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French Quarter Business Association   

October 2012Around the Quarter Newsletter
In This Issue
FQBA Committees
Graffiti Hurts Grant
Shop Away in the Vieux Carre
Small Business Assistance Fund
Jazz in the Park
Legends of Rock & Roll Gala
Patio Planters Fall Events
Paths to Progress
Stunning Storefront
Lunch Forums
FQBA Calendar
Mahalia Jackson Theater Events
Membership Benefits
Association Information
Quick Links
 
 
 
  
Member Specials
each will click through to more information
antoines
New $20.12 Menu
Live Music Listing
hg houses
Open Hearth Cooking Demos
Music in the Puccini Bar
La divina
palm court logo
Music Listings
Now Serving Brunch

Members:

 

All in all, it appears to have been a good summer for many of our businesses - Isaac and our Saints aside.

 

The FQBA Noise ordinance monitors have worked hard in the past year to develop a plan with the City. A plan where everyone can 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. Finished-Part 1, the interior speakers have been especially well received and adhered to on Bourbon Street as a rule. Part 2, the outside/patio/courtyard speaker regulations are currently in revisions and hopefully this also will come to a consensus that appeals to everyone.

 

It is time to think ahead for FQBA.  Our organization is accepting nominations for the Board of Directors. We ask you to think about those business members who can help us make a difference. If you know of someone, or would like to submit your own name, please go to FQBA.com for the simple nomination form. We need those nominations submitted by October 19th at 5pm.

 

Be sure to note that we will have one additional lunch forum this year to provide an update on the planning for Super Bowl 2013. We expect that luncheon to fill quickly so don't miss your opportunity.

 

In closing, I'd like to thank all of you who have helped us grow and expand our influence this year. Congratulations to those who helped, and thank you to those who have chosen to join our ranks!

 

See you at the Lunch forum later this month!

  

Your President,

Adrienne Thomas 

FQBA Committees    

(click on committee member's names to email them directly)  

 

If you planned 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: Frank Stansbury     

The committee is working to host a successful "Shop Away in the Vieux Carre" day on Saturday, November 17th.  Click here for more information.  

  

Public Relations & Events Committee

Chair: Christine Sory     

Social Media continues to be a focus.  We've just hosted Google+ Sessions for members at no cost.  With the participation rate so high for these, we'd like to know if more learning sessions would be of interest to membership.  Let us know! 

 

 

The October Lunch forum has had a slight change it will now be on Friday the 19th at the Hotel Monteleone, hope to see you all there.  Pre-Paid advance reservations are required for all lunches, so don't forget to register early.  We will be hearing about the Theater renovations taking place at the Le Petit Theater and the new Tableau Restaurant. click here to make your reservation online.

We've also added a special Super Bowl informational lunch forum.  Be sure to make your reservation early, reservations are open to members only and will open to non-members October 20th if space is still available.  Jay Cicero will present and answer questions about plans for the Super Bowl to-date.  Go ahead and make your reservation early for this lunch at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse on Tuesday, November 13th.  click here for reservations. 

 

Vieux Carre - Graffiti Abatement Program Committee
Chair: Gene Sausse

The VC-GAP committee is excited to announce receipt of a national grant, as well as a donation from the City of New Orleans from Coca-Cola in response to the "graffiti" marketing that took place over the Final Four weekend.  If you have concerns or need help with and graffiti situation, please do not hesitate to contact us at graffiti@fqba.org.   

       

Membership Committee

Co-Chairs: Nancy Tusa & CE Adler        

The Membership Committee is looking to meet our target goal of a 5% increase in membership or 11 new members by year end.  If you know of someone who is interested or you think would benefit from our organization, please refer them to us through Annie so that we can contact them. The incentive to join now is to get a lagniappe 15 months of membership for the annual membership price. They would be able to attend our last two lunches for the member cost and the speakers on tap will be well worth attending. 

Thanks for your continued support in helping us strengthen our "voice of business in the French Quarter". click here for more information on membership or to join online.  

  

Governmental Affairs Committee

Chair: Jeremy DeBlieux  
The Government Affairs Committee continues to monitor the Paths to Progress work on FQ streets and sidewalks as well as the Iberville Housing Development re-development plan.  In addition, the committee continues to work with the FQMD on several issues, such as sanitation, noise and enforcement on behalf of our membership.   

 

 You are also welcome to contact Annie@fqba.org with any suggestions of new committees or ideas for the association to consider.  

FQBA Receives a National Graffiti Hurts Grant

VC-GAP participated in the Keep America Beautiful Graffiti Hurts® grants program.  Amongst 127 applications submitted, the Vieux Carre-Graffiti Abatement Program stood out and has been awarded a cash grant
 of $2500 for the programing.   

Successful applicants were chosen for the compelling cases that:  presented graffiti eradication and prevention plans with the greatest opportunity for impact, submitted budgets for use of the grant as well as other funds and in-kind donations, and demonstrated the greatest need.

$2,500 Cash Grant Recipients for 2012
 
Overall winner
University Heights Tool Library (Buffalo, NY)
 
Population < 75,000
French Quarter Business Association (New Orleans, LA)
 
Population 75,000 - 250,000
Community Housing of Wyandotte County (Kansas City, KS)
 
Population > 250,000
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful (Cincinnati, OH)       

 

FQBA Invites all to "Shop Away in the Vieux Carre"

The marketing committee is in the midst of coordinating a special shopping day in the French Quarter.  It will be Saturday, November 17th just following the lighting of the French Market Corporation Tree on Thursday, November 15th.  The committee hopes to kick start the holiday shopping.

French Quarter businesses will have specials throughout the day such as artist signings, trunk shows, jewelry designers on site, dining and drink specials and more. 

FQBA has also coordinated several pedi-cabs on designated routes to help shoppers make their way around the Quarter at no cost for the day, with proof of purchases.

More details on the day will be on the website and in the November newsletter.
Businesses wishing to participate click here for more information. 
city logo Small Business Assistance Fund

$2 Million Fund to Provide Loans to Eligible New and Existing Businesses.The application period has opened for the New Orleans Small Business Assistance Fund (SBAF), a new financing program designed to support the growth of new and existing business that have been unable to access capital from traditional lending sources.
Created in partnership with the City of New Orleans and NewCorp, Inc., the SBAF is a $2 million fund that will provide 8% interest rate loans to small businesses for operating capital and equipment purchases. SBAF loans are expected to range from $10,000 to $100,000. The maximum term of the loan is up to 84 months and will depend on the financing needs of the borrower.
The application deadline is October 31. The application is available online at www.newcorpinc.com.

click here for full announcement 

Jazz in the Park

People United for Armstrong Park is proud to present their fall concert series which features musical performances like Los Hombres Caliente, John Boutte and Big Sam's Funky Nation. Click here for this fall's lineup and more information.

To help keep this music series going in the Spring, Summer and Fall they will hold a "Keep the Music Free." Benefit Concert at the culmination of this fall series. This benefit show will take place on Thursday, November 8, in Armstrong Park, with a lineup of eclectic local talent including Irma Thomas, George Porter, Jr., Bill Summers, and MyNameIsJohnMichael. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased at http://www.armstrongpark.org/.

 

The Louisiana Legends Rock and Roll Gala
   

Friday, October 5, 2012

6:30 - 8:00 PM Patron Party,

8:00 - 11:00 PM Main Party

Old U.S. Mint 400 Esplanade Ave.

 

Louisiana Museum Foundation presents hit Broadway musical star Levi Kreis, winner of a Tony as Jerry Lee Lewis and LA native Brandon Bennett as Elvis on Oct. 5 at the Old U.S. Mint.  One price includes this top entertainment, open bars and delectable cuisine from nearly 30 restaurants!  Click here for a preview of Levi's incredible talent. 

  

For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visit www.thelmf.org, email info@thelmf.org or call the Louisiana Museum Foundation at 504.558.0493

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.  

Patio Planters Fall Events

Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré
(October 20 and 21, 2012, 12:00 to 4:00 each day)
The Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré opens magnificent courtyards of the French Quarter for a special weekend tour.  This highly anticipated event offers the allure of private and historic gardens otherwise closed to the public.  The walking tour reveals how garden designers take advantage of small spaces, and provides access to the cool and private hideaways suited to the Louisiana climate in styles of the early Spanish and French architecture. (click here for more information)
$20 per day (Children under 12 free)
Tickets available on event dates:      
Creole Delicacies, 533 St. Ann Street (at Jackson Square)
French Quarter Gem & Lapidary 527 St. Philip Street (near Decatur)

Halloween Decoration Judging
This will be the first year for this event.  Patio Planters members will ride a fire truck around the French Quarter on the evening of October 30, 2012 to judge Halloween decorations.  Awards will be presented at the White Elephant Sale & Auction, November 10, 2012 for the categories of Best Commercial, Best Balcony, Best Window, and Best Overall.

Since 1946, Patio Planters has sponsored Caroling in Jackson Square, a cherished holiday tradition held each year by candlelight on the Sunday before Christmas.  All proceeds from these events will fund Caroling in Jackson Square, December 16, 2012, 7:00 p.m.  For information on fund-raising events, to become a member, or to make 501(c) 3 donations, please visit.  www.patioplanters.org

 for more Patio Planters Event Information click here  

Paths to Progress

All current members should be receiving regular emails with up-to-date reporting.  If you are not, please contact the office to make sure that we have your correct email address.

Paths to Progress is committed to provide timely construction and project updates.  Learn more about the project and receive regular updates throughout construction:

Phone: 1-800-574-7193
Email: pathsprogress@gmail.com
Website: www.pavingLAroads.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/paths2progress
Twitter: @paths2progress

 

Winner! FQBA's Stunning Storefront of the Quarter

The Marketing & PR committee members venture through the quarter noticing all the businesses making the extra effort to showcase their business with a clean and enticing storefront.  As the Business Association, we like to take time to acknowledge those going the extra mile.  

Quarterly winners are able to display the "Stunning Storefront of the Quarter WINNER" Banner for the entire quarter.  Each winning business is recognized formally at the following lunch forum and in the newsletter.  

The next winner will be selected in December, so be sure to have your business looking great for all of the Holiday visitors and you could be selected as the next stunning storefront winner.

The September 2012 winner was The Olivier House.  

Olivier House Hotel is located at 828 Toulouse Street. 

The Olivier House was built in 1839 as the private townhouse of Madam Marie Anne Bienvenu Olivier, a wealthy Plantation owner.  The house is a beautiful example of early New Orleans 'Creole Greek Revival' architecture & elegance, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. www.OlivierHouse.com

 

 

Join Us at Upcoming Lunch Forums

Le Petit
Le Petit Theater Lunch Forum
Friday, October 19th
montleone
Hotel Monteleone 
214 Royal Street

11:30 am Check-in & Networking
12:00 pm Lunch
with guest speakers 
Steve Pettus
Managing Partner, Dickie Brennan and Company
& Cassie Worley
Board Chair, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre





Super Bowl Lunch Forum
Tuesday, November 13th


Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse 
716 Iberville Street

11:30 am Check-in & Networking
12:00 pm Lunch

with guest speaker 
Jay Cicero
President/CEO, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation 
Executive Director, Super Bowl Host Committee  

Reservations are open to members only at this time. 

 

October Events

French Quarter Management District Monthly Meeting
Monday, October 1st
12 - 2 pm
Open to the public (as are all committee meetings)
Canal Place Office Tower, 365 Canal Street
20th Floor
click here for more information

French Market Arts Market
Saturday, October 13th
10 am - 6 pm
alongside the Farmers Market
click here for more information

Concerts in the Courtyard at HNOC: Palmetto Bug Stompers and margaritas  

Friday, October 19th 

Historic New Orleans Collection ,533 Royal Street

6 - 8 pm

click here for more information and future concerts 

 

Halloween Costume Boo-tique  

Saturday, October 20th

12 - 6 pm

corner of North Peters and Barracks, alongside the Flea Market 

click here for more information 

 

4th Annual French Market Boo Carre Halloween & Harvest Festival
Sunday, October 21st
11 am - 5pm
Dutch Alley in the French Market
click here for more information  

 

Monthly Lagniappe Tasting: Ferber Jams

Thursday, October 25th  

5 pm - 7 pm

The Sweet Palate 519 St. Louis St.

click here for store information 

 

    

Visit the FQBA website to see more calendar listings by FQBA Members & community partners.
October Events at Mahalia Jackson Theater MJT

Here to Stay: The Gershwin Concert Experience
Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 8:00pm
Ticket Link

Plácido Domingo Gala
Presented by New Orleans Opera
Friday, October 12, 2012 at 7:00pm
Ticket Link

Pilobolus
Presented by New Orleans Ballet Association
Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 8:00pm
Ticket Link

Norah Jones
Presented by Beaver Productions
Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 8:00PM
Ticket Link

Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
Presented by Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Friday, October 26, 2012 at 8:00pm
Ticket Link
 
The Fresh Beat Band
Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 5:30pm
Ticket Link

Wanda Sykes
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 7:00PM
Ticket Link
 
Les Miserables
Presented by Broadway in New Orleans
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 8:00pm
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 8:00pm
Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 8:00pm
Friday, November 2, 2012 at 8:00pm
Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Ticket Link

Visit the Mahalia Jackson Theater Website to see more listings.

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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 Website
The 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.org

If 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.
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