A Letter from LANO President & CEO, Ann S. Williamson

Dear LANO Friends and Supporters,


We are pleased to share news of an important development in LANO’s continuing work to improve accountability and raise the standard of excellence for Louisiana’s nonprofit sector.

As you know, nonprofits are essential to the vitality of communities, and public confidence is essential to the success of the nonprofit sector. High performing nonprofits that attain this confidence are those that effectively demonstrate sound management principles and business practices.

Leading the way, along with only a few state nonprofit associations, LANO implemented the Louisiana Standards for Excellence certification program ten years ago. We congratulate the achievements and dedication of our 55 seal holders, as they demonstrate excellence in nonprofit management and accountability.

After a comprehensive evaluation, LANO is redeveloping an approach to leadership in nonprofit excellence and will no longer administer the Standards for Excellence® program.

All current and prospective Seal holders will have the opportunity to continue their display of the Seal of Excellence and participate in this program through its originator, the National Standards for Excellence Institute.

This month we launch a planning process with a diverse advisory task force, engaging representatives from currently certified nonprofits, experts in nonprofit management and governance, and key stakeholders in the foundation, public and private sectors. The purpose of the task force is to develop a path to distinction and excellence for Louisiana nonprofits.

As a top strategic priority for LANO and our Board in 2011, we are excited to develop this core set of accountability principles and management practices while providing leadership, service and tools to Louisiana nonprofits that ensure excellence and sustainability. We believe that given the right tools and training, all Louisiana nonprofits can attain the public’s confidence and support.

We invite your input and feedback as we engage in this process. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, we welcome your calls and emails to Kellie Chavez Greene at 504.309.2081 ext. 316 or via email at kelliegreene@lano.org. Thank you for your collaboration and support.

Best regards,

Ann Silverberg Williamson
President & CEO
Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO)

2011 Public Policy Institute Agenda Set

It's getting close!

WHAT: LANO's 2011 Public Policy Institute
WHEN: April 6-7
WHERE: The Louisiana State Museum, Downtown Baton Rouge

Just three weeks until we gather for this year's Public Policy Institute in Baton Rouge!

Download the agenda at right to learn about the sessions, speakers, panelists and full schedule of this intensive policy and advocacy institute.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Merchants Working for a Stronger Gentilly

Tommye Myrick (l) David Baker (c) and Phyllis Johnson (r)



When Tommye Myrick and Phyllis Johnson bought the building on Franklin Avenue in New Orleans, it was knocked lopsided by the waters of Katrina. They turned it into The JuJu Bag Cafe, one of the first businesses to open in that part of Gentilly. Residents living in nearby trailers came to enjoy coffee and wireless service while they rebuilt. Over the years the JuJu Bag has remained a gathering place, holding community events, book signings, and live jazz in the rear courtyard shown above.

In recent months, The JuJu Bag has hosted two meetings of an emerging merchants association that is working to strengthen the rebuilding Gentilly area. Gentilly is a vibrant part of New Orleans with more than twenty neighborhoods, four universities and three commercial thoroughfares. Unfortunately, business development has lagged residential recovery in the area. Gentilly is seriously underserved in its retail needs.

The merchants association is the vision of David Baker, Web and Associate Editor for the Louisiana Weekly newspaper. The Weekly and the JuJu Bag are business members of the organizing group, along with NOYO Designs, Chinese Tea Garden, Sweet Savors Bakery, Merlin’s Place, and Gentilly Vision Source, among others.

Capital One Bank has provided funds to LANO to support the development of the merchants association. The goal is to create a best-in-class group that will make a measurable difference in Gentilly.

The association will promote business retention, increase the diversity of stores, and decrease the volume of blight and vacant commercial property. All of these efforts will help to keep more revenue circulating within the community. Working with elected officials and neighborhood associations, the businesses will play a critical part in promoting a more prosperous community.

For more information about this project, ways to create an association like it in your area, or nonprofit start up tools, contact Dr. Cory Sparks, Director of LANO New Orleans.

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