The Evangeline Chamber of Commerce held a general membership meeting and a business after hours meeting Wednesday. Connie Lamke representing the Acosta foundation addressed the chamber members. The Foundation has been helping organize food drives in areas where COVID or the recent hurricanes have affected the communities. They're helping small businesses and individuals by giving food, donating masks and supplies, as well as other actions. The Chamber announced that it will be reaching out to local businesses to discuss the potential revitalization of the downtown Ville Platte area. They are currently researching grant resources and opportunities to help fund this goal. The plan is to propose a step-by-step plan with renderings of revitalization ideas for the downtown buildings and businesses. The chamber is planning to hire a part-time executive position for about 20 hours per week. If you or someone you know is interested, you can find more information on their website or on indeed.com. In other news: • Main Street Recovery Grant applications are now closed—anyone who already turned in an application will still be considered. • About 100 out of 120 businesses renewed their memberships so far this year, with 6 band-new members joining • Shop Evangeline Christmas, an event to help promote local shopping in support of small businesses, is planned for the 3rd weekend in November.