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| September 2011 | Around the Quarter Newsletter |
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Member
Announcements
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$10 off 30 min Reading
2 for 1 for Locals!
Temperature Lunches 
Reds, Whites & Blue Crabs
Back in Session
Newly non-Smoking & Serving up Summer Specials
Working Buildings
New Orleans
Vintage 329 Helps New Orleans Public Libraries
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Dear Members & Friends:
All in all it appears to have been a better summer for many of our businesses, better than we have seen in at least 6 years, which is said with relief as I write this on August 29th!
Along with increased business we have had many issues that are nearing a conclusion with the Fall season. One issue, deplorable sidewalks, is at the top of the minds of businesses, residents, and most certainly our at-risk-walking visitors. 
The Government Affairs Committee headed by your Vice President, Jeremy DeBlieux, and especially aided by Robert Watters, has been hot on the topic with everyone from the City Council to the Mayor's Office. With the support of the business leaders, and many of the resident groups, the FQBA will present a plan in the next 30 days to the city with alternative funding and the processes of enforcement.
In addition, the FQBA Noise ordinance monitors are developing a plan for the City. It's a goal to find a middle ground that won't destroy the live music that made New Orleans famous, while keeping the sound to an appropriate level and stating monitoring guidelines more clearly.
NOSCAM efforts, after two diligent years, appear to be reigning in the attack by unscrupulous solicitors on our visitors. Many other cities have turned the tide in aggressive soliciting and still allowed the true charitable groups to ask assistance for the specific serves they provide. Perhaps you have seen a reduction on the streets already.
But speaking of those who give back in the community, let's have a cheer for Drew Bevelo and his company for recognizing the deplorable condition of the flags in front of our 8th district NOPD
 | | Click here to see more photos on Facebook |
building at 334 Royal. A professional appearance goes a long way, and with a set of four (4) new flags donated by Drew, on behalf of FQBA, the appearance of our headquarters is so much better. Commander Walls and Superintendent Serpas were both on hand for the raising on the new flags.
The Board of Directors for 2012 will have openings for new members. If are interested in applying to the nominating committee, or would like to submit a nomination for another business person, please watch for the forms in late September or contact Annie@FQBA.org to let her know.
In closing let me thank all of you who have helped our organization grow remarkably this year. We have gained 30 new members since May 1st . Congratulations to those who helped, and thank you to those who have chosen to join our ranks!
See you at the Lunch forum in October!
Sincerely, Adrienne Thomas FQBA President 2011 president2011@fqba.orgFQBA would also like to recognize friends of the French Quarter & FQBA that have recently passed, extending condolences to families and friends. Mr. Jerry Fein of the Court of Two Sisters passed on August 27th. Ms. Belinda Lazaro, FQBA Community Affairs Director 2004-2006 passed on August 15th.
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FQBA Committee Reports
click on committee member's names to email them directly
Marketing Committee
Chair: Monique Sullivan
The Marketing Committee is working on the Holidays. Let us know your hours of operation during the holidays, are you open Thanksgiving, Christmas Day New Year's, etc.
FQBA will partner with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation again this year for another Holiday Sweepstakes let us know if you would like to participate by offering an item or gift certificate or item from your business please email me, deadline for participation is October 1st.
We are also looking for a couple of businesses to participate in a co-op feature ad for the holidays.
FQBA Christmas Banners will b up again this year, if you have one lying around from last year, please return it to the FQBA office. If you would like to participate in any of the holiday marketing or have questions pleas send me an email .
Public Relations & Events Committee
Chair: Christine Sory
Public Relations team is hard at work coming up with great speakers for the meetings in 2012! Please be certain to let us know topics or speakers of interest to you and your businesses. The meeting in October is sure to be a sell out. So, get your reservations in early. Remember, if you reserve a seat and are unable to attend, you will be charged. Lunch is at Le Meritage with our guest speaker Lieutenant General (Retired) Russel Honoré, Chairman of the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission.
Vieux Carre - Graffiti Abatement Program Committee
Chair: Gene Sausse Our committee is working with residents and authorities to improve the situation in the French Quarter with the illegal graffiti plaguing our historic neighborhood. We Continue to help property owners rectify problem spots.   
Membership Committee Co-Chairs: Nancy Tusa & CE Adler Membership is continuing to grow and we couldn't be more excited. With the success of the membership event July, we now are in the planning stages of a December members only meeting. This will offer members an opportunity to hear a year in review and comment on the year to come. As always, thank you for joining and please continue to let us know what we can do to improve your membership. Click here to email us.
Governmental Affairs Committee Chair: Jeremy DeBlieux We are continuing to work on the proposed Noise Ordinance and the Sidewalk issues with other FQ partners as well as the Councilmember's office. Read statements made on each on the FQBA website. If you are interested in joining any of these committees please contact the committee chair or Annie@fqba.org |
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Membership News
We are excited to launch a new membership interface on the FQBA website, please take moment to check it out! The Membership Directory has a whole new look and members have more options. Look up your listing, we may need to update.The Calendar is also new and ready for your events to be listed. Each member will need to set up a new username and password, which will give you access to your listing in the membership directory, the calendar and allow you to register for FQBA events at member rates. We certainly hope this will be an easy and positive transition for all you!
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 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
offers local small business owners tools to grow Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is currently accepting applications from the greater New Orleans area to enroll in the program. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed to help local small business owners create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. Small business owners accepted into the program will study accounting, human resources, negotiation and marketing. Accepted applicants will also participate in one-one-one business advising sessions, accounting workshops and pro bono legal clinics. Applications for eligible small business owners will be accepted by Delgado Community College until Thursday, September 8th. Business owners eligible to apply for the program are required to have been in business for two years or more; have at least four employees, a revenue stream of $150K to $4.0 million per year, and own a business that is poised for growth. Small business owners interested in applying to the business and management education program can contact Delgado Community College at 504.671.555 or click here for more information. Small business owners interested in applying for capital can contact HOPE Enterprise Corporation at 10KSB@hope-ec.org or click here for more information. To learn more about Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses in the Greater New Orleans area you can view a short video that features stories of New Orleans business owners that have graduated from the program. |
Cultural Product District Workshop
The Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy, along with the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, the Division of Historic Preservation, and the Preservation Resource Center, is hosting a FREE workshop for commercial property owners and art sellers in the 20 Orleans Cultural Product Districts to assist accessing the Historical Rehabilitation Tax Credits and the Original Art Sales Tax Exemption. Participants will also learn about the Cultural District program and gain access to data on the cultural economy from the Mayor's Office.
WHEN: September 27th
TIME: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Preservation Resource Center, 923 Tchoupitoulas
Click here for the workshop flier. -or- Contact: Alison Gavrell, Cultural Economy Project Coordinator
P: 504-658-0907 E: AEGavrell@nola.gov
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Master Plan Public Meetings
District 1 (CBD, French Quarter)
Date: Sept. 14th
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Pan American, 601 Poydras 11th Floor
Public meetings for the Draft Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance will each have a presentation made 30 minutes after the doors open. You will be able to view draft zoning text and maps, meet with city planners, and submit written comments. The draft zoning text and maps are available on the project website under Documents and Resources as well as the City Planning Commission website. If you have questions, please call City Planning at 504-658-7033.
from August's Newsletter:
DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE RELEASE
The City Planning Commission announces the release of the new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) public review draft. Posted on the city's website, the draft zoning includes both new text and maps of the zoning districts. Any public comments may be emailed to the CPC office at cpcinfo@nola.gov. Please type "CZO Draft" into the subject line. In September, the CPC will hold public meetings in the planning districts. If you are not already receiving public notices from the CPC, please indicate whether you would like to be added to our email notification list. This list will receive notice of CPC public meetings or hearings.
MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS: A GUIDE FOR SUBMITTING AMENDMENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN
The City Planning Commission (CPC) announces the opening of a Master Plan amendment application period. According to the City Charter "at least once every five years, but not more often than once per calendar year... the Commission shall review the Master Plan and shall determine, after one or more public hearings, whether the plan requires amendment or comprehensive revision." This year's application period will run through August 5, 2011. The Master Plan can be reviewed and downloaded from the CPC website or the Master Plan website: www.nolamasterplan.org. Please review the following information pertaining to the amendment process.
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE CITY'S WEBSITE
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 Citizen's Police Academy
The New Orleans Police Department, under the leadership of Superintendent Ronal Serpas, will host its fourth Citizen's Police Academy beginning in the upcoming weeks. The purpose of the Citizen's Police Academy is not to teach members of the community to be police officers; however, it is an opportunity for community members to gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of the NOPD.
The Citizen's Police Academy serves as a component of Superintendent Serpas' community policing programs. Participants learn about the criminal justice system and how they can work with law enforcement to address community problems. Several notable members of the criminal justice system served as speakers, such as D.A. Leon Cannizzaro, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, Superintendent Serpas as well as Criminal Court judges.
The class meets on Wednesday evenings, 6:00pm to 8:00pm for 12 weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony. Please consider participating in this important and rewarding endeavor.
Requests for applications can be sent to jrwilliams@nola.gov. |
French Market Businesses  The French Market is trying to compile a list of businesses in the French Quarter that "began" as Flea Market vendors. We know of a few (A Tisket a Tasket BookShop, Papier Plume, Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op) but we would like to gather a healthy list to showcase businesses that demonstrate that the Flea Market is an incubator for local businesses. If you are someone who has sold at the French Market or still sells there on occasion (some artists, businesses, shops use it as a testing ground for new products and/or a satellite to their larger FQ shop) can you send akirk@frenchmarket.org a note with your contact info and a brief "when/where" description of your relationship to the French Market? Deadline to compile this information is October 1st. Thanks! French Market Events:A Taste of the Opera each Sunday in September
& Fridays at the French Market on September 30th
for more information visit the event page at frenchmarket.org
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 1031 Canal Street
The Developers continue to make their way through the system.
The City Planning staff in their report recommended an overall height of 120 feet. The Commission on August 23rd voted 5-3 in favor of 190 feet.
The City Council will hear the zoning docket on September 22nd. The design plans still have to be approved by the HDLC staff before demolition or construction permits will be issued. That was one of the conditions of the CBDHDLC appeal approval. Many have supported the project and others have strongly opposed.
If you wish to submit public comment you may email Councilmember Palmer at kgpalmer@nola.gov and include your address because her office is tracking where opponents or proponents live.
To see FQBA's Correspondence on the matter click here. |
 FestiGals
October 6th - 9th
Thursday, October 6, starts FestiGals' first "Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Weekend" here in New Orleans. This is your chance to take advantage of the opportunity to recharge and reconnect with the girls while enjoying an authentic New Orleans experience.
The "Ultimate FestiGals Weekend Package" includes seminars, a luncheon with CNN Special Correspondent Soledad O'Brien, a Bienville House party with entertainment by Rockin' Dopsie and Amanda Shaw, a Groove Party followed by an authentic New Orleans parade, a chocolate and wine party, and a soulful brunch. These events can also be purchased a la carte rather than in the package. A portion of the net proceeds will go to benefit "Dress for Success" and "Women for Women International".
This is meant to be a relaxing and fun four-day event, taking off the pressure and stress of planning for your own getaway. FestiGals has handled it all. All you have to do is sign up
For Registration Information Click Here. If you are a business that would like to be involved contact:
Candace Gulotta, Event Manager cgulotta@festigals.org 855-425-9563 (toll free) |
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Cruise with your Crew on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
Join us on Saturday, September 10th for our 11:30am cruise. Families need more fun time together so bring "your Crew" for a family cruise down the mighty Mississippi on the Steamboat NATCHEZ featuring children's musical entertainment, balloons, face painters, trivia games with prizes and more. Kids can take a special tour to receive the River Heritage Patch. The cruise is at a special family friendly price and themed kid's buffet menu and non-alcoholic frozen drinks are available for purchase.
The cost for the cruise is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children six to 12 years old. Children 5 years old and under ride for free. Register by September 7 for the chance to win prizes including a private tour of the Pilot House, a Captain's hat and whistle, and items from the Gift Shop. Five lucky families will be selected randomly on September 10 for a free family photo from the NATCHEZ photographer. To register for the Family Fun Day cruise, please visit our website.
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Mahalia Jackson Theater
If you enjoy Concerts, Broadway, Plays, the Opera, Ballet, or Orchestra, join the Mahalia Jackson Theater's team of Volunteer Ushers! Training starts at 12:00PM on Sunday, September 11th at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. For more information email volunteer@acetheatregroup.com or phone (504) 287-0376.
Get your tickets now for the Season:
The Addams Family: September 15 - 24, 2011
Rock of Ages: November 1 - 6, 2011
Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific: November 29 - December 4, 2011
Blue Man Group: January 31 - February 5, 2012
Disney's The Lion King: March 14 - April 15, 2012
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| Member's Only Offer
Members of FQBA will receive 40% off the regular open advertising rates in the print edition of OffBeat every month for six full months, plus free production.
Additionally, OffBeat is offering 10% off the rates for digital advertising on Offbeat.com or in the weekly newsletter, the Weekly Beat which has over 25,000 subscribers.
This is a great opportunity to get the word out about your businesses at a very affordable price while taking advantage of OffBeat's local and national readership in print and online. OffBeat readers love New Orleans!
To take advantage of this offer, you must be a current member of FQBA. Click here to email for more information.
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"Get Away in the Vieux Carre"
a summer campaign & give away
has come to and end and will be back next Summer!
 In its 3rd year, we had a very successful summer campaign. We will definitely continue to promote our membership throughout the summer months with this annual campaign. This year's winners: June - Brooke Bissinger July - Dolores Haynes August - has been contact, will be announced soon! Be on the look out for your chance to win next year when the campaign starts in May 2012!
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September Events
Southern Decadence
Wednesday, August 31st - Monday, September 5th Where: Various locations click here for details
* Traffic Alert for the Weekend click here
New Orleans Writers ForumSeptember 2 - 4th Where: Hotel Monteleone
click here for details
NOPD Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Tuesday, September 6th
Where: In front WDSU studio, corner of Howard & Baronne When: 5:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M
email for more information
Mayor's French Quarter Community MeetingWednesday, September 7th When: 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Resource Center, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Meeting Where: Chateau Bourbon Hotel, DH Holmes Ballroom click here for details Cruise with your Crew on the Steamboat Natchez
Saturday, September 10th When: 11:30 a.m. Where: The Steamboat Natchez
click here for reservations
French Quarter Management (Monthly Public Meeting)
Monday, September 12th When: 12:00 - 2:00 pm Where: French Quarter Citizen's Office, 632 Rampart Street click here for more details
Round Table Luncheon Wednesday, September 14th When: 12:00 p.m. Where: Royal Sonesta click here for details A Toast to Summer's End! Thursday, September 15th When: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Where: Antoine's Hermes Bar click here for event detailsScales and AlesFriday, September 16th When: 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Where: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas click here for event details1/2 Way to St. Patrick's Day PartySaturday, September 17th When: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Where: Pat O'Brien's Bar & Restaurantclick here for more information or the Pat O's Facebook Smithsonian Magazine's National Museum DaySaturday, September 24th When: all day Where: The Historic New Orleans Collection click here for more informationCongressman Cedric Richmond's Small Business SummitTuesday & Wednesday, September 27th & 28th When: 5:30 - 9 :00 p.m. Where: Delgado Community College click here for more details
Blondie in Concert
Wednesday, September 28th
When: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Pat O' Brien's Bar, St. Peter Street Where:Mahalia Jackson Theater
click here for more info
Fridays at the French Market
Friday, September 30th
When: 4:00 -7:00 p.m.
Where: Governor Nichols Stage an French Market Place
click here for more schedule and more information
Events are always being added by members on the FQBA website calendar.
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Mark your calendars for the last of the
2011 FQBA Bi-Monthly Lunch Forums
Thursday, October 20th
11:30 am Networking
12:00 pm Seated Lunch
Advanced Reservations & Payment are Required
$35 FQBA members
$45 non-members
Online Reservations will Open Soon, be on the look out for the invitation.
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Exhibition presents 200 years of Louisiana statehood
WHO: The Historic New Orleans Collection
WHAT: "The 18th Star: Treasures from 200 Years of Louisiana Statehood" an exhibition featuring an array of signature items from the holdings of The Historic New Orleans Collection
WHEN: August 30, 2011-January 29, 2012
Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
WHERE: 533 Royal St. in the French Quarter
HOW: This exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, call (504) 523-4662 or visit www.hnoc.org.
WHY: "The 18th Star: Treasures from 200 Years of Louisiana Statehood," opening August 30, 2011, at 533 Royal St., celebrates the people, events, traditions and cultures that have defined Louisiana since its entrance into the Union on April 30, 1812, as the 18th state. A diverse selection of 50 signature items from The Historic New Orleans Collection's holdings, the objects are by turns fundamental, quirky and extraordinary.
"The 18th Star" reflects the full span of Louisiana's history as a state, including a manuscript copy of our first state Constitution, a 19th-century Orleans Parish voting ballot box, a drawing of a group of Cajuns on Bayou Lafourche in 1866, a can of drinking water distributed during Hurricane Katrina's aftermath and a photograph of a pelicans covered in oil after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The exhibition will be on view through January 29, 2012, at 533 Royal St. Admission is free, and more information is available at (504) 523-4662 or www.hnoc.org.
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The City of New Orleans & The Carriage Companies
are trying to solve the mule dropping issue. It is a major complaint especially during these hot summer months.
City ordinance mandates that the various carriage companies be "on call" to pick up droppings.
Click here for the schedule and number for which complaints should be directed.
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The New Orleans Office of Film & Video
FQBA will no longer forward all of the notices. If you would like to receive filming notices contact the office and join the list.
City of New Orleans
Office of Film & Video
phone: 504.658.0923
email:
kagunnell@nola.gov
www.filmneworleans.org
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The Association, Membership & Newsletter
The Association
The French Quarter Business Association is an organization of business owners and associates located in and around the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Our goal is to enhance the business climate of the French Quarter and to make living and working in our historic neighborhood easier, more enjoyable and more profitable
Receipt of this email does not indicate current membership. Click here to view the current FQBA membership directory.
Membership
Joining the association provides members with a larger network and stronger voice. Please consider becoming a member now. Click here for membership rates and to join online.
Newsletter
The format of the monthly email newsletter hopes to keep you informed with FQBA's current projects that may affect your business or the community at large. The monthly calendar listings and member specials are submitted by members. More information may be accessed via the association website.
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