & Public Tag Agent Now Open in Watson Auto Title celebrated their recent opening with an official ribbon cutting with Livingston Parish Chamber officials, staff, clients, and guests in attendance. Auto Title is the only location for OMV services in the Watson area. Owner Elizabeth Wilson’s background includes working for several government agencies and private organizations. When the last company she was working for was bought out, she decided to start her own business and Auto Title/Scriba
Family Wellness and Healthcare of LA Now Offering Aesthetic Services Family Wellness and Healthcare of LA celebrated the addition of their Aesthetic Services with an official ribbon cutting on April 20 with Livingston Parish Chamber officials, ambassadors, staff, and friends in attendance. Alicia Restivo, DNP, FNP-C and Hillary Hicks, FNP-C started the clinic to offer comprehensive services for your primary care needs including treatment and management of chronic conditions. They also offer
Landmark Bank Opens Loan Production Office in Denham Springs Landmark Bank marked the opening of its new Loan Production Office in Denham Springs with an official ribbon cutting with CEO, Ben Cavin, as well as Jennifer Knapps and Amie Barton who will be working out of this location. Landmark Bank specializes in real estate lending for Consumers and Businesses, including but not limited to New Construction, Land, Lots, Investment Real Estate and Rental Properties. Knapps and Barton bring a combined 30
Mami’s Mexican Restaurant Opens Second Location in Livingston Parish Mami’s of Denham Springs, which opened for business in February, made it official with a ribbon cutting with the Livingston Parish Chamber on Monday. Staff, Chamber Ambassadors, members, and local dignitaries were on hand for the event which included a sampling of new menu items. This location marks the second in Livingston Parish, in addition to their original Zachary location. Mami’s of Springfield opened in 2021, and after a few
Nadine & Co. Hair Studio Now Open in Denham SpringsNadine & Company Hair Studio celebrated their Denham Springs location on March 22 with an official ribbon cutting with family, friends, and members and staff of Livingston Parish Chamber on hand. The salon has been open for 6 years in Baton Rouge, but owners Nadine and Chris Porta felt it was the right time to relocate and bring the business “back home” to Livingston Parish. The Denham Springs location opened in December 2022 in the Livingston Square
ESI Supply Celebrates their Walker Location ESI celebrated their Walker location on March 23 with an official ribbon cutting with family, friends, and members and staff of Livingston Parish Chamber on hand. ESI Supply owner, Robert Kraft, originally started the business in 2006. ESI stands for Environmental, Safety & Industrial which is primarily what they started as. Although the business is headquartered in MS, they already had a customer base here in Livingston Parish, so it was an easy decision to
Windshield Pros Calibration Center Now Open in WatsonWindshield Pros Calibration Center celebrated their newest location in Watson on March 22 with an official ribbon cutting with family, friends, and members and staff of Livingston Parish Chamber on hand. Owner Marc Seals and his wife Christy have been in the windshield business for over 35 years. Started in FL, the Seals continued the business from their new home when they moved back to LA 20 years ago. A building was later added on the property which
Kalon Clinic Now Open in Livingston Kalon Clinic celebrated its Grand Opening with an official ribbon cutting with the friends, family, Ambassadors and staff of Livingston Parish Chamber in attendance. Owner, Kacie Stewart and Nurse Practitioner, Lauren Arteaga said the business’ opening is all they dreamed of and more. Officially opened in November, Kalon, pronounced KAY-lon, from the Greek word kalos, meaning good, beautiful, is a one-stop shop for aesthetics and wellness in Livingston. The clinic
Southern Knights Armory Now Open in WalkerSouthern Knights Armory celebrated the opening of their new location in Walker with an official ribbon cutting on February 24 with staff, family, friends, and officials from the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce. Owned by Chris Williams, Southern Knights Armory has served Livingston Parish and surrounding areas since 2020. After starting the business in a small shed at his home, Chris now has a storefront in Walker located at 9360 Florida Blvd Suite
Automotive Network, LLC Opens New Location in Denham SpringsAutomotive Network, LLC celebrated the official opening of their location at 815 Florida Ave. SW in Denham Springs on February 15 with staff and officials from Livingston Parish Chamber in attendance. Automotive Network, LLC buys, sells and trades quality pre-owned vehicles of all makes and models, with low mileage and great features. Owner, Jason Giamanco and his sales team are ready to assist customers with all their automotive needs. They can
Everline Coatings Celebrates Official Ribbon CuttingEverline Coatings celebrated their official ribbon cutting on February 9 with members and staff of Livingston Parish Chamber on hand to welcome them. Family-owned by Jay, Christine and Shana Hartley, Everline Coatings offers a wide range of line striping and pavement maintenance services including asphalt repairs, asphalt sealcoating, crack filling, and more. The family brings over 25 years’ experience in sales from various industries. The Hartleys are
Jewell Med Spa Now Open in Denham SpringsJewell Med Spa celebrated with an official ribbon cutting on January 27 with friends, family and officials from Livingston Parish Chamber. Owner, Jennifer Mitchell is ready to serve the Livingston Parish area for your wellness needs, and takes pride in building relationships to help clients improve their overall health. Services include hormone replacement, weight loss programs and functional medicine. Jewell Med Spa supports clients through education,
Over 250 Seniors Adopted for Christmas Over 250 seniors were adopted by local businesses and local business representatives through a partnership with Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce and the Livingston Council on Aging to provide Christmas Presents to Livingston Parish seniors. The Council on Aging provided the names from its’ outreach center throughout the parish, including Denham Springs, Livingston, Maurepas and Springfield. Seniors in need were provided an opportunity to fill out a form,
James Moak Sworn in as Livingston Parish Chamber Board Chair in 2023 On January 11, 2023, James Moak was officially sworn in by Judge Jeff Johnson as the Board Chair of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, the parish’s business association. James is the owner and president of his IT firm, Gulf South Technology Solutions. He lives in Livingston Parish along with his wife of 34 years, Kitty Moak. James has two children and three grandchildren. James went to LSU and, on an interesting note, was
Kacie Stewart Recaps 2022, Announces Todd Caruso for Chairman’s Award Winner Outgoing board chair, Kacie Stewart, addressed members of the chamber as she prepared to pass the gavel to 2023 board chair, James Moak. Kacie is a lifelong resident of the Town of Livingston, a business owner for the past ten years and an alderman for the town. She resides with her husband of 15 years, Blake, and their two sons. In the past year, Kacie has not only served as board chair, but has also started a new business,
Ross Kinchen appointed to Livingston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Ross Kinchen has been appointed to the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His appointment began late in December 2021 to fill an unexpired term. Trey Sanders, 2021 chamber board chair notes, “Ross has the drive and background that makes him a great representative of the business community. As founder and CEO of his business, The Kinchen Group, Ross has developed his own business model that is innovative
Brandy Robertson State Farm made her new business ownership official on October 13 with a Ribbon Cutting surrounded by her team, family and members of Livingston Parish Chamber. Brandy, who has worked with Agent Joan Landry for the last 16 years, took ownership of the business in August after Landry's retirement. Robertson’s team includes Account Managers Amanda Cook who also worked under Landry, as well as newcomers Justin Sumrall and Lauryn Leblanc. Rounding out her support team are Robertson’s
Leadership Livingston selected its 10th class since inception of the program. The class notified of their selection and held their first meet up in August. Regular class sessions began in September. “The class of 2022 has had the opportunity to get together and is enthusiastic about the coming year. We all know if we wait for the perfect to get moving, in today’s world, we may be waiting a long time. Never has leadership development been more important than now. We heard from graduates following the
BATON ROUGE, LA, August 9, 2021 – Forte and Tablada announced that Brad Holleman has acquired ownership interest in the firm. Holleman, a senior vice president over the company’s Survey and Advanced Measurements division, is a lifelong resident of Livingston Parish as well as a graduate of Denham Springs High School and the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. "Brad is an outstanding young leader within our organization and represents the highest degree of professionalism in the
Livingston Parish Chamber welcomed Bank of Zachary to Livingston Parish with a Grand Opening. The Livingston Parish Chamber recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening that was meant to be last year. The event included a speech from the President and CEO, Mark Marrioneaux who gave mention and thanks to everyone that contributed to the new location in Watson. This is also a great transition for most Bank of Zachary employees, having most currently residing in or originally from
Livingston Parish Chamber welcomed Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home to the Livingston Parish community with a ribbon cutting on their newest location. Owners Brandon G. Thompson and Martha McKneely Thompson were delighted to finally be able to welcome family, friends, and Chamber members at the long-awaited ceremony held on May 10. The Thompsons expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped along the way in making their dream a reality, including their staff who were all in attendance. The family at
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact April Wehrs, 225-665-8155 | april@livingstonparishchamber.org Livingston Parish Chamber recognized 2020 Businesses of the YearThe Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses as “Businesses of the Year” Friday, January 29, 2021 at their Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, presented by Cox Business. Winners were chosen for their leadership in the business community and their dedication and impact in Livingston Parish.Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: April Wehrs |chamber@livingstonparishchamber.org | (225) 665-8155Women’s Leadership Awards Announced (Denham Springs, La.) – The Livingston Parish Chamber Announced the 2020 recipients of the Women’s Leadership Awards on Friday, Dec. 11 at the Women’s Leadership Event. The awards rounded out an event with dynamic speaker, Tina Schaffer, M.Ed, SHRM-SCP, Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, and Fitness Instructor, Regional Vice President of Human Resources, Franciscan Missionaries of Our
Leadership Livingston Class of 2021 Selected Leadership Livingston’s newest class kicked things off on Thursday with an orientation of the program presented by April Wehrs, Livingston Parish Chamber President/CEO and class facilitator. “We’ve been monitoring the possibility of having a class, and the interest in light of the phases and restrictions of COVID. We offered the opportunity for the class and had positive response. We intentionally kept the class smaller to adjust to today’s standards. The
Livingston Future 5 Named at Livingston Young Professionals Annual Meeting The Livingston Future 5 were announced on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the Livingston Young Professionals Annual Meeting. Marissa Hofstetter was selected as the LYP member of the year for her contributions to the program’s activities over the past year. Also on the agenda was Kacie Stewart, co-owner of Stewart Family Medicine & After Hours. Stewart opened by saying that when an opportunity presents itself, you should always say
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: April Wehrs | april@livingstonparishchamber.org | (225) 665-8155Leadership Livingston Graduates 23 on June 30th On June 30, 2020, 23 graduates were added to the list of Leadership Livingston Alumni. Typically, the ceremony would include a room packed with classmates, alumni, sponsors, peers and graduate’s family. This year accommodation of guests was limited due to the governor’s announcement that our state would be staying in Phase 2. “We felt it was important to move
Livingston Parish Chamber joins nearly 40 business groups across the state releasing a draft framework for restarting our state's economy Friday, the Livingston Parish Chamber in partnership with LABI, the state chamber of commerce and BRAC, regional economic development arm, joined nearly 40 other business groups from across Louisiana, in releasing a draft framework for restarting the state's economy in a responsible and safe manner. The considerations were developed in partnership with executives
State Farm Agent, Alexis Ducorbier, celebrated a ribbon-cutting with the Livingston Parish Chamber for their new Juban Crossing location on Friday, February 14, 2020. The ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off the Grand Opening and attendance included the Insurance Account Representatives Rani Kliebert, Brenda Doughty, Melissa T. Donaldson, and Zach Vidrine. Alexis thanked her husband, family, customers, friends, and the Livingston Parish Chamber for helping her make this opening a success. ServPro and
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Steven Davis, Jr. CEO Facilities Maintenance Management
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce has decided to tackle litter in a big way. The Chamber’s Love Lp campaign launched last year to encourage community pride and enhance Livingston Parish. The focal point of the Love Lp campaign is the Litter Free Lp initiative. “We want to make an organized, community effort to fight this issue that we all agree is a serious problem and a priority in our Parish,” said John Blount, Litter Initiative Chair. The initiative so far has been focused on two goals,
Dr. Vickie Auguste, BESE District 6 Candidate Dr. Auguste, a product of the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System, is a native of Baton Rouge and a resident of Ascension Parish. She and her husband Bruce, have four adult children and one minor child who attends high school in the Ascension Parish Public School System. They have six grandchildren and two godchildren. Dr. Auguste has an undergraduate degree in sociology, a master’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in education
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce encourages Livingston Parish residents to be informed voters by attending two political forums hosted by the Livingston Parish Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee in September. April Wehrs, Chamber President and CEO said, “Keeping voters informed is an important goal of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Hosting political forums like these are an excellent way for people to learn more about the candidates that they will be voting for in October.” On Sept. 19
“People have been asking when there was going to be a Cane’s in Walker literally since we opened the first location,” said Todd Graves, Raising Cane’s founder and CEO. The answer was Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 10 am. Opening the doors at the first Raising Cane’s location in Walker was preceded by a Grand Opening celebration and Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The Walker High band, Cane III, national BMX Champion Terry Adams and many others were a part of the celebration which included a Ribbon Cutting ceremony
The 26 graduates of Leadership Livingston 2019 gathered with friends, program sponsors and Leadership Livingston Alumni on Tuesday evening to celebrate their completion of the 10-month program and present their community service projects. Three project groups dedicated a combined 545 hours of volunteer work and raised or donated $13,000 to complete three community service projects that will impact over 270,000 residents and visitors to Livingston Parish. The project group LP Signs has been working to
The Livingston Parish Arts Council Building is getting a makeover after the Leadership Livingston class of 2019 adopted the long-awaited mural as their community service project. The class secured $3,000 in corporate sponsorships to cover most of the $4,000 project. The Arts Council will cover the remaining amount for the 70 foot by 9 foot image that will wrap around the Arts Council exterior walls. Mary Felder, past president of the Arts Council, said that this project is something that the board has
James Moak, the owner of Gulf South Technology Solutions, was sworn on to the Livingston Parish Chamber Board of Directors on Jan. 23 during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. James has been involved with the Chamber through committees and sees his role on the board as the logical next step. “The Chamber is influential in Livingston Parish and there is so much potential here. There are great people and leaders and I want to be a part of the Parish’s continued growth,” said Moak. Gulf South
Denham Springs, LA (February 13, 2019) – Zea Rotisserie & Bar, part of Taste Buds Management, and the Livingston Parish Chamber celebrated the opening of the first Zea location in Denham Springs with a ribbon-cutting and reception. Nestled in Juban Crossing, the restaurant features Zea’s new design with an expanded bar area, communal seating and an exposed kitchen including a visible rotisserie. “We are thrilled to welcome Zea Rotisserie & Bar to Livingston Parish,” said President and CEO of Livingston
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce recognized 11 local businesses as “Businesses of the Year” Wednesday at their Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. Winners were chosen for their leadership in the business community and their dedication and impact in Livingston Parish. Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, April Wehrs, said that the awards help highlight the important role that businesses play in the community. “These businesses are essential partners to the Livingston Parish
The venue was packed with almost 200 attendees for the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Women’s Leadership Special Event with headlining speakers Judge Blair Edwards and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Lori Steele. The Livingston Parish Chamber recognized five women with Women’s Leadership Awards. Shannon Bernard representing Primerica, Regina Scott from North Oaks Health System, Kristen Maddox of A Door of Hope Ministries, Dawn Birdsong from Mighty Moms
Judge Blair Edwards of the 21st Judicial District Court and Lori Steele from the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office will keynote at the second annual Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Event on Sept. 20 at Forrest Grove in Denham Springs. Judge Edwards is a child advocate, attorney, wife, mother and judge. She is the former Executive Director of the Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity and received the CASA Judge of the Year award in 2016. Steele is the public information officer
Livingston Parish has consistently had one of the highest numbers of children in foster care in the state and there has been a chronic shortage of families and resources to care for them all. Many must be removed from the parish to available families in surrounding areas, further disrupting their lives. Awareness of the needs and organizations involved in the foster care system is necessary to tackle the issues. A group of Leadership Livingston students decided that would be the focus of their community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELeaps and Bounds Sports Center to Celebrate 20th “Birthday” Saturday The Denham Springs based acrobatic gym will celebrate 20 years of business and fun this Saturday at their location on Eden Church Rd. The Birthday Bash will be held from 11 am- 3 pm and include games, an obstacle course face painting and prizes, including a month of tuition. The event is free to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend and celebrate the long-standing Denham Springs business.
The newest Leadership Livingston class got together at the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce office to meet one another and an introduction to the course that they will participate in over the next nine months. The 28 students will kick off the program at an overnight retreat on August 19th and 20th where they will simulate a society and learn about the struggles of each class of society and what it takes for a community to thrive. Once a month starting in September the class will take a field trip
Jeremy Aydell to Speak at Livingston Young Professionals Annual Meeting At the LYP Annual Meeting, the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce will introduce the inaugural Livingston Future 5. Young professionals who are making an impact in the parish will be selected from nominations submitted throughout the month of June. “Livingston Parish has many invaluable resources including exceptional professionals,” said April Wehrs, Chamber President & CEO. “This Annual Meeting is a great way for us recognize the
Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 acquires property on Satsuma Road for new fire house Walker, LA – The Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 (LPFPD4) acquired .88 acres of property on Satsuma Road from the Livingston Parish School Board. Plans are being developed to construct a new fire station on the property, located south of the North Oaks Hospital. “We are excited about building a new station to better
$1.4 BILLION IN NEW FUNDINGMore than $600 million for Comite & EBR Flood Projects; Up to $2.0 billion available for Capital Region flood protection; $760 million for West Shore Hurricane Protection Washington, DC – Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced today one of the largest flood protection investments in Louisiana history -- nearly $3 billion in federal funding for priority flood and hurricane protection projects in south Louisiana. This includes nearly $1.4 billion in new federal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leadership Livingston brings Dave Ramsey Personal Finance Course to Livingston Parish High Schools Students in Livingston Parish High Schools have access to Foundations in Finance personal finance course because of Livingston Leadership group Common Cents for Students. The group of six Leadership participants wrote grants to purchase the program and promoted the opportunity at Walker High School. Common Cents for Students members all agreed that personal finance know-how is
Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce News ReleaseFor Immediate Release: December 1, 2017Contact: April Wehrs | april@livingstonparishchamber.org Kathy Maust named Livingston Parish Chamber Ambassador of the Year Denham Springs, LA (December 1, 2017) – Each year, the Livingston Parish Chamber recognizes one chamber ambassador in appreciation of their contributions to the ambassador program. Kathy Maust, of Supreme Realtors, received the 2017 honor.“We are so pleased to recognize Kathy’s dedication
Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce News ReleaseFor Immediate Release: July 31, 2017Contact: April Wehrs | april@livingstonparishchamber.org Livingston chamber wins national communications award Alexandria, VA (July 31, 2017) — The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce has been named a winner of an industry award that recognizes communications and marketing work. Presented annually by Alexandria, Va.-based Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Communications Excellence awards program is
Business Leaders sponsor Doyle High School FBLA program Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored the Doyle High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) team at the March State Competition. Doyle recently reactivated their chapter of student members after several years of inactivity and competed at district competition at SLU. Doyle exceeded expectations with 19 students participating and 14 qualifying for state. Students that qualified for state with superior rankings are Cloey
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the 9 recipients for its 2016 Annual Business of the Year Awards. The award winners were recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on January 25, 2017. The recipients stood out for their outstanding businesses and their impact to both the Livingston Parish economy and community. Nominees and applicants were sent out of state for judging by an independent panel. the awards were presented to the winners with 200 plus guests
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcome Kacie Stewart, Office Manager/Owner of Stewart Family Medicine & After-Hours, as the newest board member. Ms. Stewart will fill an unexpired term vacated in November. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Livingston Parish Chamber Board of Directors” says Stewart. “I am eager to contribute anything I can to promote and assist in the rebuilding of our Parish after the devastating events this past year. I have seen the
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center (CCC) will lead a corporate delegation trip to Baton Rouge, LA on November 1 – 2. The delegation will introduce business leaders to nonprofits, chambers, government officials, and other community organizations that are leading the recovery in Louisiana following the August flooding. The trip is taking place during the recovery phase of this disaster to give the community time to identify needs and ways for businesses to help in the