A year has quickly passed us by. The longest part of the year was those two weeks without power. During that time we learned to appreciate the value of electrical power and to remember that the “good old days” were not really that good. We need our air conditioning, refrigerators, and blow dryers. It’s good that we have recovered from the storms and have a few good months before it’s that time again.

It is the holiday season. The city has decked the streets and parks in white lights. The children in town look forward to the Christmas parade and the arrival of Santa Claus. Shopping days are dwindling down to that final hour when all the gifts should be purchased, wrapped, and ready for Christmas day. Don’t forget Chamber gift certificates for those last minute and hard to buy for on your gift list.

Beginning with the January issue, THE CHAMBER VOICE, will be handled by the Chamber office. Four years ago I took the publication over. It has been fun and the response from my readers has kept me motivated. Unfortunately this is not my only profession. When I retire or win the lottery and have more time and fewer bills, I can always take on a bigger part of the publication.

Planning a monthly magazine is an on-going project. Just as the relief passes that the issue has been printed and is being distributed, I realize that it is time to start on the next issue. It is time for me to take a break from the deadlines.

The staff at the Chamber office will begin in January. I have agreed to continue my column, unless I find that I have absolutely nothing to write about. Of course I will assist covering events, helping with creative ideas, and bulk mail. Bulk mail is a learning experience in itself. It came in handy I had a past with bulk mail.

THE CHAMBER VOICE has developed as a great way to spotlight Chamber businesses. The membership list in each issue is a handy resource. The Chamber can utilize this as an economic tool in two ways; one as a showcase of our city and chamber members, and secondly as an income source to supplement the cost of running the office. Very few Chambers’ have something like this to offer their communities and members. We are unique having a monthly publication focused on our members.

Please be generous when approached for advertising. A yearly commitment is great because it leaves so much more time to focus on other things. Remember the Chamber office is taking this project on without additional staff. I will volunteer my time and do not expect the 3% that goes with volunteering in Donaldsonville.

I plan to continue my monthly column. Keep in mind this column is strictly the way I see things and not always the views or opinions of the Chamber and/or its members. Do you see what I see?

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday and look forward to a new year with new ideas. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We’re in a recession, which could be severe. Several Financial Services companies have either collapsed or been bailed out by the government. And the stock market is down about 45 percent since hitting its peak in October of 2007. Is this a “perfect storm” that should blow investors out of the market – or is it actually an opportunity for investors to jump back in?

If you’re and investor, your first impulse might be to join the “get out while you can” camp. After all, it’s no fun seeing the market plunge hundreds of points one day – and then hundreds more the next day. And we keep getting hit by waves of bad economic news. What possible reason could there be for remaining invested in the market, or even adding more dollars to your current investments?

Actually, you might be surprised. Some strong historical evidence suggests that, during a period such as we are now in, you may indeed benefit by not only staying invested, but also increasing your investment dollars in the financial markets. Consider this: In nine of the last ten recessions, dating back to 1949, the S & P 500 had moved up by at least 29 percent just 12 months after hitting its lowest point during the recession. Of course, as you’ve no doubt heard, past performance is no guarantee of future results, but it’s interesting to note that the market eventually recovered after each recession. However, no one can really predict when stocks will reach that low point. It’s possible we’ve already hit it, but it’s just as likely that we’ll see further drops.

And yet, even if you can’t say that we’ve hit a market low, should you sell your stocks to “cut your losses” and use the proceeds to buy what you perceive as less risky investments? Before making this move, you need to consider some important facts. For example, if you pulled out of the stock market and purchased certificates of deposit (CDs) from a strong financial institution, you could reasonably expect that your principal will be safe and that you will receive the interest payments promised to you. But the interest rate you receive may not even keep up with inflation, so, over time, your investment could end up costing you purchasing power.

On the other hand, if you were to remain invested in the stock market, and if it does follow historical patterns, you do have a chance of making up your losses. Will there be continued volatility in day-to-day price movements? Almost certainly. But keep in mind that, over the long term, a portfolio that contains a reasonable amount of stocks, along with bonds, government securities and other investments, gives you the best chance of achieving your financial goals.

And here’s another reason to keep investing: As measured by the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), stocks are currently inexpensive. If you buy more shares when prices are down, your increased ownership stake should become more valuable when stocks recover – as they have done following every bear market in the past.

It’s tough to stay positive during a gloomy market environment. But the most successful investors are often the ones who have the courage to be optimistic when everyone around them is not.

Tis the season to be watching bowl games, catching some hoops and receiving some goodies. Where has 2008 gone? It has been a disappointing season for the LSU Tigers with a 7-5 record. Are you kidding me…. the National Champs go from the penthouse to the outhouse. Can one player make that much of a difference in a team losing 5 SEC games? To be truthful, the defense was horrible this season. The vaunted defensive line was often injured and played soft. The linebacker play was often on the sideline due to spread offenses that the Tigers faced. When the linebackers did play, very inconsistent on plugging a hole and let’s not even talk about covering a back in the flat. Playing defensive back is a thankless job, when you get beat, everyone knows it. The LSU defensive backs got noticed a bunch this year. The secondary dropped so many interceptions this season, had to be a record. I give the defense a “D” and that might be generous. Throw in the disaster of having 2 defensive coordinators. LSU needs to analyze what they are doing on that side of the ball, in a hurry. On offense, LSU put up respectful numbers with a 1000 yd rusher in Scott, a top receiver in Lafell and a QB in ? Yes, the QB position was a sore spot with redshirt freshmen Jarrett Lee throwing to the wrong color jersey way too many times. It didn’t help that 7 of those interceptions were returned for 6 points by the other team. Bring in Jordan Jefferson and the Tigers had 2 freshmen taking all of the snaps,a blueprint for disaster. The offensive line played OK, but were often hurt. I give the offense a “B” minus. Special teams were inconsistent all year; I give that group a “C”. Last but not least, the coaching was substandard from the start to the end of the regular season. Coach Miles and staff get a “C” minus from me. Staff shakeups will come, I hope, after the Tigers give up 400 yds on the ground to Georgia Tech in the Chick Fila bowl on New Years Eve. I’m picking Tech to win 44-34. The Tigers are on track to bring in a top 5 recruiting class led by all everything QB Russell Shepard of Texas. Sheppard comes in January, not soon enough to rescue the QB position. This also begs the question, will Tiger fans be disappointed in 09 having a true freshmen take snaps? Back to my earlier question, does one player make that much of a difference? We will never know.

The High School football season has ended with the LHSAA Superdome Prep Classic. Champions include Destrehan(repeat champion) in 5A, Belle Chase in 4A, Lutcher in 3A, Curtis in 2A (5 in a row), and South Plaquemines in 1A. What do all of these teams have in common? They are all located near the Mississippi River and the New Orleans area. The Northern teams normally take home a few crowns, not this year. What a fantastic year for football in 2008. Recruiters from all over the country have come to our state to try and steal some players away. Look out for Nick Saban and Alabama, coming off of a 11-1 season, to take some top players from Louisiana.

College basketball is in full swing with the LSU Tigers off to a 10-0 start. They have played a soft schedule so far, but one thing is for sure, Coach Trent Johnson is in charge and the Tigers will play defense. Marcus Thorton and Tasmin Mitchell lead in scoring, Chris Johnson plays above the rim and Garrett Temple locks down on the other teams best player. I think the Tigers have a chance to finish with 20 plus wins and make it back to the NCAA tourney.

High School hoops have begun with our area teams completing tournaments. DHS returns a talented group of Juniors led by Aikee Turner and Soph Jarrett Cole. Coach Greg Hill has a good opportunity to challenge for the district but they will be challenged by Livonia. ACHS returns Seniors Jess Daze, Daniel LeBoeuf and Jace Schexnayder. Juniors expected to contribute are 6’6 Matt Pearce, Charles Caballero, Brandon Burns, Jesse Pizzalato and Greg Carter. Sophmores Myron Dominique and 6’4 Myles Haydel should contribute as well. The Bulldogs will face a tough pre district schedule with several 3A, 4A and 5A schools to face. District play will be challenging with White Castle, North and East Iberville plus West St. John. Stay tuned for a girls’ preview next month.

Christmas is a time for giving to others that are less fortunate. Be thankful for what you have, lots of people will not get to open any presents on Christmas day, what a shame. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year as well. Look forward to talking some sports in 09. Stories and/or comments can be sent to troyleboeuf@hotmail.com.