The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce today (Monday) heard from Clem LaFleur and members of his staff at LaFleur Industries. Lafleur explained that with the assistance of federal grants, he was able to construct 44 single and multi family housing units in Ville Platte in two phases. He is preparing a third phase of housing units in Mamou. The units are in the Ben and Clem Estates and Lafleur Landing One and Two located north of Lincoln Road. The units are rentals and are geared for low income  residents. After doing a market study, Lafleur said  Evangeline Parish has70 percent of its residents making $45,000 or below. Also speaking was Glenda Frank, Project Manager. She said there is a waiting list of those wishing a housing unit after they are become qualified.

    In other business, the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce was notified that the next Chamber sponsored bus trip is scheduled for June 20 to view the World War Two Museum in New Orleans. The cost will be $150 per person. Contact the chamber office for more information.

   In other action the chamber of commerce:

--has 144 members in good standing;

--was notified that the Chamber Business of the Month for March is Guaranty Bank;

--received news that the Cleanest City Contest is scheduled for March 27 in Ville Platte.  There will be a trash bash Saturday at 9:00am;

--heard that the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet is planned for May 3;

--received word from Dr. Tojo Ward that the Industrial park is now nationally certified  after an 18 month process and is prepared to be marketed to a national industry;

--received news that Acadiana Day at the Legislature is set for April 24 in Baton Rouge.