BUSINESS

Donaldsonville Council proclaims small business week

Greg Fischer Editor-in-chief
gfischer@weeklycitizen.com
Ascension Parish Small Business Power Week is held April 29-May 5, 2018. Representatives met with the city council on April 24 when Mayor Sullivan made the proclamation. Left to right: Lee Melancon, Aaron McDonald, Edward Cavalier, Reginald Francis, Travis London, Raymond Aucoin, Charles Brown, Leroy Sullivan, Lauthaught Delaney, Juanita Pearley, and Brent Landry

The April 24 council meeting began with an amendment passed to introduce ordinance 2018-01, or the 2018-19 proposed budget. A public hearing will be on May 22.

Next, the Mayor's Report began with recognition of Small Business Power Week and Small Business Power Day in Donaldsonville.

"Whereas the purpose of Small Business Power Week is to create a collaborative program where entrepreneurs in Ascension Parish can learn about programs, services, associations, and networks available as resources to their small business," read Mayor Leroy Sullivan.

"And whereas the Small Business Power Week will give small business owners the opportunity to learn from experts, service providers, network with industry leaders, and with other businesses in the parish. And whereas the Small Business Power Week will serve as a launching pad to strengthen existing small businesses and to grow new small businesses to support the growth of a strong small business ecosystem in Donaldsonville.

Taken from the Donaldsonville City website: "Small Business Power Week will include workshops throughout Ascension Parish. Entrepreneurs will be able to learn about the programs, services, and organizations in the parish available to small businesses.

"Ascension Small Business Power Week is presented by Eatel Business and Guaranty Media.

Three days will be offered from 6-8 p.m., Monday, April 30 in Sorrento at the Sorrento Civic Center (7471 Main Street), Tuesday, May 1 in Donaldsonville at the MBECA Innovation Center & Incubator (420 Mississippi Street Suite B), and Thursday, May 3 at the MBECA LEAP Center at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales (9039 S. St. Landry Avenue).

"On Saturday, May 5 the SUPERWOMAN’S EXPO is back at Lamar Dixon Expo Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the Superwoman of Ceremonies, Michelle Southern of Eagle 98.1. The expo focuses on women in business with speakers, demonstrations, services available to women in business, as well as a fashion show hosted by Tanger Outlet Centers. Come out and develop your focus through mindfulness with Orhan McMillan and meet vendors who help develop your mental, physical, and spiritual health.

"Pre-registration for all events on the Ascension Small Business Power Week Facebook page @smallbizpowerweek. Free tickets are available at Tanger Outlet Center’s Shopper Services and Horn of Plenty in Gonzales. You can also register to win tickets by listening to Eagle 98.1. Tickets to the Superwoman’s Expo are $10 on event day. For more information, call 225-445-1383."

Director of MBECA, Lee Melancon said that currently there are seven members in the class. The group posed for a photo with Mayor Sullivan and the city council.

Next, Capt. Darryl Smith read the March police report from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office. There were 43 vehicle accidents, 12 burglaries, 29 thefts, zero armed robberies, zero simple robberies, 56 alarms, six narcotics violations, zero loud music complaints, 643 total service calls, 133 traffic citations were issued, 87 adult arrests, and 14 juvenile arrests.

Lastly, the city voted to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with CivicSource. CivicSource, based in New Orleans, will provide the City of Donaldsonville with a high-tech website for adjudicated property auctions.