When I first found out about the Slidell Ladies for Liberty, it didn’t take long to be impressed—very impressed—with what they do.
This group of local ladies meet monthly to pack over 100 boxes that are sent to Slidell-area soldiers stationed overseas. Not only do they spend an entire day preparing the boxes for shipping, but this job takes far more than one day to accomplish.
All month long, the women are out soliciting donations from businesses and individuals, and picking up a multitude of items that will go in the boxes.
Of course, The Slidell Independent already did a feature story on the group and will continue to support them in any way we can, but I wanted to tell you about something very special that happened to the group recently.
The group was featured in the most recent edition of GX Magazine, a military publication that focuses on the National Guard. Reporters and photographers from the magazine came to Slidell on two different days to get the scoop, and gave the group a six-page spread.
Annette Hall, director for the Slidell Ladies, said she has been contacted by four communities interested in learning how they can begin the same campaign.
Well deserved attention for sure, and if you would like to help the group, you can mail donations to 3090 Gause Blvd., #218, Slidell, 70461, since the monthly shipping cost is over $2,000. Information on items they need can be found at slidellladiesforliberty.com.
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La. Rep. Kevin Pearson had a familiar face at the Chamber breakfast last week—familiar since it was his daughter!
Becca Pearson, 23, graduated in May from LSU with an economics degree and is working with her father in his financial services business in Slidell.
Kevin and Nancy Pearson have one other child, a 26-year-old son.
Becca is apparently ready to begin her professional career since she didn’t hesitate a second to stand up and introduce herself when Chamber Chairman John Smith asked if there were any guests in the audience.
I happened to be sitting at the same table with her and must say she came across as a bright, personable young lady during our conversation.
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Welcome aboard the Ochsner train to Forrest Whichard, new Chief Financial Officer here in Slidell, for COO Alan Hodges and Ochsner CEO Polly Davenport.
Forrest was also at our table on Friday at the Chamber event and said he just began with Ochsner here in Slidell, moving from Hammond.
Good luck to you Forrest.
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Let it never be said I don’t enjoy making the rounds to our local restaurants. I could probably write a weekly column as a food critic, if I cared to add one more story to my list every week, and also if I cared to take a chance of alienating one restaurant against another.
Naturally all of our local restaurants, especially those who advertise in the Slidell Independent, would all get fantastic reviews, right? (I think you get my point.)
Anyway, I have done business profiles on almost every restaurant owner in Slidell who advertises in our newspaper, and I especially enjoyed the story I got from Louis Ochoa, who recently opened NOLA Southern Grill, on Gause Boulevard near Copeland’s.
Louis came up in the Copeland’s organization, getting to know Al Copeland very well since he dealt with him almost daily on restaurant business. Louis told me how much he learned about business from Copeland and other successful businessmen he worked with, something that might have led to a very interesting and somewhat unique presentation he was using when I met a friend at his restaurant last week.
When I walked up to the front of the business, Louis had a sign mentioning the lunch special for the day. As soon as I stepped inside the front door, he had the chicken dish prepared beautifully and on display for everyone to see.
Needless to say, it got my attention and certainly must have gotten plenty of people to try it.
Just a little business marketing tip Louis was trying with great results, and something that I’m guessing might catch on with others.
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Speaking of sharp business minds, I have been fortunate to learn a lot about business from a good friend of mine, Chuck Sabadie, who is now heading up ElderCare in Slidell.
Chuck has been a very successful businessman over his career, with several different businesses, now building ElderCare as a resource for information about retirement planning, especially with information on benefits about veterans.
Chuck has just moved to a new location, purchasing the building next to the Slidell administrative city offices on Second Street. He is located at almost across the street from the newly-built Slidell Municipal Auditorium.
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One final word of thanks for all who voted for The Slidell Independent in the recent Mission Small Business national contest, sponsored by Chase bank and LivingSocial.
We were able to reach our goal of 250 votes thanks to all of you, and especially thanks to my daughter Chrissy Smith, who handles many things for us here at the paper, but is also known as my “Facebook Queen.”
When I told her we had a challenge involving Facebook, she didn’t seem to care what it was about and told me, “I’ll get it done,” which she did in a very impressive way.
Thanks again.
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And I couldn’t end today without saying “Happy Anniversary” to my lovely better half.
37 years…..love you Honey.
Kevin Chiri can be reached by e-mail at kevinchiri@gmail.com.
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