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French Quarter Business Association
It's Carnival Time!
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| February 2012 | Around the Quarter Newsletter |
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Help us reach our goal of 1000!
We are always spreading the word...
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Dear Members & Friends:
Mardi Gras season is upon us and that means instant visitors. It means money in our registers and people here to fall in love with our city and our businesses. We want to make sure to show them a great time, show them patience with the party attitude, and show them a safe and clean French Quarter. It's a challenge, but one that Quarter businesses and residents have met for longer than any of us can remember. Let's make Mardi Gras 2012 even better!
As most people are gearing up for a busy season, I won't take up your time, but want to say thank you again for all you do in the Quarter. There is a lot we want to do as an organization in the coming year and your participation is crucial in our success. Be sure to let us know which committee or task force you would like to participate in, and we will be sure to remind you of upcoming meetings or events.
For those of you who were unable to attend the Installation Dinner, I have to share with you what a wonderful event took place at the Royal Sonesta. The planning committee deserves a huge round of applause as they truly outdid themselves this year with a great dinner, door prizes, entertainment, awards and an amazing live auction. Please thank Lois Sutton, Shelly Waguespack, Syndey Anderson, Reed Neelis, Katherine Kuroczko and Annie Flettrich. A sincere thank you to Al Gross, General Manager of the Royal Sonesta and his staff, and to the 18 restaurants and companies that donated the incredible food and beverages that made the night complete.
In addition, please congratulate Tim Spratt and Marc Preuss for their installation as members of your Board of Directors.
See you at the March 1st Lunch Forum at Pat O'Brien's on the River!
Sincerely,
Adrienne Thomas
2012 FQBA President
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FQBA Committees
click on committee member's names to email them directly
If you've been wanting to get more involved with the Association, the best way to do that is join a committee. Each committee has a different focus and amount of time required. Touch base with the committee chair to find out more.
Marketing Committee
Chair: Jack Pruitt
Public Relations & Events Committee
Chair: Christine Sory
Vieux Carre - Graffiti Abatement Program Committee
Chair: Gene Sausse
Membership Committee
Co-Chairs: Nancy Tusa & CE Adler
Governmental Affairs Committee
Chair: Jeremy DeBlieux
You are also welcome to contact Annie@fqba.org with any suggestions of new committees or ideas for the association to consider.
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FQBA Membership Benefits
TSYS Merchant Solutions
French Quarter Business Association and TSYS Merchant Solutions would like to announce a new discounted credit card acceptance program just for FQBA members! You will receive details in the mail and you are certainly welcome to contact Tony Viloria to find out more about the offer. Office Depot Business Solutions The French Quarter Business Association has partnered with Office Depot Business Solutions to provide you with an extraordinary savings opportunity. Over 500 non-profits across the country, along with local associations and organizations have combined their purchasing power to create a National Chamber of Commerce Discount Program. This is a Free Benefit of your membership with FQBA, making available to you, National Account Pricing at Office Depot! If you have not received your purchasing card in the mail, contact us and we will send you another. If you have questions regarding the details of the program please contact Cynthia Davidson.
FQBA WebsiteThe Membership Directory has a whole new look and members have more options, including a direct link to your businesses email or social media sights. Look up your listing - we may need to update.The Calendar is also great tool for you to get your event listings on the web. Please take advantage of this opportunity to promote your event and business. www.fqba.orgIf you have not already please set up your 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, please do it today. We certainly hope this will be an easy and positive transition for all of you! Contact Annie in the office for any assistance at 504.309.1423.
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FQBA will send out information to membership as it is received regarding Vieux Carre Police Passes and Street Closures.
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French Quarter Business Association
Introduces 2012 Board of Directors and Honors French Quarter Advocates
On January 31st, in the Royal Sonesta Grand Ballroom, over 150 attendees representing businesses around the Quarter gathered to meet the 2012 board of directors for the French Quarter Business Association. Among the attendees were City Council members Jackie Clarkson and Kristin Gisleson Palmer and past FQBA presidents Drew Bevolo, Lois Sutton and Shelly Waguespack. Among those businesses represented were Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, First Bank & Trust, Kirkendoll Management and Valentino Properties. The association has been a long standing recognized group for its dedication to enhancing the business climate in the French Quarter.
2012 Officers:
President - Adrienne Thomas, New Orleans Steamboat Company
Vice President - Jeremy DeBlieux, Acme Oyster House
Secretary/Treasurer - Reed Neelis, First Bank & Trust
Chairman of the Board- Shelly Waguespack, Pat O'Brien's
2012 Board of Directors:
Sydney Anderson, C.E. Adler, Drew Bevolo, Chad Boutte, Arnold Cooper,
Charles Daroca, Bryan Francher, John O'Brien, Marc Preuss,
Jack Pruitt, Gene Sausse, Christine Sory, Tim Spratt, Frank Stansbury, Lois Sutton, Nancy Tusa, Robert Watters
The evening's Master of Ceremonies was Nancy Parker of Fox 8 News. This was her second year in this role, she's always a vibrant addition to the event and is a true friend of the association. She presented the following awards:
Fleur-de-lis Award, presented annually to individuals for their extraordinary dedication to our historic neighborhood, was awarded to Mr. Robert Watters. As a French Quarter activist he reorganized the Bourbon Street Business Association after Katrina and has served as its president, working to raise the level of professionalism among the many Bourbon Street merchants. Through that role became a Commissioner on the Board of the French Quarter Management District, now holding the office of Secretary. He has put his legal talent to work for the French Quarter and on the FQBA board, by spending numerous hours writing new ordinances, including the NOSCAM ordinance, or rewriting existing ordinances to increase the chances for enforcement. He has worked tirelessly for the FQMD, worked with Councilmember Kristin Palmer's office and others to improve the quality of life for all French Quarter businesses and residents including his work on behalf of FQBA on the sidewalk repair initiative.
The Ambassador Award was created to recognize an unsung hero, a friend of the French Quarter, an individual who makes the French Quarter a more special place by their hard work, spirit and positive energy. Ms. Beverly Fulk a French Quarter resident that sought to make a change and through her hard work, proactive and organized approach was successful in creating the new solicitation ordinance now being enforced throughout the French Quarter streets.
She's a friendly neighbor and active with a number of organizations and certainly a lady passionate about making the French Quarter a better place for those that live and visit here.
This year the association awarded a very first Life-time Achievement Award. This award went to Councilmember Jackie Clarkson. She has been a long standing contributor to city and the French Quarter. When starting her realty business years ago the FQBA was one of the first organizations that she joined. She commended the organization for helping new businesses in the French Quarter with education and communication.
Special Thanks for the evening go to the following contributors:
The Royal Sonesta Hotel auction items:
KV Workspace
Pat O'Brien's & Royal Carriages
French Art Network
Antoine's & Hotel Monteleone
Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights
New Orleans Steamboat & Gray Line Tours
Galatoire's, Louis Sahuc & Adlers
Mahalia Jackson Theater
food & spirits
Acme Oyster House, Antoine's Restaurant, Glazer's Distributors,
House of Blues New Orleans,
K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, La Divina Gelatoria,
Maple Street Patisserie, Muriel's Jackson Square, Oceana Restaurant
Palace Café, Pat O'Brien's, Red Fish Grill, Rouses Supermarkets
Royal House, Sylvain, The Court of Two Sisters
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8th District Quality of Life Report
Ainsworth Memorial Service
The memorial service for Harry "Mike" Ainsworth was held on Friday, February 3rd, at St. Louis Cathedral, visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with the service immediately following at 11:00 am. A reception at the NOPD 8th District Station, located at 334 Royal Street, occured after the service.
Donations may now be made at ANY Whitney Bank. If anyone would prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, that person may write a check to "COPS 8, Inc" with "Ainsworth Benefit" written in the memo section, and mail or drop it off to B.B. St. Roman at the NOPD 8th District Station, 334 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. It will then be credited to the Ainsworth Benefit Account and the person will receive an acknowledgement with the Federal Tax ID Number.
Superintendent Serpas said, "Mr. Ainsworth was a longtime supporter and volunteer to the NOPD's COPS 8 program, which provides assistance to the officers of the 8th District. The members of the 8th District station sincerely appreciated his efforts to fix up the station by painting and repairing various things in the building. He'll be missed."
NOPD detectives continue to actively investigate this case in an effort to identify the perpetrator.
NONPACC Meeting
* Please join Commander Walls for our monthly NONPACC community meeting on Thursday, February 9th, at 1001 Toulouse Street, the Maison Dupuy Hotel, at 6pm. NONPACC meetings provide citizens with the opportunity to interact with the police that serve their area, learn about crime fighting strategies and upcoming events.
Eighth District QOL Officers' Activity: January 22nd to January 28th:
* Investigated 13 complaints
* Attended two (2) meetings involving QOL issues
* Conducted two (2) school visits in the 8th District, in a continued effort to foster positive interactions between students and the NOPD
* Visited 12 businesses, which allows for their personnel to meet the QOL Team and share information regarding problems or concerns
Aggressive Solicitation
* Eighth District Personnel continue to proactively seek individuals violating this offense and arrested 22 persons last week.
* A total of 105 individuals have been arrested for Aggressive Solicitation since the new law's inception.
Notable Arrest
* On Sunday January 22nd, Eighth District Detectives conducted a follow up investigation into the armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday, January 10th, at 640 Carondelet Street. The suspect, Authur Shaver, W/M, 2-5-80, has been positively identified and arrested.
Eighth District Narcotics and Task Force Units Report for January 15th to January 21st
* Investigated 186 complaints and made 52 cases: 1 Felony arrest, 27 Misdemeanor arrests, 24 Municipal arrests and issued 46 Summons and cited 4 Curfew violators. The units stopped 18 vehicles, wrote 18 citations and made 3 traffic arrests. They made 88 pedestrian contacts, 88 field interviews and wrote 30 reports. The units made 2 Narcotics cases in which Narcotics were confiscated.
Staying Safe While Driving, Presented by Crimestoppers
* Keep your doors locked at all times.
* Drive and park on well lit streets, whenever possible.
* Leave your car in gear when you stop at intersections.
* If you think you are being followed by another car, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station or other well lit and populated place. Don't get out of your car; use your horn or cell phone to summons help.
* Crimestoppers offers up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person(s) responsible for various crimes. Citizens with information regarding crime are asked to call Crimestoppers at 822-1111 or toll free at 1-877-903-STOP (7867). Callers do not have to leave their name nor testify in court to receive the reward.
Important Reminders
* Vehicular traffic is no longer allowed in Jackson Square, as this activity damages the flagstones.
* Walking tours are limited to 28 participants and shall be disbanded by 10:00pm nightly.
* Carriage drivers should pull to the side of the road to allow vehicular traffic to pass, when space is available.
* It is illegal for persons over the age of 15 to ride bicycles on the sidewalk.
* Parking vehicles on sidewalks is illegal. This behavior damages the sidewalks, which negatively impacts the quality of life of our citizens and visitors.
* If you utilize social networking sites, follow us on Facebook at New Orleans Police 8th District.
* If you have a QOL complaint or concern, contact Officer Shereese Harper at srharper@nola.gov or 504-218-6117 and Officer Dave Liang at dliang@nola.gov or 504-376-6637.
* If you would like more information on safety tips, presentations or would like us to participate in a community meeting or event, contact Sergeant Jonette Williams at jrwilliams@nola.gov or 504-239-0356.
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Cathedral Academy needs your support!
Cathedral Academy needs your support! Founded in 1914, Cathedral Academy is the only Catholic school in the French Quarter (820 Dauphine Street). It is served by 5 Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia from Nashville, TN. The school offers PreK4-Grade 7, with a Montessori program in grades K-2. This school is a shining light at the heart of our city! For more school information: www.cathedralacademyno.org The PLEASE Foundation The PLEASE Foundation was established to support Cathedral Academy and is launching a major effort to strengthen the school this year. Please visit the web site to find out important information about the future of our school and how you can help: www.pleasefoundation.org Ways to Help: Help boost enrollment by recommending Cathedral Academy to your employees. Open Enrollment begins Monday, February 27th. Turn in applications before this date to be at the top of the list when spaces open. Generous tuition assistance available. No child turned away due to financial need. Children who qualify for the state voucher may attend free! Get to know the school by attending upcoming event Sunday, February 12th - Spaghettibowl at Irene's Cuisine! 12:00-4:00, Meatball Hoagies and Wine for sale (spaghetti seats by reservation), live music by James Andrews, Second Line, Raffle, Live Auction, Meet the Dominican Sisters and Students! Take a survey The archdiocese is deciding the future of its schools and has requested more survey input from French Quarter business owners and residents. Survey: http://cua.neworleans.sgizmo.com
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 Mahalia Jackson Theater Broadway in New Orleans 2012 - 2013 Season
Broadway in New Orleans Unveils its 2012-2013 Season, a Season that is truly "Too Good to be True!" The 2012-2013 East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans season promises an extraordinary lineup of both new hits and familiar Broadway favorites. The five-show season playing at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts includes: LES MISÉRABLES October 30 - November 4, 2012 MARY POPPINS December 18 - 23, 2012 JERSEY BOYS January 8 - 27, 2013 FLASHDANCE February 26 - March 3, 2013 MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET April 16 - 21, 2013 WICKED* May 8 - June 2, 2013 *Season Special - Add to your Season Subscription package! "Broadway in New Orleans is proud to present another line-up of blockbuster hits, featuring the New Orleans premiere of JERSEY BOYS, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical that takes you behind the scenes of rock and roll sensations - Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons," said David Skinner, general manager of the Mahalia Jackson Theater. "In addition, we are excited to present the magic of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh's MARY POPPINS, the spectacular new 25th Anniversary production of LES MISÉRABLES, America's Rock and Roll icons in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, and international phenomenon FLASHDANCE, there is a show to please every theater fan. Finally, as a special add-on option for subscribers, WICKED flies back to New Orleans by popular demand!" Season tickets are on sale now! For more information, patrons can visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or call the Broadway Across America Season Ticket Hotline at 1-800-218-SHOW (7469) during extended renewal hours of Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
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The Sweet Palate 
What can be sweeter or more decadent than luxurious chocolates for your special someone this Valentine's Day? Oriol Balaguer has designed a collection of chocolate hearts in deep, passionate and ardent reds to celebrate Valentine's 2012 in style. Available now at:
The Sweet Palate ˇ 519 St. Louis ˇ 504.522.5150
www.thesweetpalate.com
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Wedding Give Away Sweepstakes 
New Orleans Steamboat Company is giving away a wedding and
a reception on the Steamboat NATCHEZ to one lucky couple
for our second annual "Tie the Knot" Wedding Giveaway
Sweepstakes - a prize package valued at more than $5,000.
The complete wedding package includes a ceremony
on the boat's stern underneath a canopy; one
musician to play a jazz entrance for the bride; an
ordained Steamboat NATCHEZ Captain to officiate
the ceremony; flowers for four people in the wedding
party; a reception in the Magnolia Suite for 40 guests
(during regular cruise times); the Oak Alley Buffet;
beer, wine, Bloody Mary's and Mimosas; a champagne toast for everyone and
NATCHEZ champagne toasting glasses for the bride and groom; a $250 wedding
cake by La Louisiane Bakery; a personalized calliope concert of "Here Comes the
Bride" and a one-night stay at the Maison Dupuy Hotel (based on
availability).*
For the complete list of sweepstakes guidelines and to enter
the sweepstakes, visit www.facebook.com/steamboatnatchezafter February 14th, 2012. For more information about the Steamboat NATCHEZ and to make reservations, call (504) 569-1401 or visit http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/reservations*Additional guests or upgrades can be added at the expense of the winning couple.
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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.
Sponsor a Musician at the 2012 French Quarter Festival
French Quarter Festivals announces the Musician Sponsorship Program. The Festival, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is seeking sponsors for the 2012 Festival, April 12 - 15. Adopt an artist and enjoy the benefits of sponsorship, receive a tax deductible contribution, tout your business, and most importantly - help keep French Quarter Festival FREE for everyone. Please visit www.fqfi.org, contact Georgia Rhody, georgia@fqfi.org or (504) 522-5730 for more information.
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FQBA Calendar of Events
Visit the FQBA website to see listings by FQBA Members & community partners.
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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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