Central City News

By Woody Jenkins. CENTRAL — The 2nd Annual Central Business Awards ceremonies drew a packed house, as 24 Central businesses and individuals were honored for their service to the people of Central.  The event, sponsored by the Central City News, was held at Elegant Memories and catered by Travis Spinosa and Debbie Cooper.  Central Drug Store […]

CENTRAL — Five  businesses were inducted into the Central Business Hall of Fame at award ceremonies. The Central City News inaugurated the Hall of Fame as a way to recognize business leaders who have served the community for a generation or more. The five inductees are: • Lewis Wrecker — In 1947, Ruth and Finnon […]

By Woody Jenkins. CENTRAL — Central homebuilder Steve Rabalais was named Central 2011 Contractor of the Year at the 2nd Annual Central Business Awards ceremonies. Rabalais’ company, Rabalais Homes, is a home-based business that is a model of entrepreneurship.  With only one assistant, Rabalais works with a number of subcontractors.  Last year, he built 30 homes, […]

CENTRAL — Central’s coveted Servant Leadership Award was presented to three local residents at the 2nd Annual Central Business Award ceremony. The honors went to Dr. Tony and Judy LoBue and Blackie Bell.  The LoBues received the honor because of their anonymous work to keep the Central Student Prayer Banquet going.  For seven years, they […]

CENTRAL — Dixie Electric Membership Cooperative (DEMCO) was named winner of the 2011 Business MVP Award at the 2nd Annual Central Awards ceremonies at Elegant Memories. The award was presented to DEMCO president and CEO John Vranic by Sharon Browning, the immediate past president of the Central Community School Board. Browning said, “This new award […]

By Woody Jenkins. CENTRAL  — The Village at Magnolia Square was named Central’s Development of the Year at the 2nd Annual Central Business Award ceremonies. Developer Jimmy Nunnally accepted the award on behalf of himself and his partner, Steele Pollard, from Jr. Shelton. The Village at Magnolia Square is the first Traditional Neighborhood Development approved […]

By Woody Jenkins. CENTRAL — Central Physical Therapy was named Professional Practice of the Year for 2011 at the Central Business Awards ceremonies at Elegant Memories. Ochsner Health chairman Bob Breaux presented the award to Central Physical Therapy owner Helen Balzli. Ms. Balzli was almost killed in a tragic automobile accident years ago.  That accident […]

By Woody Jenkins. CENTRAL — Oak Point Fresh Market was honored as Central’s Large Business of the Year at the 2nd annual Central Business Awards ceremonies at Elegant Memories.  The event was sponsored by the Central City News. Oak Point is owned by the Sumich family.  School board member Jim Lloyd presented the award to […]

By Woody Jenkins. CENTRAL — Romero’s Food Mart was named Central’s Mid-Sized Business of the Year during the 2nd annual Central Business Award ceremonies at Elegant Memories. Owner Joseph Romero was presented the award by local physician Dr. Kyle Dean. Romero’s has locations at 9150 Joor Road at Lovett Road and at 13921 Joor Road […]

CENTRAL — Cooper Café was named Central’s Small Business of the Year during Central Business Awards ceremonies.  School board president Dr. Jim Gardner recognized owner Debbie Cooper, saying, “This lady is totally immersed in Central.  Her contributions, not only in her outstanding restaurant, but in her service to the community, make this a better place […]