The Central Chamber Report: “Now, More Than Ever”

    Now, more than ever, our local businesses are going to need your support!  Louisiana, as you may well know, is facing a budget shortfall of over a billion dollars. The job of the Legislator, this 2015 session, has been to close this gap.  No one, in their right mind, would envy their task and we appreciate our legislators’ willingness to serve.  However, as of the writing of this article on Tuesday, the outcome of this session is somewhat disappointing.  During this year’s session, businesses have gotten caught in the “crosshairs” of the budget debate and the shot that is being fired is more taxes. Some people look at large corporations and have the perspective that they can afford to pay more.  The problem is that some of these tax changes are going to affect all businesses, large and small.    It never ceases to amaze me how the folks who are working hard to provide employment, goods and services in our communities are constantly being asked to work harder, while at the same time being subjected to more government regulation and taxes.  There is no doubt that these changes have the potential of changing the economic landscape of our state.  
    What can you do?  Now, more than ever, our local businesses are going to need your support!  Local businesses are the backbone of our city.  This year, as we have done in the previous 2, we will host a Shop Small Business Campaign that will run from Saturday, November 28th through December 13th.   However, businesses can’t wait until November!  Many of these taxes will go into effect starting July 1st.  Businesses will need your support now.  Summer time is when many people leave town to go on vacation.  Many business often see a tremendous decline in revenues during the next few months.  As you go on vacation this year, whenever it is feasible, stock up on your supplies for your trip by shopping your local merchants.  When you return from vacation, make a renewed effort to shop your local businesses as much as is possible.  Together, we can continue to help Central’s business community thrive and not just survive!  
Ron Erickson
Central Chamber