The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting today at Noon at Nick’s on Main.  The guest speaker was Superintendent of Schools in Evangeline Parish, Toni Hamlin.  She discussed the various ways that education has changed.  Students in Evangeline Parish are now offered different programs to guide them into the working or college path.  She spoke of a few of those programs which include the Jumpstart Program.  Included in that is Mamou High School which offers oil & gas experience and training to students; Mamou High School also offers the Prostart Culinary program which also includes the business aspect of a Culinary career; Ville Platte High offers a certified nursing aid program in conjunction with SLCC; and Pine Prairie High School offers Art, Theatre, Dance and Music programs.

The Superintendent stated she has just returned from a conference of Superintendents.  The newly elected Governor talked with them about the huge deficit the State of Louisiana is suffering with.  Representative, Bernard Lebas, also spoke with the group.  She stated that “there is a lot of doom and gloom about our state” from the huge deficits and the future rise of the deficits.  Health Care, Universities and Education cost the state the most money and may be hurt from the lack of taxes being collected.

President, Renee Brown talked about the survey that was collected after the last meeting.  She said there have been many good suggestions about how to vamp up the Chamber.  She announced there will be a retreat for Board Members on March 12^th.  Please contact the chamber for more information.

The next Chamber meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16^th.