Business of the Month 

BAYOU GENERAL STORE

104 NORTH MAIN ST, FARMERVILLE LA 71241

BRITTANY UNKEL, OWNER

UNIQUE LOUISIANA & SOUTHERN ITEMS

Located at 104 North Main St, Farmerville LA 71241 across street from Union Parish Court House, Bayou General Store is owned & operated by Brittany Unkel.  She also owns B Unique Boutique next door.

Brittany has owned the stores since 2015 and continues to expand her inventory with unique items indicative of our area.  From household items, unique gifts to clothing and much more.

Many shoppers come from throughout Louisiana and across the South to visit Bayou General Store & B Unique Boutique, with buying on their mind…

Bayou General has established quite a reputation and many visitors passing through our area always stop and check out Brittany’s inventory.  Brittany operates the store and is always very helpful finding those special items to satisfy the visitors’ expectations.  Brittany quickly gets to know her customers and establishes long-term relations. With roots in the community, Brittany is dedicated to making sure every patron is taken care of.

While visiting Farmerville, the Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Union Parish or passing through North Louisiana, be sure to save time to check out Bayou General Store and B Unique Boutique.

Operating Hours:  Tue-Sat       10:00am-6:00pm

                             Sun-Mon    Closed

Phone: (318) 368-7200

BRIDGES GROCERY - SPEARSVILLE HIGHWAY

3756 LA HIGHWAY 15, SPEARSVILLE LA 71277

PRESCILLA & JOSEPH BRIDGES, OWNERS

Hot Food, Cold Drinks, Gas, Groceries

Located at 3756 Louisiana Hwy 15, Spearsville LA 71277.  Between Farmerville and Spearsville, is a little family owned and operated convenience store called Bridges Grocery.  Previously known as Farrar’s Grocery, the store was purchased by Priscilla and Joseph Bridges from Paul and Betty Farrar years ago.

Bridges Grocery has expanded its operation and now offers the following:  Gas, Diesel, Farm Diesel, Breakfast, Lunch, Pizza, Steaks on Saturday Nights, Hardware, Plumbing, Fishing Supplies, Grocery Items and much more.

Find all of your favorite seasonal items in one place at Bridges Grocery on the way to Spearsville and enjoy some of your favorites.

Bridges Grocery Store is a great place to eat quality food.  Did I mention “Steaks on Saturday Night?” Although the store is mostly for your convenience with gas service and basic groceries, the owners know their customers personally and call them by name.  With roots in the community, they are dedicated to making sure to take care of every customer.

When you park in one of the storefront spaces, you can feel certain that your car will be safe during your visit.  Save yourself some time and energy; Bridges Grocery Store will make sure you find everything on your grocery list.

Operating Hours:  M-F             5:30am-7:00pm

                             SAT            5:30am-8:00pm

                             SUN           Closed

Phone: (318) 778-3250

 

READ LUMBER & SUPPLY INC – EVERYTHING TO BUILD ANYTHING

JUDY & STANLEY READ – OWNERS

Read Lumber & Supply was founded in 1934 by Mr. Paul Leslie Read in downtown Farmerville. Then Read Lumber moved to the current location at 206 Bernice Hwy in 1952. Read Lumber & Supply, Inc was later incorporated in 1979. In 1982 Cecil Stanley Read, current owner Stanley Read's father, decided to retire and the company was purchased by current owners Stanley and Judy Read from his father and three sisters. Stanley's grandfather was Paul Leslie Read original owner of the business. In 1985 Stanley and Judy added a 10,000 sq. foot addition to the existing building.

Read Lumber is now your one stop shop for all hardware, lumber, flooring, plumbing, and building needs. Our family-run business has a long tradition in the industry, and we pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service to guarantee that all of our clients are 100% satisfied.

Stanley & Judy are always willing to help the community that we live in and the local events.  Thanks to Read Lumber & Supply for supplying a truck to restock our drinking water supply during emergencies for the Parish at the OEP warehouse.

Read Lumber erected a great display at the Chamber’s “Christmas in the Park”.  The Union Parish Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Read Lumber, Stanley & Judy, Leslie Read, Blake Simpson and their entire staff.

Business of the Month

BIG STAR GROCERY

302 E. WATER ST, FARMERVILLE LA

Big Star Grocery is locally owned by Terry Morris and his family.  They now have five groceries (Farmerville, Bastrop (2), West Monroe and Marksville.)

In 1978, Terry, brothers Rickey and Scotty moved with their family to Sterlington, Louisiana where his parents, Martha Sue and Tandy Key, established their grocery business, a business that would flourish and expand to other locations through the years.

Terry and his brothers grew up in the grocery business, thoroughly enjoyed working with their parents, seeing members of the community every day, and giving exemplary customer service. 

Don Mashaw, “Don’s Foods” was the previous owner and then built shopping center where Brookshire’s is now, vacating the current location.  The wholesaler contacted Terry Morris’ father and offered him the business, which they accepted in June 1980.

Terry & his brother, Ricky Glenn Morris worked in the business, which eventually expanded to the present 5 locations. In 1983, Rickey and Annamari Albritton were married, and were blessed with two precious daughters.  Annamari’s father, Blake Albritton was always supporting of their efforts. Ricky passed away in 2017.

Terry is very involved in the community and currently sets on the Chamber board.  The Chamber is very honored to have Terry’s participation on the board and in many activities in the community.

Business of the Month

HOLLIS SEAFOOD
113 HIGHWAY 3265, SPEARSVILLE, LA

Looking for somewhere to eat in Union Parish? Hollis Seafood Buffet serves some of the best seafood & country cooking daily. Bring your friends or family to experience this friendly environment and try their yummy seafood today! Call them at (318) 778-0444 to find out more or browse our menu online.
Located in small village of Spearsville LA, Hollis Seafood is known nationwide as one of the best restaurants in North Louisiana to visit.  So make plans to visit Hollis Seafood and experience their wonderful food, but be sure to come hungry.   I promise you won’t be disappointed.  Their normal hours are Thursday-Saturday 4:30 – 9:00 pm, Sunday lunch 11:30 – 2:00 pm
A recent visitor stated, "The food was absolutely delicious and there was never a shortage of it. The overall atmosphere was great. This is the best buffet I have seen in a while and the serving staff was second to none. If you want to get full at a decent price, come to Hollis Seafood.
Another satisfied customer says, "The food here is amazing. I live around in the area but come to eat at Hollis Seafood often. Just great food and I'm hard to please on my food but I give them 5 stars. Right off Hwy 167 north of Ruston, it's worth taking the extra miles to eat there. Family atmosphere, come as you are, eat all you want.
Hollis Seafood has been a longtime member of the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce.  They are always supportive of their community and Union Parish.

 

Marion State Bank
“Growing by Helping Others Grow”

Marion State Bank takes great pride in being the only bank based in Union Parish. Chartered on February 7, 1907, MSB was founded for the purpose of doing a general banking business under the laws of the State of Louisiana.  
For over a century, MSB has been growing with the communities we serve. They live and work right alongside their customers. With $200,000,000 in total assets and over fifty employees, Marion State Bank continues to grow and thrive. Marion State Bank has been "growing by helping others grow" for more than 115 years!
A long line of local community leaders has served as President of MSB including more recently H.D. Green, C.W. Sehon, George V. Sehon, and current President, Scott G. Jones.
Marion State Bank has been serving customers with branches in Marion, Farmerville, Sterlington, Bernice, and Drew.  The Marion headquarters is located at 345 Main St, Marion.  The Farmerville branch is located at 718 Sterlington Hwy, Farmerville.  
At Marion State Bank, they take the time to get to know you, your friends, and neighbors. This dedication to service is only part of the package. With the latest advancements in mobile and online banking, our staff will help you stay connected to your money at all times.
The Union Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Marion State Bank as a Pillar member of our board, supporting our chamber beyond our normal dues structure.  The Farmerville branch’s Jay Snell has served previously as our Chairman and Aaron Black currently serves on our board.  Thank you both for your service to our community.
Marion Bank says, “We may be small, but we’re doing big things. Come see for yourself.”

 

Arbor Rose Assisted Living

"We Are a Haven for Seniors Needing Assistance"

Each month the Chamber will share the story of one of its members. This month we are shining the spotlight on Chamber member Arbor Rose Assisted Living.

Arbor Rose Assisted Living is one of several properties owned by Paramount Healthcare Consultants.  Paramount’s corporate headquarters are located in West Monroe, LA.  Paramount currently operates properties in Louisiana and Texas, including Arbor Rose Assisted Living & Arbor Lake Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Farmerville, La.

Dawne Smith, Owner & CEO, received her accounting degree and in 1999 she was hired as a consultant for Paramount. Dawne obtained her Administrator’s license in 2002, and soon after was promoted to Regional Director of Operations. In 2008, during her tenure as Regional Director of Operations, Dawne was able to purchase 4 nursing facilities. She bought out a partner becoming the sole owner of Paramount Healthcare Consultants and has since continued to expand her property portfolio by obtaining 8 homes within the TX market during 2017 and 2018. Her current portfolio includes multiple long-term care SNF facilities in Louisiana and Texas.

Paramount Healthcare Consultants believes in building relationships as we assist in the rehabilitation of your loved ones. Each resident is treated as and becomes part of our family. Our focus is to provide an atmosphere of warmth, positivity and encouragement during the recovery process. Paramount Healthcare Consultants is committed to family, love and treating others with the utmost respect. 

One of their facilities is Arbor Rose where the warmth of a smile comes from our commitment to healthy living.  Arbor Rose’s administrator is Cliff Gantt.  There is a family spirit at Arbor Lake that touches everything we do. It is a respect for dignity and independence that shapes our reputation for excellence.

Arbor Rose Assisted Living offers private suites with a choice of three floorplans, all w/private bath, and walk-in closets. The owners and staff of Arbor Rose cordially invite you to take a tour of the newest, most luxurious Assisted Living Facility in Union Parish. The Ambiance created at Arbor Rose will instill confidence in you from the moment you step into our foyer. We consider ourselves a home, a haven, for seniors who need help in maintaining their independence. Our owners reside locally and dedicate themselves to keeping our home as warm and inviting as yours.

Assisted Living at Arbor Rose is designed to meet the personalized and supportive care needs of our residents- all within the safe and luxurious residential environment.

Residents living in private apartments enjoy the benefits of housekeeping, flat linen services, delicious meals, outings and much more.

Our trained and caring staff provides 24-hour personalized care services, which includes assistance with all activities of daily living and medication assistance. Residents can be assured that as their needs may change; extra assisted services are available, if and when needed.

Arbor Rose's professional staff provides quality care twenty-four hours a day. Come see and feel the difference in the facility of your choice by visiting one of our facilities in Farmerville.  A warm and caring professional is available to assist you at any location.  Connecting our family to yours in times of need.

We at the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to have both Arbor Lake (Lee Beasley) and Arbor Rose (Chris Gantt) as Pillar members.  Lee & Chris set on the Chamber board and are very active in our community, going beyond the expectations of their membership.

Business of the Month

Origin Bank

At Origin Bank, everything we do matters: that's the difference.

Each month the Chamber will share the story of one of its members.  This month we are shining the spotlight on Chamber member Origin Bank.

“At Origin, we are changing people's perception of banks. We believe we are life changers. We go beyond the transaction to develop relationships with our customers, so that we can truly understand what makes them unique. We are trusted advisors who understand the specific needs of our clients in order to custom fit solutions to their financial needs. We are encouragers, financial counselors and problem solvers. And it is our promise to always make every customer feel like the only customer, every time.”

Origin Bank believes in empowering their employees to support their communities.  Life can be hard, but work doesn't have to be. We want every employee at Origin Bank to look forward to coming to work each day. This is an environment where you are empowered to make people's day and accomplish your dreams. Origin’s employees get satisfaction out of their work and believe they can make a positive difference in the world.

Origin Bank has been serving local communities for more than a century.  Since being established Origin has cultivated and refined the culture of their organization into something Origin can embrace and be proud of. They serve customers across three states, and their mission is always the same – to passionately pursue ways to make banking more rewarding for their customers, employees, shareholders and communities.

Origin Bank's Growth & Development

Origin Bank, formerly known as Community Trust Bank, has been committed to serving our community since 1912. Origin has helped people, small businesses, and large companies grow and prosper throughout Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi — and continue to do so through their strong focus on customer service. 

The bank’s milestones:

• After the land deed was signed by Teddy Roosevelt, the Bank of Choudrant (Lincoln Parish, LA) opens its doors in 1912 with a Capitalization of $10,000.
• Bank of Bernice (Union Parish, LA) is acquired in 1987 and the name is changed to Community Trust Bank.
• Community Trust Bank acquires First United Bank (Farmerville, LA) in 2005, further deepening its dedication to Union Parish (LA).
• Community Trust Bank rings in the New Year in 2008 by becoming a billion dollar bank.  Community Trust Financial Corporation opens its first location in Dallas, TX.
• Community Trust Bank continues its commitment to growth and prosperity by acquiring First Louisiana Bank (Shreveport-Bossier in 2009 City, LA).
• Community Trust Bank continues its expansion to Fort Worth, TX and Plano, TX.
• In 2012 Community Trust Bank pledges to continue to serve its communities as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
• Community Trust Financial Corporation acquires Thomas and Farr Insurance Agency.
• In 2015, Community Trust Bank changes its name to Origin Bank.
• Origin Bancorp, Inc., the financial holding company for Origin Bank, goes public in 2018 on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
• Origin Bancorp, Inc. acquires Reeves, Coon and Funderburg Insurance and Financial Services.

The Origin mindset of building strong relationships isn’t exclusive to our customers. It starts with the tight-knit teams that make each of our banking centers feel more like a home. And it extends out into the communities that we’re so proud to support through donations of time and money. Altogether, this culture is the reason we’ve been voted as one of the best places to work year after year.

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Origin Bank as a Pillar member, one who always goes beyond the expectations of the chamber.  We want to thank Drake Mills, Chairman, Beth Zachry, Brandon Maxwell, Tim Tettleton and Quentin Durr (chamber board member) and many more Origin employees for their participation and support.

 

 

 

Member Highlight

Arbor Lake Skilled Nursing and Rehab

"Better Care and Better Understanding, All Close to Home at Arbor Lake"

Each month the Chamber will share the story of one of its members. This month we are shining the spotlight on Chamber member Arbor Lake Skilled Nursing & Rehab.

Arbor Lake - Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is one of several properties owned by Paramount Healthcare Consultants.  Paramount’s corporate headquarters are located in West Monroe, LA. Paramount currently operates properties in Louisiana and Texas

Dawne Smith, Owner & CEO, received her accounting degree and in 1999 she was hired as a consultant for Paramount. Dawne obtained her Administrator’s license in 2002, and soon after was promoted to Regional Director of Operations. In 2008, during her tenure as Regional Director of Operations, Dawne was able to purchase 4 nursing facilities. She bought out a partner becoming the sole owner of Paramount Healthcare Consultants and has since continued to expand her property portfolio by obtaining 8 homes within the TX market during 2017 and 2018. Her current portfolio includes multiple long-term care SNF facilities in Louisiana and Texas.

Paramount Healthcare Consultants believes in building relationships as we assist in the rehabilitation of your loved ones. Each resident is treated as and becomes part of our family. Our focus is to provide an atmosphere of warmth, positivity and encouragement during the recovery process. Paramount Healthcare Consultants is committed to family, love and treating others with the utmost respect. 

One of their facilities is Arbor Lake where the warmth of a smile comes from our commitment to healthy living.  Arbor Lake’s administrator is Lee Beasley.  There is a family spirit at Arbor Lake that touches everything we do. It is a respect for dignity and independence that shapes our reputation for excellence.

Arbor Lake’s Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitative Team strives to restore each resident as quickly as possible to his or her highest level of activity and independence.

 

Our approach provides the ideal solution for seniors who need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and medical supervision during their post-hospital stay. While working daily with our full-time therapy staff, our residents enjoy beautifully appointed living spaces, delicious meals, engaging social activities, transportation, and personalized assistance with care.

We provide a homelike atmosphere for recovery and encouragement for all residents to achieve their optimal quality of life. Our focus is on the rehabilitation of residents so that they may return to the community to continue their lives as independently as possible.

Our goal is to help each resident recover from a variety of illnesses and conditions. Our team of specialists works with you to optimize your recovery, maximize functional capacity and re-establish independence. Residents receive excellent nursing care and rehabilitation services in a secure and comfortable environment.

Making the decision to allow your loved one to move into a community that specializes in Alzheimer’s care can be difficult. You want to be sure he or she is being cared for and being with others who understand what is happening in his or her life. At D’Arbonne Cove you can feel comfortable knowing that your loved one is surrounded by staff who are specially trained in how to care and love them unconditionally.

Come see and feel the difference in the facility of your choice owned or managed by Paramount Healthcare Consultants by visiting one of our facilities in Louisiana or Texas.  A warm and caring professional is available to assist you at any location.  Connecting our family to yours in times of need.

We at the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to have both Arbor Lake (Lee Beasley) and Arbor Rose (Chris Gantt) as Pillar members.  Lee & Chris set on the Chamber board and are very active in our community, going beyond the expectations of their membership.