The nature of online business is changing rapidly with the advent of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogger and many more social networking and blogging sites. Therefore, establishing an online presence for business is increasingly easier and less expensive. Rural businesses can benefit significantly from selling online to a global customer base. So, what’s the first step to grow your rural business? Take this class!

Participants will learn important global online business trends and the necessary steps to establish a successful online business. Whether you are an established business or thinking of starting one, this class will provide several ideas that will help you successfully establish an online business. Join us to learn how to grow your rural business beyond the borders of northeast Louisiana. This introductory course is part of the LSU AgCenter’s broadband education initiative, Connect My Louisiana.

 This is a lunch-n-learn workshop so please bring your lunch.

Dr. James Barnes at (318) 428-3571 or jbarnes@agcenter.lsu.edu.

 Connect My Louisiana (http://www.lsuagcenter.com/connectmyla)

An Introduction to Online Business

11:45 to 1 p.m.

February 24th

Oak Grove First Church of God

“Building a Brighter Future Today!!!”

P.O. Box 1336

Oak Grove, La. 71263

January 31, 2012

Dear Chamber Members,

It’s that time of the year again for us to renew our memberships for 2012.  Membership fees are the same as last year $25 for individuals and $50 for our business partners.  Business Partners will have their contact information listed at the chamber’s website, westcarrollchamber.com.

2012 looks as if it is once again going to be a busy year for the chamber.

It all begins February 11 at 7 p.m. when we present our Annual Valentines Weekend Concert.  This year’s featured artist will be “The Brett Family” from Branson, Mo.  This award winning group was voted Branson’s 2011 Morning Show of the Year, along with Best Young Performers.  We have made a significant investment to bring entertainment of this quality to our community, and we ask you to PLEASE support this event by PURCHASING TICKETS so we can continue to provide this service to you.  Advanced tickets are available now at Small Town Designs for just $15.00 or can be purchased the night of the show for $20.  As of press time tickets sales were going slow so please go out and purchase tickets for yourself and encourage all your friends to do the same soon.

The other spring event planned is the Second Annual North Louisiana Sweet Potato Festival.  The festival committee has already had two meetings and this year’s looks to be bigger and better than last year.  We thank everyone on the committee for volunteering to help make this another successful festival for our parish.

We will be having our February membership meeting Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Lingo Center.  This meeting will be potluck with the chamber providing the meet (Turkey and Ham.)

This will probably be my last letter to you as Executive Director of the Chamber as I have decided to step away from this post once a replacement has been found to concentrate more on theatre operations and special events. I am not leaving the chamber just moivng to another position  (Director of Special Events.)  I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for helping make the last 1.5 years so successful for the chamber.

Once again I ask you to PLEASE purchase tickets to the BRETT FAMILY, and also return the attached membership application (If you are reading this online please print the membership applications on downloads page) along with your 2012 dues to the address listed at your soonest convenience.

Looking forward to a successful 2012.

Sincerely,

Adam T. Holland

Executive Director

“As a community theatre it is our goal to be a positive part of our community,” Adam Holland, President, Holland Entertainment said. “WAR HORSE is a movie that we feel the senior citizens of our area will enjoy, and understand that our usual show times may make it difficult for them to attend, so we felt offering this special screening to the seniors of Northeast Louisiana would be a nice gesture.”

Tina Bankston, Activity Director at Carroll Nursing Home in Oak Grove, brought the idea to Holland as something her residents would enjoy, and the idea was quickly bought into by Brenda Hagan with the West Carroll Council on Aging and Cherie McCalpin activity director at the W.C. Memorial Care Center as an event that their constituents would enjoy as well.

Steven Spielberg’s “WAR HORSE,” an epic adventure for audiences of all ages. Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, “War Horse” begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets—British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter—before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.

WAR HORSE will play at the usual Fiske Theatre show times of 7 p.m. January 26-27 and January 28 at 2:30 p.m.

The Fiske Theatre is owned by the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce and operated by Holland Entertainment LLC of Oak Grove.

“Picking up the bow again after a number of years was kind of exciting. I’ve never had much time for hunting and the time I did have I spend getting ready, organized and usually not enough time for practice,” Smith said. “I invented The Bow Shooters Station so everything would be in its place, right in front of me and nothing laying on the ground to step on which allows more practice time in the back yard or on the shooting range.”

Smith’s invention now called Great Day’s BowShooters Station transforms awkward, frustrating archery target practice into a systematic, organized and pleasant experience.  The BowShooter’s Station holds the bow and arrows at your fingertips—no more laying your bow on the ground or pulling arrows from a quiver!

The BowShooter’s Station is constructed of aircraft aluminum, weighs only 4 lbs—making it easy to move from one target or location to another.  It comes complete with a slotted bow holder that can be set up for either right or left-handed shooters. It also includes two-arrow “caddies” that will easily hold 12 arrows each.  The BowShooter’s Station also has a convenient drink-holder for can or bottle drinks.

Smith moved to Oak Grove, La. in 1969 and attended Oak Grove High School until midterm of junior year and transferring to Sam Crow Academy and graduating 1975.  Smith is the son of Opal Boone with three sisters Shelia, Candy and Donna Smith all of which attended OGHS.

Smith worked after school for the late James Dumas at the carwash and also got his start in Heating and Air Conditioning services from late Jimmy Miles Holland.

Chances are he has installed the services or been to most house in a certain radius of Oak Grove to perform maintenance repairs before moving to Texas with Shell Oil Co. in 1980 as their explosive blaster. A resident of West Monroe now since 1994, Gordon worked as a journeyman electrician for Graphics Packaging before entering into the field of pipeline and tank inspection and safety. Gordon still works at many jobs which does not leave much time for one of his favorite past times, hunting.

The Bow Hunter’s Station made its first public debut at the Archery Trade Association’s Annual Convention where it was one of the most popular attractions prior and during the annual trade show. Demonstrations of the product will be available soon on youtube.com.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to host a group of this caliber for the citizens of Northeast Louisiana,” Chamber Director Adam Holland said. “We had such great success with Red, Hot and Blue last year, we felt that this was something the people of our area wanted on a regular basis.”

The Brett Family Show is a variety show that performs hits from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s; as well as, hits from Motown, and Pop. There show has won numerous awards through the years including Best Morning Show and Best Young Artist in 2011.

Advanced tickets are on sale now for only $15.00 at Small Town Designs next to the Fiske Theatre in Oak Grove or by calling the Lingo Center at 318-428-5282.

You can see a two minute promo of the show or get more information by visiting westcarrollchamber.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31II0JKXVYg

Christmas with a Capital C has been added to the schedule on December 13 for a one-night engagement beginning at 7 p.m.  In this Pure Flix Entertainment film Christmas has always been an exceptional time of love and tradition in the small town of Trapper Falls, Alaska. Hometown of Mayor Dan Reed (Ted McGinley) looks forward to each year with enthusiasm to all the events, friends and family that fill this special season. When Dan’s old high school rival Mitch Bright (Daniel Baldwin) returns home after 20 years, Dan is immediately suspicious. Mitch is a highly successful big city lawyer who has never wanted anything to do with Trapper Falls. The rivalry re-ignites when Mitch takes offense to seeing the town’s flagrant violation of the constitution’s Establishment clause. Mitch wants the Nativity scene removed from the front of City hall and more importantly the word Christmas switched to Happy Holidays on all signs. Fifty years of tradition are now challenged not by an outsider but a former member of the community. As the conflict escalates it goes beyond one person’s opinion but magnifies into an entire town problem when Mitch enters into the mayoral race to have Dan replaced.

The Fiske brings back a classic, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen on December 20 at 7 p.m.  As a Christmas gift to the Ark-La-Miss the Fiske is offering this film free of charge to the citizens of the Ark-La-Miss.

And after popular demand Courageous returns for a one-time engagement January 1 at 6:30.

General is just $6.50 and children six and under are admitted for $3.75.

The Fiske Theatre is owned by the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce and operated by Holland Entertainment LLC of Oak Grove, La.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkK30YFv9u0

OAK GROVE, La. — The University of Louisiana-Monroe along with the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to present “Christmas Between the Rivers” Thursday night December 1 at 7 p.m. in the Historic Fiske Theatre located in Downtown Oak Grove, La.

“We are very excited to host a group of young people with this much talent in our theatre,” Chamber Director Adam Holland said. “We are very grateful to President Nick Bruno for offering to bring the choir to our community.”

“Christmas Between the Rivers” will feature the ULM Concert Choir, ULM Chamber Dancers, soloist from across the Ark-La-Miss including West Carroll’s own Hobie Waits and the Twin City Ballet.

ULM organizers are touting this as a mixture of great classical and contemporary Christmas music with a little bit of comedy to boot.

Advanced tickets are available now for just $10.00 at the VAPA Box Office on the campus of ULM, Prairie View Academy in Bastrop, La. and at Small Town Designs in Oak Grove next to the theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the Fiske Theatre Box Office the night of the performance for $15.00.

The event is presented by the ULM Visual and Performing Arts Department and the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce with proceeds from the event going to each organization.

The West Carroll Chamber of Commerce, owners of the Fiske Theatre and Holland Entertainment LLC, operators, announce the transition of the Fiske Theatre to Digital Cinema Presentation in time for the beginning of its Christmas Season.The first film to be shown in this new format was “Twlight: Breaking Dawn.”

“We are proud of the commitment the Holland family has made to the theatre,” W.C. Chamber President Brenda Hagan said. “The sizable investment they are making to make this transition shows their dedication to providing quality family entertainment in our historic theatre for years to come.”

The motion picture industry in the United States have been transitioning away from 35 mm film over the past few years and this transition has picked up pace within the last few months, experts say that by January 2013, 35 mm prints will no longer be available for exhibition in the USA.

“In one since this transition is like losing and old friend,” Adam Holland, President, Holland Entertainment said. “35 mm has been the bread and butter of our industry since the days of Thomas Edison, but the quality and versatility that this 21^st Century technology will allow us to provide our patrons brings with it much excitement and possibilities, this will be the biggest advancement in the West Carroll Parish cinema going experience since movies learned to talk with the “Jazz Singer” in 1928.”

Digital projection will provide movie goers top quality presentation each time a movie plays, and will also allow the theatre the capabilities of providing alternative content such as Broadway Plays, Metropolitan Opera, Rock Concerts, Classic Movies and live sporting events.

Throughout the history of the Fiske Theatre, it has always been on the cutting edge of technology.  In 1951 the year after the new theatre opened Mr. Fiske was awarded Exhibitor and Theatre Catalog’s Merit Award as being the most modern and well-appointed theatre in the nation.

“Since we returned the theatre to operations as a motion picture house it has always been our goal to bring the theatre back to her glory as one of the most advanced theatres in the region,” Holland said. “Being the first independent to make this move shows that we are once again one of the leaders in our industry.”

The Fiske Theatre is owned by the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce and operated by Holland Entertainment LLC of Oak Grove, La.

It all starts this Saturday at 7 p.m. with the West Carroll Singing Christmas Tree which will perform the cantata “O Holy Night.” The tree performances will repeat Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m.

Movies return November 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. with “Courageous” from creators of “Fireproof.”

At 12:01 a.m. November 18, the Fiske will open the first part of the final installment of the “Twlight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One.” Advanced tickets for the midnight screening are on sale now at Small Town Designs next to the theatre. “Breaking Dawn” will play nightly through November 27.

December 1, at 7 p.m. the University of Louisiana at Monroe in association with the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce will present “Christmas Between the Rivers” featuring the ULM Choir and Twin City Ballet Dancers. Advanced tickets for this one night engagement are available now for $10.00 at Small Town Designs in Oak Grove, Prairie View Academy in Bastrop and the VAPA Box Office on the ULM Campus. Tickets will be available at the Fiske Theatre box office the night of the show for $15.00.

Dreamworks Animation’s hit new picture “Puss in Boots” takes to the screen of the Fiske December 2-4, Adam Sandlers new comedy “Jack and Jill” will play December 9-11, “Happy Feet 2” takes to the screen December 16-18 and “Arthur Christmas” will play Christmas Weekend.

Regular weekend show times are Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30. Tickets are just $6.50 for General Admission and children under six are admitted for $3.75.

The Fiske Theatre is owned by the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce and operated by Holland Entertainment LLC.

“Last years event was a huge success,” Chamber Director Adam Holland said. “Everyone young and old alike came out and reminisced about the old times they spent with friends and made new memories as well. It is our goal to make this year’s event bigger and better than the last.”

The event will feature a classic car show on the lawn of the Courthouse during the day, culminating with a parade of classic cars around the square at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m. there will be a screening of the hit movie GREASE which is set in the 1950’s. From 6 p.m. until the Josh Madden Band will perform at the Little Freezer lot along with cruising the square in downtown Oak Grove.

This year we will also feature Arts and Crafts vendors to be open during the day from 9 am until 4 p.m. Booth spaces are available by reservation for just $25 for a 12×12 or $45 for a 12×24. Call Janice Holland at 318-428-9280 to reserve your space.

This years event is sponsored by The Little Freezer, The Drug Store, Small Town Designs, Merle Norman Cosmetics, The Fiske Theatre and KWCL.